Chapter 46 Chapter forty-six
THE NEXT DAY
I was in the kitchen, helping the maids prepare breakfast. I have loved spending time in the kitchen since I was young. Another thing that brings me peace is cooking; I truly enjoy it. Even after Claus requested that I stay out of the kitchen, I still find myself drawn back in.
"Here, Agatha, can you help me rinse the vegetables?" I said to one of the maids as I handed her the basket.
"Sure, Luna," she replied.
Agatha wiped her damp hands on the back of her dress before taking the basket. She made her way to the sink in the corner of the kitchen and began to rinse the vegetables.
I returned to the dough I was kneading; my knuckles throbbed, but the dough still needed more work. Beads of sweat trickled down my forehead, and my body was drenched in perspiration. I would definitely need a cold shower before breakfast.
I heard some playful giggles, once and then twice, and I tried to ignore it, but when I heard it a third time, my curiosity got the better of me.
I slowly lifted my head towards the source of the noise. My fingers were digging into the dough I was working with. My fists clenched tightly around it as I attempted to manage my anger.
Sylvia and Juliana entered the kitchen hand in hand. I couldn’t tell what Sylvia said to her that made Juliana giggle like a lovestruck teenager, playfully tapping him on the shoulder, which made Sylvia smile at her.
My frown deepened as I felt a surge of rage and jealousy. I channeled all my frustration into kneading the dough, slamming it hard against the table as if I were battling it, hoping that would relieve some of my anger. The maids exchanged surprised glances at my sudden burst of aggression but did not dare to speak up.
As they stepped fully into the kitchen, the maids bowed, and Sylvia responded with a smile. Sylvia has always been modest. Whenever I see Juliana grinning as if she has just won a prize, I roll my eyes.
"Such a show-off," I grumbled to myself.
"....What did you say?" Agatha inquired.
She assumed I was speaking to her when I mumbled. I shook my head, signaling that I wasn’t saying anything.
Court lady Nora, returning to the kitchen with a basket of freshly picked fruit, crossed their path.
"Alpha Sylvia," she greeted, bowing.
"Oh, there you are! I was searching for you," he said to Nora. "I haven't properly introduced her to you yet," he added, pointing at Juliana, a broader smile appearing on his face. "Meet Juliana, my mate." He wrapped his arm around Juliana's waist, pulling her closer.
Seeing this, my anger and jealousy surged. I slammed the dough against the table harder, causing it to echo throughout the kitchen. All eyes were on me. I forced a smile like an idiot.
"Ellie, are you alright? Do you need assistance?" Juliana asked, attempting to seem concerned.
We both knew she was feigning it. Ever since she entered the kitchen, she had been looking at me tauntingly, a teasing smirk lingering at the corners of her lips. She should drop the act because I'm not falling for it.
"Phew, the dough is tough and needs some strong hands, which is exactly what it’s getting," I laughed, trying not to sound strange.
The kitchen was silent except for me laughing; I suppose the joke wasn’t amusing. I was about to stop laughing, but Agatha joined in, and then others followed.
"Okay, that's hilarious," Juliana forced a laugh that lacked sincerity.
The laughter faded as Sylvia led Juliana around, introducing her to the rest of the pack members present.
I was seething inside. Every time I stole a glance at them, Juliana was there, smiling irritatingly back at me, so I quickly averted my gaze. It was already suffocating here; I needed to leave; I couldn't bear being in the same room with her.
I made my way back to my chamber to shower, instructing Nora to oversee the remaining cooking tasks.
When I got back, breakfast was already prepared and laid out in the dining table. Claus, Sylvia, and Juliana were already seated at the table.
As I entered the dining area, I noticed Juliana's hand intertwined with Sylvia's. Upon seeing me, she shot me a teasing smile. I couldn't handle it. I considered skipping breakfast, but since I'd missed dinner yesterday, that would raise suspicion. The only option left was to stay and tolerate Juliana's annoying antics.
"I think we should seek help from outside the pack. We can't keep putting all our eggs in one basket," I overheard Sylvia say as I walked in.
It seemed they were still discussing how to neutralize the poison. I took a seat next to Claus, who nodded curtly as a greeting.
"What? Tell outsiders we can't handle our pack? Come on, Sylvia, think of something better," Claus argued.
"What other solution do you have?" Sylvia shot back, hid anger already evident.
Avoiding eye contact with Sylvia, Claus admitted, "I. Don't. Have. Any."
"Oh man," Sylvia rubbed his temples in frustration. "Then we must wait for the healer to finish her work. If she can't neutralize the poison in the next two days, we would reach out to the outside elders."
Claus replied, "Alright, if that’s what you believe will help." He picked up his fork and began eating his salad.
"It will," Sylvia assured him.
He flashed a smile that felt like it was meant just for me. My cheeks flushed, and I lowered my gaze to hide my face. His smile gave me comfort that everything would be okay.
I took a spoon and scooped some soup into my mouth. I didn't let it cool, having skipped dinner last night, and I was very hungry this morning.
Later in the evening, Claus and I were resting in our chamber. Feeling thirsty, I decided to grab some water from the kitchen without asking the maids.
As I stepped outside, I noticed a soldier with an urgent expression making his way toward our chamber. I halted in my tracks. When he reached me, he bowed and greeted me, and I returned a curt nod. I was about to walk away when I spotted a white sealed envelope in his hand, and I paused.
"What is that?" I inquired, pointing at the envelope. "It’s for the Alpha, Luna. I was instructed to deliver it," he replied.
"Give it to me; I’ll help you deliver it," I offered with a smile at the young soldier.
He looked quite tired from his expression, and I wanted to help lighten his load.
"Thank you, Luna," he said, beaming with a smile as he handed me the envelope. He bowed again before dashing off.
I flipped the envelope over, wondering what its contents might be. I needed to get it to Claus before I misplaced it.
Yet, an inner urge pushed me to peek at what was inside. I tried to dismiss the thought, but my curiosity ultimately prevailed. I broke the seal of the envelope and found a letter inside.
I unfolded it and read the message, my entire being froze, and it felt as if the walls were spinning around me. My fingers gripped the letter so tightly that I almost tore it.
"SYLVIA IS SLEEPING WITH YOUR WIFE," the letter stated.