CHAPTER 39: FALLING, BUT STRONG HANDS CAUGHT ME

Iris’s POV

Before I could respond, Amelia spoke again, her voice soft. "Just take it slow, Iris. You’ll get it right." She tilted her head, her tired eyes crinkling with a small, encouraging smile.

Thank God she didn’t give me a chance to answer. How could I have told her I’d thrown the book in a fit of anger? That same book she’d risked so much to get for me, nearly costing her life when her asthma flared up, only to be saved by Alpha Lucas’s inhaler. The memory only made me feel bad for my actions. I forced a smile, nodding instead. The thought of going to find that book from where I’d thrown it intensified but why? Why should I get the book when it was useless? It doesn’t matter anymore. To hell with it and to hell with Lyra. I’m no longer interested in being a werewolf like I stated earlier. And it’s also a good thing Lyra hasn’t spoken to me ever since I’d shut her up, never to speak to me again.

Amelia’s expression softened further, unaware of the guilt churning inside me. "I’ll check on you later, okay? I’ve got to go freshen up. Scarlett’s got me running ragged, and I smell like kitchen grease." She wrinkled her nose, tugging at the hem of her apron, which was smudged with faint stains of oil and flour. Indeed, she looked like she’s been working her ass out, obviously she just came here to check on me briefly.

I nodded again. "You need some rest too." I added.

She gave a little wave as she slipped out the door. It clicked shut behind her. I stood there for a moment, my fingers tracing the smooth silver of the necklace she’d given me. It really looked beautiful. I took out the necklace out from its box as I wore it around my neck. It really looks good on me.

As the day dragged on, having me do so much work, causing me some slight headache. By the time evening came, my body ached. I made my way to my room, hoping for a moment to at least rest my head. I hadn’t really rested in the past few days and I’m starting to feel like I’m likely to fall sick soon and I didn’t want that to happen.

But just as I got inside the room and finished taking a shower and dressed, a knock on the door startled me,it was sudden. My heart lurched as I wondered who it could be at this hour? Most of the maids were either in the kitchen or tucked away in their own quarters. And I was convinced it wasn’t Amelia. She wouldn’t knock before entering. I hesitated, my hand hovering over the doorknob, before pulling it open.

To my surprise, Alpha Lucas stood there as his eyes lit up the moment they met mine. A warm smile spread across his face but it only sent a jolt of panic through me.

"Alpha Lucas," I stammered. Why is he here? My fingers tightened around the doorknob. "You... you shouldn’t be here." I glanced down the corridor, half-expecting to see Liora or one of her loyal maids lurking, ready to report me. "If anyone sees you in the maids’ quarters, they’ll report me. I’ll be punished."

His smile faltered, his brows knitting together in confusion. "Why?" he asked. He took a small step closer. Back in War Born, it wasn’t like this. Everyone could move freely, no matter their rank. Back when I was in warborn, I was never restricted as much as I was here in black bane.

He trailed off, his eyes searching mine, as if trying to understand why he shouldn’t be here.

"It’s different here," I said. "You need to leave. Please."

Lucas didn’t move. His gaze flicked over me. "Iris, I..."

Before he could finish, I grabbed his wrist. The contact sent a shock through me, but I pushed it aside, tugging him gently but urgently toward the corridor. "Come on," I said, my heart pounding as I glanced around again. The hallway was empty, but I could hear the faint murmur of voices from the maids’ common room nearby.

As we stepped out, two maids passed by, their heads bent together, whispering some words to themselves and I didn’t bother to know what they said. Their eyes never leave me and Lucas. I quickened my pace, leading Lucas toward the garden.

I stopped near a stone bench, releasing Lucas’s wrist.

"Alpha Lucas," I said, keeping my voice low, "if you need my service, please send for me next time. Don’t come to my quarters.

Liora..." I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. "She’s territorial. If she thinks I’m trying to get close to you, her brother, she’ll make my life even harder."

He was quiet for a moment, the silence stretching between us. I could feel his gaze on me. Without hesitation, I turned to leave as he called.

"Iris, wait," Lucas called. I ignored and suddenly, my foot catching on a stone in the path as I lost my balance, and I stumbled forward, falling but strong hands caught me before I could reach the ground. Lucas’s grip was firm but gentle. My eyes were lost in the contours of his face, my breath catching as my eyes locked with his. For a moment, the world narrowed to just us. But it didn’t last long. His voice broke the silence immediately.

"Are you okay?" he asked. His hands were still on me.

"I... I’m fine," I stammered, pulling back slightly. My heart pounded, not just from the near fall but from the way he was looking at me. I couldn’t quite explain it but it sent shivers running down my spine.

Suddenly, a rustle from the direction of the maids’ quarters snapped me out of the moment as I glanced over and saw Amelia standing by the window. Her hands were pressed against the window glass while she stared at us.