Iris’s POV
Before I could respond, Alia spoke again, her voice soft. "Just take it slow, Iris. You’ll get it right." She tilted her head, her tired eyes crinkling with a small, encouraging smile.
Thank God she didn’t give a chance to answer. How could I have told her I’d thrown the book in a fit of anger? That sa book she’d risked so much to get for , nearly costing her life when her asthma flared up, only to be saved by Alpha Lucas’s inhaler. The mory only made feel bad for my actions. I forced a smile, nodding instead. The thought of going to find that book from where I’d thrown it intensified but why? Why should I get the book when it was useless? It doesn’t matter anymore. To hell with it and to hell with Lyra. I’m no longer interested in being a werewolf like I stated earlier. And it’s also a good thing Lyra hasn’t spoken to ever since I’d shut her up, never to speak to again.
Alia’s expression softened further, unaware of the guilt churning inside . "I’ll check on you later, okay? I’ve got to go freshen up. Scarlett’s got running ragged, and I sll like kitchen grease." She wrinkled her nose, tugging at the hem of her apron, which was smudged with faint stains of oil and flour. Indeed, she looked like she’s been working her ass out, obviously she just ca here to check on briefly.
I nodded again. "You need so rest too." I added.
She gave a little wave as she slipped out the door. It clicked shut behind her. I stood there for a mont, my fingers tracing the smooth silver of the necklace she’d given . It really looked beautiful. I took out the necklace out from its box as I wore it around my neck. It really looks good on .
As the day dragged on, having do so much work, causing so slight headache. By the ti evening ca, my body ached. I made my way to my room, hoping for a mont to at least rest my head. I hadn’t really rested in the past few days and I’m starting to feel like I’m likely to fall sick soon and I didn’t want that to happen.
But just as I got inside the room and finished taking a shower and dressed, a knock on the door startled ,it was sudden. My heart lurched as I wondered who it could be at this hour? Most of the maids were either in the kitchen or tucked away in their own quarters. And I was convinced it wasn’t Alia. She wouldn’t knock before entering. I hesitated, my hand hovering over the doorknob, before pulling it open.
To my surprise, Alpha Lucas stood there as his eyes lit up the mont they t mine. A warm smile spread across his face but it only sent a jolt of panic through .
"Alpha Lucas," I stamred. Why is he here? My fingers tightened around the doorknob. "You... you shouldn’t be here." I glanced down the corridor, half-expecting to see Liora or one of her loyal maids lurking, ready to report . "If anyone sees you in the maids’ quarters, they’ll report . I’ll be punished."
His smile faltered, his brows knitting together in confusion. "Why?" he asked. He took a small step closer. Back in War Born, it wasn’t like this. Everyone could move freely, no matter their rank. Back when I was in warborn, I was never restricted as much as I was here in black bane.
He trailed off, his eyes searching mine, as if trying to understand why he shouldn’t be here.
"It’s different here," I said. "You need to leave. Please."
Lucas didn’t move. His gaze flicked over . "Iris, I..."
Before he could finish, I grabbed his wrist. The contact sent a shock through , but I pushed it aside, tugging him gently but urgently toward the corridor. "Co on," I said, my heart pounding as I glanced around again. The hallway was empty, but I could hear the faint murmur of voices from the maids’ common room nearby.
As we stepped out, two maids passed by, their heads bent together, whispering so words to themselves and I didn’t bother to know what they said. Their eyes never leave and Lucas. I quickened my pace, leading Lucas toward the garden.
I stopped near a stone bench, releasing Lucas’s wrist.
"Alpha Lucas," I said, keeping my voice low, "if you need my service, please send for next ti. Don’t co to my quarters.
Liora..." I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. "She’s territorial. If she thinks I’m trying to get close to you, her brother, she’ll make my life even harder."
He was quiet for a mont, the silence stretching between us. I could feel his gaze on . Without hesitation, I turned to leave as he called.
"Iris, wait," Lucas called. I ignored and suddenly, my foot catching on a stone in the path as I lost my balance, and I stumbled forward, falling but strong hands caught before I could reach the ground. Lucas’s grip was firm but gentle. My eyes were lost in the contours of his face, my breath catching as my eyes locked with his. For a mont, the world narrowed to just us. But it didn’t last long. His voice broke the silence imdiately.
"Are you okay?" he asked. His hands were still on .
"I... I’m fine," I stamred, pulling back slightly. My heart pounded, not just from the near fall but from the way he was looking at . I couldn’t quite explain it but it sent shivers running down my spine.
Suddenly, a rustle from the direction of the maids’ quarters snapped out of the mont as I glanced over and saw Alia standing by the window. Her hands were pressed against the window glass while she stared at us.
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