Chapter 43
Iris
Two days later, I still felt like life had been snuffed out of me and even Gradel couldn’t cheer me up no matter how he tried. I’d pushed him away because I feared that he might find out the truth.
I would tell him everything, I just needed to find the right time.
Still sprawled on the bed, he came inside with a tray in his hands, his face thick with concern.
“You shouldn’t have bothered,” I sighed and turned to the side, evading his piercing gaze.
If he probed too deeply, he might discover my darkest secrets.
“You are my friend, why shouldn’t I care for you?” He sank onto the bed and dropped the tray on my thighs.
The word ‘friend’ caused my heart to plummet. If he discovered the truth, he wouldn’t even consider me an enemy. I should have stayed away from him before things got this complicated.
“And friends know when to give each other some privacy. How many times do you want me to tell you that I need privacy?” I quickly sprang up from the bed, forgetting that there was a tray of food on me.
The plates fell to the floor making a clattering sound and the chicken soup spilled.
Gradel rushed over to where I stood and swept me off my feet without warning. “Are you alright?” His voice was hoarse with worry.
I nodded, blinking hard at the tears that threatened to fall. The walls of the room suddenly became closer, and my breaths came in quick pants.
My head felt so heavy and I knew that I was about to fall ill. “I’ll be fine, Gradel. Aren’t you too concerned for someone who doesn’t have anything to do with me?” I laughed, pushing my fear and pain downward.
As usual, I’d find a way out of this situation.
He did as I asked and propped his arms against his waist. “You’ve been so moody these past few days and it’s making me feel guilty. Maybe I shouldn’t have ended things with us like that at the field.”
“No, Gradel. It was clear from the beginning that you never loved me and we had an agreement that you didn’t allow me to fulfill the terms. I’m not weak because you don’t want me, I just have some issues to sort out.” I brushed his shoulder lightly, walking past him and then I stopped by the door. “A servant will take care of the mess. I’m sorry.”
*********
I never believed that I’d be here again, but I was and it looked surreal. It had been weeks since I last saw the house where my sister and I lived.
Staring at the broken door, I asked myself if I truly missed this place and an honest reply sprang up. One that made me question my conscience.
I knocked quietly, hoping to get a response and I wasn’t disappointed as May’s tired face appeared at the door, her eyes growing wide with surprise.
“Iris,” She gasped.
“Are you not going to let your only sister into your house?” I asked, my tone curt and cold.
She gulped, her body jittery and then a man’s voice resonated behind her, causing me to sigh. How couldn’t I have foreseen this?
I leaned on the wall, waiting for her to finish up. Her promiscuous lifestyle wouldn’t stop me from getting the answers that I needed. I didn’t mind staying till evening.
The door swung open and the man whom I presumed to be in his forties traipsed out of our shabby house, grinning like a well-fed cat.
“You can come in now,” She scratched her hair as she ushered me in.
I passed a cursory glance at what used to be my house and shook my head. It hadn’t changed at all. The hole in the ceiling had increased, and the cracks on the walls seemed to have enlarged more.
My eyes stopped at her exhausted body which lay on the bed, clad with a white towel. “I thought you’d have upgraded to wealthier men, seeing that you had a very high taste in the people you associate with.” I mocked her, settling on the worn-out upholstery.
She snorted and rolled her eyes. “If you came here to judge me, you might as well use the door.” She retorted nonchalantly and I shook my head.
Nothing had changed. She didn’t care about me and the fact wasn’t hidden.
“How have you been?” I asked carefully.
Her scoff was as evident as her bitterness. She folded her arms and tilted her head to the side. “You came all the way from the pack house just to ask me how I’m faring? You’re far too kind,” She mocked.
“You’re so impossible, May. Why can’t you act like my sister for once?” I was on the verge of breaking down.
She sat up abruptly. “That’s what I’m doing because if you weren’t my sister I wouldn’t have let you in. Now tell me, My lady, why are you here?” She inquired without mincing words.
“I’m here for answers,”
“About what?”
“Our late parents. I want to know everything about how our mother died and father’s disappearance. Don’t bother lying to me because I’m certain that you know something.” I let out.
She got up and headed to the window as silence ensued.
“Why now?” She murmured.
“What do you mean?”
“We’ve lived together for over twenty-one years and today you decide that you want answers from the past. Answers that I can’t give,” Her shoulders slumped.
My eyes squinted in confusion. “Don’t say that, May. I’m in a fix right now and I need you to help me out here. I’ve never asked you for a favor, even when Mama died I tried my best to provide for the both of us. Why can’t you be there for me when I need you?”
“Because I’m not cut out for such a life, my darling sister. It’s already shameful that Mama died without a mate or a husband, leaving both of us to die in penury. Most times I wish I had never been born, but the mistake had already been made and I’m making the best out of it. You should do the same too, besides, you’re more privileged than me. Aren’t you Prince Gradel’s mate?” She snickered.
I clenched and unclenched my fists severally until I got a grip on my anger. Though I was getting better at throwing punches, it didn’t change the fact that I was wolfless and couldn’t match my elder sister’s strength.
I ignored her question. “How did Mama die? I know she died but I’m oblivious to the details. Please don’t withhold this from me,” I pleaded.
“Alright, I’ll tell you.” She blurted and joy seared through my heart.
“Really?” I smiled.
She nodded and stretched forth her hand. “But you’ll have to pay for it. Nothing goes for nothing. As you can see I’m hungry and this house needs a makeover…”
I cut her short right there, masking my surprise at her request for money. “Don’t worry, I’ll send something across to you. Just spill the beans!” I demanded impatiently.
“This is going to be a very long story. I hope you’re prepared for it.”