Chapter 201
Days passed, and the sickness didn’t abate. Each morning began the ame way–a rush to the bathroom, violent retching that brought up blood with those strange, glittering silver flecks. I’d managed to hide it from the guards posted outside my door, timing. my episodes for when they changed shifts or slipping into the bathroom with the shower running to mask the sounds.
This morning was worse than usual. As I knelt on the cold tile floor, noticed my reflection in the polished surface of the bathtub- pale, drawn, with dark circles under my eyes. My hand instinctively went to my abdomen, which seemed… different. Slightly rounded where it had been flat before. I told myself it was my imagination, a trick of the light, but doubt nagged at me.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I quickly wiped my mouth, flushed away the evidence, and rinsed with water before calling out, “Coming!”
When I opened the door, I was startled to find Thalia standing there her ageless beauty as irritating as ever. She breezed past me without waiting for an invitation, surveying the room with calculated indifference.
“I didn’t remember asking you to come in, Thalia,” I said, closing the door behind her.
“So, the rumors are true; you are back.” She turned to face me, her eyes sharp and assessing.
“Much to your disappointment, I see.” I kept my voice neutral, though my instincts screamed caution.
“I should feel hurt that you didn’t come visit me. I thought we were such good friends and all.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“Is that what you thought? I’m so sorry, I have been busy doing nothing. I couldn’t make out the time, but you are here now, and I guess I don’t have to worry about that anymore.” I matched her fake pleasantry with my own.
“Oh, I must say, I did miss you. Kaius was no fun with you gone. The whole pack had been waiting on your return.*
“What?” I couldn’t hide my surprise at that.
“Of course. With you gone, Kaius changed completely, and it only took a while for them to understand that he still loved you. Despite all he had said, they all hoped you would return, and I guess you are back. But what is puzzling is the fact that you haven’t even gone out there to make it official.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying my reaction.
“Well, no one did tell me that they had been waiting for my return. moved to sit by the window, putting distance between us.
“Could there be more to why Kaius had kept you hidden in here?” She moved closer, her gaze too perceptive for comfort.
“Always the curious one, Elder, but remember, curiosity kills the cat, even the ancient ones,” I warned, keeping my tope light despite
the undercurrent of threat.
“I am here now; perhaps we could go out for a walk, the pack is wide awake, we could visit the training grounds, make your presence known, except… there is a reason you don’t want anyone to know about your return.” The challenge in her voice was unmistakable.
I hesitated. She was baiting me, clearly. But refusing would only confirm her suspicions that something was wrong. And I was tired of being confined to this room, of hiding from whatever was happening to my body.
“As much fun as it sounds, I’d rather remain here, Thalia.” I tried to sound casual.
“Oh, come on, it’s just a walk,” she pressed, her smile sharpening.
Decision time. Stay hidden and fuel her suspicion, or face whatever trap she was setting. The choice was clear.
“Okay then, I’ll grab my jacket, and we could be on our way.” I stood meeting her gaze with a confidence I didn’t entirely feel,
1/2
Chapter 201
I was done hiding in this room. If Thalia wanted to play games, I could play too–and I had a few new advantages she knew nothing
about.
The corridors of the pack house were familiar yet strange, like revising a childhood home years later. Pack members stopped and stared as we passed, conversations dropping to whispers. I kept my head high, ignoring the stares and the occasional bow from those who still considered me their Queen.
The training grounds were filled with activity–sparring matches, weapons practice, young wolves learning from their elders. Frost stood in the center of it all, directing a group of younger pack members through sword drills. He froze mid–sentence when he spotted me, his ice–blue eyes widening in surprise.
“Continuing your lesson,” Thalia announced loudly, drawing attention to our arrival. “I thought the Luna might enjoy seeing how the pack has progressed in her absence.”
Frost recovered quickly, nodding a greeting. “Luna,” he acknowledged ignoring Thalia completely. “We’re working on defensive sword techniques today.”
“I can see that.” I moved closer, watching the young wolves attempt the moves Frost had demonstrated.
“If you would give me a chance, Beta Frost, I would be glad to show them the practical aspect of what you’ve taught them,” Thalia suggested, an edge to her voice.
Frost’s expression turned wary. “These are beginners, Elder. They’re not ready for demonstration bouts yet.”
“Elowen, if you would join me…” Thalia turned to me, her smile predatory.
“No.” Frost’s response was immediate and firm.
“Don’t worry, Beta, I won’t go further than a nick,” she promised, her eyes never leaving mine.
“You want to practice, then do it with me,” Frost countered.
“It’s fine, Frost,” I said, stepping forward. I understood Thalia’s game now–she wanted to humiliate me, to expose any weakness. But she didn’t know what I’d become.
