Chapter 166: 166 - a word
166
~Belinda’s POV
It was almost dark, and still nothing from Richard. I sat up, pacing from one end to the other. The walls felt like they were closing in on me. My chest was heavy with anger, with jealousy, with fear. Every time I thought about Lisa, my stomach twisted. She was ruining everything, my life, my bond with the Alphas, the balance I fought so hard to keep.
The door burst open suddenly, and Richard stumbled in. His face was pale, sweat dripping down his temples. He was panting, gasping for air like he’d been running.
"Richard," I snapped, spinning toward him. "What are you doing in my room like this? And why do you look like death itself? Did you finish the job? Did you do what I told you?"
He shook his head quickly, his eyes darting everywhere but me. His chest rose and fell like a hammer.
"No...no, I couldn’t," he stammered, his voice trembling. "She ran. Lisa...she ran away from me. I... I couldn’t catch her. Please, Luna, I can’t do this. I can’t."
My blood boiled instantly. My hands curled into fists.
"What do you mean you couldn’t?" I yelled, stepping closer, my voice sharp as a blade. "You had one job, Richard. One. And you failed?"
His head dropped, shame written all over him.
"I tried," he whispered, his voice breaking. "But she was too fast. And people were around. If I did anything reckless, they would have seen me. Please, Luna, let me stop this. I don’t want to die. If the Alphas find out..."
I cut him off with a furious shout.
"No! You don’t get to stop! Do you hear me? You think you can just walk away after everything I’ve done for you? After everything I’ve risked?"
His eyes snapped up to me, wide and frightened.
"I’m begging you," he said, his voice shaking, his hands trembling as he wrung them together. "Please, don’t make me do this. They’ll kill me. Damon, Rowan, Kael...they’ll tear me apart if they ever suspect me. I can’t fight them, Luna. I’ll die."
I grabbed his arm hard enough to make him flinch.
"Then you better not get caught!" I hissed, my eyes burning into his. "You think I don’t know the risks? You think I don’t know what will happen if they find out? But Lisa has to go. Do you understand me? She has to."
His mouth opened, but no words came out. His body shook.
I leaned closer, my lips near his ear.
"Listen to me, Richard. The Alphas are meeting with the council elders the next day. Do you know what that means? It means Lisa will be left behind, unguarded. And I will make sure she leaves her room. I’ll find a way to lure her out. And when she steps out, that’s when you strike. Do you understand me?"
His knees looked like they might give out under him. His eyes darted to the door like he wanted to bolt.
"Luna... no, please. Please, I can’t..."
I cut him off again, louder this time.
"You will!" I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls. My chest rose and fell rapidly, my anger spilling out in waves. "You will finish what you started, Richard. You don’t get to choose. You belong to me, and you will do as I say!"
He froze, his lips trembling. Tears filled his eyes, but didn’t fall.
I pointed at the door, my hand shaking with fury.
"Out! Go! Stand by my door and guard it. And when I call you again, you’d better be ready. Do you hear me?"
For a second, he didn’t move. He just stood there, pale and broken. Then slowly, his head dropped in a nod.
"Yes, Luna."
His voice was faint, hollow.
I watched as he turned and left, his footsteps dragging like a man walking toward his grave.
And when the door shut behind him, I pressed my hand against my chest, feeling the wild beat of my heart.
****
I woke up the next day to carry out my plans. I stood in front of the mirror for a long time, staring at my reflection. My heart still raced after Richard left. He was weak, trembling like a leaf in the wind. But I knew he would obey; he had no choice. He belonged to me.
I straightened my shoulders and called sharply, "Get in here."
Two of my maids hurried into the room, bowing their heads.
"Yes, Luna?" one asked timidly.
"Dress me," I ordered, my voice clipped. "I’m going to the council meeting."
They glanced at each other, surprised, but neither dared question me. One moved to fetch a gown, deep red silk, flowing but sharp enough to make me look powerful. The other carefully arranged my hair, her hands trembling as she pinned it back.
I looked at myself again once they finished, and a small smile curled on my lips. Perfect. Regal. No one would dare suspect the storm in my chest.
"I want to see every fold neat," I said coldly, smoothing the gown over my waist. "If I look anything less than flawless, I’ll know who to blame."
"Yes, Luna," they both whispered.
I waved them away and swept out of the room, my heels clicking against the marble floor. The hall was already buzzing when I arrived. Damon and others sat at the head of the long table, their presence commanding as always. Rowan’s glare was sharp as ever, Kael sat stiff with that cold, controlled expression of his, and Damon... Damon looked calm, but I could see the weight in his eyes. Always the thoughtful one.
I slipped into my seat gracefully, forcing my face into a calm mask. Inside, I was watching every move. Every word.
The council elders spoke in low tones, bringing up borders, trade, and rogue attacks. I nodded when I needed to, pretended to listen. But my focus was elsewhere. When the meeting dragged toward its end, I knew it was time. I leaned toward one of the maids standing by the wall and whispered, my voice soft but firm.
"Go to Lisa’s room. Tell her I need her attention immediately. Bring her to me. My room. Do you understand?"
The maid’s eyes widened slightly. "Now, Luna? While the Alphas...."
I cut her off with a sharp glare.
"Do as I said. Now. And don’t breathe a word of it to anyone else."
She bowed quickly, fear flashing in her eyes. "Yes, Luna."
I leaned back in my seat, my lips curling slightly as I watched the maid hurry out of the hall.