CHAPTER 35; NOW OR NEVER

CHAPTER 35; NOW OR NEVER
LEONA
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The maid scrambled to her feet, looking flustered. "Alpha, I—I was just bringing your breakfast, and Miss Leona—"
"I tripped," I interrupted quickly, forcing a sheepish smile as I leaned heavily on my crutches. "I wasn't watching where I was going. It's entirely my fault."
Zane's gaze flicked between the maid and me, his expression softening slightly when his eyes landed on me. "Leona, you're supposed to be resting. What are you even doing here?"
"I felt better this morning," I said hurriedly, glancing down at the mess on the floor. "I thought I'd stretch my legs a bit, but clearly, I should've been more careful."
He frowned, stepping closer to me. "You shouldn't push yourself. You're still recovering."
"I'm fine," I insisted, forcing a reassuring smile. "But now I've ruined your breakfast." I turned to the maid, my voice apologetic. "I'm so sorry for this. Let me make it right. I can prepare another tray for him while you… clean up?"
The maid hesitated, glancing nervously at Zane.
"She's injured," Zane said firmly. "You don't need to—"
"I insist," I cut in quickly, meeting his eyes. "I want to help. It's the least I can do after causing all this trouble."
Zane studied me for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. But don't overdo it."
I nodded gratefully, turning back to the maid. "Please, go take a moment for yourself. I'll handle everything here."
The maid hesitated again but eventually nodded, murmuring a soft "thank you" before leaving the room.
Once she was gone, I felt the weight of Zane's gaze on me. My palms grew clammy, but I forced myself to move, gathering the broken pieces of the tray with trembling hands.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his tone softer now.
"I am," I lied, giving him a weak smile. "I'll bring your breakfast up shortly."
Zane nodded, finally stepping out of the room, and I exhaled deeply, my hand brushing the vial hidden in my pocket.
Now or never.

—

Once Zane left. I couldn't hesitate. My hands moved quickly, though they trembled with every action. Gathering what was left of the spilled food, I discarded it before hurrying to the kitchens to prepare a replacement meal.
The cooks were busy, bustling around with their usual energy, but I managed to slip in unnoticed. I worked swiftly, grabbing what I needed: eggs, bread, and a few pieces of fresh fruit. My heart pounded as I slid the vial from my pocket and stared at it for a moment, the small glass glinting under the kitchen light.
Do it. For Fiona, I reminded myself.
I carefully uncorked the vial and tilted it just enough for a few drops to mix into the warm broth I had prepared. My hands were slick with sweat as I resealed the vial and tucked it back into my pocket. I stirred the soup, erasing any trace of what I'd done.
Just as I was finishing, Mrs. Marlowe's voice cut through the kitchen. "Leona, what are you doing here?"
I froze, the spoon slipping from my grasp and clattering against the pot. Turning slowly, I forced a smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Marlowe. I was just preparing a replacement meal for the Alpha. There was… a small accident earlier."
She arched a brow, her sharp eyes scanning me. "A replacement meal? Isn't that the staff's job? You're supposed to be resting."
"I know," I said quickly, trying to sound as genuine as possible. "But I wanted to help. I felt bad for causing the mess earlier, and honestly, I'm feeling much better today."
Mrs. Marlowe didn't look convinced. She crossed her arms, her piercing gaze making me shift uncomfortably. "You shouldn't be overexerting yourself, especially after what you went through."
"I promise, I'm fine," I said, keeping my tone light and steady. "This is the least I can do after everything."
She studied me for another moment before letting out a quiet sigh. "Very well. But after this, you're to go straight back to your room. Understood?"
"Understood," I said with a quick nod, relief flooding through me.
She lingered for a moment longer before turning and leaving the kitchen, though her pace was slower than usual. I could feel her suspicion hanging in the air.
With the meal ready, I carefully placed it on a fresh tray, my hands shaking slightly as I balanced it. Each step toward Zane's chambers felt heavier than the last, the weight of my actions pressing harder against my chest.
When I reached the door, I paused, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I knocked softly before pushing the door open.
Zane was seated at the dining table, reviewing a set of documents. He glanced up as I entered, his brow furrowing slightly. "You should be resting."
"I wanted to make it right," I said softly, setting the tray down in front of him. "I feel responsible for ruining your breakfast earlier."
His gaze lingered on me, as if searching for something beneath my words. "You didn't have to."
"I wanted to," I replied, stepping back and clasping my hands tightly in front of me to keep them from shaking. "I hope it's to your liking."
He studied me for another moment before nodding. "Thank you, Leona."
As he picked up the spoon and dipped it into the soup, my heart raced so loudly that I was sure he could hear it. My palms were clammy, and my knees felt weak.
But before he brought the spoon to his lips, there was a sharp knock on the door.
"Alpha!" a guard called from outside. "There's an urgent matter that needs your attention."
Zane frowned, setting the spoon down. "Come in."
The door swung open, and the guard entered, his expression tense. "A dispute has broken out near the southern border. They're requesting your presence immediately."
Zane sighed heavily, rising from his seat. He glanced back at me. "I'll finish this later."
I nodded quickly, struggling to hide my relief as he left the room with the guard.
The moment the door closed, I collapsed into the nearest chair, my chest heaving as I tried to steady my breathing.
It's not over yet, I thought grimly.