QUINNS SECRETS QUINN Stop making that face , like someone just died … Nmmm … I couldnt help but groan in pain , clutching several fractured ribs as I lay back on the bed .
Why are you doing this , Quinn ? I told you to stay away from that woman .
Its obvious the King has become infatuated with her .
This is his warning .
He noticed you paying too much attention to his maid ! Ah , damn it , easy , Celine , or youll end up piercing my heart with the tip of a rib .
Her rough hands were cleaning the blood from my torso , and as always , there was no trace of delicacy .
Sometimes I even doubted she was a woman .
Are you even listening to me ?! Of all the women , youre interested in her ?! she shouted , exasperated , straightening up .
Yes , sister , Im listening .
Its just … Valeria is different .
She has so many mysterious things about her that draw me in .
I dont know why , but I cant stop following her with my eyes every time we cross paths , I finally confessed with a sigh .
I know exactly what attracts you to that maid … I tensed when she added that , her gaze lowered as she stood at the edge of my bed .
They look so much alike , but she isnt that woman , Quinn .
End this stupid obsession of yours , or it will get you killed .
Heal yourself its your own fault for being an idiot She threw the bloodied cloth at my face and stormed out of the room , furious ..
Valeria can read them , Celine , I called out , watching her stop at the door , still facing away from me .
I dont know what connection she has to the Dark Kingdom , but she can read the Altars to the Goddess .
Maybe ….
maybe she could help us heal you .
I dont care for her help if it means your death , Quinn , she replied in a low voice .
And now , even more , youve told me that .
Its just another reason to stay far away from the danger she represents .
since You risk your life every day by hiding me right under the Kings nose .
What do you think His Majesty will do when he discovers his maid has ties to the Dark Kingdom ? She finally turned to face me , her eyes turning completely black , like two endless voids .
Celine ; he … I dont know .
Thats also why I dont want to leave her to her fate .
Valeria isnt even aware of the danger shes in with Aldric … He will kill her .
Just as he will kill you if he finds out youre hiding a hybrid , with half her blood from the Dark Kingdom .
Brother , forget that woman , or all your sacrifices until now will be meaningless .
I wont sit by and watch you destroy yourself over an obsession And with that , she stormed out , slamming the door shut behind her .
I leaned back against the headboard , sighing in frustration , closing my eyes to summon my powerful lycan strength and speed up my healing .
Valerias vibrant blue eyes invaded my mind , just like the moment I first saw her and almost thought I was seeing an illusion .
That mysterious woman who haunts my thoughts seemed to have come to life right before my eyes .
Yet Valeria wasnt that female … and Aldric , too , had fallen under the spell of his maid .
Im not afraid of the King , even though hes stronger than me .
But its foolish to anger him that would mean leaving the castle and losing access to the ancient manuscripts .
I cant .
I wont leave .
I have to find the cure for Celine .
I need to save my younger sisters life and forget the dangerous temptation that Valeria represents .
VALERIA 1 successfully slipped away to the laundry area where the other maids were busy with their chores .
They all looked up when they saw me , but then returned to their tasks , with their sleeves and dresses rolled up over their thighs , sitting in front of large soapy tubs filled with the masters garments .
1 pretended to be there to collect some folded and ironed clothes from the Kings chambers , but the housekeeper caught me with free time and gave me extra work .
So here I was , holding my dress up with both hands to keep it from getting soaked , barefoot , along with the other girls stomping on the massive winter blankets .
As always , I worked in silence , enduring the sticky discomfort between my legs .
I just wanted to leave , but suddenly , a hushed silence froze me in place .
Sir ? … What brings you to the service area ? Do you need anything ? the housekeeper asked as she walked towards where I assumed Aldric was standing .
And I say assumed because I didnt even dare to turn and look at him .
My feet felt like two hammers , pounding the fluffy blankets faster and faster from how nervous I had become .
I could feel the others subtle glances on me , and I thought that any moment now , Id hear him order me back to his side .
Nothing , I just wanted to give you some instructions for the next few days while Im away from the castle , he finally answered in a rough voice , and even without eyes on the back of my head , I knew very well that he was watching me .
His searing gaze burned my body and made my heart race .
Now that he was so close , I wasnt as brave as when I used to run off through the corridors .
Very well , Im at your service , sir , the housekeeper assured , and then I heard them leave .
The air escaped my lips in a long , relieved sigh .
Hey , Valeria ! Wait , woman , youre going to tear a hole in the bedding if you keep that up ! Youre splashing everywhere ! The girls suddenly shouted , and I realized I looked like a duck in a puddle , splashing water and soap all over the place .
Everyone had stopped when the King arrived .
I was the only fool still stomping away .
Im sorry , I apologized , embarrassed , finally stopping with my feet swollen and aching .
Damn perverted King , youre going to drive me insane !