There was something about his brown eyes that struck something deep within her, like a memory buried far beneath in a place she could never reach.
Was this a kind of ability he had? To make people uneasy before him?
She didn't like it. It was confusing.
It was something she didn't need. Meeting him twice and having him remember her in a place she shouldn't even have called attention to herself was something she didn't need.
“You are hurt?”
“I am alright… Milord,” she said, quickly attempting to stand up and failing yet again.
The fall was definitely greater than she thought it was. Was it a dislocation or a fracture? Why wasn't she feeling terrible pain yet?
The glowing brown haired man knelt by her side and that did nothing but heightened Belladonna's worry.
By Ignas, what was he doing?!
She hadn't been in this Realm for the longest time to know most of their customs but she was certain a person of high status, even in this realm, wasn’t supposed to have this much concern for a mere maid.
“Have we met before?”
“I served you wine, Milord. I behaved poorly. You had mercy, I’m grateful.” She said, keeping her head down. Maybe this show of respect would make him leave her alone.
His woman had made a scene about her showing gratitude, it must mean something to them.
When she felt a finger slip under her chin, she went still.
This was just getting worse.
By Ignas, she needed to leave this place. With the Life Gem now in their possession, she had to bring Eli back! Then she had to find her way to the Lycan’s realm to help her sister and her son.
Alaris was here, she was certain of it. He must have noticed that he had lost her by now and was now somewhere within those shadows, watching and waiting.
With his ringed finger beneath her chin, he guarded her to look at him.
“Before that?”
She looked away sharply, her heart beating so loudly she could hear it pounding.
She had to leave here before anyone else would see them.
By Ignas, she didn't need this attention.
“Never! I must leave, my Mistress calls for me. My lateness will anger her.”
His hands found her ankle before she could move and she groaned instinctively, now feeling the pain.
It was a wonder that Alaris had attacked yet. But after what had happened in Gaya’s Garden, it was understandable that he could be too weak for a battle. Also, the being in front of her seemed powerful, after all, he had been dining with the King. He would be difficult to take down and the attention they were detesting would swarm them in seconds.
“Your Mistress can wait.” He pressed his palm firmly against her injured ankle.
For a second, she felt better, then she felt the warmness of fire; pain shot straight through her. She tried to pull her ankle away from him but his grip was tight and he pulled it back.
The next second, he had let her go. She was panting, sweating running down her forehead and the pain in her ankle was gone.
“I’m sorry. I heal through fire, I had forgotten that lowborns are not used to that.”
He was pulling her up to her feet before she knew it, his hands around her waist to steady her while she tried to shake the overwhelming feeling from being healed so quickly away from her.
“You stink,” he said with slight humor, “ of dirt…” then he paused, finding her gaze instantly, “ and blood. Who did this to you?” He cut sharply.
“No one.” She pulled herself away from him. “I was in the Slaughterhouse, a pig broke loose, I tried to catch it but lost my footing.”
“And somehow you got lost in the hallway,” he said, his eyes twinkling with fascination as he took one step closer to her.
She took a step back.
By Ignas, could he just leave her alone. If she were to run, would he send guards after her.
She turned to, but he was right in front of her.
“Don't. I wouldn't want you to strain your ankle again.”
“My Mistress will be filled with rage—” Her words vanished when he leaned in his nose hovering slightly against her neck. She pulled away sharply. “Milord!”
“You are lying.”
“Milord…”
His brows furrowed with rage. “Have you come here to give yourself to someone?”
“No!”
By Ignas, what was his problem?!
“What is his name?!” His anger grew.
What was going on? This made no sense.
“Tell me now.” Fire danced at his fingertips and at that moment, Belladonna knew that he was certainly mad.
Insane.
Crazy!