Chapter 143 Chapter 143

Chapter 143 Chapter 143
THE DUNGEON VISIT

TIANA’S POV

I could not stay quiet any longer. The questions in my head were becoming too loud, suddenly making me restless.

I moved away from the door and walked toward Constance, my legs still a little shaky.

"Constance, what happened when I was unconscious?” I asked. “Who took off my scarf?”

“Oh!” Constance exclaimed and heaved a big sigh. “My bad, I did. I’m really sorry. I forgot to put it back on.”

She picked up the scarf from the chair beside the bed and handed it to me. I took it quickly, my fingers shaking as I held the soft silk.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I exclaimed. “How could you do that? What if someone saw it?”

“Nobody saw anything,” Constance said calmly. “I didn’t even allow the healer to take it off. I only did it when everyone was out of the room. You were burning up so badly. I needed air to touch every part of your body so the fever could go down.”

I placed my hand on my chest and took a deep breath, finally feeling relieved. “I was really scared. I thought my secret had been revealed.” 

“And what secret are you talking about?” a voice said suddenly from the doorway.

My heart skipped a beat as I turned sharply, and so did Constance. There we found Seraphina striding into the room with her usual confident smile.

“Mind to share?” she asked, her eyes moving between us.

“Oh gracious Goddess,” I said, placing a hand on my chest again. “You guys are really scaring me today. Please pity my fragile heart.”

I began to tie the scarf around my neck again, making sure the mark was completely covered. The fabric felt cool against my skin, but the bite underneath still throbbed a little.

“Is everything okay?” Seraphina asked, stepping closer.

I turned to her and forced a little smile. “Everything is okay. And thank you for standing by me when those rogues attacked. You fought with me. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing,” Seraphina said with a wave of her hand. “We are friends after all.”

By the way, talking about the rogues… I heard they’ve been caught.”

“Yes, they have,” Constance said excitedly. “And they’ll surely regret ever messing with my friend.”

I clenched my jaw instantly as soon as Constance finished speaking.

The memory of their rough hands on my body, their disgusting smell, and the way the mark had forced my body to react made my blood boil with anger. 

I  wanted to see them. I wanted to look them in the eyes and give them a piece of my mind.

I started walking toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Seraphina asked, her voice changing slightly.

“To the dungeon, of course,” I replied. “I need to see those dirty animals. I want to give them a dirty slap for what they did to me.”

Seraphina’s face changed for a moment. It was as if she was unhappy or angry. I couldn't really tell, because she quickly covered it up with another smile. 

“Is everything okay?” I asked, staring at her face keenly.

“Of course everything is good,” she said quickly. “I was just wondering if I can accompany you to the dungeon.”

“Sure, why not?” I blurted. “Come on, let’s go.”

Together, Seraphina, Constance, and I stepped out of the room and started heading toward the dungeon. 

My heart was beating faster than usual. I was still angry, still scared, and still confused about the mark on my neck. But I needed to face those rogues. I needed to show them I was not weak.

As we walked, my thoughts suddenly drifted to the Alpha heirs. 

They had ordered Constance not to let me out. What would be their reaction when they saw me? 

Would they be happy to see me? Or perhaps angry that I disobeyed them? The questions made my stomach twist.

Seraphina began to talk lightly about the gathering last night and how brave I had been. 

Constance was on my other side, holding my arm for support. I tried to smile and nod, but my mind was far away.

We reached the stairs leading down to the dungeon a few minutes later. The guards who stood at the entrance, bowed when they saw us.

I stopped for a moment, and took a deep breath. 

The mark on my neck throb instantly, reminding me it was still there. I touched the scarf again to make sure it was secure.

“Ready?” Constance asked softly.

I nodded. “Yes, let’s go.”

Just when we were about to continue, a voice suddenly spoke behind me, stopping me on track.

"Excuse me, Miss Tiana."

I turned swiftly and found a maid standing with a parchment in her hands. “I was asked to deliver this to you.”

I took the parchment from her and she did a curtsy and walked away immediately, leaving me alone with my two friends.

I glanced at them, before returning my gaze to the parchment in my hands. Slowly, I opened it.

The handwriting was neat but urgent. My eyes moved across the words, and my blood turned cold.

“The mark on your neck is not from the brothers. It was placed by someone who wants to destroy you and the Alpha heirs. The rogues were only the beginning. If you want to know the truth, meet me alone at the old oak tree behind the palace at midnight. Come alone, but tell no one. Your life depends on it. A Friend”

My hands began to shake as I went through the message again. 

Who sent this? Was it a trap? Or was it the only way to finally know the truth?

Seraphina and Constance were watching me closely. I forced a smile and folded the letter quickly, hiding it in my dress.

“Nothing important,” I said, my voice sounding strange even to my own ears. “Just a note from one of the maids.”

But inside, my mind was screaming. Someone knew about the mark. Someone was watching me.

And if I went to meet them alone tonight… I might finally discover who had claimed me. Or I might walk straight into another trap.