Chapter 35

Chapter 35

He wasn't in good terms with me, even though he's trying to pretend.

If I could sway him, I might find Mara and might break free from Ronan’s cage.

At least for my sanity and peace of mind.

I stabbed the meat and clenched my jaw while I ate slowly.

Yeah, Caius saved me in the kitchen from that undead, but his cold eyes and sharp smirk screamed he wanted something. Fine. 
I would let him think he would get it, whatever it was, if it meant seeing my sister one  more time.

I'd gladly be happy to see her.

Footsteps echoed behind me. My shoulders tightened. I knew it was Ronan without even looking. 

I didn't need to. His scent filled my nostrils before he reached the table. I stared at my plate absently. He’d been avoiding me since our last conversation.
But at this point I really don't care.

For my sanity sake I'd  rather be alone than be with Ronan.

Fine. 
I'd  ignore him too if he did the same.

I can't be after him, while he treats me like I'm just an ordinary girl.
He slid into his huge chair across from me and pulled his plate closer. His eyes flicked over me, then away, like I was worthless to him. 
He wasn't paying attention to me any longer.

Even when I tried to draw his attention.
All efforts were in vain.

Maybe I was. My chest burned, but I didn't say a thing. I shoved eggs into my mouth.
The food tasted like ash. 

It was so bad this time around. 
The urge to throw up.
I had to force myself to to eat, even though I wasnt able to finish it.

I pushed my plate away and got up. Every bite of the meal was a torture.

I'd better return to my room than pretend to eat my food. Ronan didn't say a word as I walked away.
 I didn't even behave as if he ever noticed my presence.

My thoughts drifted to Seraphine as I stepped away. 

I hadn’t heard from her since Ronan told me she would keep me busy.
 I wanted to ask Ronan but it was no use, he'll just end up abusing the little conversation with me. 

At this point I don't mind if he does ignore me. I'll ask right away.

I stopped and turned to Ronan. “I've not heard from Seraphine. You said she would keep me engaged.”
Yes I did. He replied.

Ronan’s eyes lifted. His gaze was cold and hard. He set his glass down slowly.

Irritated as usual.
“Talk to Vera,” he said, his nose flaring. “Stop bothering me!" 

“Don't you have manners Lila.”

“You shouldn't talk while eating.”

My hands curled into fists and my whole body shook.  

I was so angry.

This is getting out of hand I wanted to scream, to throw the plate at his smug face. 
Why keep me here if he treated me like dirt? 

Every little chance he got he always look for a way to show how abusive he was.
What exactly is his problem.

“Why not let me go?

“You’re a coward,” I spat. “Why you won’t let me leave when you know you'll ignore me? 
What’s the point, Zombie King?” 

I kept ranting but he ignored me as usual.

He didn’t answer. His fork stabbed his meat again and again. 
The silence cut deeper than any whip. My chest heaved. I hated him, more than Clark, more than the loan sharks, more than anything in this damned world.
I spun and stormed out. My hands shook and tears burned my eyes, but I wouldn’t let them fall.

He  just wasn’t worth it. I would get myself out of this mess, surely. 

Even if it means I have to run away.
Back in my room, I paced. My mind swirled with thoughts. Thoughts of Ronan’s clamps and his dildo machine sneaked into my head. 
Shame and heat mixed, making my thighs clench. I hated my body for craving that guy I had come to hate so much.

He's so worthless right now.

I took a deep breath, clearing the nasty thoughts. I needed Vera. 
I needed someone to talk to .

She would know how to reach Seraphine, even though Ronan wouldn't let me know.
Seraphine could give me work, keep me busy or get me closer to answers. Any of that was better than staying idle.
I yanked the door open and faced a guard. “Get Vera now.”

He nodded and left. I slammed the door and waited for Vera to arrive.

My mind returned to Caius. I needed him. He was a viper, but right now, he was my only shot. An idea dropped in my head.
I hurried to grab the note and pen on the dresser and scrambled the words that dropped in my mind.
Dear General Caius,

I need your help. You want something from me. Name your price, I’ll pay it. Help me find my sister, help me get free. I’m begging you.
Would be grateful to get a postii reply from you.
Lila
My hand shook as I wrote the words. My stomach twisted. 

“What was I doing? 
I was acting so fast ,but I wasnt sure if I'm doing the right thing.

Caius wasn’t a savior, he was like Ronan, another predator. But desperation drove me to continue. 

It was risky, but I don't mind.

He could report me to Ronan and that would be the end of me. But it felt like a risk worth taking.
I dropped the pen just as the door creaked. Vera stepped in and I quickly covered the more with my hand.
"A guard said you wanted to see me."

“Actually it was Ronan who requested.
"Yeah. . ."
“Lila, you okay?”
I forced a smile. “Yeah, I'm fine. Why did you ask?"

“You don’t look fine. What’s wrong?” she asked looking at me straight in the eyes.

I swallowed as sweat popped on the back of my neck. I would be in trouble if Vera saw the letter.
I couldn't trust her now maybe some other time.

“I told I'm fine. Listen, I called you because I haven't been doing anything. 

“And I'm sick and tired of being jobless all day. It's not helping.”

“And I can't continue being jobless for the rest of my life here in the castle.”

The meeting with Seraphine, Ronan said you'll arrange it."