Chapter 72
The maids fussed over me for what felt like hours, their hands tugging at my hair and smoothing out the delicate silk of the nightgown they insisted I wear. It was far too revealing for my taste, the thin fabric clinging to my body and leaving very little to the imagination. But I didn't protest. Not because I agreed with any of it, but because I knew it was easier to let them finish and leave.
The thought of what came next churned my stomach.
When they finally stepped back, admiring their work with satisfied smiles, I mustered a weak thank you. They curtsied and left the room, leaving me alone in the dimly lit chamber.
The silence was oppressive. My heart raced as I glanced toward the door, knowing that at any moment, Lucian would walk in, expecting... things I wasn't ready to give. My fingers brushed over the faint cut on my thigh, now hidden beneath the layers of the gown. Rowan's plan was my only hope. I had deepened the cut myself a few minutes ago, with a sharp knife.
The door creaked open, and I quickly straightened, forcing myself to look composed. Lucian stepped inside, his greedy eyes gleaming with anticipation. He closed the door behind him and smiled, but there was a hunger in his expression that made my skin crawl.
"You look stunning," he said, his voice low and filled with admiration.
"Thank you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
He crossed the room in a few strides, standing before me and tilting my chin up with a finger. "Tonight is ours, Arin," he said softly. "I've waited for this moment since the day I chose you."
My stomach turned, but I forced a smile, hoping it looked convincing. "Lucian," I said, stepping back slightly. "There's something I need to tell you."
His eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. "What is it?"
I hesitated, trying to appear embarrassed. "I... I'm having my monthly flow."
For a moment, he stared at me, as if trying to process what I'd just said. Then his expression darkened, anger flashing in his eyes. "You're lying."
"I'm not," I said quickly, holding my ground.
"You expect me to believe that this just happened? Tonight of all nights?" His voice rose, his frustration clear.
"I'm not lying," I insisted. "If you don't believe me, you can smell for yourself."
His brows furrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might dismiss the idea. But then his wolf instincts seemed to take over. He leaned in slightly, his nostrils flaring as he caught the faint scent of blood.
He straightened abruptly, his jaw tightening. "So it's true," he muttered, his voice laced with frustration.
I nodded, doing my best to look apologetic. "I'm sorry, Lucian. I didn't want to disappoint you."
He let out a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair. "Of all the nights..."
I stayed silent, unsure if saying anything more would make it better or worse.
After a moment, he turned toward the door, his anger palpable. "Fine," he said, his voice cold. "We'll postpone. When will you be done?"
"In the next seven days."
I lied.
"Seven whole days!! Damn it!"
Relief washed over me as he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. My knees felt weak, and I sank onto the edge of the bed, trembling.
The plan had worked. For now, at least, I was safe. But as I sat there, staring at the closed door, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only a temporary reprieve. Lucian wasn't the type to give up easily, and sooner or later, I would have to find another way to protect myself.
But for tonight, I allowed myself to breathe. For tonight, I had won.
.......
I was pacing the room, my thoughts swirling, when a soft knock on the door startled me. My heart leapt into my throat. For a moment, I feared it was Lucian, back to demand answers or push further. But the knock came again—gentler, less commanding.
Curious, I approached cautiously, cracking the door open just enough to peek through. My eyes widened when I saw a figure cloaked in dark robes, the hood pulled low over their face.
"It's me," Rowan's familiar voice whispered.
Relief and a touch of panic washed over me. "What are you doing here?" I hissed, opening the door wider to let him in before anyone saw.
He stepped inside, lowering his hood to reveal his face. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his eyes darted around the room as if ensuring no one else was there. "I had to check if the plan worked. Did it?"
I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. "It worked perfectly. He believed me."
Rowan exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Good. I was worried he might catch on."
I hesitated before adding, "I even deepened the cut, just in case."
His brows furrowed, and he stepped closer. "You did what?"
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