Chapter 136: Sister on the Gas

Leitana’s eyes fluttered open slowly.

A soft, worried voice, familiar and gentle echoed close to her ear.

“Miss Leitana… Miss Leitana…”

She rolled over on the unfamiliar bed, still groggy, keeping her eyes stubbornly closed for a moment longer. The cool sheets tangled around her legs, and the faint scent of lavender from the guest room linens did nothing to ease the dull ache in her head. She wasn’t ready to face the day or the reason she’d ended up here instead of in their bed.

“Are you sure we shouldn’t leave her to rest?” one voice whispered. “I think she and the master had a little spat last night.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” the first voice went on, hushed but eager. “I was coming to their bedroom to call them for dinner, but I heard muffled voices… and what sounded like crying.”

“Woah, really? That means this is their first real fight as a married couple.”

“No, it’s not,” another voice corrected gently. “Remember when the master choked her?”

“Oh yeah, I remember that… but they barely knew each other then. We’ve all seen how he adores her now. Still, if the missus is sleeping in the guest room, this must have been a nasty one.”

“Really,” Phoebe added with an exaggerated shiver. “Didn’t you see Master Ravial’s expression this morning? He looked like he could choke you to death and not lose a wink of sleep.”

Maya let out a soft chuckle. “Hehe, but he always looks that way, doesn’t he?”

The maids fell quiet for a heartbeat, the only sound the distant chirp of morning birds beyond the curtains.

Then Clara’s voice returned, softer than before.

“Miss Leitana… Leitana?”

Leitana finally blinked against the bright morning light pouring through the half-open curtains. Three maids stood clustered at the foot of the bed: Clara, Phoebe, and Maya. Their faces froze mid-gossip, eyes wide, cheeks flushing as they realized she was awake and had almost certainly heard every word.

Clara cheeks flushed. “Missus! You’re up. We… we were just wondering if we should wake you.”

Phoebe elbowed her lightly. “But we think maybe you need the rest. After… last night.”

Maya nodded quickly. “We will prepare your bath right away. And breakfast is ready though it’s already almost noon. It’s twelve o’clock.”

Leitana sat up fast. “Twelve?”

Her voice came out hoarse. She never slept this late. She always woke early with Ravial to help him with his dress and tie, and kissed him goodbye before he left for work. Always.

Maya smiled gently. “Yes, missus. You slept deeply.”

Leitana rubbed her eyes. “Mi friends…?”

Maya exchanged a look with the others.

“They left early this morning,” she said. “They said to tell you they are going to handle it. I don’t really know what that means. And… yes master Ravial has also left for work.”

Leitana’s heart dropped into her stomach.

Lafu and the others had gone.

Without her.

To Celeste’s apartment.

And Jim knew.

He knew what they were doing.

Panic clawed up her throat.

She threw the covers off and scrambled out of bed. “Mi need to go.”

Clara stepped forward. “Missus, your bath…”

“No time.” Leitana was already moving toward the door.

The maids hurried after her. “Missus, please don’t run, you might fall!”

She barely heard them.

She burst into the master bedroom—her and Ravial’s room. The bed was perfectly untouched revealing that he had not slept on their bed, if he even slept at all.

She ignored the ache in her chest and rushed to the bathroom. Brushed her teeth quickly. Skipped the bath completely. Splashed water on her face. Changed into jeans and a baggy top, simple, quick, no time for anything else.

She ran down the stairs.

The maids called after her again. “Leitana! Slow down!”

She reached the double doors of the villa.

Avery’s voice stopped her cold.

“Leitana!”

Avery stood at the bottom of the staircase, hair messy, still in pajamas, eyes wide.

Leitana turned. “Avery…”

Avery opened her mouth ready to ask a million questions but Leitana cut her off.

“Plis take mi to de city.”

Avery blinked. “What?”

“I called you fifteen times last night,” Avery said. “You didn't pick up. And now you're rushing off like the house is on fire. Where are you going?”

Leitana’s voice cracked. “Mi can’t explain right now. Mi friends in danger. Plis help.”

Avery’s eyes went wide.

She saw it the panic in Leitana’s face. The red-rimmed eyes. The way her hands shook.

“Okay,” Avery said instantly. “Let’s go.”

Then she cursed under her breath. “Shit. I don’t have my car.”

Her eyes lit up.

“Wait here.”

Avery bolted upstairs.

Leitana paced in front of the doors, heart hammering hard against her ribcage.

Two minutes later Avery came rushing down, keys jingling.

“Go toward Mom’s car!”

Leitana’s eyes widened. “Yu take Mama car key?”

Avery grinned, wild, and mischievous. “And so, its the least she could do.”

From the top of the stairs came Alyssa’s voice, sharp, and annoyed.

“Avery! Come back here with that! I have somewhere to be!”

Leitana winced. “Sorry, Mama!”

They ran outside barely dodging Alyssa’s shout.

Avery jumped into the driver’s seat of the Camry. Leitana slid in beside her.

Avery started the ignition.

The engine roared to life.

They peeled out of the driveway.

Leitana looked back through the rear window.

Alyssa stood on the stone steps, arms crossed, glaring after them.

Avery laughed, loud, free, and gleeful.

Leitana couldn’t help it.

She smiled too.

Avery glanced at her as they sped down the private road.

“Now spill,” she said. “What the fuck is going on?”

Leitana took a deep breath and then explained everything.

Avery’s face went pale.

Then red with fury.

“That motherfucker.”

She pressed the gas harder.

“We’re getting there fast,” she said, her voice dropping like a drawn blade. “And if he’s anywhere near your friends when we arrive…”

Avery turned to Leitana, eyes blazing with a fierce, bone-deep protectiveness that made the air feel heavier. Every muscle was coiled, every glance a promise of violence if anyone so much as hurt her sister. She was ready to fight, right here, right now, no questions asked.

Leitana’s breath caught. In that burning stare, she finally felt it click into place: this was real. She had a sister. Not borrowed, not distant, a sister who would do anything to keep her safe.