Meredith.
I woke up to the fading touch of a soft evening breeze that filtered in through the parted curtains. For a moment, I didn’t move—just lay still, soaking in the gentle quiet.
The nap had been short but effective. My body felt light, and something in my chest had settled. Peace. That was what it was.
Since the incident at the mall, I had taken extra care to avoid Wanda. Not out of fear, but to preserve the calm I had found.
She hadn’t crossed my path since yesterday, and I intended to keep it that way. Apart from the dining table, where avoiding her was impossible, I made sure our paths never intersected.
That woman was probably waiting for a slip, a moment, a chance. I could feel it.
"My lady?" Kira’s voice broke my thoughts. "Dinner will be in two hours."
I nodded as I stretched gently and rose to my feet. "I will go for a walk first."
"Yes, my lady," she replied, and stepped aside.
Deidra followed behind me in silence as we stepped out the rear exit of the house.
The cool air kissed my skin, and I drew a slow breath. This part of the estate was quiet—no servants milling about, no passing warriors. Just gravel, trimmed bushes, and the distant sound of trees swaying.
But as we rounded the corner toward the main path after about twenty minutes, the hum of engines drew our attention.
Two black sedans rolled into the driveway and came to a soft stop. One of the guards walked briskly toward the second car and opened the rear door.
A man stepped out, wearing a simple printed shirt and brown trousers. From the distance, I couldn’t make out his face.
I halted.
I murmured, then turned. "Do you know who that is?"
She shook her head. "I only know the Alpha is expecting a guest tonight."
"Let’s go back inside," I said.
Back in my room, Kira and Azul prepared me for dinner as usual. The bath was short but warm, and I wrapped myself in a clean robe while Azul searched for something decent to wear. Her face remained troubled.
Then as I sat in front of my dresser, she held the small container of the healing balm with trembling fingers. "My lady... this morning, the scar looked... fresh again."
She didn’t say it out loud this time, but I could still hear this morning cry in my mind.
"Can’t the moon goddess be merciful enough to let this injury seal up and the scar to fade?"
It had been my intention to break her heart because I still wanted to stay in control—of myself, of the pain, of the shame that scar carried. But I had underestimated Azul’s devotion.
"I’m fine," I told her gently. "You don’t have to worry so much."
She didn’t speak again, just helped me dress in silence.
By the time we arrived at the dining hall, two seats were occupied.
I kept my gaze straight, intentionally ignoring Wanda, even though I felt her eyes crawl across my skin. It wasn’t until I caught Xamira’s curious gaze that my face relaxed.
Poor child. She looked concerned at my frown, and I quickly gave her a small smile.
Dennis entered the hall not long after, and Xamira brightened instantly. Her little head turned and followed him as he walked toward his seat. When he noticed her gaze, he winked, and she giggled softly into her palms.
That was when I heard footsteps again.
Draven entered the dining room—with Jeffery trailing behind him, and another man.
My heart skipped.
’No. That couldn’t be...’ But it was...
The man from the car. The man in the print shirt and brown pants was the same doctor who had treated my scar back in Stormveil.
My throat tightened almost immediately.
What was he doing here?
Before anyone could rise to greet Draven, he motioned casually with his hand. "Remain seated."
He didn’t introduce him by name. No title. Just that—"my guest."
But I froze. ’Personal doctor? That man was Draven’s personal physician?’
---
The next morning, I woke before the sun finished rising.
Azul and Deidra were already busy. I soaked in a warm strawberry-scented bath for ten minutes, my muscles softening beneath the surface. Azul moved carefully, washing me gently with a loofah.
"You will want to be early today, my lady," she said. "The Alpha still has his guest. You wouldn’t want to keep them waiting."
I laughed under my breath. "When have I ever been late for breakfast?"
Though, in truth, that one morning I ran into Draven in the hallway came to mind. It had only happened once.
Wrapped in my robe, I stepped into the dressing room. Kira entered a moment later and bowed lightly.
"My lady... the Beta is here to see you."
I frowned. "Jeffery? Why?"
Before she could answer, I added, "Have him wait in the sitting room."
"He’s here with the Alpha’s guest," she suddenly revealed.
’The doctor?’ My stomach dropped.
I didn’t like the way that felt.
Azul was already moving. "We shouldn’t keep the Alpha’s guest waiting."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Azul didn’t pause. Deidra stepped in to assist her, and Kira vanished out the door.
As they prepared me, one thought screamed in my mind—
Why did Draven send the doctor to me?
Follow current novels on (f)reew𝒆bnovel
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven