Chapter 115
*Freya*
I sat alone in my chambers, the morning light filtering through the heavy velvet curtains. My mind couldn’t help but wander back to the night before with Rafe. A blush crept up my cheeks as I thought about the way he had touched me, held me close, and whispered sweet things in my ear. He had taken me to heights I never thought were reachable, making every nerve in my body sing with pleasure. The memory of his hands on my skin sent a shiver down my spine, and I hugged myself tightly, feeling an overwhelming surge of love for him. Out of all the girls, he chose me. The thought made my heart swell with happiness.
But then, Jessica’s face flashed across my mind. I bit my lip, wondering how she was faring. Even if she hated me, her wellbeing still mattered to me. After a few moments of deliberation, I decided that I would pay her a visit. Maybe we could mend some fences, or at least reach some understanding.
Determined, I crossed over to my wardrobe and selected a simple yet elegant dress, a deep emerald green that complemented my jewelry. I slipped it on, feeling the soft fabric caress my skin. I brushed my hair until it shone and adorned it with a silver hairpin shaped like a crescent moon-Rafe’s favorite symbol.
“Grace, Flo,” I called out softly, and my two remaining maids appeared almost instantly. “Please arrange the chambers. Alpha Rafe will be spending the night here.”
Their eyes widened, and they exchanged amused glances before turning back to me with barely concealed smirks. Grace, the elder of the two, raised an eyebrow. “Of course, my lady,” she said, her voice laced with a teasing tone.
“Anything else you need, my lady?” Flo added, unable to hide her grin.
The heat rose to my cheeks again, and I ducked my head slightly. “No, that’s all for now. Thank you.”
As they bustled around the room, tidying up and adding fresh linens to the bed, I couldn’t help but smile. Despite their teasing, I appreciated their loyalty and care. I missed Clara but Rafe said we couldn’t take a chance with her. He didn’t have her pusnished but he had sent her somewhere else to work for someone else. That was pretty decent to me. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for what lay ahead with Jessica and stepped out of my chambers, hoping for the best.
As I stepped out of my room, the chill of the hallway air sent a shiver down my spine. Each step echoed softly against the stone floor, amplifying the quiet tension that filled me. My thoughts wandered to Rafe and how he had been ready to send Jessica away. I had begged him not to; I couldn’t bear the thought of being seen as her enemy just because we both loved him.
The corridor leading to Jessica’s chambers seemed longer than usual. My heart pounded with each step, and I silently prayed that she would be open to reconciliation. It was crucial for both of us to settle our differences; Rafe’s affection should not be a source of enmity between us.
As I approached her door, a sudden sound stopped me in my tracks. Jessica’s voice-sharp, terrified, unlike anything I’d ever heard from her before-filtered through the slightly ajar door. I froze, straining to catch every word.
“Please, just leave me alone,” she pleaded, her voice trembling with fear. “I don’t want anything to do with you.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Who was she talking to? And why did she sound so scared?
Cautiously, I peered through the narrow gap of the door. Jessica’s footwear lay discarded near the entrance, as if she had intended to step out but something-or someone-had stopped her. My mind raced, trying to piece together what could be happening inside.
“Enough!” Jessica’s voice broke again, this time more desperate.
My pulse quickened. Whatever was going on, it couldn’t be good. Steeling myself, I pressed my ear closer to the door, hoping to understand more before deciding my next move.
“I said Leave me alone! I don’t want anything to do with you!” Jessica’s voice, heavy with desperation, echoed through the partially opened door.
“You’re not in a position to make demands,” came a low, menacing voice in response. The words were filled with a threat that made my blood run cold.
I pressed myself closer, heart pounding as I strained to hear more. There was a scuffle-a sound of feet shuffling against the floor, followed by Jessica’s whimpering plea. “Please… just go.”
“You’re too deep in this to back out now,” the man hissed, his tone dripping with sinister intent. “And if you think-”
Another muffled struggle ensued, and then-CRASH! The sound of something heavy hitting the ground reverberated through the chamber. My instincts kicked in, overriding my fear. I couldn’t wait any longer; Jessica was in danger.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my breath quickening. The room beyond was dimly lit, shadows dancing ominously on the walls from the flickering candlelight. My eyes scanned the space, catching sight of another door leading deeper into the chambers.
“Stay away from me!” Jessica’s terrified voice reached me again, its volume rising. I hurried towards it, each step feeling like an eternity.
“Our lies have consequences,” the man’s voice followed, dark and threatening. Another resounding bang filled the air, followed by a chilling silence that gripped my heart.
As I neared the inner room, I paused, my hand hovering over the door handle. My mind raced, trying to comprehend the gravity of what I was about to face. I needed to be strong-for Jessica.
“Why don’t you understand?” Jessica’s voice broke through the silence, quivering with emotion. “I can’t keep lying to Rafe about the baby. I’m tired of pretending he’s the father when we both know you are the father!”
My breath caught in my throat. What was she saying?
“Shut up!” the man roared, another thud echoing through the room. “If you tell anyone, I’ll kill you!”
My pulse quickened as the truth sunk in-Rafe was not the father of Jessica’s unborn child. Relief washed over me like a cool breeze on a scorching day. He had been honest with me all along, and I felt a mix of happiness and guilt. How could I have doubted him? My heart ached for the mistrust I had harbored, tainted by Jessica’s deceit.
My resolve hardened. I couldn’t let this continue. With newfound determination, I pushed the door open wide, ready to confront whatever awaited me inside.
“Let go of me!” Jessica’s plea snapped me back into the present moment. The scene before me unfolded with horrifying clarity.
“You’re making a mistake,” the man’s voice growled, dripping venom.
“Please, Rafael, stop!” Jessica’s words were choked, barely escaping her constricted throat.
My eyes widened as I took in the sight-Jessica’s pale face contorted in terror, her hands clawing desperately at the iron grip around her neck. And the man holding her captive-Rafael Kingston, Rafe’s Gamma. His eyes burned with malice, but shock flickered across his features as he realized I had intruded upon his dark act.
“Freya?” Jessica’s voice was a strangled whisper, her wide eyes locking onto mine. Desperation and fear mingled in her gaze.
“Rafael, release her!” My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and disbelief. The tension in the room thickened, my presence throwing an unexpected wrench into Rafael’s plans.
“Freya,” he hissed, his grip tightening momentarily before loosening just slightly. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“You’re hurting her!” I stepped forward, the weight of my discovery pressing down on my shoulders. “I know everything. Let her go!”
His expression shifted from shock to a cold, calculating fury. In that instant, I knew I had walked into something far more dangerous than I had anticipated.
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