The sun was soft that morning, slipping through the carved windows like it wanted to rest on my skin. Damon had just left my chamber after staying the night, and my heart was still calm from his warmth. He had made me feel safe. I touched my belly and smiled faintly. The baby shifted, gently, reminding me I was not alone.
I needed air. I needed space. And maybe, I needed to feel the palace like it was truly mine, too.
So I dressed in a soft gown, nothing heavy, and wrapped a shawl around my shoulders. My steps echoed as I left my chamber, and the moment I crossed into the hallways, I realized something.
I had never truly walked this palace. Not really.
The walls stretched high, painted with gold patterns and symbols older than my memory. Tapestries of battles and victories, of Alphas long before Damon, Kael, and Rowan, hung heavy and proud. Every door, every arch, was carved as if it belonged to kings. My fingers brushed the cold stone, and it hummed with power, with history.
"Beautiful," I whispered to myself. "So beautiful."
I passed the great hall, its ceiling painted with the moon and stars. I walked through the open courtyard, where the morning breeze carried the scent of roses and wet earth. The palace was alive, vast, and powerful. It was the heart of the pack, and yet I, who lived here, had never taken the time to see it.
I felt small and yet strangely comforted, like the palace wrapped me in something larger than fear. For once, I forgot the stares, the whispers, the danger of being close to Damon. For once, I was only a woman with a child, admiring a world I had never paused to see.
I was almost back to my room when the sound of footsteps slowed my breath.
"Lisa," a voice called.
My chest tightened at once. His last words to me had sounded like a warning, not advice. His eyes, sharp and dark, always felt like they could strip me bare.
I bowed quickly, lowering my head. "Good morning, Uncle."
I turned, ready to leave, but his voice cut me again.
I stopped, heart racing. Slowly, I faced him again. "Yes, Uncle?"
He stepped closer, his smile small but unreadable. "How is the baby? My nephews’ heir?"
I placed a hand over my belly and forced a polite smile. "The baby is well, Uncle. Strong, I believe."
He hummed, his eyes narrowing as if he weighed my words. Then he leaned slightly forward. "Good. Because I will need your help very soon."
My brows rose, and for a second, my fear faded into confusion. "Help?"
"Yes," he said firmly. "You will do something for me."
My lips parted, but I quickly nodded, eager not to anger him. "Of course, Uncle. Gladly. If it is within my power, I will help."
He smirked, tilting his head. "Not now. Later. When the time is right."
"Oh." I blinked, still confused. "I see. Then... I will wait. But may I ask what it is?"
He shook his head slowly. "You will know when it comes."
My heart skipped. Why was he speaking in riddles? What did he mean? A task for me? Something later?
Still, I bowed again. "I will do as you say, Uncle."
He turned slightly, as though ready to leave, and I sighed with relief. But then, his voice returned, sharp as ever.
"Stay a while," he said casually, though his eyes did not match the softness of his tone. "Keep me company."
Every part of me screamed no. The way he looked at me, the way his words pressed against my chest, it was heavy, dangerous.
I forced a small smile, steadying my voice. "Forgive me, Uncle. I must return to my chamber. Damon will come looking for me, and I... I cannot be away too long."
His eyes darkened. "So quick to run?"
"I do not mean to offend you," I said, my voice trembling even as I tried to keep it even. "But I must go."
For a long moment, he said nothing. The silence was heavy, louder than words. His gaze burned into me, and I bowed again, lower this time.
Finally, he laughed softly. "Go then. For now."
Relief washed over me, and I whispered, "Thank you, Uncle."
I turned and walked quickly, almost too quickly, back to my chamber. My hands trembled as I shut the door behind me.
I leaned against the wood, pressing my hand to my belly again. "What does he want from me?" I whispered to myself. "What does he mean by later?"
Should I tell Damon? Should I tell him about Uncle Fridolf stopping me, about his strange words, about the way his eyes lingered like he already owned me?
My hand rested on my belly as I whispered, "What if he gets angry? What if Damon thinks I am making fears out of nothing?" But another voice in my head whispered louder, "What if you stay silent, and it becomes too late?"
I was still torn when the door opened before me.
Damon walked in. Two maids followed behind him, carrying trays of food, and four guards took position at the walls like stone statues.
"Lisa," Damon’s voice softened when his eyes found mine. "You are awake, and you look pale. Are you well?"
I forced a small smile, though my hands trembled. "Yes, Damon. I... I only went out to walk. To see the palace."
I blinked at Damon, the presence of the guards and maids still heavy in my mind. My voice was small, hesitant.
"Why... why are there maids and guards here, Damon? I don’t understand."
He reached for my hand, guiding me gently to the cushioned seat near the window. He sat beside me and exhaled deeply.
"Lisa," he began, his tone calm but sharp at the edges. "There has been a turn. Evidence came forward. It claims Belinda was not behind Dolph’s attempt."
The words struck me cold. My lips trembled as I shook my head. "That is not true. Damon, no! She...she has always despised me. She would never spare me if given the chance." My voice broke, pale fear rushing into my cheeks.
He tightened his hold on my hand. "I know," he said simply. His eyes locked into mine, burning with certainty. "I know, Lisa. That is why I am still investigating in secret."
I swallowed hard, my chest rising too quickly. "Then why release her? Why let her free if you already know?"
"Because," Damon leaned closer, his voice lower now, "Kael and Rowan pressed it. They made me accept the evidence for now. But this..." he gestured toward the guards by the wall, the maids setting down trays with lowered eyes, "...this is why I brought them here."
I looked around, my heart racing faster. "Guards? Maids?" Follow current novᴇls on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝙣𝙚𝙩
"Yes," he said firmly. "They will remain with you all day. No one comes near you without my order. The maids will serve you. And one will taste every meal before you eat."
His gaze softened, though the weight of his words did not. "If there is poison, you will never touch it. If there is danger, they will shield you.