The rays of the morning sun streamed through the curtains, their warmth brushing against Ahicia's pale face. She stirred in her bed, wincing as a dull ache throbbed in her legs. Ignoring the pain, she sat up, her crimson eyes glinting in the golden light.
"The sun," she mumbled to herself, her voice barely a whisper. "I miss feeling it on my skin."
She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, steadying herself against the wall. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she made her way toward the door. The soft murmurs of the estate waking up filled the air, but she had no intention of waiting for Lysandra to come and fuss over her.
Still dressed in her nightwear, Ahicia slipped outside, her bare feet brushing against the cool grass. She wandered to the garden, the scent of blooming flowers enveloping her as she made her way to the pond. Kneeling by the water, she gazed at her reflection.
Her crimson eyes seemed duller than usual, her cheeks hollowed, and her once radiant smile absent. She dipped a finger into the pond, watching the ripples distort her reflection. "What are you even doing here?" she muttered bitterly to herself. "You're useless. A burden."
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Grace approaching until the woman's voice sliced through the tranquility of the garden.
"Well, don't stop now," Grace said, her voice dripping with mockery. "You were on quite the roll, sister."
Ahicia stiffened, her jaw tightening as she turned to face Grace. The wolf-shifter's crimson eyes gleamed with mischief, her lips curling into a smug smile.
"What do you want?" Ahicia asked coldly, her tone devoid of warmth.
Grace shrugged, her long black hair catching the sunlight. "Oh, nothing. I was just admiring your little self-reflection session. It's refreshing to see you acknowledge the truth about yourself."
Ahicia rose to her feet, her crimson eyes narrowing. "I don't have time for this," she said, brushing past Grace.
But Grace followed her, her steps light and taunting. She leaned closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. "Do you think Damian will always be there for you? You've seen how he's had to endure so much because of you. How long do you think he'll keep choosing you over… better options?"
Ahicia stopped abruptly, her claws itching to extend, but she took a deep breath and turned to face Grace. "Do you think I'll believe anything you say?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with venom.
Grace smirked, but before she could respond, the sound of footsteps approached. Ahicia's heart skipped a beat when she recognized the figure walking into the garden.
Kelvin.
Her breath hitched, her eyes widening in shock and fear. She forced herself to stand tall, her face unreadable despite the storm raging within her.
"Ahicia," Kelvin said smoothly, his dark eyes gleaming as he approached her. Without hesitation, he reached for her hand.
Ahicia yanked her hand away, her voice firm. "Don't touch me. I'm a married woman."
Grace let out a mocking laugh, her voice echoing in the serene garden. "A married woman? Looking like that?" she said, gesturing to Ahicia's nightwear.
Kelvin smirked, his gaze sweeping over her. "If you're so married, why are you dressed like this, wandering around like a lost girl?"
Ahicia glanced down at herself, her face heating as she realized how vulnerable she appeared. She crossed her arms over her chest, taking a step back.
Kelvin's smirk widened, and he reached for her again. "Don't be shy, Ahicia. We both know you've always been—"
Damian, Ahicia screamed in her mind, her thoughts frantic as she wished for him with every fiber of her being.
As if her silent plea reached him, a dark shadow loomed over Kelvin. Damian stepped between them, his golden eyes glowing menacingly as he stared Kelvin down.
Kelvin faltered, his smirk fading as Damian's presence overwhelmed him. The sheer power radiating from Damian made the air feel heavy, suffocating.
"Touch her again," Damian growled, his voice low and dangerous, "and I'll make sure you regret it."
Kelvin took a hesitant step back, his confidence wavering under Damian's piercing gaze. Grace, sensing the tension, wisely took a step back as well, though her smug expression remained.
Damian turned to Ahicia, his expression softening as his gaze met hers. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Ahicia nodded weakly, her knees threatening to give out beneath her. Damian wrapped an arm around her, guiding her back toward the estate, his protective presence shielding her from the world.
As they disappeared from sight, Grace and Kelvin exchanged glances.
"This isn't over," Grace muttered under her breath, her crimson eyes narrowing.
Kelvin smirked, his confidence slowly returning. "Not by a long shot."