Chapter 86

\*\*LYRA'S POV\*\*



I watched Luciana descend the stairs, my heart heavy with worry.



With all the calls and messages I've received so far, her stepping out right now isn't the best idea, but what could I say?



I can't afford to get burst and burnt to death. She seemed to notice my intense stare, because she turned around, fixing her gaze on me.



I couldn't look away, neither could I move closer to her, she might just get suspicious.



I stood staring at her, and after moments of brooding, she gestured that I could move closer, and I did it without hesitation, although my steps were slow and counted.



"You have something to say to me? Don't be scared." She said, her soft and innocent voice causing guilt to wash through my insides. "I don't bite."



I suddenly felt the urge to open up, and without holding back, I spoke up. "I really can't stop you from going home, but please be careful."



That's the best advice I can give, any other thing, and I may just be tagged as a suspect.



Her face contorted a mixture of fear and surprise, but that was the least of my worries. At least I've done my best.



I turned around and walked away, not willing to entertain any questions.



I went to a corner, and watched her descend the stairs, hoping she'd escape the plot somehow.



A familiar voice kept echoing in my head, as I watched her go. "Keep watch for Lyra, ensure she leaves the confines of the mansion."



I've done the best I can...anything else that transpires is totally out of my control.



I suddenly felt a strong energy hovering around. I tried to sniff it and discover the owner, but it was too unfamiliar to comprehend.



I suddenly heard voices, and slowly tiptoed down the stairs, determined to find out who possessed such strong energy.



Getting downstairs, I saw Luciana and an older lady, the seer.



The old lady was persuading Luciana to stay behind, for some dance or something, but she remained strong behind about leaving the mansion.



From where I stood, I sighed deeply, wondering how many people exactly are watching over her.



She must be really special, more reason why my Master wants her.



I took my gaze back to them, and found the lady about to strike her with a staff.



I was about to scream, or stop the lady, knowing that once her blood spilled, it'd be easier for those after her, but before I could, the lady already struck her neck, making her lose consciousness.



"I didn't want to do this, you pushed me into it." The old lady muttered, pain and pain flashing through her eyes.



She chanted some words and slowly the blood faded away, looking away from the blood, her eyes met mine and locked.



"Come clean her up and take her back to the visitor's room, and tell no one about her presence here, until Duncan shows up." The woman said and, without waiting for my response, she walked away.



Is she referring to the Supreme Alpha by his first name? How brave.



I carried the unconscious Luciana, going to carry out the instructions. She was really light, weighing less. 



Does she even eat at all?



Within the twinkle of an eye, we arrived in front of the visitors' room, and I stepped in, grateful no one was in. 



As I laid her in bed, my thoughts wandered. 



What had just transpired? Was it really the seer I saw chanting spells, or was she impersonated? The mere thought of that sent cold shivers down my spine.



Regret and pain etched on her face, but why?



I took my gaze to her neck, searching for the wound, but it wasn't there anymore, it had already healed, and disappeared without leaving a scar.



Whoever healed her, must be really powerful and if she healed herself, then I must say she's strong.



Standing above the bed. I couldn't help but wonder. What was my role exactly?



A cunning predator, a weak prey, a pawn in the larger game, or a protector?



And Luciana, what secrets lie within her? Why's she so coveted?



"Bring the girl to me, unharmed." My Master's voice echoed through my mind for the umpteenth time and I groaned, shutting my eyes.



I gently removed her shoes, covering her with the duvet.



Everything about her seemed ethereal, causing a pang of guilt to hit me hard.



Was I betraying my master, or doing the right thing?



My phone buzzed, the Master's number flashing on the screen. 



My heart sank...was she perhaps listening to my thoughts? Over the years, I've grown to fear her, and never undermine her abilities, especially with regard to sorcery.



I took the call, slightly panicking. "Good Evening Master."



She snorted a response. "Reports?."



"She's safe in the visitors' room." I replied, trying to sound rather detached.



"Good, although I'd have preferred to have her here…anyway, I need you to retrieve something for me." She said, her voice void of emotions.



My instincts screamed warning as I tried to figure out what she'd asked.



"What is it, master?" 



"More of her blood. I need as much as you can get."



My gut twisted with guilt, but I knew better than to defy my master. She held the leverage.



The very moment I go against her, they'll be killed without mercy.



"Understood Master." I forced the words out of my mouth, wondering when I'd finally be free from her devilish claws.



"How much do you need?" I asked again.



"Enough to fill a vial, and Lyra?"



"Yes master?"



"Don't think of betraying me. I'm very sure you know what's at stake."



The line went dead, and I stood frozen.



I don't want to do this to Luciana, but what choice do I have? Master's grip against me is too tight, too tight that one mistake and my breath will cease forever.



I took a deep breath, and, slightly trembling, I made my way towards her, on the bed.



Nothing goes there...



I dipped my hand in the pocket of my dress, and took the syringe I left there.



I hovered around Luciana, guilt eating deeply into my veins.



"Don't do this, she's too innocent." A voice whispered within me. I was willing to oblige. In fact, I was willing to throw the syringe out forever, yet my master's grip held me tight.



I took a deep breath and raised the syringe towards her neck. I was just about to pierce her with it when the door creaked open, revealing Damon.





\*\*DAMON'S POV\*\*



I was shocked when Alpha Duncan asked me to stay back, and not follow him to work, for reasons best known to him.



I retreated back to my room, where I'd been all day.



I was about to go to bed, when my mind drifted to the fact that Luciana was actually still in the mansion's guest room.



I decided to go check on her, although it was quite late.



I had mixed emotions as I got to the guest room's door, but I couldn't point out the exact reason for that, so I shrugged it off, turning the door knob open.



I was shocked at the sight before me lying in bed unconscious, while Keira's maid stood beside her, trembling.



"What's going on?" I thundered, finding the scene quite suspicious.



"N…nothing Damon. Just checking on Luciana." She muttered, hiding her palms behind her back. 



I took a step closer, his cologne filling the room. "Why do I smell deceit?" I growled.





"You're certainly mistaken, Damon."

She said, looking around nervously.



My gaze didn't waver, I kept staring at her movements, trying to find a loophole.



"Why are you even here, at this time?" I asked her, although knowing that if the question was redirected to me, I may not be able to answer.



"She wanted to leave, then suddenly, I found her unconscious by the base of the stairs." 



How is that even possible? Why would Luciana want to leave the mansion when it's past midnight already?



"Are you telling the truth?" I asked, taking long strides towards her, while she moved back in nervousness.



"Speak, now!" I yelled and something fell out of her hands...