Chapter 39 Chapter thirty-nine
Her voice thundered through the room, her eyes bloodshot, veins standing out on her neck.
My jaw dropped. I hadn’t expected that from her.
Stammering, I exclaimed, "What are you talking about?" That was all my mind could handle at that moment.
She gazed at me in astonishment for a moment, "Are you seriously still pretending not to understand what I'm saying?" She laughed like someone who had lost their mind before she continued, "You can act oblivious or whatever, but I'm not Claus or Sylvia, who would buy into your phony charade."
"Cyprus, I won't tolerate any more insults from you," I stood up from the bed, directing my finger at her. "I've taken enough of your disrespect, so you better listen here, I'm Luna, and I deserve your respect," I cautioned her.
She laughed, "Luna, you refer to yourself as a Luna," she shook her head. "Then why are you attempting to ruin the kingdom..."
Cutting her off, I replied, "Ruin the kingdom? How could you even imagine something as forbidden as that? That I'm in love with my brother-in-law, do you even realize what you're saying?" I let out a bitter laugh.
I try to convince myself I was speaking the truth, but my heart was thumping heavily in my chest.
"Yes, Ellie, I understand what I'm talking about. Even a young child can clearly recognize what’s happening. Nothing is concealed in the daylight," she stated.
Her statement triggered something within me. If what she's saying is true, then many people have been noticing an unusual connection between Sylvia and me. That suggests there are quiet murmurs within the pack.
"Sylvia has a mate." I dropped the shocking news.
Cyprus's eyes went wide and her mouth fell open. This was the first time she was hearing this information. This is the only way I can persuade Cyprus and the other pack members that there's nothing happening between Sylvia and me.
"What?" Cyprus shouted.
"Yes," I affirmed with a nod. "He brought her to the pack mansion yesterday. From what I can tell, Sylvia is deeply in love with her mate, not me. You should have seen how he lavished her with affection and attention," I explained.
As I recalled last night's dinner, a sharp, painful sensation pierced my chest. I was bubbling with jealousy. I forced a smile onto my face to reassure Cyprus of my words.
"Where did you get the impression that Sylvia has feelings for me? Who even told you that to begin with?" I asked.
She didn't respond to my inquiry. She glanced at me for a moment before turning to exit the room. I quickly stepped forward and pulled her back before she could leave.
"Are you really going to ignore me again? At least respond to my questions," I urged.
One thing I know is that a fire doesn't ignite without some smoke. I need to understand what I should be cautious about.
"All I can say is that you need to be careful. There are eyes watching you, waiting for you to make a mistake that could ruin you and everything you care about," she replied.
Stammering, I asked, "What do you mean? Who's watching me?"
"I don't know, Luna. This is just a piece of advice from a subject who cares," she bowed her head.
Subject? She called herself a subject instead of my friend and used the name Luna instead of Ellie. When did this all begin? Cyprus has always been casual in how she addressed me, and I've always allowed that. But now she's putting distance between us.
"Cyprus, why are you doing this? You're speaking in riddles that I can't grasp. Can you communicate in a way I would understand?" I inquired.
"I've said all I know, and now, if you don't mind, will you excuse your subject, your majesty? I need to gather herbs from the forest," she stated as she walked into the inner room.
"Wait, Cyprus..." I couldn't complete my words.
"What is all of this?" I lamented to myself.
Cyprus wouldn't provide me with answers to my questions; how am I supposed to figure out what's happening?
I need to head to the castle; Claus will be waiting for me. I've been away for quite a while already.
I glanced at the room Cyprus entered, and she was still inside. I contemplated going to see her but chose to give her space. Perhaps she just needs some time; she will surely come around.
I deeply miss my friend.
I sighed sadly as I left Cyprus's house, my heart racing in my chest. Not to mention how frustrated I feel at this moment. Everything Cyprus said was still swirling in my mind.
I need to find a way to stop all of this. Know what I should be afraid of.