CHAPTER 28: CAUGHT

CHAPTER 28: CAUGHT
LEONA
I followed him. Inside, I stayed still, not daring to move. A few moments passed before I saw two figures approaching him. They stood with him, their faces hidden in the dark. Zane spoke quietly to them, his body tense. They seemed to be having a serious conversation. I couldn't make out their words, but the way they were talking told me it was something important.
I felt like an intruder, caught between wanting to know and knowing I shouldn't be here. But I couldn't leave. My curiosity kept me rooted in place.
I watched them for a while, trying to piece together what was happening. Then, without warning, Zane stood up. He exchanged a few words with the other two, and they left in opposite directions. Zane remained behind, standing still, looking off into the distance.
Now was my chance. I moved cautiously, inching closer to where Zane had been. But just as I got close, I heard a sound—footsteps behind me.
I spun around, heart racing. It was Zane, standing there, watching me.
"Were you following me?"
I froze. My heart skipped a beat as I stood there, caught in the act. Zane's eyes locked onto mine, unwavering and intense.
He stepped forward, slowly, his footsteps heavy in the silence. "So," he said, his voice low and measured, "you were following me?"
I swallowed, my throat dry, my mind scrambling for something—anything—to say that might make sense of this. My mind raced, trying to find an excuse, a lie, something that would make this situation less dangerous. My thoughts collided in chaos, too fast to catch.
"I... I wasn't following you," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "I... I just—"
"Just what?" He raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "Tell me, maid. What were you doing here, in the dark, watching me?"
My heart pounded harder. I couldn't tell him the truth. I couldn't admit that I was curious, or that I was afraid of what I might discover. He'd never believe me. And even if he did, I had no idea what the consequences would be.
His eyes narrowed, studying me like a predator watching its prey. I felt the weight of his gaze like a physical force pressing down on me. The tension in the air thickened with every second, and I knew I had to find a way out of this. I couldn't stay here, not like this.
The panic bubbled up in my chest, suffocating me. I needed to get away. I needed to escape this moment before he saw through me completely.
I willed myself to move, to do something, anything. I couldn't let him see how terrified I was. Then, an idea struck me. A strange, desperate thought, but one that might just work.
I focused, pushing every ounce of my energy into calling on my wolf abilities. The darkness around me seemed to shift, responding to my will. I could feel the power stirring inside me, the wildness, the freedom. I let the darkness consume me, sinking into it like a deep, dark void. My body trembled as I lost control, and in the next instant, everything went black.
I crashed to the floor, unconscious.

—
When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my room. The soft morning light filtered through the window. I blinked, my mind struggling to make sense of what had happened. My head throbbed, but I could feel the familiar comfort of my bed beneath me. Mrs. Marlowe was seated by my side, her worried gaze fixed on me.
"Oh, thank goodness, you're awake," she said, her voice filled with relief. "I was so worried."
I pushed myself up slowly, still feeling dizzy from the sudden shift in reality. Everything from the night before rushed back to me—the tense conversation with Zane, the strange meeting with the other figures, and then... the darkness. My escape.
I looked at Mrs. Marlowe, trying to gather my thoughts, trying to keep my face neutral. "What... what happened?" I asked, feigning confusion. "How did I... get here?"
Mrs. Marlowe's expression softened, and she let out a deep sigh. "You were brought in by Alpha Zane last night, dear. He carried you in himself." Her voice was filled with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "It was strange, though. I've never seen him do that for any woman... not since... her."
My heart skipped a beat at the mention of "her." Who was this other woman? Who had Zane carried before me? I felt a sudden flush creep up my neck, a mix of embarrassment and curiosity gnawing at me. Why had he carried me? What made me different?
But before I could say anything, Mrs. Marlowe quickly moved on, shaking her head as if brushing away the thought. "Don't you worry about that, dear. You need your rest. You've had a rough night." She stood up and smoothed the edges of her apron. "I'll send some food up for you, just as Alpha Zane requested."
Her words didn't escape me. Alpha Zane had ordered food for me? That was strange. I nodded, my mind still whirling with questions, but I didn't press her further. I didn't want to seem too curious or desperate. Instead, I forced a weak smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Marlowe," I said, grateful for her kindness. "I'll get some rest."
She gave me a reassuring smile before leaving the room, the door closing softly behind her. As soon as she was gone, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. I was safe, for now. But the questions kept swirling in my mind—about Zane, about the other woman, and about what exactly had happened last night.
I glanced at the crutches beside my bed. Slowly, I picked them up and stood, still feeling the lingering effects of the strange blackout. I moved toward the bathroom, the crutches helping me steady myself. The cool tile beneath my feet was a welcome sensation as I prepared to freshen up.