Tangled

Chapter 12


EMELIA

My face froze, my heart racing like a wild animal trapped in my chest. Keiden's words echoed in my mind like a death sentence: "My brother is coming tomorrow." I felt like I'd seen a ghost, my eyes fixed on some unknown point as my mind spiraled into chaos.

Why did he have to tell me?! I hadn't even thought about how to kill him yet! Now, his brother's arrival loomed over me like a guillotine, ready to drop at any moment.

Keiden's voice broke through my trance, "Emelia, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost and escaped."

I forced a weak smile, trying to hide my terror. "I'm fine, just stressed from everything that's happened." My voice trembled, betraying my attempt at nonchalance.

Keiden's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through my facade. "Are you sure? You were fine just a moment ago, and then...this."

I nodded vigorously, desperate to deflect his concern. "I'm positive. I just need to take a warm shower and sleep. That's all." My eyes darted around, searching for an escape route.

"Where's the shower?" I asked hastily, trying to create some distance between us.

Keiden pointed down the hall, his expression skeptical. "Last door on the right. But Emelia, if you're—"

I cut him off, my voice firm. "I'll be fine, Keiden. Don't worry about me." I turned to leave, my heart still racing with fear.

As I walked away, I could feel Keiden's eyes on me, boring into my back like a warning. I knew I had to compose myself





KEIDEN


I watched Emelia's expression change in an instant, like a storm cloud sweeping across a serene landscape. One moment she was fine, and the next, her face was ashen, her eyes wide with fear. I mentioned my brother's visit, and she transformed before my eyes.

What was going on? I wondered, my mind racing with possibilities. Emelia's reaction was unsettling, to say the least. She seemed genuinely terrified, but why? My brother, Kieran, could be intimidating, but Emelia didn't strike me as the type to be easily cowed.

As I gazed at her retreating back, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Emelia's behavior was suspicious, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Was she hiding something? The thought nagged at me, refusing to let go.

I replayed our conversation in my head, searching for clues. She had been fine, even laughed with me, and then...my brother's name was mentioned, and she crumbled. It was as if she associated Kieran with something bad, something that filled her with dread.



EMELIA






As I entered the bathroom, I couldn't help but gasp in awe. The room was stunning, with sleek marble countertops and a massive shower that seemed to beckon me. I felt like I'd stepped into a luxurious oasis, far removed from the chaos that had defined my life for weeks.

I quickly shed my clothes, eager to wash away the grime and stress that had accumulated on my skin. As I stepped into the shower, I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the warm water cascade down my body like a gentle caress. The water pressure was perfect, massaging my tense muscles and soothing my frazzled nerves.

I closed my eyes, allowing the water to wash over me, and thought about the past few days. It had been a never-ending cycle of terror, from Maltreat's cruelty to my mate's rejection, and then being sold off to Kieran like a piece of property. And now, I was supposed to kill Keiden, the one person who had shown me kindness in this dark world.

"Why?" I whispered to myself, feeling the water pour down my face like tears. "Why does Kieran want to hurt someone as nice as Keiden? What could he possibly gain from it?"

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, letting the water wash away my fears and doubts. I thought about Keiden's gentle smile, his kind eyes, and his genuine concern for my well-being. He was a true gentleman, and I couldn't fathom why Kieran wanted to harm him.

As the water began to cool, I reluctantly turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping a towel around my chest. I felt refreshed

As I emerged from the bathroom, I spotted a large night cloth on the couch, along with a note. I walked over to check it out and saw that it was from Keiden.

"Dear Emelia," the note read. "I figured you didn't have any clothes with you, so I left one of my night clothes for you to use. I'll get you some new clothes tomorrow. In the meantime, please make do with this.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Keiden was indeed a kind soul, and I couldn't help but wonder why Kieran wanted to hurt him.

"Thank you, Keiden," I whispered.

I slipped into the nightgown, feeling the soft fabric envelop me like a hug. It was loose and comfortable.

As I settled into the couch, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. The softness of the nightgown and the warmth of the fire conspired to lull me into a state of relaxation. I closed my eyes, letting out a deep sigh as my body sank into the cushions.





KEIDEN

I couldn't sleep, my mind racing with thoughts of Emelia and the secrets she kept. I tossed and turned, but eventually, I threw off the covers and decided to check on her.

I walked quietly to the living room, not wanting to disturb her if she was sleeping. And sleeping she was, curled up on the couch with a peaceful expression on her face.

I stood there for a moment, gazing at her. She looked beautiful, even in her sleep. Her skin was pale, and her eyes were sunken, but there was a fragile elegance to her features that captivated me.

I felt a pang of sorrow, seeing her like this. She looked trapped, malnourished, and scared.


I looked at her one more time, taking in the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the soft curve of her lips. And then, I turned and went back to bed.