Chapter 25: SOMETHING EVIL PLANNED

Chapter 25: SOMETHING EVIL PLANNED
LEONA
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He looked up at me, his sharp eyes meeting mine. His expression gave nothing away, but the air in the room felt heavy.
"Good," he said shortly, standing up and walking to the table. "Let's hope this one isn't as bad as the last."
I bit my tongue, forcing myself to stay calm. This wasn't the time to argue or defend myself. I simply nodded and moved aside, staying out of his way as he sat down and began to eat.
He took the first bite, and to my relief, he didn't look angry. His face stayed neutral, which was a good sign.
I stayed quietly in the corner, waiting in case he needed anything. The silence between us felt thick, like there were things left unsaid.
After a while, he spoke. "You do your job well when you're not messing up," he said, his tone sharp.
The words stung, but I kept my face calm. "Thank you, Alpha," I said, my voice steady.
He didn't reply, focusing on his meal instead. My hands gripped the sides of my wheelchair tightly as I fought to keep my emotions in check. The memory of Liora's games and the humiliation of earlier still burned inside me, but I knew I couldn't let it show.
When he finished eating, he leaned back in his chair and looked at me with an intense gaze. "You look like you want to say something," he said, his voice low and curious.
My heart raced. Did he know? Could he tell what I was feeling?
"I…" I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "I just hope the food was to your liking, Alpha."
A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and I caught a hint of amusement in his eyes. "It was fine. For now."
I let out a quiet breath, relieved he didn't push further.
"You can go," he said, waving his hand toward the door. "But remember, Leona—if you fail again, there won't be a second chance."
"Yes, Alpha," I said quickly, bowing my head. I turned and wheeled myself out of the room, keeping my face neutral until I was out of sight.


Back in my quarters, the vial sat on the table before me, its contents glinting in the dim light of the room. I turned it over in my hands, my mind racing with possibilities.
Liora had gone too far this time. Her games weren't just about petty rivalry—they were calculated and cruel. She wanted to see me fail, to humiliate me in front of the Alpha. But why? What was her endgame?


The next morning, I woke to the sound of a knock at my door. My body ached from the events of the previous day, but I pushed through the pain, wheeling myself to the door and opening it cautiously.
It was the young maid from the kitchen—the one who had tried to defend me. She looked nervous, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her apron.
"Leona," she said quietly, glancing over her shoulder as if to make sure no one was watching. "I need to talk to you."
I raised an eyebrow, motioning for her to step inside. She entered quickly, closing the door behind her.
"What's going on?" I asked, watching as she wrung her hands anxiously.
"It's about Liora," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I overheard her talking to someone last night... she mentioned you. And the Alpha."
My pulse quickened. "What did she say?"
The maid hesitated, her eyes darting around the room as if she expected Liora to burst in at any moment. "She said she was going to make sure you're sent away. That you'd never have a chance to serve the Alpha properly. She... she sounded serious, Leona. Like she's planning something."
I clenched my fists, my anger rising once again. "Why are you telling me this?"
The maid bit her lip, her gaze softening. "Because it's not right. I don't know what she's up to, but you don't deserve this."
Her words caught me off guard. I didn't expect kindness from anyone in this palace, let alone a maid who barely knew me.
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I won't forget this."
She nodded quickly, backing toward the door. "Be careful, Leona. Liora... she's dangerous."
As the door closed behind her, I turned my attention back to the vial on my table.
Dangerous? Liora had no idea what dangerous truly looked like.
If she wanted to play games, I was ready.


In the kitchen, the tension was almost palpable. The maids bustled around, avoiding eye contact with me. Liora stood by the stove, her back to me, her posture as smug and unbothered as ever.
I wheeled myself to the far counter, silently observing her. She was laughing softly with another maid, her voice low and conspiratorial. Every fiber of my being wanted to confront her, to expose her for the viper she was, but I knew better than to act without a plan.
Instead, I focused on my task, preparing the Alpha's morning tea. The process was meticulous, and calming in a way, and it gave me time to think.
As I worked, Liora approached. She leaned against the counter beside me, her smirk firmly in place.
"Still here, I see," she drawled, her tone dripping with mockery. "I thought you'd be long gone after yesterday's embarrassment."
I didn't look at her, keeping my focus on the tea. "Is there something you need, Liora?"
Her smirk faltered, but only for a moment. "Just checking in," she said, feigning sweetness. "You've been awfully clumsy lately. Maybe you should take a break before you hurt yourself again."
The venom in her words was unmistakable, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Thank you for your concern," I said evenly, pouring the tea into a delicate porcelain cup. "But I'm perfectly capable of handling my duties."
Liora's eyes narrowed, her frustration evident. "We'll see about that," she muttered before stalking off.
I watched her go, my grip tightening on the cup. Whatever she was planning, I wouldn't let her win.