CHAPTER 249: SHE ATTACKED ME TWO DAYS AGO

Serena clenched the sheets and looked out the window, her cheeks were hot and she could hardly breathe right. She had to remind herself to take in deep breaths every now and then to calm her racing heart.

She could not believe such words had come out from her mouth.

"Before I decide to tempt you any further..." she repeated slowly.

She let out an inaudible sound and then pressed her pillow to her face. She exhaled slowly and then dropped the pillow to the ground. It had done nothing to subside her shame, she let her head fall into her hands and she let out the longest sigh she could muster.

And Darius, the ever shameless wolf had smiled at her and even said she already did. She bit her lip and then pushed her hair behind her ear. She had to focus on the matters on hand before her thoughts consumed her.

Serena pushed herself off her bed and walked to the window and pushed it open, she looked to see the guards patrolling and a few hands walking about. The day was shaping up to be a quiet one, though it was far from quiet in Serena’s head.

A knock on her door caused her to close her eyes and sigh. "Sweet Lunara, who could that be?"

She reluctantly wandered to the door, her lips tugged down in a frown. It was Livia, she almost smelt like Darius but had her own sour scent, in the best way Serena could describe.

The blonde took in a deep breath and twisted the door numb. There stood Livia in the most casual clothing she had ever seen her wear.

"Serena," she greeted.

Serena nodded and held onto the door firmly. "How may I help you?"

She watched as Livia’s features contoured into something that conveyed disbelief but she soon quickly managed a smile. "I simply want to talk."

Livia tilted her head slightly as if appraising Serena’s current mood. "You look well rested."

Serena stepped out and pulled the door shut behind her. "That is quite the observation," she replied blandly. She leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You said you wished to speak. I would prefer it if we did so here."

Livia blinked at the remark, then nodded. "As you wish."

Serena said nothing as the shorter woman adjusted her sleeves and smoothed down her slate blue tunic, a simple thing without any embroidery or iron badge, a far cry from the stiff courtly dresses she usually donned. Her cropped brown hair curled slightly at the edges, unadorned and unfussed.

"I like what you have done to your braid," Livia offered after a moment.

"It is a shawl," Serena corrected, glancing down at the silver cloth tied around her shoulders and hair. "A comfort, not fashion."

"I see." Livia shifted her weight. "It suits you."

Serena waited. So did Livia.

"The weather has been agreeable lately," Livia tried.

Serena arched a brow. "Is that truly what you came here to say?"

"I thought we might begin with something mild," Livia replied.

Serena stared down the hall, watching a guard amble past the far stairwell. "If you came here to trade compliments, I daresay you picked the wrong hour."

Livia pressed her lips together. "You are right," she admitted. "I am not here for pleasantries. I wanted to ask about Charlotte."

Serena’s brow quirked. "Charlotte?"

"Yes."

There was a pause. Then Serena’s expression flattened. "She is well, I presume."

"You presume?"

"Yes." Serena’s tone sharpened. "We are not friends, if that is what you’re implying."

Livia blinked again, and her brow furrowed. "Forgive me, I was under the impression that you were rather close. She is always with you and she spoke of you-"

"She should not have," Serena interrupted coldly. "She attacked me two days ago. For stepping outside, no less. What a foolish reason."

Livia’s mouth parted slightly, clearly caught off-guard. "She what?"

"Do not look so surprised," Serena snapped, her voice low but bitter. "You have always suspected that rogues were trouble. I would think you would be thrilled to know one of your own proved the point."

Livia’s eyes flicked away. "That is not what I meant."

"Is it not?" Serena’s breath came hot in her throat. "Then why come asking me of Charlotte when I have barely seen her? Why pretend interest now?"

She clenched her fists at her sides, her chest felt tight from all the talking and the thoughts. Why had Livia come here, was it some form of taunting? She would soon begin to believe that nearly all Ironshade wolves had an underlying cruelty waiting to bite the nearest person.

Livia opened her mouth, hesitated, and then spoke carefully. "Because I thought perhaps you might understand her better than the rest of us. She has not been herself."

"She has never been herself with me," Serena said, her voice low. "She has only ever been what the rest of you made her or whatever thing she is hiding from me."

For a moment, Livia’s eyes softened. It was not kindness, but pity. And that, more than anything, set Serena’s teeth on edge.

"Thank you for your concern," she said flatly, stepping back toward her door. "I shall be sure to pass along your regards when next I am being berated."

"Serena-"

But Serena had already turned, her fingers curling tightly around the doorknob.

"You have made your feelings about me quite plain, Lady Livia. Spare me the effort of tolerating your presence longer than necessary."

With that, she opened the door and slipped inside, slamming it behind her with a heavy finality. She leaned her back against it, chest heaving.

There was a hollowness in her ribs, like something carved out and left open to the cold. The pressure in her head flared once again. And still, beyond the door, there was no sound of retreating steps.

Eventually, she heard them. slow, reluctant footfalls heading back toward the stairs. Only then did she exhale.