Chapter 90
Iris
I sat patiently in the secluded area of the downtown bar, slowly sipping a bottle of red wine. I'd have gone for something stronger but I wanted to be in the right frame of mind while interrogating the person that I'd invited.
She showed up almost immediately, clutching onto her veil and sparing backward glances as if she had a stalker trailing her, but I'd ensured that no one would find me here or my guest.
Her eyes widened when she noticed that I was the one and she almost bolted away but stopped herself, knowing what would be the consequences if she attempted to.
"Good afternoon, Luna" She bowed, her voice shaky. "I didn't know it was you," She sounded horrified.
I let out a chuckle and nudged her to take a seat. She lowered herself onto the chair reluctantly, biting her lips while throwing a cursory glance around.
"If you had known that it was me you wouldn't be here right now," I took another sip, enjoying the look of uncertainty and fear on her face.
She was lucky that I was a good person, but I was forced to ask myself what my kindness had done for me.
"What do you want from me?" She raised her voice, springing up from the chair suddenly. "I can't give answers to whatever question you ask because it's not in my place to," She argued.
This time I was moved to laugh while she blew out a series of short breaths to keep her cool. If not for my rank as the Luna, she'd have been out through that door right now.
"And how do you know the kind of answers I want?" I mused, "Please sit down, and have it at the back of your mind that you aren't to leave until I ask you to. If you stand up without my permission, you'll get to see the other side of me, Eliana." I warned seriously.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she gripped the hands of the chair. "How do you know my name?" She asked breathily.
I smirked, tapping my fingers against the table. "You slept with my husband, did you think I wouldn't find out who you are?"
A nervous sigh escaped her lips and she shut her eyes momentarily. "The heavens know that I was never interested in the new Alpha, but it just happened,"
My attention was caught and my curiosity was piqued.
"How do you mean?"
She clamped her lips shut, shaking her head with trepidation blaring in her eyes. "Nothing, ma'am," She panted.
Oh god. Something was going on here and I was obviously ignorant of it. I'd thought her to be one of those loose girls who slept with anyone they came across just for money, but this wasn't the case.
Spontaneously, I reached for her hands, holding them gently with a reassuring gaze and her clammy palms covered mine.
"To whom do you owe your loyalty?" I questioned.
She bowed for a moment and lifted her face. "Prince Gradel,"
"Then tell me what happened in that room with Elda. From what I saw and how you're reacting right now, I know that something is wrong and I assure you that you'll be protected no matter what happens. I just want to know the truth," I pressed harder while ensuring that my tone wasn't hard.
I wished she could trust me.
"My family, what about them? I don't want him to hurt them..." Her voice trailed off as she struggled to hold back her tears.
I stood up, taking the chair beside her. "He threatened to hurt your family?" I was having a hard time controlling myself.
She nodded in affirmation. "He saw me during an evening stroll and ordered his sentinels to bring me to him. I swear, I didn't want to sleep with him but he said that if I didn't cooperate, my family would bear the brunt of my disobedience. I couldn't allow that to happen so I gave in to his wishes..." She paused, drawing in a deep breath. "And he raped me brutally,"
My fingers balled into fists and I slammed it against the table. Her story got to me because I knew what it meant to be helpless, having everything to lose if you made a wrong move.
She finally broke down, sobbing so hard I feared it would turn into a bawl but then I watched her release all her pain, her body shuddering with tears pouring down in torrents.
"I'm sorry for breaking down like this, but I'm in so much pain. The man I fell in love with rejected me after finding out what happened and the worst part was that I couldn't let him know that I was raped. We were supposed to be mates," She trembled.
Without thinking, I produced a handkerchief from my bag and gently dabbed the tears on her face. Then I wrapped my arms around her, patting her back gently until her sobs turned into a hiccup.
"You'll be fine, don't worry. I'll ensure that this doesn't happen again, but tell me, Eliana, do you want this man to face the consequences of his actions?"
Her eyes were shrouded with glints of fear but enthusiasm rose behind them and she nodded.
"As long as my family doesn't get caught up in this mess, I'd like him to feel the pain of being humiliated in the most horrible way ever," She replied through gritted teeth. "But why are you going against him?"
"That shouldn't bother you, Eliana," I smiled. "Now, do you want to know the plan?"
********
I collapsed on the bed with a feeling of satisfaction. Who could have thought that I'd achieve this much in a few days? After hearing that he had plans to do the same thing to other girls, I knew that I had to step up my game.
Hazel, who was sleeping peacefully, stirred on the bed, mumbling some words. I checked her temperature and sighed in relief when I noticed that it was returning to normal.
I couldn't wait for her to wake up and return to her bubbly self and meet with Hegar. I was still deeply engrossed in my thoughts when I heard some noises by the window.
Panic grew within me and my heart thudded hard against my chest. However, the fear dissipated when I saw that it was just a bird.
Maybe it was sent to distract me from the depressing thoughts that had become a part of me. I went closer to it and surprisingly, it stayed still, not attempting to fly away.
And then I saw it-a piece of paper in its beak. As soon as I collected it, the bird flew away and I read the contents of the note. Happiness coursed through me as I jumped around the room.
Silas had been found.