CHAPTER 55: WHY CAN’T I REMEMBER ANYTHING?

Iris’s POV

"Iris, it’s me, Amelia," she said, stepping closer to the bed. Her auburn hair, loosely tied in a messy braid, swayed slightly with her movement, and her eyes now filled with unshed tears and sadness. She leaned in, her hands hovering near mine as if she wanted to reach out but wasn’t sure I’d welcome it. "Look," she said, pointing to my wrist.

I followed her gaze, my eyes landing on a thin black rope tied around my wrist, knotted tightly but not painful as I noticed an identical one on her wrist too.

"I’m your sister." She added.

For some reason, I wanted to believe her but something held me back, a nagging instinct that her words didn’t quite fit the puzzle of my confused mind.

"Mother gave these to us," Amelia continued, her voice softening as she sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle me. Her fingers brushed the rope on her own wrist, her eyes not leaving mine. "She said they’d keep us safe, no matter what. Iris, you’re my sister. Do you remember?"

Sister? I studied her more closely, taking in her appearance. Her dress was simple. She looked like a maid. My gaze drifted to my own attire. It’s a flowing gown, more like a royal dress. If she was truly my sister, why was I dressed like this while she looked like she belonged in the servants’ quarters? The thought gnawed at me, stirring more questions I didn’t know how to ask.

"Are you okay?" Amelia asked, her brows knitting together as she noticed my silence. Her hand reached out, hesitating midair before settling lightly on the blanket near my arm. "You’re looking at me like... like you don’t know me."

I swallowed. "I don’t," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can’t remember anything."

A soft curse slipped from her lips, barely audible. "Those bastards! What have they done?!" she muttered, her fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket in anger. She looked like she couldn’t hold herself from flaring up in fury but then, her expression shifted. She looked like she might cry, but she quickly blinked it away.

"We grew up together, remember. Try to remember." She paused and then continued but this time, she spoke more calmly. "Look, I have little time in this room. You need to be careful. These people are not people you should trust. They are evil and they are only treating you nicely because of what you can offer." She said, "If there’s anyone you should trust, that person is me. I won’t hurt you, I will never. I swear with my life." She added.

I still didn’t say a word. "I already promised mother I’ll protect you. Trust me, I will." She said again.

I was drawn to her eyes, they looked so sincere and genuine. But before I could say a word, the door creaked open again. Alpha Darius entered but this time, he wasn’t alone. He was with an old man of about his age. The man followed closely behind,

Amelia’s expression changed instantly. The vibrant energy she’d exuded moments ago vanished. She slid off the bed and dropped into a low bow.

Darius barely acknowledged her, his gaze moved to the warrior who stood outside the door. The man, clad in dark leather armor, stood like a statue, his face emotionless. "Take her away," Darius ordered, gesturing his eyes towards Amelia whose head remained bowed.

The warrior moved swiftly as he stepped inside. Amelia didn’t resist, but her shoulders stiffened as he gripped her arm forcefully, guiding her toward the door. She cast one last glance at me, her eyes filled with worries as the door clicked shut behind them, leaving Darius and the old man with me. I stared at the closed door as I wondered where they were taking her to.

Darius’s attention snapped back to me, his cold eyes pinning me to the bed. He stepped closer, and stopped at the foot of the bed. "You are of royal blood," he said, his husky voice filled with an authority that brooked no argument. "You will not be seen consorting with maids. They are beneath you. They are filth that would taint your lineage."

His words sliced through the fog in my mind.

He tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "You are the future Luna to my sons, the triplets who will lead this pack as Alphas. Your safety and purity is my priority. Whatever you need, you will inform me directly and not anyone else." He paused and then continued.

"Do you understand?" Darius’s voice and tone gave no room for refusal. I nodded, afraid to speak as my words were caught somewhere between fear and anxiety. His gaze remained on me, assessing, as if he could see through to my soul. "Good," he added.

I am of royal blood? A Luna betrothed to the Triplets? The words swirled in my mind as I finally summoned those words out.

"Why can’t I remember anything?" I asked. "What happened to me?"

Darius’s expression didn’t soften. "It was a great fall from the stairs but the moon goddess saved you," he said simply, his tone devoid of warmth.

A fall? Before I could press further, the man beside him stepped forward, his presence softer but no less commanding. He bowed slightly to me, offering a smile.

"I am Beta Rowan," he said. "Thank the Moon Goddess you’re awake, my Luna. We were all deeply concerned." He sounded genuine, though it did little to ease the knot in my chest. "Long live you, my Luna," he added, bowing again before straightening.

Darius gave a curt nod and turned toward the door. "Rest," he said without looking back. "We will speak again soon." Rowan followed, casting one last glance at me as the door closed behind them.

As stated by Darius, It was a result of a fall I’d lost my memories. That must have been a very serious fall.