Kamrynn's POV
I pulled the hood of my cloak lower over my face as I trailed Eloane through the dense forest path. My steps were deliberate, silent, though my heart thundered loud enough to make me fear it might betray me. She walked briskly, a small satchel swinging at her side, her head turning occasionally as if she sensed someone nearby. I kept my distance, ducking behind trees and crouching low whenever she glanced back.
The hidden location she chose wasn't far, just past the stream that cut through the northern edge of the Blue Bell Pack's territory. A small clearing appeared as she broke through the brush, and I stopped short, crouching behind a thick tree trunk. The area was secluded, surrounded by towering oaks, and the faint scent of damp moss filled the air.
Raelan stepped into view. My chest tightened at the sight of him. His broad shoulders were tense, his arms crossed over his chest as he waited. Even from here, I could see the impatience etched across his face. Eloane emerged into the clearing, her usual sharpness softened by the sly smile curling her lips.
"You're late," Raelan snapped, his voice cutting through the stillness.
"Barely," Eloane retorted, rolling her eyes as she approached him. Her hand lingered on the strap of her satchel before she swung it off her shoulder, setting it on the ground. "And don't act like you don't have time to spare. You're not the one risking everything by sneaking out here."
I swallowed hard, my hand trembling as I fumbled to activate the small recording device I had hidden in my cloak. The soft click of it starting felt impossibly loud, and I froze, but neither of them seemed to notice.
Raelan's expression softened as his gaze dropped to her stomach. He reached out, his hand sliding over her belly in an intimate gesture that sent a jolt of shock through me.
"How's our baby?" Raelan asked, his voice dropping into a low, affectionate murmur.
I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Our baby? My mind raced as realization dawned on me. The child Eloane was carrying wasn't Rmonica and the Alpha's heir-it was hers and Raelan's! I quickly covered my mouth as a gasp tore through me. I had suspected that something was going on but I could have never expected this…
"The baby's fine," Eloane replied, her hand covering his as she leaned into his touch. "Healthy and strong, just like you wanted."
Raelan chuckled, his fingers tracing slow circles over her abdomen. "Good. Everything's falling into place. Soon, we'll have what's ours."
Eloane sighed, her voice laced with satisfaction. "It's been a long time coming. I've waited years for this."
Raelan's expression hardened. "We're close, but we can't afford any mistakes. Not now."
Eloane straightened, her brow furrowing. "What's wrong?"
Raelan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial. The liquid inside shimmered faintly in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above.
"We're speeding up the timeline," he said, his tone clipped. "You'll give her this tonight."
Eloane's eyes widened. "Tonight? Why? I thought we had two more days."
Raelan's jaw tightened, and he glanced over his shoulder before continuing. "That maid, Kamrynn. She's been poking around too much. I don't like how close she's getting to the truth."
Eloane scoffed, a dismissive wave of her hand accompanying the sound. "She's just a rogue. What can she do? Besides, who cares what she thinks?"
"Don't underestimate her," Raelan snapped, his tone sharp enough to make Eloane flinch. "She's clever enough to be a problem. If she alerts Rmonica, everything we've worked so hard for will fall apart."
Eloane hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line before she took the vial from him. She held it up, tilting it so the sunlight caught the liquid inside. "And this will do the job?"
"Instantly," Raelan said, a cruel smile curving his lips. "The contraceptive you've been giving her has built up enough of the compound in her body. When she ingests this, it'll react, shutting down her organs. Quick and clean. No one will ever suspect foul play."
Eloane's smile returned, and it was cold, wicked. "Perfect. I'll make sure it's done tonight. That pampered little bitch won't know what hit her."
My grip on the recorder tightened as Eloane's voice dripped with venom.
"She's had everything handed to her," Eloane continued. "Money, power, love-and I've had to scrape for every scrap of respect. She doesn't deserve what she has."
"Good. Only you deserve it all." Raelan said, stepping closer to her. "And once she's gone, you'll take her place. An Alpha grieving the loss of his dear Luna will be emotionally defenseless. You'll seduce him and make him take responsibility right after. The Alpha won't stand a chance against your charms. You, my dear, will become the Luna of this Pack. And when the time is right, I'll deal with him, too. Then we'll rule together."
Eloane laughed softly, looping her arms around his neck. "I always knew we'd end up on top."
Raelan leaned in, capturing her lips in a possessive kiss. I turned away, bile rising in my throat as their kiss deepened. My stomach churned as Raelan spun Eloane around, pressing her against the tree, his hands roaming her body with an urgency that made my skin crawl. I couldn't bear to look, focusing instead on steadying my breathing and staying perfectly still.
I focused on steadying my breathing, the weight of the recorder in my hand grounding me. I couldn't look. Couldn't listen. But I had to stay.
The sounds of their depravity filled the clearing, making every second stretch into an eternity. I forced myself to focus on the forest around me-the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant chirp of birds. Anything but them.
Eventually, the noises subsided.
I dared a glance back, my stomach twisting as Raelan adjusted his coat, his expression smug. Eloane smoothed down her dress, a self-satisfied smirk playing on her lips.
"Don't forget," Raelan said, his voice low as he handed her the vial. "Tonight. No mistakes."
"Don't worry, my love." Eloane replied, slipping the vial into her satchel. "By this time tomorrow, Rmonica will be nothing but a memory."
Raelan kissed her cheek before turning and disappearing into the woods. Eloane lingered for a moment, a satisfied expression on her face before she, too, began to leave, heading in the opposite direction.
I stayed frozen in place, my heart pounding against my ribs. The sheer wickedness of their plan left me breathless. They weren't just targeting Rmonica-they were targeting everything she stood for, everything she loved.
My heart thundered in my chest, each beat louder than the last. My grip on the recorder was tight enough to hurt, but I welcomed the pain.
When I was sure Eloane was gone, I waited an extra fifteen minutes before stepping out from my hiding spot. My legs felt like jelly as I stepped out from my hiding spot, my breaths coming in short, panicked bursts.
They're going to kill her tonight.
The realization hit me like a freight train. I clutched my stomach, fighting the wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm me.
The thought repeated in my mind, a heavy weight pressing against my chest. I clutched the recorder, my breaths coming in short, shallow bursts.
I had to act. I had to stop them.
But first, I needed to make it back to the palace without being seen.