A New Ally Or A New Trap
After walking a little distance, the young maid suddenly stopped, glancing around nervously.
Selena frowned in confusion. “Why are we stopping?” she asked, looking around as well.
The maid lowered her voice and leaned closer. “I did it to help you,” she whispered. “That man—he’s dangerous. His presence around the maids always means trouble. And besides... he’s the head maid’s sworn enemy. If he’s questioning you, he’s up to no good.”
Selena blinked, studying the maid’s face. Something about her seemed unfamiliar. She was sure she hadn’t seen this girl before. “I don’t think I’ve met you,” Selena said carefully. “What’s your name? Where do you work?”
The maid gave a quick smile. “No wonder. I handle the Gamma’s kitchen storeroom. I don’t get to come out much, so we don’t cross paths often.”
Hearing this, Selena felt relieved. The tension in her chest eased, and she gave the girl a grateful smile. “Thank you for stepping in. I really appreciate it.” She offered her hand. “I’m Selena.”
The maid took it. “Glad to help. I’m Rina. It’s good to have a friend in this place.”
What Selena didn’t know was that this meeting was no accident. Rina had earlier reported herself to the head maid, gaining proper placement in the kitchen storeroom so no one would question her presence. Everything had been carefully planned.
That night, after finishing her duties, Selena retired to her room. Sitting by the small window, she sent a secret message to Lucian, reporting everything that had happened—including her encounter with the strange maid who had saved her from the male spy’s questions.
Wanting to be cautious on all fronts, Selena also visited the head maid the next morning. With a kind smile, she offered the woman a small pouch of coins and a pair of fine bracelets. “A token of respect,” she said sweetly. “I just want to be sure we’re on good terms.”
The head maid’s eyes gleamed with greed as she accepted the gifts. “You’re a smart girl, Selena,” she said. “No trouble will come your way as long as I’m here.”
Selena bowed her head respectfully, but deep inside, she remained alert. In this house full of hidden plots, she knew every step could be dangerous.
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That night, under the cover of darkness, Rina sent out her message. Using the small sparrow Lucian had provided, she carefully tied her note to its leg, watching as it flew off into the night sky. In her report, she described everything: the male spy’s strange questioning of Selena, his sharp interest, and the way he had masked his true intentions behind false concern.
Rina ended her letter with a warning—“He’s watching her closely, Beta. I sense danger in his eyes.”
By dawn, Lucian had received both letters—the one from Selena detailing her encounter and her cautious actions, and the one from Rina confirming the spy’s growing suspicions.
Lucian read them in the quiet of his study, his heart heavy with worry, but also swelling with pride at Selena’s strength and Rina’s loyalty.
With a deep breath, he took up his pen and wrote back to Selena first:
“My beloved mate, I cannot express how proud I am of your bravery and wisdom. Every word you send eases my heart, even in these troubling times. Please, continue to stay cautious, and remember—you are never alone. My thoughts, my strength, my heart—they are always with you. Stay safe, my light. Soon, this darkness will pass, and I will have you at my side forever.”
Next, he wrote to Rina:
“Your keen eyes and quick action have earned my deepest respect. I thank you for standing watch over Selena and the Gamma’s estate. I trust you. Keep your guard high. Watch both the Gamma and anyone who moves in the shadows. Protect Selena at all costs. I’m counting on you.”
Lucian tied the notes to two separate sparrows and sent them off into the night, his mind already racing with plans on how to expose the traitors without alerting them too soon.
As the birds disappeared into the sky, he whispered to himself, “I will protect them. I will protect my pack. No matter the cost.”