redith.
"Let everything that happened remain in the past."
I stared at the closed door after Kira and Deidra left, those words echoing in my skull like a curse. My blood boiled.
What does he an by, let everything that happened stay in the past?
Did Draven even understand the weight of what he had said to ? The cruelty behind it? Or was it just another command he expected to accept with my head bowed, like the obedient, cursed woman I was supposed to be?
The nerve of him!
If he thought I would forgive and forget what he did to not even twenty-four hours ago, then he was either a joker or he thought I was one.
I clenched my jaw so tight it hurt. My appetite almost vanished completely. Almost.
But I would not let that man—his words, his audacity—ruin the only peaceful thing left in this wretched place: my dinner.
After drawing in a slow, calming breath, I reached for the warm napkin and wiped my hands clean. Then I picked up a slice of bread, tore a piece off, and dipped it into the thick gravy.
The flavour hit my tongue with a warmth that startled . Rich. Hearty. Seasoned just right. My eyes fluttered shut as I chewed, nodding to myself in reluctant approval.
I ate everything. Every last bite.
Only after I cleared the plate did I realize just how much I had consud. I slumped back slightly into the couch, groaning.
If the Moon Goddess was looking for soone to curse, she should’ve picked the day Draven Oatrun was born, not .
I stayed still until the heaviness eased from my stomach, and then finally pushed myself up. The bathroom called to .
I used the toilet and then stood before the sink, staring at my reflection in the wide mirror. The scar was still there, but sothing about it looked lighter. It was healing. And I didn’t like it.
Without hesitation, I raised my hand and dragged the sharp edge of my fingernail down the old line, slicing it open again. A spike of pain bolted through my cheek, but I was used to it.
Then I waited. Three seconds later, the blood appeared—fresh, red, perfect.
Good.
I turned the tap on, bent forward, and washed my face until the water ran clear. Then I grabbed a tissue, dried my skin, and tossed it into the toilet before flushing and removing the evidence.
I smiled at my reflection, one that didn’t reach my eyes.
"I can sleep peacefully now," I whispered to myself.
---
The next morning, I woke up unusually light enough to let Azul and Deidra bustle around without complaint. I even let them get ready faster than usual.
After my bath, I sat at the vanity in a multi-colored dress. It was modest, but flattering. Deidra stood behind , gathering my hair into a neat ponytail while Azul uncapped the tiny jar of the healing balm.
But the mont Azul leaned in and saw my cheek, her expression twisted. "It’s not healing," she announced.
I stiffened slightly, but didn’t let it show.
Deidra peered over, her voice full of concern. "My lady, the wound looks fresh."
Honestly, I was a bit nervous, and I needed to stop this before they started a full investigation into my face and found out in the end that I had, in fact, cut myself open.
"Azul, I don’t want to be late for breakfast," I said quickly.
Azul blinked, startled. "I—I apologize, my lady."
She dabbed the balm gently and worked faster. The sting was faint compared to last night’s.
As I stepped into the living space, I noticed Kira by the door, speaking softly.
"My lady hasn’t filled the form yet," she said to soone outside.
Imdiately, I knew it was Beta Jeffery.
I walked forward, just as Kira opened the door wide upon seeing . Jeffery gave a respectful bow. "My lady."
I nodded once. "I wasn’t able to fill it last night. Can I trouble you to co back after breakfast?"
He tilted his head slightly. "Would you like assistance filling it out?"
"I can handle it." That was all I said.
He gave a small nod and left.
I returned to the couch and sat as Arya helped with my sandals. Deidra ca forward with a light oil perfu and sprayed it at my wrists, the sides of my neck, and through my hair.
Kira turned to once she was done. "It’s ti for breakfast, my lady."
But just then, sothing petty in shifted. I rose and said, "I want to use the bathroom first."
I turned without waiting for their reaction.
Let Draven wait.
Two minutes later, I stepped back into the living area, allowing Azul and Kira to lead .
I didn’t expect to run into Draven in the hallway. He stood tall and imposing, approaching from the opposite direction.
The second I saw him, my stomach churned. I almost turned back, regretting my petty delay—but pride held steady.
I stopped briefly and bowed. "Alpha," I muttered, then moved forward imdiately. My steps were swift, giving him no space to speak.
Azul and Kira greeted him behind and had to pick up their pace to catch up again.
Inside the dining room, everything looked like the day before.
Xamira was all better now. Her fever broke, and the redness on her face was fading. That was more than enough to bring relief.
Wanda sat beside her, all smiles, as though she hadn’t been a viper yesterday.
Jeffery was already seated, but he had skipped the seat next to Draven’s right this ti and taken the one after it.
Interesting.
I barely had ti to settle into the chair I had claid before Draven’s footsteps reached the room. Everyone stood, except . He gestured for them to sit, and the ritual began.
Wanda turned to a heartbeat later with a bright, calculated smile. "redith, how are you feeling this morning? Has your headache finally gone down?"
I narrowed my gaze at her.
Yesterday, she had spat venom at and barred from the child’s door like I was nothing. Now she wanted to play polite? She must be delusional.
I didn’t soften. I t her eyes with cool indifference.
"I’m here now," I said flatly, intending to piss her off, but her smile didn’t falter, which was odd.
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