Chapter 24: SPILLED SECRET

Chapter 24: SPILLED SECRET
LEONA
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The hard tiles pressed against my cheek as I lay sprawled on the kitchen floor. Pain radiated through my side, but it was nothing compared to the fire burning in my chest. Liora stood over me, smirking, her arms crossed as she surveyed the mess she had caused. Around us, the kitchen had fallen silent. The other maids froze, their expressions a mixture of shock and fear, unsure of what to do.
"You know, Leona," Liora mocked, "I almost feel sorry for you. Almost. But then again, what can I expect from someone who can't even stand on her own two feet? A servant with no legs and no skill. Pathetic."
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I forced myself not to react. Every insult she threw at me was another blow, but I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.
"I should be careful," she continued, crouching down to look at me directly. "Wouldn't want to push you too far. You might try something stupid like you did just now. But let me tell you, Leona, if you ever think about throwing food at me again, I'll make sure you regret it."
Her smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh wait, you already do, don't you? You're nothing more than a broken, useless burden, pretending you still matter."
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm. Her words stung, but they also reminded me of who I used to be—who I still was, deep inside. Liora had no idea the fire she was playing with. If I were still the assassin I once was, she wouldn't have dared to cross me.
But now wasn't the time. I needed to play this carefully. I shifted slightly, attempting to push myself up. The movement sent another jolt of pain through my side, but I didn't let it show.
"Finished?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "Or do you need a few more insults to feel better about yourself?"
Her smirk faltered for a moment, her eyes narrowing. "You've got a sharp tongue for someone in your position," she hissed, grabbing the edge of my wheelchair and shoving it further away.
"Say whatever you want, Liora," I said, finally managing to sit up. "But remember this: no matter how much you push, I'm still here. And you? You're just a bitter maid clinging to scraps of power in a kitchen."
Her face twisted with rage, and for a moment, I thought she might lunge at me. But before she could respond, one of the younger maids stepped forward hesitantly.
"Enough, Liora," the maid said softly, trembling. "This isn't right."
Liora turned her glare on the girl, who shrank back instantly. "Stay out of this," she snapped. "Unless you want to be next."
The maid stepped back, her eyes darting nervously between us. The tension in the room was palpable, but no one dared to intervene further.
I shifted again, this time managing to prop myself up against the wall. My wheelchair was out of reach, but I wouldn't ask for help. Not from them.
"Are you done playing your little games?" I asked, locking eyes with Liora. "Because I have a job to do."
Liora sneered but said nothing. She turned sharply and stormed out of the kitchen, her heels clicking against the tiles as she left. The other maids slowly returned to their tasks, the clattering of dishes and utensils resuming as if nothing had happened.
I dragged myself toward my wheelchair, each movement a reminder of how far I'd fallen. My muscles ached, and the humiliation of being thrown to the ground still lingered, but I wouldn't let it stop me.
As I finally managed to pull myself into the chair, I noticed the young maid from before watching me. She hesitated, then stepped closer.
"Are you... okay?" she asked timidly.
"I'm fine," I said shortly, brushing off her concern. "Thank you."
She nodded, biting her lip nervously before returning to her station.
I wheeled myself to the corner of the kitchen, trying to collect my thoughts. My heart was still racing, anger and frustration coursing through me. But I couldn't afford to lose focus. I needed to fix this mess and make sure Alpha Zane's next meal was flawless.
But as I reached for a fresh set of ingredients, something caught my eye. Liora's station was still a mess from earlier, her belongings scattered carelessly across the counter. Among them was a small vial, its contents shimmering faintly in the dim light.
My blood ran cold. I recognized it instantly—a common additive used to enhance flavors but dangerous if used incorrectly.
So that's what she'd done. Liora hadn't just sabotaged me; she'd spiked the food deliberately, knowing it would ruin the meal.
Anger flared in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm. I couldn't confront her now, not without proof. But I wasn't going to let her get away with this, either.
I tucked the vial into my pocket discreetly, already forming a plan in my mind. Liora thought she'd won, but she had no idea who she was dealing with.
I would bide my time, gather evidence, and expose her for what she truly was. And when that time came, she would regret ever crossing me.
For now, though, I had a meal to prepare.


By the time I finished making Alpha Zane's second meal, the kitchen was quiet. Most of the maids had left, either to their quarters or to other tasks. I was left alone with my thoughts as I carefully placed the fresh dish on a tray. This time, I made sure everything was just right. No mistakes.
Liora's smug face still lingered in my mind as I wheeled out of the kitchen, heading back to Alpha Zane's chambers. The small vial in my pocket felt heavy, a reminder of the plan I hadn't yet acted on. I couldn't let my anger make me reckless. One wrong move could ruin everything.
The palace halls were quiet now, the usual noise reduced to a faint hum in the distance. When I reached Alpha Zane's door, I paused, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I had to keep my focus.
I entered the room quietly. He was still at his desk, leaning over some documents, his back to me. His broad shoulders and strong posture made it clear how much power he held. I moved to the dining table and gently set the tray down.
"Alpha," I said softly, careful not to disturb him too much. "I've brought your meal."