Chapter
Chapter 22
Kamrynn’s POV
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After I finish prepping vegetables for breakfast, Tiona comes over with a smile. “Kamrynn, you’ve done well this
schedule” morning. Why don’t you take a break? After breakfast, I’ll let you know what other chores are on your
“Thank you, Tiona,” I say, feeling a rush of relief.
1 step
p out of the kitchen, planning to take a moment to check on Rmonica. My mind wanders back to last night’s strange dream–the withering flowers, monica’s distress, and the cloaked figure in the shadows. And then, there’s Eloane. The things I saw this morning, her secretive behavior… None of it makes sense, yet I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong.
Lost in thought, I turn the corner–and collide headlong into someone.
Before I can react, a hand shoves me hard in the chest, sending me stumbling backward. My balance gives out, and I hit the floor with a jarring thud, pain shooting up my spine. I grit my teeth, relieved I landed on my backside instead of my stomach.
“Watch where you’re going, you clumsy idiot!” Eloane’s voice slices through the air, filled with cold fury. She towers over me, her face twisted In disdain, one hand protectively cradling her stomach as she glares down at me. “Do you have any idea what you just did?” she snaps, voice dripping with contempt. “What were you thinking, charging around like some reckless animal? Are you trying to harm the heir to this Pack?”
Heat rises in my cheeks, anger sparking as I push myself up, meeting her gaze. “I wasn’t the one who pushed someone else,” I say, my tone sharper than usual. “And that could have hurt my baby as well, Eloane. You’re not the only one who’s pregnant here.”
Her eyes darken, and her mouth twists with fury. Before I can register the movement, she raises her hand and strikes me across the face. The slap rings out in the empty hallway, the sting burning into my cheek. I press a hand to my face, the pain radiating across my skin as I stare up at her in stunned silence.
“Don’t you dare speak to me like that.” Her voice is a low, venomous hiss. “Do you honestly think you’re my equal? You don’t even belong here, rogue.” Her gaze sweeps over me, a look of pure disdain twisting her features. “You’re nothing but a filthy outsider that Rmonica took pity on. A stray dog she picked up on a whim. Don’t you ever forget that. You may be here, but you will never be one of us.”
My fi
fists clench, anger boiling beneath my skin. But I swallow it down, holding her gaze, refusing to let her see the effect her words are having. She doesn’t deserve a reaction
Eloane scoffs, letting out a humorless laugh as she steps closer, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “I’m and I’ll warning you, Kamrynn,” she sneers. “One more incident like this, one more display of your arrogance, personally see to it that you’re thrown out of this palace and left to fend for yourself. Do you think for a second that Rmonica’s kindness will protect you forever? You’re nothing here–no one cares about you. Not her, not anyone.”
I bite down on the retort bubbling up in my throat, my jaw tightening as her words slice through me. “I don’t need anyone’s protection,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper, holding onto the last bit of my composure.
“Oh, I think you do,” she says, her tone mocking. “Because without Rmonica’s charity, you’d be back in whatever you did gutter you crawled out of, begging for scraps. And another thing–don’t ever speak out of turn again, like yesterday. You think you have a right to defend her against me? You have no idea who you’re dealing with. I’m the one carrying her heir. I’m the one who actually matters here.”
She leans in, her voice dropping to awhisper, her eyes gleaming with malice. “So keep your mouth shut, your head down, and don’t make the mistake of crossing me again. Or you’ll regret it in ways you can’t even imagine.”
נוד
+25 BONUS
Her gaze lingers on me, as if daring me to respond, to lash out. But I know that’s what she wants–a scene, something to hold over me. For Rinonica’s sake, I force myself to stay silent, my fists trembling as I struggle to keep my expression neutral,
When I don’t respond, she straightens, a smug smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Good girl,” she sneers, giving me one last disdainful look. “At least you can learn something.”
With a final scoff, she turns and strides down the hallway, ter heels echoing in the silence as she leaves me standing there, her words still ringing in my cars,
Taking a deep, shaky breath, I press a hand to my stinging check, willing myself to calm down before continuing toward Rmonica’s room. She doesn’t need to see me like this, hurt and shaken. She has enough to worry about.
I knock gently on Rmonica’s door, and her warm voice answers from within. “Come in!”
I step inside, and her smile instantly puts me at ease. “Kamrynn! Is everything alright?” she asks, her eyes soft with concern.
“Yes, Rmonica,” I reply, offering a small smile. “I just wanted to check in… to say hi.”
Her eyes brighten, and she gestures for me to come closer. I’m so glad you did. I was about to have breakfast.” She pauses, then asks, “Have you eaten?”
1 shake my head. “No, not yet.
“Well, then join me!” Rmonica says cheerfully, motioning to the table set with a beautiful array of breakfast dishes.
“Oh, I couldn’t,” I say, taking a step back. “It wouldn’t be right for a maid to eat with the Luna.”
She rolls her eyes with a playful grin. “Kamrynn, you’re not just any maid, and I’d rather not eat alone. My mate had to leave early this morning for some urgent matters with a neighboring Pack, so you’d be doing me a favor.” With a bit of hesitation, I finally nod, taking a seat across from her. The table is set with dishes fit for royalty- freshly baked croissants, honey–drizzled fruits, soft scrambled eggs, grilled vegetables, and delicate slices of smoked salmon. The scents alone make my mouth water, and I realize how long it’s been since I’ve had a meal that wasn’t just enough to get by.
“Please, help yourself,” Rmonica says, smiling as she fills my plate.
I take a bite, the flavors rich and comforting. “This… this is amazing,” I murmur, savoring the taste.
Rmonica laughs, watching me with amusement. “Claude always outdoes himself, doesn’t he? I swear, it’s hard to ever eat plain food again after having his cooking
As we eat, Rmonica keeps the conversation light, sharing funny stories and making her usual warm jokes that ease the tension I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. It isn’t long before I’m laughing along with her, the worry and frustration of the morning melting away.
We talk and laugh, sharing stories as though we’re old friends, and for the first time in so long, I feel… relaxed. I feel like I belong, even if it’s just for a moment.
Just as we finish our meal, there’s a sharp knock at the door. Before either of us can respond, the door swings open, and Eloane strides in without so much as a glance in my direction.
Rmonica,” she says briskly, her voice carrying a tone of authority. “It’s time for your medication.” Her eyes flick toward me, a clear indication that she expects me to leave.
Rmonica gives me a grateful smile. “Thank you, Kamrynn, for keeping me company this morning. We’ll do it
#25 BONUS
Chapter 27
again soon, I hope.”
I stand, nodding respectfully. “Of course, Luma. Thank you for inviting me.
I keep my head down as I pass Eloane on my way out, forcing myself to hold back any words or looks that might provoke her. The sting on my cheek from earlier reminds me to keep quiet, for Rmonica’s sake as much as my
OWIL.
