Chapter 167
AMICA
Deckard’s arms stiffened slightly around me as the woman smirked, tilting her head just enough for the dim candlelight to glint off my hairpin.
“Oh? So you’re the one we’ve been waiting for?” she mused, crossing her arms.
Her voice was smooth, confident, but something about it made my stomach twist.
“I’m Freya,” she continued. “The one who’s been keeping your mate alive.
What?
How is that even possible? If she’s Freya, then who was the lady who brought me here?
And why does this Freya have my hair accessory?
I force my voice to stay calm. “Please, I’m a little confused… Where did you get that hairpin?”
“Why would you ask me something like that upon first meeting me? Do you want one for yourself?”
I can’t tell from the tone of her voice that she will not be an easy person to deal with.
I keep my expression neutral, though my mind is spinning.
I still can’t understand how her name is Freya and how she has the same hairpin I gave away just an hour ago. The woman who led me here was also named Freya. How is that possible?
My eyes narrow as realization creeps in. “Oh, I see what’s going on here. It was you all along, wasn’t it? You were the one who led me to this place… What are you, a shapeshifter or something?” I ask.
Freya’s expression darkens. “Why are you saying these things to me?” she snaps.
She steps closer, her gaze piercing.
“For someone who’s meeting me for the first time, you’re quite rude!” she accuses.
“I just told you I’ve been keeping your mate alive, and the first thing you do is call me names? Who the hell do you think you are?” Her voice rises with irritation, her posture growing rigid.
I know she’s trying to twist this, but I don’t have time to go back and forth with her. Deckard is more important right now.
Two women. Same name.
One brought me here. The other stands before me, wearing my hairpin…the same one i gve the other woman
None of this makes sense.
And something tells me This Freya is not my ally.
Taking a breath, I softened my expression. “I’m sorry if I offended you,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “I’m just confused. The woman who led me here was also named Freya, and she ….”
She took a step closer, her grey eyes flashing. “I don’t care how you got here or who brought you here,” she cut me off,
I force myself to stay calm. ‘She’s lying. I know she is. But right now, I don’t have time to argue with her–I need to focus on Deckard.
“I’m sorry if I offended you in any way, I’m just a bit confused because the person who brought me here was also named Freya and…”
“I don’t care about how you got here or who brought you here,” she interrupts, cutting me off mid–sentence.
I stay quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in. She doesn’t seem to want to entertain any more of my questions.
“You had to learn to heal him, right? Then let us begin!” she says, her tone sharp and commanding.
Deckard takes my hand, giving me a gentle but firm signal to let it go.
“Right, I’m sorry,” I say, surrendering. After all, it’s just an ordinary piece of hair accessory, I can get a million of them if I wanted to–though that would only be possible if the cards fall back in our favor. But I don’t care about that right now.
1/3
+50
Chapter 167
“Yes, let us begin,” I agree, trying to push aside the unease
She falls silent for a moment amd begins to gaze studying me carefully, almost like she’s measuring something. Then, her eyes dart back to Deckard.
“I hope your mate has told you that this healing comes with a price, and he has agreed to pay it!” she says, her tone cold
I glance at Deckard, who is struggling to keep his eyes open, clearly exhausted and in pain.
“What price?” I ask in concern.
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is that he has agreed” her tone is dismissive, as if she’s giving me no room to argue.
I hate her already!
But I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong.
;
“Don’t you think it’s unfair to make a deal with someone who’s barely alive, without even telling them the consequences? Where’s the fairness in that?” I challenge her, my voice rising slightly but i keep it controlled so as not to anger her.
“Hm, well, that doesn’t matter now. He’s already agreed to the terms, hasn’t he?” she counters, as if brushing off my concerns like they’re irrelevant.
Why don’t we make new terms right now, between the two of us? I’ll give you what you want!” I stand up to her, trying to hold my ground.
“Well, you’re not the one who needs healing, are you?” She turns and walks away from me, her back to me as she focuses on Deckard.
I walk over to him, my hand gently resting on his chest. My heart pounds with worry, but I’m not about to back down. I have to protect him— whatever the cost.
“You better stop with this back–and–forth now, or your mate will die in no time!” her voice is nonchalant. Hearing her say that weakens me and for a moment, I freeze. I’ve come this far, but maybe it’s best to let go of this argument–for now. I’ll have to face her later, once Deckard is healed.
I walk over to him and place my hands around him gently, offering him support.
“What do you need us to do?” I ask, my voice calm despite the turmoil inside me.
“Hm, good question,” she says, almost as if impressed. “Well, I’ve prepared a room for the both of you. Don’t worry, I’ll help Deckard up to the room. The two of you will lay together in that room.” She pauses, her eyes narrowing. “You will take a cold shower, and then you will spend the night with him. Let your bodies unite as one.” She mumurs
“By morning, I will see how his body responds to you. Truly, you are his destined mate. Once he’s recovered, I will administer further potions.”
She walks over to Deckard and pulls him up, guiding him toward the room.
“I can help him!” I say firmly, taking Deckard by the other arm. I don’t trust this woman, and I don’t like the way she’s touching my man.
Together, we assist Deckard to the room she mentioned. The room is dark, lit only by a small candle on the nightstand
We help him into the bed, making sure he’s settled, and then I head to the bathroom to take a shower.
There’s already a dry towel in there, and I quickly wash myself off, feeling the cold water revive me. There’s also a night garment waiting for me, and for a moment, I hesitate. It feels strange–too convenient—but I have nothing else to wear. After all, I escaped Black Castle with nothing but the clothes on my back.
I finally decide to wear it and step out of the bathroom.
As I enter the room, I hear her voice. “I can see the night garments fit perfectly!” she says.
I freeze, startled by her words. Why is she still in the room? What the hell is she doing here? My heart starts to race
“Are you going to be here all through the night?” I ask with irritation.
She doesn’t seem bothered by my tone. “Well, I just wanted to make sure you are well settled. Is that such a crime?” she replies before finally leaving
the room.
I let out a breath allowing the tension in my shoulders ease as she exits.
Bitch! I murmured under my breath
I slowly walk over to Deckard, who is lying on the bed, and place my hand on his face. I can hardly believe it! He’s here, in front of me. After all this time, I can hold and feel him again.
2/3
3/3
1:01 PM ·
Chapter 167
I lay beside him, my body curling into his. Despite the heat radiating off him, I take in all the warmth, feeling it spread through me.
They say this will heal him, and though his body feels like fire, I don’t feel the intense burn. Instead, I feel a soothing warmth,
His eyes are closed, and I follow suit, shutting mine as well, letting the moment wash over me.
AD