Chương 8: The Plot
I simply didn't know where I was heading.
I looked around with teary eyes, unsure of my surroundings until a familiar face appeared - Hannah
"Hey," she greeted.
"What's wrong? You don't look happy. Why are you crying?" she inquired softly, genuine concern in her eyes.
"My room, where is it?" I asked.
"Layla, what's wrong?"
"You deaf? My room, where is it?"
"Oh, I'll show you. Follow me," Hannah responded calmly.
She turned around and began leading me through winding corridors and confusing corners until i finally arrived at my destination - my room.
"If you need anything, you can tell me. I'll..."
I pushed past her, slamming the door shut behind me, and collapsed onto the bed.
The floodgates opened, and tears streamed down my face.
The tears flowed freely down my cheeks, soaking my pillow.
Images of Liam and what he did swirled in my mind, causing my pain to feel suffocating.
It felt like my heart had shattered into a million pieces, leaving me shattered and lost in a sea of emotions.
The room felt cold and empty, mirroring the hollowness inside my chest.
Suddenly, I heard the soft creak of the door opening, and I turned my head to see a group of ladies walking in, each of them carrying clothes on hangers.
My eyes narrowed, my jaw clenched, and my fingers dug into the bed sheets as I glared at them.
"What do you want?" I yelled.
"Oh, hey Layla," one of the ladies greeted me with a smile.
"Get out!" I screamed
"Oh uhm, Sir Liam instructed us to fill your wardrobe with clothes, shoes, and some other things."
I scoffed at the mention of Liam, feeling the bitterness in my chest growing.
"Screw Liam, screw all of you," I spat out, the anger and pain in my voice evident.
With that, I buried my face in the blankets, seeking solace in their warmth as I let the tears flow freely.
It felt like I was drowning in my despair, my heartache engulfing me in its relentless grip.
How could he do that to me?
I just hate him!
I won't spare Liam, I swear.
The gentle click of something diverted my gaze to the door.
The maids had already left.
Exhausted and emotionally drained, I finally sat up, my eyes swollen from all the tears I had shed.
I couldn't just let this slide.
I couldn't.
The pain was unbearable, but I knew I had to stay strong.
Just then, a soft knock on the door broke me out of my thoughts.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing Hannah standing there with a tray in her hands.
"Uh, hello, Layla," she greeted softly.
"What?" I responded, my voice hoarse from crying.
"I brought you brunch. You hadn't had breakfast, so..."
"Drop it and leave," I cut her off, my emotions still raw.
"Oh, okay," she replied, and quietly placed the tray on the desk before quickly exiting the room and closing the door behind her.
The silence that followed was deafening, but in that moment, I knew I needed to find the strength to pick up the pieces of my broken heart and move forward.
I stood up from the bed and walked over to the desk, noticing that Hannah had prepared three circle breads with different fillings in each one.
I picked one up, unfolded it, and found a combination of leaves, onion, meat, and other ingredients.
There was also a glass of water, placed to accompany the meal.
I quickly sat down at the desk, and began eating.
The thought of Liam's actions suddenly flooded my mind, and I froze in place.
My heart tightened, and a fresh pain surged through me.
I gulped hard, my throat convulsing, and lowered my hand, which had been suspended in mid-air.
I forced myself to continue eating, but the food was ash in my mouth, and my appetite was gone.
I struggled to finish what was on my plate, my stomach churning with nausea.
Why did this have to happen to me?
I took a deep breath, the air shuddering in my lungs, and stood up, my legs heavy with emotion.
I walked over to the wardrobe, my feet feeling like lead.
And as I opened it, I was met with lots of clothing.
My eyes roamed over the clothes, and my hands automatically grasped a gown and matching jacket, as if drawn to them by instinct.
I carefully lifted them, along with a towel and other essentials, and arranged them neatly on the bed.
With the towel draped over my shoulder, I made my way over to the bathroom door and pushed it open, then stepped inside.
The mirror reflected a pale, drawn face, but I took a deep breath and began to freshen up, the cool water reviving my skin.
I took a moment to freshen up, and as I emerged from the bathroom, the towel wrapped around my chest like a protective embrace, embracing me in a fragile sense of calm.
I walked to the bed and began applying the deodorant, its scent sparking my senses.
I dressed in the clothes I had laid out, the soft fabric gentle against my skin, and secured my hair in a ponytail.
My feet slid into the warm shoes, feeling cozy and comfortable, then I walked out of the room.
But as I stood at the front door, my mind fixed on the man who had disrupted my life.
I couldn't simply wait. I had to act.
I had to bring him down.
Then I saw her - a woman whose beauty was truly breathtaking.
Her beauty had almost made me forget about my misery, erupting a strange sense of calmness within me.
Her long, wavy dark brown hair cascaded down her back, and her clothes hugged her curves in all the right places.
"Hello," she greeted as she approached me.
Her voice reminded of the peaceful tweeting of birds after a rainfall, and it somehow provided a warm hold in my heart.
I was so lost in her beauty - her pink-freckled face, reminiscent of the pink evening hues, her light green eyes like the reflection of trees in the water.
Everything about her felt unique and calm.
"Layla!"
My mind slowly returned to the present at the constant calling of my name.
I slowly blinked, my lips slightly parting as my eyes remained glued to her face.
"Hannah, take me to her," I managed to say.
"Um, sure, I would," she replied, flashing a warm smile that ignited serenity in my heart.
"Lead the way, then."
"Hmm," she nodded and then turned around.
I fell into step behind her as she guided me through corridors and corners, until we arrived at the same door Hannah had led me through before.
She pushed a button on the wall, causing it to slide open after some seconds, and we both stepped in.
"Is there anything you'd like to discuss with her? I can probably be of help too," she offered kindly, pressing a button on the wall.
"Uhm no, I want to speak with Hannah," I calmy responded as my gaze remained fixed on the device displaying changing numbers.
When it finally reached 5, the door opened, and I stepped out, accompanied by Diana, who escorted me out of the building and into a side garden where Hannah was busy watering plants.
"Hello," Diana said, and Hannah instantly turned around, flashing a warm smile.
"Oh, hey, Diana and uhm Layla. Do you need any help?" she asked, putting down the watering can to have a proper conversation.
"Yeah, someone would like to speak with you."
"Oh, I'm kinda busy, but I can spare some time," Hannah said, wiping her wet hands on her skirt.
"Okay, I'll be on my way now," Diana stated, offering a smile before turning to leave.
My eyes followed her every movement as she walked away.
I was drawn to her beauty, and it made my heart flutter.
"So, Layla, what do you need my help with?"
Hannah's words managed to pull my gaze back at her.
"I want you to show me around and tell me everything you know and have heard about Liam," I responded, folding my hands and maintaining extreme eye contact.
Her face instantly lit up, "I'd love to!"
"but what's with the sudden change of mind?"
"It's nothing," I bluntly stated.
"Okay, then. Let me just finish watering these plants first. I'm almost done," she said, picking up the watering can.
I stood back, somehow enjoying the peaceful sight of Liam's garden as she watered the plants.
One of my favorite places to be at is the garden.
It made me feel warm and calm.
The rushing sound of the stream, the tweeting of the birds and the natural breeze that flowed within, everything was so unique.
"I'm done. Let's go now."
Hannah words pulled me out of my trance.
"Hmm," I nodded.
I followed behind her as she led me back into the living room.
"It's really a big mansion, so getting to master the routes and corners can be a bit confusing. So it's best you use the elevator, okay?"
"Elevator?"
"Yeah, that thing I took you in the other time is called an elevator."
"Oh okay."
I followed her every direction, taking in the details she shared about the living room, the kitchen, the dining room, and the sofa.
Hannah beckoned me to follow her towards the elevator, where she gave me a quick tutorial on how to use it.
"This is the elevator, and I already explained how you use it, so let's see you use it this time," she said.
I furrowed my brows slightly, feeling a bit confused and nervous at the same time.
My hand trembled as I tentatively reached out and pressed the button, then waited until it opened with a 'ting' sound.
We both stepped in, then I pressed the number 2 on the wall.
The door slowly closed and I felt a rush of satisfaction as the elevator smoothly ascended.
The door opened once more, almost immediately, revealing another part of the mansion.
"Really good!" Hannah praised, making my head swell.
We stepped out onto the second floor, and I was met with corners and doors around.
"Come on," she said, walking into a corner.
I felt this sudden queasiness in my stomach as I began following her.
She stopped right in front of a door then pushed it open, "this is sir Liam's library, he spends most of his free time here."
"Library?"
"Yes, where you see a lot of books to read from, that's a library!"
I nodded, "Oh, okay."
I couldn't read, so it was going to be difficult for me to find anything there.
"Come, I'll show you his lab room," Hannah said, sounding both cautious and excited.
My heart lept with joy as I followed her through the corridor, our footsteps echoing as she led me towards a door.
Maybe I'd find something there.
"His lab room is where he performs different experiments, and also dangerous potions. Although, he doesn't allow anyone in," Hannah explained as we finally stopped in front of the door.
"Can't I at least have a peek?" I asked
She furrowed her brows apologetically, "Sorry, Layla, but Sir Liam doesn't want anyone touching his things."
My heart sank, like something heavy had fallen on it, pressing it to the depth, and I furrowed my brows.
"Liam is so strong, isn't he?"
"Yeah, he is!" She exclaimed.
"So strong that nothing can kill him. He's a wizard!"
Hannah chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"He's not a wizard, he's a white wolf, and of course, he does have a weakness."
"So, what's his weakness?"
"Don't know, I just believe everyone has a weakness, but nobody would dare use it against him if they found out what it was."
"Well, enough of that, let me show you more places," she declared, steering the conversation towards more mundane matters as she guided me through a labyrinth of corners, doors, and rooms within the vast mansion.
Each room held its own stories, but the sheer expanse of the mansion made it impossible to explore every nook and cranny.
"Well, I have to go now. Sir Liam would be back any moment, so let me take you back to your room," Hannah said as she ushered me into the elevator.
"Okay," I responded.
We both stepped in, and the doors slid shut as the elevator began to ascend.
"Ting!"
The doors slid open, and I stepped out, watching as they closed again with Hannah waving goodbye.
I turned around and managed to find my way back to my room, remembering the familiar corners that had led me out earlier.
Once in my room, I started pacing back and forth, consumed by thoughts of what Liam's weakness might be.
I didn't even know him, so how would I know his weakness?.
"Ah geez!, Only if I had a clue."
Lost in thought, a soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.
The door creaked open to reveal a maid, holding a tray in her hands.
"Your lunch is ready," she said with a smile.
"Why do you serve me like this when I'm just a maid?" I couldn't help but ask.
"You're not just any maid, you're Sir Liam's personal maid, so he expects us to treat you well," she responded, placing the tray on the desk.
"Why do you all hold Liam in such high regard?"
"He's royalty, so naturally, he commands respect."
"By the way, what kind of flowers do you have in the garden?" I inquired, my mind hinting at something.
"His highness has many - roses, lilies, sun flowers, dasies, and many more!"
"Many more?"
"Yes, would you like to see them?"
"Yeah," I eagerly accepted.
"Come on then," she said, turning around and began walking away.
I followed closely behind as she led me out of the mansion and to into the lush garden.
"These flowers are primarily for Sir Liam. He utilizes them for his potions," she explained as we strolled through the garden until we reached a specific patch of vibrant blooms.
"These are poisonous flowers, they are really deadly when consumed, so you should stay away from this."
"Hmm, okay," I responded, my gaze drawn to a particular flower that caught my interest, likely what my mind was hinting at.
That flower there must be a jimsonweed flower.
Fuzzy white with a greenish ting - unforgettable!
My mother had told me a lot about that flower, and how extremely deadly they can be if consumed.
I'm definitely sure they'd be able to take that man down.
I smiled to myself, admiring the flower.
"Hey Layla, you okay?" The maid's voice broke through my thoughts, making me flinch.
"Oh, I'm fine, I'm fine."
"Why don't you be on your way now, huh? I'll look around myself," I suggested.
"Are you sure?" She asked with a furrowed brow.
"I am, go now," I said.
She looked hesitant, but eventually nodded, then turned and headed back towards the mansion.
I didn't waste further time and swiftly knelt down, carefully plucking some of the jimsonweed flowers, a glint of satisfaction in my eyes.
I stood back up and carefully hid the flower in my jacket pocket, then hurried into the mansion.
As I entered the living room, I scanned the area for any maids, and fortunately, there were none in sight.
I hastily made my way to the elevator and pressed the call button.
It arrived promptly, and I stepped inside, heading straight for my room.
"Ting!" The doors slid open, and I rushed out and sprinted to my room, my heart racing with every step.
As soon as I got to my room, I bolted the door behind me for privacy and security.
"Yes," I affirmed to myself, holding the devil's trumpet in my hands.
"Don't know why this man has such a flower here, but it's a good thing."
I carefully hid it away and made my way out of my room, taking the elevator down to the ground floor.
As the doors slid open, I was met with the sight of the living room, where maids were busily attending to their duties.
I walked cautiously and slowly to the kitchen, careful not to arouse suspicion, and noticed a lady scooping food into a large glass serving bowl.
"Whose is that?" I inquired as I stepped closer to her.
"Oh," she glanced at me then returned to her work.
"It's for his Royal Highness, he's arriving soon."
Oohh, this is the best time.
"Let me serve him," I insisted.
"No, no, I'll do it."
"It's fine, I can do it."
"But..."
"I'll do it."
Her gaze lingered on me suspiciously, and I knew I needed to act fast.
I cleared my throat and furrowed my brows, projecting an air of authority.
"I'm Liam's personal maid, so I demand I serve him food today."
Her eyes widened in fear at my words, and she quickly dropped down the utensils.
"Fine, but please be quick, his highness would be arriving soon."
I nodded, relaxing my brows, "you can take your leave now."
She nodded, reluctantly tearing her gaze from the dish before heading out.
Finally!
My eyes inadvertently fell upon a mortar and pestle.
Without hesitation, I swiftly grabbed it.
I knelt on the floor and carefully extracted the flower.
This was the perfect opportunity, as the maids were absent.
I began pounding the flowers with gentle yet effective strokes, mindful of the need for silence.
Just then, I heard "Greetings to you, Your Majesty!"
My heart sank, and I quickened my pace.
The flower was now moistened and had been transformed into a rough paste.
I cautiously peeked around the counter, relieved to see that no one was approaching; they were all too busy greeting Liam.
I carefully stood up with the mortar and grabbed a spoon.
I scooped up all the paste at once and began mixing it into the saucy beef.
The paste blended in seamlessly, camouflaged by the vegetables already in the sauce.
I ensured everything was well combined, then took the mortar and all the utensils I used to the sink for a thorough wash.
After washing, I returned them to their positions.
"Now's the time, Layla," i thought to myself.
I quickly made my way back to the counter and knelt down on the floor.
Liam was approaching the dining room, looking stunningly handsome.
His hair fell down his back, and he wore a black trenchcoat and jeans.
I watched as he sat at the edge of the dining table, pulled something out of his pocket, and began tapping away.
I took a deep breath, my heart racing, and my breath escaped in shaky gasps.
I slowly stood up, reached for the bowl of saucy beef, placed it on a nearby tray, and began heading out with it in my trembling hands.
I entered the dining room, set the tray down in front of Liam, and quickly hid my trembling hands behind my back.
He lifted his head, his gaze piercing through me, as if chasing my soul out of my body.
I remained still, my breathing shaky, trying not to show any sign of fear or allure.
A smile suddenly formed on his lips, and he placed the device he was holding on the table.
I furrowed my brows, clasping my hands together behind me.
He then leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table and his chin on his knuckles, watching me intensely.
My eyes darted around nervously, wondering when he would finally take a bite of the food.
I didn't like the way he was staring at me.
It felt like his gaze was penetrating into me, and the horrible event of last night flooded my mind once more.
My chest heaved with ragged breaths, anger simmering inside me.
I clenched my jaw and shot him a icy glare.
A fierce battle raged within me, as both pain and anger wrestled for dominance, leaving me unsure how to give voice to either emotion.
I turned to leave, but he suddenly grasped my wrist, his grip tight.
I gritted my teeth, clenched my other fist, and slowly turned to face him, my heart racing.
"What?" I asked, trying to sound calm.
He released my wrist, his smile still lingering on his lips.
"Sit with me," he said, his eyes locked on mine.
"I have other important things to do," I said.
"But you brought me food," he pouted, trying to coax me into staying.
"Isn't that what a maid is for?"
"I want you to sit with me," he insisted, looking at me with a gaze that seemed glued.
I huffed and reluctantly took a seat by the side of the first chair at the dining table.
He continued to watched me intensely, and I felt like slapping him hard across the face.
"Have the first bite."
His words broke me from my reverie.
I furrowed my brows, my heart pounding in my chest, "Huh?"
"Uhm, it's your food, eat it yourself."
"I know, but I want you to have the first bite," he said.
"I don't want to."
"If you don't, darling, I'll assume you added something in it."
But if I eat it, I'd die.
But if I don't....
My eyes darted around, unable to think of any more excuses.
"Fine," I relented, shifting the tray closer.
I grabbed a plate and dished myself to a piece of meat.
My gaze then shifted to him, hoping for a change of heart.
But his expression remained resolute, and I had no other choice.
I picked up a fork and speared the meat, lifting it to my mouth with trembling hands.
I tentatively took a bite, and instantly frowned at the bitter and spicy taste as I slowly chewed.
He would have definitely known something was wrong if he had eaten It himself.
It tasted so bitter, a sign of the flower.
I hid the food beneath my tongue, then faked a smile.
"See?" I said to him.
"Swallow."
My eyes widened in shock, a mix of both fear and suprise as I heard him say.
How did he know I hadn't swallowed it.
My nails pierced my skin as I glared at him, digging in deeply.
A fake smile slowly formed on my lips as I swallowed.
"See, nothing happened."
"You know what, you can eat it all," he declared which made my eyes shine with disbelief.
"Huh?" I yelled.
"I've a-already e-eaten," I stammered, already feeling queasy in my stomach.
"Eat more then," he insisted, his gaze unwavering.
"But I can't, I'm full," I said, my voice barely audible.
"I know you're not. Have some," he said, grabbing a fork and selecting a piece of beef.
"Here," he offered, reaching out to feed me.
"No," I protested softly.
"Have it," his tone suddenly turned serious, leaving me with no choice but to accept the proffered bite.
I chewed slowly, my mind racing with concern as the discomfort in my stomach intensified.
Oh no, this must be from the first bite.
"What's wrong?" Liam inquired, a teasing smile on his lips.
"It's nothing, nothing," I replied, feeling increasingly uneasy and shifting in my seat as the pain grew.
"Ah!" I suddenly cried out, the intensity of the agony catching me off guard and drawing the attention of the maids.
Liam chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine.
"Tell me, sweetheart. Who told you the jimsonweed could kill me, huh?" he asked, locking eyes with mine as I tasted the metallic tang of blood in my mouth.
"W-wait? H-how did y-you kn-know?"
"How wouldn't I?" he smirked, his words chilling me to the core.
Attempting to rise from the chair, I was seized by a sudden wave of pain and collapsed to the floor, my distress escalating.
"Argh, it hurts," I moaned, spitting out blood as my vision blurred.
"You, Liam. I'll be sure to come after you even after death," I vowed, my eyes growing heavy as darkness encroached.
His smile lingered in my fading sight, sparking a fusion of anguish and fury within me, until at last, my eyelids fell shut, and I succumbed to the enveloping silence.
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