CHAPTER 26: THE GARDEN

CHAPTER 26: THE GARDEN
LEONA
Evening came, and surprisingly, there had been no commotion whatsoever. After what the maid had told me earlier, I'd been waiting for Liora to make a move. But so far, the palace had been eerily calm, as though it was holding its breath.
I'd spent most of the day attending to Alpha Zane's endless demands. God, the man was such a pain in the ass. Needing something every five seconds, calling for me just as I sat down, and then dismissing me only to summon me again moments later. Sometimes, it felt like he was doing it on purpose, just to see how far he could push me.
This evening, he finally dismissed me, claiming he needed to be alone. I couldn't have been more grateful. I was too exhausted to even consider snooping around his room for any information about my sister. My body ached from wheeling around the palace, and my hands throbbed from gripping the chair for hours.
I was just about to collapse into bed when there was a knock at my door.
"Come in," I called out, my voice heavy with fatigue.
The door opened, and to my shock, Mrs. Malowe walked in. In her hands were my crutches.
"I believe these are yours,"
I stared at her, my heart swelling with relief. "Yes, thank you.. but how…?," I asked, wheeling myself forward to take them.
"Hera brought them earlier," she answered, her expression softening just slightly. "She said you might need them."
I couldn't help the smile that broke across my face. "You have no idea how much I've missed these," I said, standing slowly and slipping the crutches under my arms.
Mrs Malowe gave a curt nod. "Make good use of them. And Leona," she added, her tone warning, "be careful. The palace is full of watchful eyes."
"I understand. Thank you again," I said sincerely.
She nodded once more and left, the door clicking softly behind her.
I tested the crutches, taking a few steps around the room. They were clunky and uncomfortable, but they were still better than the wheelchair. For the first time in days, I felt a glimmer of hope.
But before I could sink into my bed, there was another knock at the door.
Now what? I thought bitterly.
I opened it to find a palace guard standing stiffly. "Alpha Zane requests your presence," he said in a flat tone.
My heart sank. "Now? It's late."
"He also said you should get dressed. You'll be leaving the palace."
I blinked in confusion. "Leaving? Where to?"
The guard didn't answer, his expression blank. "Alpha Zane doesn't like waiting."
And with that, he turned and left.

—
About thirty minutes later, I found myself seated in a lavish carriage opposite Alpha Zane. He had yet to explain where we were going, offering only a curt, "As my personal maid, you'll be needed."
The air in the carriage was thick with unspoken tension. I stole a glance at him, his sharp profile illuminated by the dim light of the carriage lanterns. He hadn't said a word since we'd set off, and his silence was beginning to feel oppressive.
The carriage rolled to a halt, and I felt a jolt of confusion as I looked out the window. The place was familiar—too familiar.
Alpha Zane stepped out without a word. He didn't glance back to check if I was following; he simply walked ahead, the faint crunch of his boots on the path the only sound in the quiet night.
I hesitated before following, my crutches awkward against the smooth cobblestones. When I stepped out, the cool breeze of the garden hit me, carrying the faint, sweet scent of blooming flowers. It was the garden. The garden.
The very place I'd first seen him when I was brought to Moonlight Pack.
Zane walked ahead, seemingly unaware of the turmoil inside me. He stopped near a fountain that gleamed under the moonlight, tilting his head back and closing his eyes as if savoring the cool night air.
I stayed a few paces behind, watching him. The glow of the moon illuminated his sharp features—features too beautiful for someone so cruel. His face was serene, but I knew better. Beneath that beauty lay the same man who had ordered my legs broken and left me to rot.
As I watched, his voice broke the silence. "Your stares are burning holes into me, maid."
My cheeks flushed instantly. "I… wasn't staring," I stuttered, quickly averting my gaze.
He didn't respond, but I caught the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of his lips.
A long silence followed, and I shifted awkwardly, unsure if I should say something or stay quiet. Finally, I gathered my courage and spoke. "Why… why did you bring me here, Alpha?"
Zane opened his eyes and turned toward me, his gaze sharp yet oddly calm. "I didn't bring you here for any particular purpose," he said matter-of-factly. "I come here to clear my head. It's the only place in the palace that gives me peace."
He took a step closer, his towering presence making me feel small. "As my personal maid, you'll be required to accompany me. Get used to it."
I swallowed hard and quickly nodded. "Yes, Alpha."
"Good. Any problem with that?" His voice carried a dangerous edge, though his expression remained unreadable.
"No, Alpha," I said firmly, lowering my gaze.
The conversation ended as abruptly as it began. He turned away, letting the silence stretch between us once more. I tried to calm my racing heart, but there was an uneasy feeling growing inside me, like I was being watched.
My grip on the crutches tightened, my gaze darting around the garden. The wind rustled the leaves, and the fountain's gentle trickle filled the quiet, but something felt… off.
"I'll be back," Zane said suddenly, breaking my thoughts. "Stay here."
"Where are you going?" I asked before I could stop myself.
He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "Don't ask questions. Just wait."
Without another word, he turned and disappeared down one of the winding paths, leaving me alone in the vast, moonlit garden.
I sighed, easing myself onto a nearby bench and setting the crutches beside me. The cool breeze was soothing, and for a moment, I closed my eyes, letting it wash over me.
"Any progress?"
The voice was low and gruff, and it sent a jolt of panic through me. My eyes snapped open, and I turned to see two men emerging from the shadows. Their faces were partially obscured, but their uniforms marked them unmistakably as Alpha Kane's guards.