redith.
My body felt like it had been dragged down a rocky hill and tossed into a pit.
Every joint ached, every inch of my waist throbbed where Draven had grabbed . The force of it had left sothing more profound than just bruises.
The kind of pain that lingered, coiled around bone and muscle like a silent threat.
I knew I was weak. But I didn’t realize it was this bad.
I sat on the edge of the bed, legs subrged in a basin of warm water as Arya massaged my sore feet. A steaming cup of herbal tea nestled in my palms, the scent bitter and earthy.
Relief didn’t co quickly, but I welcod the slow heat crawling through my veins.
I took another sip. The mont the cup left my lips, Cora appeared like magic to take it from . Then a groan escaped before I could stop it.
Azul entered, arms full—a basin of hot water and a white towel. "Would you like so pain dication, my lady?" she asked putting the basin down.
I shook my head.
She sighed, unsurprised. She knew I hated pills. "Then I will give you a hot water massage. It will help ease the bruising."
"Fine," I muttered, not because I believed her, but because I had no choice. I an, I will do anything to take the pain away, even if I have to resort to pills in the end.
Cora moved aside as Arya patted my feet dry and disappeared with the bowl. Azul helped out of my dress, her fingers deftly working the zipper down, then guided to lie face down on the bed.
I watched from the corner of my eye as she dipped the towel into the steaming basin and wrung it out with her bare hands. She didn’t flinch. I wondered briefly if her hands were made of steel.
Then ca the towel—too hot, too sudden—pressing against my waist.
"Ah—" I hissed, jerking slightly.
"Sorry, my lady," Azul murmured. "Please, bear it for a mont."
She pressed it down gently and began to work her hands over my back in practiced circles.
"There’s a bruise here," she said after a minute. "Looks like it’s going to get dark by tomorrow."
I sighed. "I wish I could see it."
"If you had a phone, I would have snapped a picture for you," Azul replied with a grin.
Another sigh left . I still hadn’t figured out how those sleek little devices worked. I had seen them everywhere, but I hadn’t touched one myself. I wish I could have one.
After the steaming compress ca the balm—sharp, cooling, pungent, the sll told it would work, though it set my skin tingling like fire.
Just then, the door creaked open and Kira stepped in, wide-eyed and clearly bearing news. "My lady... the Alpha is here to see you."
I shot up—too fast.
A sharp pain sliced through my waist, and a gasp tore from my throat. "Ah!" My eyes shut against the flare of pain.
"My lady!" both Kira and Azul cried out.
"I’m fine," I muttered through gritted teeth.
I blinked, then turned back to Kira. "What did you just say?"
She straightened, clearly flustered. "The Alpha. He’s at the door. He... wants to see you."
"What does he want? Do we have business?" I asked coolly, already sliding off the bed.
Azul zipped my dress quickly, and I didn’t wait another second.
"Tell your Alpha to co in," I said with a flippant flick of my hand.
And for the briefest second, I wondered why he hadn’t just barged in. The Alpha I knew did whatever he pleased, and yet... he waited. Outside. Until summoned. Perhaps the sun had finally risen from the west.
I moved to the sitting area, tempted to sit, but Azul gave a look that said ’stand.’ So I stood. Resentfully. I wasn’t sure what was worse—the pain in my waist or the way protocol demanded I act like I owed Draven my spine.
When Draven entered, it wasn’t just him. Xamira walked beside him, her little fingers curled loosely in his.
I blinked in surprise. Why had he brought her here?
I didn’t greet him. I was too confused. It was Azul’s discreet cough and her finger gently poking my back that reminded of manners.
I curtsied quickly and stood tall again. I didn’t offer him a seat. He didn’t deserve one, even if this entire house belonged to him. Azul, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward politely.
"Alpha, would you like to sit?"
He declined, eyes already locked on .
Then he got to the point, his voice steady and low. "What happened earlier... was a mistake and negligence from the servants." His gaze shifted to Xamira. "Go on. Apologize."
The child nodded and looked up at , her voice small. "I’m sorry. I made a mistake."
I stared at her. And I didn’t speak. I simply nodded.
Not because I didn’t forgive her. But because he was standing there—watching. Waiting. asuring . I wasn’t about to play the docile, soft-hearted fool just because his daughter had almost gotten killed.
Then, the unexpected happened.
"I apologize," Draven said. "For my daughter’s mistake that almost put you in danger."
I stared.
Did he just... apologize? Draven? Alpha Draven?
The man who forced into marriage, who humiliated in the backyard yesterday, had the gall to apologise? My brain sputtered. My mouth dried.
And then I understood. Of course. It wasn’t for . It was for his daughter.
Because he loved her, because she was the only person in this house he truly cared about.
I tilted my chin, letting the corner of my mouth lift ever so slightly.
"I forgive you," I said. But my eyes told a different story. My voice said, "This isn’t about your daughter." And I made sure he got the ssage.
His gaze narrowed.
Good.
I turned to Xamira then, and tried to crouch—but the pain flared again, sharp as ever. I sucked in a breath and quickly straightened.
Azul rushed to my side, "My lady—?"
"I’m fine," I replied tightly, refusing to look weak in front of him.
Then I offered Xamira a soft smile. "How are you?"
"Fine," she whispered.
"I’m glad to hear that. At least now I know not to give you strawberries in the future."
Her eyes rounded.
And I lowered my voice, just enough to twist the knife, "A certain soone made sure I knew my place."
I turned my gaze on Draven again, steady and unflinching.
He held my stare, but I wasn’t in the least bothered.
If anything, I was having fun getting on his nerves.
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