CHAPTER 165: THE ANTIDOTE

The night was almost gone when Lumina returned home. Her steps were heavy, her face pale with exhaustion.

The faint light of dawn touched the sky, but instead of peace, a strange tension filled the air.

Ero followed close behind her, his brows drawn tight. He needed no one to tell them that there would be issues when they stepped inside their chambers.

Inside the chambers, the maids were waiting. Their worried eyes turned toward her at once. Even Stella, though weak, stood with her hands clasped, her face full of fear.

The moment Lumina stepped inside, Stella rushed forward, her voice trembling.

"My lady! Where have you been? I have been so afraid ever since Ero left with you. It is morning now, and only you come back..."

Her words spilled out too fast, her worry too plain.

Ero cleared his throat, cutting into the silence. His tone was sharper than usual.

"Where is he?"

Stella blinked. "In his chamber... but... where did you take her, Ero?"

Ero sighed, bowing his head. He did not answer. Instead, he walked beside Lumina, guiding her toward Ashen’s door.

Before leaving, Lumina paused and touched Stella’s trembling hands. "Do not fear, Stella. You will not die. I told you I would settle this. I got your antidote. Soon, you will be safe."

Stella’s eyes widened in shock. She understood at once. Her mistress had gone to Adam.

"My lady... tell me you did not..."

But Lumina cut her off softly. "I told you this matter rests between me and my husband. Your part is only to endure until I succeed. Wait for me, Stella. I will come back to you."

Her words were firm, though her voice cracked. Then she let Ero lead her forward.

Lumina had gone with Ero to get the antidote the moment she had left the chambers, it was a hit too hard for her to get inside Adam’s chambers since he wanted her.

She didn’t want to think about the drama her sister created that she had come to see her husband.

She also wouldn’t fidget with the crazy act of Adam before he gave her the antidote but she was ready to do this for her hand maiden. If she wanted to lose anyone she was not praying for but to be her hand maiden because it might make her go crazy.

When they reached Ashen’s inner chamber, the silence inside warned Lumina before the door even opened.

The moment she stepped in, his voice thundered.

"Ero!"

The name struck like a whip. Ero stiffened, his eyes wide. It was the first time his master’s anger had ever fallen fully on him. He dropped to one knee, head bowed low.

"Go received twenty strokes for going with her," Ashen growled.

Ero glanced at Lumina, but she gave his hand a firm squeeze. Slowly, he bowed again and withdrew, leaving her alone.

Lumina’s gaze moved to her husband. His tall frame stood before the window, the pale light of dawn washing over his back. He did not look at her. His hands were clenched at his sides, his shoulders stiff.

Her heart ached at this. She stepped forward, resting her forehead gently against his back. Her hands slipped around his waist, seeking comfort.

"I see you did not look for me," she whispered. "It means you already know where I went."

He stiffened. His hands moved, almost pushing her away.

"Do not touch me.. Is that not what you always said, whenever you saw me with your sister?" The words cut deep and Lumina sighed at this.

"Ashen..." Lumina whispered, shaking her head. "This is different. He..."

His hand rose suddenly, gripping her neck making Lumina gasp. His fingers trembled against her skin, tight, now regretting his action he lowly, with a shiver running through him, he pulled his hand back.

"Stay away from me," he said hoarsely.

He began to turn, but Lumina threw her arms around him, pressing her face into his chest.

"I am sorry! I did not mean it. But Stella... I am so afraid of losing her."

Ashen’s chest rose and fell heavily. His voice shook with restrained fury.

"I told you I would handle it. I gave you my word. Yet you risked everything. You went to him, and you brought danger to me. For the sake of your girl."

Lumina’s grip loosened as she tilted her head up at him with tear-filled eyes. "I knew her before I knew you. Who do you think I would protect first?"

His expression hardened. He stepped back from her arms, his gaze sharp with pain.

"So I am second in your heart."

"What do you expect of me?" Lumina cried.

"Nothing," he replied coldly. Her breath caught, at how his words were like ice.

Ashen turned toward the door immediately.

"Where are you going? This is your room. We should not fight again!"

"I have work," he said, voice flat, and walked out without another glance.

The door closed, and Lumina fell to her knees at once. Her body shook with sobs, her tears spilling to the floor.

"Why does it hurt so much?" she whispered. "I only wanted to tell him... I am scared... because of Stella..." The door opened again.

"Ashen?" she called quickly, lifting her head with hope but it crushed down when she discovered it was Stella.

Stella moved weakly across the room, her legs trembling. She fell to her knees beside her mistress, clutching her hand.

"I am sorry," she whispered, now aware that she was the cause of this argument.

Lumina forced a smile through her tears. She cupped Stella’s cheek gently. "Do not apologize... we promise to protect each other remember? You have been doing that for me for years now."

"My lady.." Stella let out but Lumina shut her up.

"Think of the good part... at least I got the antidote. So you will live, Stella. That is what matters."

She reached into her cloak and pulled out the little bottle. The liquid glowed faintly in the dim light. Carefully, she pressed it into Stella’s hands.

"Drink this... it will save you."

Stella’s hands shook, but she obeyed. She lifted it to her lips and drank it all in one swallow.

For a few moments, nothing happened. Lumina leaned close, her heart beating fast.

"Do you feel it? Any change? Tell me, Stella." But then Stella’s face twisted. Her hand flew to her stomach.

"My lady... it... it burns..."

"Burns?" Lumina gasped. She gripped her maid’s shoulders. "Tell me where...! What is happening?"

Stella’s breathing grew harsh. She doubled over, clutching her stomach tighter. Her skin turned pale, sweat breaking across her forehead.

"My... stomach... it feels like fire..."

Her voice cracked into a scream. She coughed, choking.. then red spilled from her lips. Blood.

"Stella!" Lumina cried in horror, catching her as her body shook violently. Another cough, and more blood splattered on the floor.