CHAPTER 38: YOU NEVER TOLD ME YOU HAD A CRUSH

Iris’s POV

I finished scrubbing, the mop still in my hands. My knees ached slightly from kneeling, and my arms too from the effort of wiping away the mess Liora had so pointedly directed me to clean. The sticky substance was gone now. I stood as I gathered my cleaning supplies, eager to leave.

Just as I turned to leave, Liora’s voice came through. "You’ve done a good job there.

Though this room will be waiting for you to clean again later, love. Don’t think you’re done for the day." She lounged on the velvet couch now, the half-empty glass of orange juice still in her hand as she dropped it. She tilted her head, her lips curling into a mocking smile, as if daring me to respond.

I bit the inside of my cheek, swallowing the retort that burned on my tongue. And without a word, I left the room, the door clicking shut behind me.

As I stepped into the corridor, the faint sound of voices reached my ears as I recognized that was Alpha Darius’s voice and just immediately, another familiar voice, intertwined with his. That’s Alpha Trent’s voice. I realized, my heart giving a small lurch. Why is he here? The memory of how he had thrown me out from war born only made my heart pound in fear. I paused, my grip tightening on the bucket’s handle as I glanced out the tall window to my left. There they were, standing outside as they exchanged pleasantries. Darius’s hand clapped Trent’s shoulder while Trent’s lips curved into a polite smile. Beside Trent stood his son, Lucas, his posture stiff, hands clasped behind his back. It looked like they had just arrived and would be spending some time here. Their luggage was being carried down the horse by two servants.

Just as Trent turned towards my direction, I tore my gaze away immediately, my heart beating even faster. They hadn’t noticed me, and I liked it that way. The less attention I drew, the better. I turned, intending to slip away toward the servants’ quarters for a much-needed shower when Darius’s voice cut through and I halted. "Over here, slave."

My muscles are locked in place. Slowly, I turned, my eyes dropping to the ground as I approached the two alphas. I stopped a few feet away, keeping my head bowed, my messy hair falling over my face.

Through the corner view of my eyes, Darius’s nostrils flared as I drew closer, his face twisting in disgust. "Oh my, what’s that smell" he said as he gestured toward Alpha Trent, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression neutral but his eyes devoid of any emotions as they flicked over me. "Our guest is here, and they’ll be staying for a while. For the planning of the mating ceremony for my sons and Liora. You’ll make yourself useful."

I nodded. The mating ceremony. Of course. I kept my eyes on the ground, not daring to meet Darius’s gaze. It was too early to start my day with his cruelty.

Just then, he waved a hand dismissively. "Take Lucas to one of the guest rooms. And don’t come out smelling like this again."

Without waiting for a response, he turned, clapping Alpha Trent’s shoulder again. "My friend, how was your journey?" Darius asked as the two alphas strolled off, their voices fading slightly as they left.

My fingers still curled around the bucket’s handle. Only then did I dare glance up at Lucas. He stood a few steps away, his eyes studying me with an intensity that made my skin prickle as I wondered why. He tilted his head slightly, waiting.

"This way, Alpha Lucas," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. I turned, leading him toward the guest quarters. The male servants trailing behind us carried Lucas’s luggage. The silence stretched between Lucas and I as we walked. I kept my eyes forward, focusing on the tracks, anything to avoid the weight of his gaze. I’m feeling embarrassed looking this way in front of him. Considering the fact I stink too. I hadn’t showered last night before going to bed.

When we reached the guest room, I pushed open the door, stepping aside to let Lucas and the servant enter. The room was spacious, with a four-poster bed draped in dark green linens and a large window overlooking the ice fields of Black Bane. The servant set Lucas’s bags down near the wardrobe, bowed curtly, and left without a word. I stood near the door, my hands clasped in front of me, the bucket resting beside my feet.

"Welcome to Black Bane, Alpha Lucas," I said. "If you need anything, please let me know." I dipped into a shallow bow and turned to leave.

"Wait." His voice stopped me. He approached, standing a few inches away. "Iris... What’s wrong? You look unhappy today."

My hand is still on the doorframe. Unhappy today? I’d always been unhappy, hadn’t I? But maybe today’s sadness was indeed so obvious. I turned, meeting his gaze. His eyes were searching and all I could see was genuine care.

"I’m fine," I said, the lie slipping out too easily. I took a step to leave, but his voice stopped me again.

"Iris, wait." He stepped closer. "We need to talk. But right now, you should freshen up.

Later this evening, I’d like you to show me around Black Bane. Walk me through the walls, the grounds. I want to see it all."

I hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Alpha Lucas," I said, bowing again. I knew he’d once told me to call him Silas but it felt uncomfortable to me now, like that could cause me trouble under Darius’s rule.

Darius’s punishments were never light, and I couldn’t afford to give him a reason to notice me especially now I’m trying to struggle with my mental health. I slipped out of the room, the door closing softly behind me as I left.

The walk to my room was a blur. I reached my room and entered as I locked the door behind me. Goosebumps were already visible to my skin from the morning cold as I shivered, stripping off my clothes and stepped into the tiny bathing bowl.

The water was even cold, barely enough to chase away the chill in my bones, but I had to stay strong. Gone are the days when my parents would order the maids to bring me some hot water to shower with. That was my past and this is my reality I’ve come to embrace. The life of luxury and royalty never made me understand the importance of my parents. Now they are no more, I get to understand what huge role they played in my life while it lasted.

I stepped out of the bathing bowl, wrapped in a thin towel around myself. Approaching my dresser, my eyes caught on something, the dress Madam Elara had gifted me as my birthday present and suddenly, a smile curved out my lips as I pulled it out, my fingers tracing the smooth fabric. I could almost see myself wearing it and wish I would get to wear it soon, for an occasion where I won’t be questioned. For a moment, I let myself imagine feeling beautiful in it.

Suddenly, footsteps outside my door snapped me out of my imagination as I quickly shoved the dress back into the dresser and immediately, the door creaked open. Amelia stepped inside and shut the door behind her. I thought I’d locked the door? Perhaps not properly.

"Iris, I’m so sorry I didn’t check on you last night," she said as she sank onto the edge of my bed. "Scarlett, that wretched assistant chief maid, piled so much work on me. I barely slept." She pointed to the bags under her eyes, her lips quivering into a tired frown.

"It’s okay, Amelia. You look exhausted."

"I know right? And guess what? My crush is around." She clasped her hands together, her cheeks pinkening in shyness.

"Your crush?" I raised an eyebrow, sitting beside her, amazed. "You never told me you had a crush." My smile widened, genuine for the first time all day. "That’s great, Amelia. At least you’ll get to feel what it’s like to be in love, not just the characters in novels. So tell me, is he cute? Wealthy?"

She blushed, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"He’s... well, he’s Alpha Lucas." Her voice dropped to a shy whisper, her cheeks now a deep shade of red. "I know it’s crazy, but ever since we saw him training in the rain that day, I haven’t stopped thinking about him."

"Wow," I said, flashing a teasing genuine smile. "You two would look cute together anyways. Does he know?"

Amelia shook her head, her expression turning serious. "No, and I can’t tell him. It’s not right for a girl to ask a guy out right? I don’t want to be played or be treated badly"

"You’re right," I said, nodding. "Just stay calm and see what happens. Hope for the best."

Her face lit up again, and she nodded. "Oh! I almost forgot. I got you something." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she handed it to me. I opened it, revealing a silver necklace, identical to the one on her neck.

"Oh my god, it’s beautiful," I admitted, my fingers brushing over it.

"I knew you’d love it," Amelia said. "Ever since you told me you loved mine, I’ve been searching for one just like it. I found it this morning and had to get it for you."

My heart stuttered at her kindness as I realized I hadn’t said that in this life. But in my past life, I had, hadn’t I? The memory flickered, of a moment. Yes, I remember now. I did told her I love her necklace. I smiled. "Thank you, Amelia. It’s perfect."

She nodded and then shifted the conversation. "By the way, how’s your reading going? What Chapter are you in now?"