Chapter 22 ATASHA'S POV E55 vouchers How could a werewolf not have a scent ? Even if I didn't have a wolf , I was still an omega . I should've had a scent . Or perhaps , I had become so useless and weak that I couldn't even have one ? I had so many questions that needed an answer . But there was no use thinking about it now , not when I was already back at the mansion , waiting for the signal to sneak into my father's study . Cassian had called it " infiltrating ," a word that sounded strange to me . He used it so easily , like it was something normal . He said it would be like spying , but much more dangerous . That alone made my stomach twist . Still , what choice did I have ? " This quilt , I actually made for Celeste ," Luna Genevieve said as she handed me a thick , finely stitched blanket . " But now that I think about it , she won't really need this kind of fabric in the south ." Since I returned to the mansion , neither she nor Celeste had let me out of their sight . Celeste placed the quilt on the edge of my bed , her voice soft and almost too sweet to be real . " I hope it keeps you warm in the North , Sister , " she said , tucking in a corner as if she were genuinely concerned for my comfort . I didn't respond . My mouth stayed shut , my hands folded politely in my lap . I was too nervous to speak , not because of the quilt , but because the sun had already set , and that meant the Demon Fang attack could happen any time now , just like Cassian said . Which also meant I had to leave this room soon and sneak into my father's study . The thought alone made my throat feel dry . And yet , Luna Genevieve and Celeste had hovered around me like crows pretending to be doves since the moment I returned . Something about their kindness felt hollow . Like they were waiting for me to slip . So instead of answering , I faked a cough , soft , weak , enough to pass for a recovering patient . Earlier , Mendez handed me something that would make me look weak . He said even another doctor wouldn't be able to tell it was fake . It only affected my appearance , making me look pale , but it didn't change how I felt . I still had all my strength . Almost immediately , Celeste reached for the porcelain cup on the nearby table and held it out to me with both hands . " Here , drink this , " she said gently . " It'll help . Mother had the servants brew it just for you ," I accepted the tea and drank it in one slow , steady sip . It was bitter . Thicker than it should've been . Tasted wrong , but not unfamiliar . They'd been feeding me this since they got here , always insisting it would soothe my wounds , calm my 11:06 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 22 : nerves , help with my breathing . I knew from the first sip what it really was . Poison . And yet , I drank it . Because poison didn't work on me . Still , I had to keep the act going . 80 55 vouchers " I ... I think Lord Cassian will be back soon ," I whispered , letting my voice tremble . " And I'm still a little scared . " It was a lie , of course . Cassian had already told me what to expect , already laid the groundwork for this performance . But I needed them to believe that I was just a frightened girl , still fragile , still lost . Cassian had told me once that this would make things easier . That appearing weak would work in my favor . " People overlook what they don't see as a threat , " he'd said . " And the overlooked are always underestimated . That's your greatest edge . " And now , lying still in this bed , surrounded by enemies who thought I was already halfway to death ... I finally understood what he meant . Genevieve's expression softened as she reached for my hand . Her touch was light , almost motherly . " You don't have to be afraid of him , " she said soothingly . " I know the Lord . He won't dare harm you . " I lowered my head , letting my silence pass for agreement . Then Celeste leaned forward , her voice low and full of remorse . " I'm sorry for what I said before ... I realized now that it was silly of me to say things that could destroy our pack , " she murmured . " I didn't mean to blame you . I only- I only wish I could take your place . I wish I could be the one going to the North . " The North . Yes , the plan was for us to leave this place as soon as possible . The attack had delayed us , but Cassian said , we will be leaving immediately after I steal the map , " Little sister , " I said gently . " There's no need to apologize . Mother was right . I signed the papers of my own will . I did it for the pack . " Another cough escaped me , more real this time than the last . I pressed a hand to my chest , and Genevieve wasted no time reaching for another small cup of tea . " Drink it slowly , " she said , patting my back . " We need you strong . You need to recover quickly before you leave for the north " 11:07 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 22 I took the cup without argument and emptied it . ) ) 80 55 vouchers Genevieve smiled and smoothed the quilt over my lap . " Rest now . I am glad that Lord Cassian finally allowed you to recuperate here and not in that muddy tent . You need your strength . The journey to the North won't be easy , and we want you well enough to travel ." I nodded weakly , letting my body slump further into the bed . She handed me the quilt and added with a soft smile , " Use this . It'll warm your body . " " Thank you , " I whispered . Celeste rose to her feet and gave me a gentle look . " We'll come visit again before you leave ." I gave them a faint smile , one that didn't quite reach my eyes . " I'd like that ." With that , they left the room , Genevieve's hand lightly guiding Celeste out the door , her voice murmuring something too quiet to catch . The moment the door clicked shut behind them , the warmth I pretended to have vanished . I sat up slowly , letting the blanket slip from my shoulders . My gaze shifted to the small porcelain teapot on the table . It was empty . Every last drop of it was gone . They didn't leave until I drank all of it . Of course they didn't . A sneer escaped me . That had been the reason for their visit all along . Not to comfort me . Not to say goodbye . Not to bring a gift or offer apologies . They stayed to make sure I drank the poison . And I had . Every last drop . " It seems that they are hell bent on killing me , " I murmured as I placed my hand on my chest . I couldn't understand why they wanted me dead . And I guess I would have to leave this place without knowing why . I looked outside just as the sound of warning drums filled the air . The Demon Fangs are here ... and I ... I needed to make my move . 11:07 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 23 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. 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