Chapter 119
Chapter 119
At Freya’s mansion, Crystal woke before dawn and rose from the narrow bed, showering quickly before heading downstairs. Though Freya had agreed to shelter her, hospitality was hardly the word for it. The room she’d been given was cramped, cold, and bare, as if Freya wanted her to really remember her position.
Breakfast offered no comfort either, only a piece of hard bread and a cup of water. But Crystal ate without complaint. She knew she had to swallow all this humiliation because, for now, this was her only option.
Across the dining table, Freya reclined in comfort, savoring a grilled pork glazed with herbs, ripe fruit, and black wine.
“Just because I decided to help you doesn’t mean we’re going to be friends, so don’t misunderstand," Freya said lazily as she lifted her cup.
Crystal's face stayed calm. Beneath the table, her fingers curled slowly into fists, nails biting into her palms.
“Of course not. I won’t even complain if you make me a maid in your house, Freya."
Freya arched a brow, clearly amused. “Did losing your baby strip you of your arrogance too, Luna?” She said the title in a mocking tone.
Hearing that, Crystal’s breath hitched despite her efforts.
Every time someone mentions that night when she lost her precious son, her desire to take revenge only heightened. Sometimes she regrets it, If only she had never attended that cursed party, if only she had stayed at the Stoneclaw Pack.
“And also, don’t mistake this arrangement for permanence,” Freya continued, unfazed by the storm she’d stirred. “Once my plan is done, you leave.”
The urge to lunge across the table and tear Freya apart screamed for release, but Crystal just nodded slowly.
"But I do wonder where you plan to go,” Freya said lightly. “I doubt Kallias will take you back. I know that after losing your baby, things between you and him aren’t exactly fine, Crystal.”
She smiled as she took a slow sip of her wine, savoring the flicker of pain that crossed Crystal’s face.
“That’s none of your concern,” Crystal replied.
“Oh, but it is. Because once Winter is cast out of Nytheris, she becomes your responsibility. Make sure you’re capable of handling that.”
“What?” Crystal looked up sharply.
“Did you really think I’d let you stay here for free? Consider this your way of paying.” Her gaze sharpened. “Refuse, and I’ll throw you out this very moment. I’ve already sent your guard away so you’re completely alone here. Anything could happen to you out there.”
She paused, letting the threat settle before finishing softly, “And the only person who could protect you is me.”
Cold spread through Crystal’s veins. Goosebumps rose along her arms as the threat settled in. Rage made her jaw tremble, but before she could respond, footsteps echoed through the hall.
And a woman entered moments later.
Crystal felt it instantly, the prickle of ancient aura brushing against her senses. A witch.
“Welcome, Lilith,” Freya said brightly.
While Crystal cursed both of them inwardly.
Lilith’s eyes swept over her as though she were inspecting damaged goods. “So this is her, Freya? The homeless Luna?”
“Shhh. Remember, she’s our ally for now,” Freya said, her voice coated in false sympathy. “She promised to smooth things out for us, so let’s see whether she actually keeps her word.”
Lilith stepped closer, stopping directly in front of Crystal. “Stand.”
Crystal didn’t move, irritation tightening her jaw as she stared back in silence, but Lilith’s patience quickly wore thin.
She grabbed Crystal’s arm and yanked her to her feet with rough force, her fingers digging painfully into her skin.
“Listen carefully,” Lilith said coldly. “You’re going to do exactly what you said you would. Don’t mess this up. If you even think about turning against us, you’ll suffer the consequences. You’re alone here, so don’t get any foolish ideas. Do you understand?”
The grip on her arm was merciless, and for a brief moment, Crystal imagined how different this would have ended if they were in Stoneclaw Pack, both of them would already be dead. But this time, she had no choice but to endure, to bow her head and play the part, waiting patiently for the moment she could turn the tables.
“Say it,” Lilith demanded, jerking her arm again.
Crystal swallowed the rage burning in her throat and forced the words out evenly. “I understand.”