I kiss Beatrice goodbye as we prepare to part ways. She mentions she’s headed to the flower shop to pick up flowers for Nickolas’s mom before visiting her grave. I hadn’t realized it was the anniversary of his mother’s death. I inquire about Nickolas’s mom, and Beatrice doesn’t hesitate to share. She reveals that Nickolas’s mother, Holly, was a human sex slave who was adored by Nickolas’s father. Beatrice explains that Holly vanished for a time, and 18 years later, Nickolas was brought to the castle by Leo, who was searching for his mate worldwide. It’s speculated that Holly may have realized the dangers of being pregnant before Jane and escaped to her home in England. This revelation sheds light on why Nickolas has a British accent.
As much as I consider accompanying Beatrice to visit Holly’s grave, I ultimately decide against it. Nickolas and I share no semblance of a relationship. He would probably throw a fit if he saw me visiting his mother’s grave. Moreover, the constraints of the Earth-binding spell restrict my movements, preventing me from straying too far without triggering its effects, and Holly’s grave lies beyond that boundary. Instead, I ask Beatrice to search for me upon her return before setting off towards Eric’s house. I’m so happy his house is within the distance I can walk.
Upon arrival, I knock lightly on Eric’s door, waiting patiently for either him or Lily to answer. It’s Lily who greets me with a warm smile, ushering me inside their home and inviting me to take a seat in the living room while she prepares a drink for me.
“Thank you,” I murmur gratefully as I accept the glass of Chardonnay she pours for me. The cool liquid feels refreshing against my lips, and for a moment, I allow myself to savor the taste, wondering if it’s even permissible for me to indulge in alcohol anymore.
Lily settles into the seat opposite mine, her expression curious as she gazes at me over the rim of her own glass, which she promptly fills before speaking.
“Not that I’m complaining, but to what do I owe this visit today?” she inquires, her tone light yet tinged with curiosity.
“I came to speak to you about your parents. Have you been able to contact them recently?” I inquire, getting straight to the point.
Lily’s expression softens with concern, and she shakes her head. “No, but I plan to do so soon.”
“How?” I press, genuinely curious about her strategy.
“Eric still doesn’t know we’re cousins, so he’s allowing me to go look for them under the impression that I miss my family and want to let them know I’m safe after being kidnapped,” Lily explains.
A flicker of concern crosses my mind at her words. “Won’t that put them in danger if he sees them? I can bet he knows how Uncle Liam looks. And if he didn’t, his striking resemblance to Dad is enough for him to put things together.”
Lily nods, acknowledging the validity of my concerns. “I thought of that and already have a plan on how to handle that,” she assures me confidently.
“Which is?”
“As I said, Eric is allowing me to go to werewolf territory to look for them. I already have a perfect idea of where my family might be hiding. Once Eric and I are close to that location, I’ll pick a night and sneak out to meet them,” Lily explains.
“That’s a perfect plan,”
“Yeah. Once I meet them, I’ll find out how Uncle Nate and everyone else are doing. I’m sure my dad must be in contact with them,”
“He probably is,” I agree, feeling a surge of hope at the prospect of finally knowing how my family is faring. I silently pray that Lily’s plan will be successful.
“Don’t worry, Amelia, we are the royal werewolf family. It would take more to get rid of us,” Lily reassures me, giving my hand a warm squeeze.
“Yeah, it would,” I reply, though a part of me can’t shake the nagging worry about my family’s well-being. I can’t help but wonder why they haven’t come to rescue me yet. Though I don’t wish them to fall into Nickolas’s trap, I can’t shake the fear that their absence might signify something far worse. My family would never abandon me, and I cling to the hope that they are safe and sound, far from Nickolas’s clutches.
***
The remaining of the day slips away in a blur of wine and conversation with Lily, the alcohol serving as a temporary escape from the tangled mess of my life. But as the evening wears on, the effects of the alcohol catch up to me, and I find myself succumbing to a drunken stupor, passing out on her couch.
I awaken to darkness enveloping the room, the realization dawning on me that I’ve slept far longer than intended. Eric’s voice breaks through my groggy haze, urging me to brush my teeth before heading home to avoid Nickolas’s wrath should he catch wind of the alcohol on my breath. Guilt prickles at my conscience as I hastily comply with his request, berating myself for my lack of self-control.
Rushing out of their home, I quicken my pace, anxiety gnawing at my insides as I realize I’m running late to meet Nickolas. I hope he hasn’t changed his mind.
As I walk back towards the castle, a sense of unease settles over me, a prickling sensation at the back of my neck as if someone’s gaze is boring into me. I glance over my shoulder, but there’s no one in sight, no discernible presence lurking in the shadows. Chalking it up to paranoia induced by the alcohol and the chill of the night air, I push forward, determined to reach the castle before it’s too late.
My heart lurches in my chest as I come to an unexpected halt, my eyes widening in disbelief as I lock gazes with Ember and Adam, standing just a few feet in front of me. The color drains from my face as a wave of fear washes over me, paralyzing me in place.
“Hello, princess,” they say in unison, their voices sending shivers down my spine. I begin to slowly back away from them, my mind racing with a whirlwind of questions and confusion. Weren’t they supposed to behead Ember this morning? What the hell happened? Did Nickolas go back on his word, or was there some other explanation?
Despite the multitude of questions swirling in my mind, now isn’t the time to seek answers. With a surge of adrenaline, I quickly pivot on my heels and sprint back the way I came, only to be met by the ominous sight of two lycans lurking in wait for me. Panic grips my chest as I realize they’ve anticipated my escape attempt.
Without hesitation, I veer off course and plunge into the surrounding woods, my footsteps pounding against the forest floor as I dart between the trees. I refuse to let them capture me again, not after what happened last time. The memory of Adam’s sudden appearance that day spurs me onward, driving me to do everything in my power to prevent history from repeating itself.