CHAPTER 34: PLAN IN MOTION

CHAPTER 34: PLAN IN MOTION
LEONA
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As Mrs. Marlowe gave me a sharp look, suspicion lingering in her eyes, I quickly scrambled for a reason—something believable to explain why I had gone to the kitchen so early despite my condition.
"I…" I started, letting my voice falter just enough to sound genuine. "I wanted to help."
Mrs. Marlowe raised a brow, unconvinced.
"I couldn't sleep," I continued, clutching my crutches as though they gave me strength. "After everything that happened yesterday, I just felt so… helpless. And I've been nothing but a burden since I arrived here. I thought maybe, if I helped in the kitchen, I could feel useful. Like I'm contributing, even in some small way."
Mrs. Marlowe's frown softened, but she still crossed her arms. "And you didn't think to ask first? Or to wait until you were better?"
I shook my head quickly, my voice growing quieter, more apologetic. "I didn't want to bother anyone. I thought if I went early, before everyone was busy, I could at least help prepare something simple. But then they told me Alpha's meal was already sent up, and I… well, I panicked because I didn't want to come across as foolish or in the way."
Her gaze lingered on me, sharp but wavering.
"Mrs. Marlowe," I added, my voice trembling just slightly, "I promise I wasn't trying to overstep. I just wanted to feel like I belonged."
She exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You should be resting, Leona. This isn't about belonging—it's about recovery."
"I know," I murmured, lowering my head. "But staying in bed all day is driving me mad. I thought if I stayed active, I'd heal faster."
Mrs. Marlowe sighed again, clearly torn. "You're stubborn, I'll give you that," she muttered. "Fine. But you should still be careful. You've been through enough without adding another fall or injury to the list."
"I promise I'll be careful," I said quickly, relief washing over me.
Her eyes narrowed. "I'll escort you back to your room now. No arguments."
I froze for half a second, then forced a sheepish smile. "That's kind of you, but you've been running around since yesterday. You should rest, too. I can make it back myself—I'll take it slow."
She hesitated, clearly debating whether to insist. I added quickly, "Please, Mrs. Marlowe. You've done so much for me already. Let me take care of myself, just this once."
She watched me closely for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But don't push yourself. I'll be watching to make sure you get there."
"Of course," I said, giving her a grateful smile.
With that, I made my way slowly down the hallway, acutely aware of her watchful gaze until I reached my door and waved before stepping inside. Only then did I let out the breath I'd been holding.
I couldn't risk trying again now. Mrs. Marlowe's suspicion would make it impossible. But tomorrow… tomorrow would be my chance.

—
The next morning, I woke feeling strangely rejuvenated. My body no longer ached as much, and my head felt clearer than it had in days. I sat up slowly, testing the strength in my legs before leaning on my crutches to stand. The events of yesterday lingered in my mind, but my plan needed to come first.
After freshening up, I dressed. I couldn't afford to draw suspicion. Today, I had to act quickly.
When I stepped into the kitchen, the usual morning bustle was in full swing. The staff were busy preparing meals for the day, and the air was filled with the rich scent of baking bread and simmering broth. I made my way carefully to the head cook, hoping to slip in unnoticed.
Before I could speak, the cook glanced at me, her brow furrowed. "Leona, what are you doing down here? You should be resting."
"I'm feeling much better," I said with a smile, trying to sound casual. "I thought I'd come down and see if I could help."
She snorted, clearly unimpressed. "Help? You can barely stand without those crutches. Go back to bed."
"I'm serious," I insisted. "I feel stronger today, and I thought it'd be nice to do something useful. Maybe I could prepare something simple—"
"Young maid already took Alpha's breakfast up to his chambers," she cut in briskly, turning back to the pot she was stirring.
Her words hit me like a slap. The food's already gone? My heart raced as panic crept in. The vial was still hidden in my pocket, useless if I couldn't reach the food.
I forced a calm expression. "Oh, I see. Well, maybe I can help with something else."
The cook waved me off with a huff. "If you're so determined, clean the vegetables in the sink. But don't push yourself, girl. I don't want to explain to Mrs. Marlowe why you collapsed in here."
I nodded and moved toward the sink, but my mind was already spinning. If the food was in Zane's chambers, then I had no choice but to go there. I couldn't let the opportunity slip away.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the kitchen, pretending I needed to get something from my room. Instead, I made my way to the Alpha's wing.
When I reached his chambers, the door was slightly ajar, and I could hear muffled voices. Peering inside, I saw a young maid setting a tray on the dining table. My heart hammered in my chest. This was my chance—but I had to act fast.
I pushed the door open just as the maid turned to leave. My crutches clattered against the floor as I stumbled forward, deliberately aiming toward her.
The maid gasped in surprise as I collided with her, sending the tray of food crashing to the ground. Plates shattered, and the food splattered across the polished wood.
"Oh no!" I cried, feigning shock and dismay. "I'm so sorry—I didn't mean to—"
"What is going on here?" Zane's deep voice cut through the chaos as he strode into the room, his sharp eyes taking in the mess and my trembling form.