Kamrynn’s POV
“Bait him?” Rmonica echoed, her brow furrowing. “How?”
“We need to draw him out, force him to slip up. If he’s as calculated as we think, he won’t make a move unless he feels cornered. We need a public setting, something where he’ll feel pressured.”
Rmonica considered this for a moment before nodding. “A gathering. A party,” she said. “A pre-wedding celebration for Kyven and Thalia. Draven will have no choice but to attend.”
Relief flooded through me, and I managed a small smile. “You’d do that?”
“For you? Always,” Rmonica said, returning the smile. “Leave the arrangements to me. You focus on resting and keeping yourself safe.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, overwhelmed by her unwavering support. “Thank you, Rmonica.”
She placed a hand on my shoulder, her gaze steady. “Never stop believing in yourself, Kamrynn. And if you ever feel like the weight is too much, promise me you’ll come to me.”
“I promise,” I said softly.
Satisfied, Rmonica stood and gave me a reassuring nod. “I’ll handle everything. You just take care of yourself and those babies.”
As she left, I sat back, the weight of everything pressing down on me. I felt so much better, like I was finally in control of the situation. This wasn’t over. Draven would slip, and when he did, we’d be ready.
I sat on the edge of the bed for a long moment, trying to gather myself. The weight of what needed to be done pressed heavily on my chest, but lying here wasn’t going to help. I had to keep moving.
Pushing off the bed, I stripped out of my clothes and walked to the bathroom. The cool tiles sent a shiver up my spine, and I quickly turned on the water, letting the steam fill the small space. As I stepped under the showerhead, the hot water cascaded over me, washing away the remnants of last night’s nightmare.
For a moment, I stood still, allowing the warmth to soothe my tense muscles. My fingers traced a mark behind my shoulder-dark, jagged, and unfamiliar. Turning slightly, I strained to get a better look at it in the mirror’s fogged reflection.
“What is this?” I muttered under my breath, my heart racing.
A bruise? It wasn’t there yesterday. I couldn’t remember bumping into anything or applying any pressure to the spot. Could it have happened during the confrontation with Kyven? I do remember him manhandling me quite a bit.
The possibilities swirled in my mind, each one darker than the last. What if this was some lingering effect of the poison? Or worse, something Draven had left behind to track or control me?
My chest tightened as panic began to creep in. My plan depended on precision and stealth, but what if it all backfired? Draven wasn’t just dangerous-he was calculating, and if he suspected anything, his retaliation would be swift and brutal. I could very well lose my life. Just because I’m immune to poison, it doesn’t mean I’m invincible…
“Stop it, Kamrynn,” Aryna’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts, firm yet calming. “You’re overthinking. Breathe.”
I clung to her words, trying to steady my erratic breaths.
“Aryna, what if-”
“No,” she interrupted. “No ‘what ifs.’ We’ve come too far to doubt ourselves now. You’re strong. Stronger than him. But you need to calm down.”
I closed my eyes, and almost immediately, a soothing warmth spread through me. Aryna’s pheromones worked their magic, easing the tension in my shoulders and quieting the storm in my mind.
And then I felt it-a flutter, soft and almost imperceptible, low in my belly. My eyes flew open, and my hand instinctively went to the spot.
“They’re kicking,” I whispered, the words barely audible over the sound of the shower.
The sensation was light, like tiny bubbles or the brush of butterfly wings, but it was unmistakable. My heart swelled, and for the first time in days, a genuine smile spread across my face.
“They’re reminding you what you’re fighting for,” Aryna said softly.
I nodded, tears mixing with the water streaming down my face. “I won’t let them down,” I promised, my voice steady.
The rest of the shower passed quickly, the earlier panic now replaced with a renewed sense of purpose. Once I was dressed, I was pulling my hair into a simple braid when a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” I called, fastening the last tie.
Tiona entered, balancing a tray of food in her hands. Her sharp eyes immediately scanned me from head to toe. “Good morning,” she said, her tone cautious. “You look…better.”
“Thanks, Tiona,” I said, forcing a smile.
She set the tray on the small table by the window, her gaze lingering on me. “You didn’t eat much yesterday,” she said, folding her arms. “You need to keep your strength up, especially now.”
“I will,” I promised, moving toward the tray. The smell of fresh bread and eggs wafted up, and though I had no appetite, I picked up a piece of toast to appease her.
Tiona hesitated, then added, ” Luna Rmonica asked me to check on you. She’s hosting a small party tonight for Kyven and Thalia, a pre-wedding celebration.”
“Oh!” I said, feigning surprise. “That’s…exciting. It’s so thoughtful of her.”
Tiona raised a brow. “I assume you plan on going.”
I nodded, taking a bite of the toast to avoid her probing gaze.
“Kamrynn, I really think you should sit this one out,” she said gently. “You’ve been through so much, and pushing yourself like this isn’t going to help anyone. Rest is what you need.”
“I appreciate your concern, Tiona, but I’m fine,” I insisted. “I can handle it.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line. “You say that, but your body says otherwise. You’re pale, you’ve barely eaten, and-”
“I’ll be careful,” I cut in, trying to sound reassuring. “I promise I won’t overdo it.”
Tiona sighed, her expression softening. “If you’re going to be this stubborn, then at least don’t go as a maid. Let yourself enjoy the evening. Be a guest for once.”
“I can do that,” I said, relieved she wasn’t fighting me harder.
She moved closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Kamrynn, you’re like a daughter to me. I just want you to be okay. Please, take care of yourself.”
Her words sent a pang of guilt through me, but I pushed it aside, nodding instead. “I will, Tiona. I promise.”
She pulled me into a hug, her embrace warm and comforting. “Good,” she said softly. “Now eat something, and let me know if you need anything.”
As she left, I stared after her, the weight of my lies settling heavily on my chest. Tiona deserved the truth, but I couldn’t risk involving her. This had to end soon-for her sake as much as mine.
I turned back to the tray, forcing myself to eat. Tonight would be critical, and I couldn’t afford to falter. This was for the Pack, for Rmonica, for my babies-and for myself.