**Tiana's POV**
"Um, yes?" I answered, but it sounded more like a question even to myself. I wondered what had led them to come into the kitchen as noble ladies.
Amara and Layla stood in front of me with their mouths wide open. Their expressions were a mix of concern and disbelief.
"Why in the world would you think of doing this much work?" Layla practically yelled.
"And I heard that you organized the inventory. Even servants who are paid for their work avoid that place like the plague," Amara sighed, shaking her head. She placed a hand on my shoulder and shook me so vigorously that I was moving like leaves in the wind. I felt so weak and dizzy. "Why? Why are you doing work that's not meant for you, Tiana?"
"You look like a walking corpse," Layla continued, quite exasperated.
I knew I had to come up with something plausible. I couldn't let them know Fiona had practically coerced me into doing all this work to avoid causing a squabble. Taking a deep breath, I forced a small smile and tried to look nonchalant.
"I just felt like doing something for the pack in the little ways that I could," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I don't have much to offer, and I don't want to be leeching off you guys. So yeah, I decided to help out and allow the servants some rest. They've been working tirelessly.”
"You could have helped out, but you didn't," Amara said. "You did all the work by yourself, are you crazy? Who even said you were leeching off us? Did we do anything to make you think that way?" She asked.
"Not at all," I stammered. "It's... It's just nice to give back to the society... You know...lend a hand."
Layla's brows furrowed, and she shook her head. "Tiana, Peter rescued you, brought you here because he wanted you to stay. And If Theo didn't want you here or thought you were going to be a burden, he would've sent you on your way the next day. Didn't you think of that?" She asked.
Her words were meant to be comforting, but I still felt a pang of guilt. I wanted to believe her, but Fiona's harsh words lingered in my mind. I shrugged, not sure how to respond.
Layla seemed to sense my discomfort and changed the subject. "Have you eaten dinner yet?"
I shook my head, my stomach growling in response. "No, I haven't had the chance. I got too engrossed," I said, chuckling nervously.
"Well, let's fix that," she said with a gentle smile. "I was about to eat dinner myself. Actually, the reason I came downstairs was because a maid told me one of our visitors was doing work in the kitchen, and I was confused by that. I was also wondering what visitor she spoke of," she laughed. "I'm already seeing you as family.
Realization dawned on me, and I immediately knew it was the sweet maid who had found me working earlier. "Oh, that must have been the maid who came in while I was cleaning," I said, trying to sound casual. "And... Thank you. That's so sweet of you to say."
It was funny how strangers from a different pack entirely were nicer to me than my own family. The family I shared blood with.
Layla nodded and gestured for me to follow her. "Let's go eat then. You look like you need a good meal."
We walked up to the dining area together. My body ached with every step, but the thought of food kept me going. As we entered the room, the rich aroma of the evening meal filled my senses, and my stomach growled louder.
Just as we were about to sit down, Theo walked in. He looked surprised to see us but quickly smiled when he saw me. "Oh, Tiana, you look tired. Are you okay?"
I nodded, mustering another smile. "Yes, just a bit worn out."
"Good," he said, his eyes warm. "I have to get some work done, but I'll catch up with you later."
"Wow, so only Tiana is in the room?" Layla teased her older brother.
"Seems like he only has eyes for one person," Amara added with a glint in her eyes.
"Ladies," Theo grinned nervously. "It's not like that. I just... Had a lot on my mind."
"I'm sure one person takes up so much space in your mind," Layla winked.
My stomach was swarming with butterflies. I could feel a blush creep up my face and when I looked at Theo, he was blushing as well.
He gave me one last reassuring smile before heading off to another room.
After dinner, I felt a little better, but the exhaustion was still there. I excused myself and started to head back to my room, hoping to get some much-needed rest. As I made my way down the hallway, I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Amara following me.
"Tiana, wait," she called out, her voice serious. "We need to talk."
I stopped and turned to face her, my heart sinking. I had a feeling I knew what this was about. Amara caught up to me, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"You're lying," she said bluntly. "You didn't do all that work by yourself. Fiona put you up to it, didn't she?"
I hesitated, not sure how to respond. Amara's gaze was intense, and I could tell she wasn't going to let this go. I sighed, realizing there was no point in lying any further.
"Yes," I admitted quietly. "Fiona asked me to help out."
Amara's expression softened, and she placed a hand on my shoulder. "I knew it. That woman has a way of pushing people to their limits. But you don't have to do everything she says, Tiana. Stop trying to please her, okay? You are not here because she brought you in, so she doesn't determine what you should or should not do, okay?"
I only nodded.