“I’m just trying to help you,” she said sweetly, but the warmth I had once known in her voice was gone.
“Why are you really here, Davina?” I asked. “Why didn’t you come to me sooner?”
Her eyes met mine, and for the first time, I saw it—the flicker of resentment, of something darker.
“You wouldn’t understand,” she said softly, her voice dripping with something like venom.
I took a step back, my heart pounding in my chest. I had been so elated to see her, so relieved, but now I felt a cold dread creeping in. Davina wasn’t the same, and I had no idea what she had become in my absence. Nonetheless, she was still my sister and I knew she wouldn't harm me.
Unaware of the hatred simmering just beneath the surface, I whispered, “Well, I guess it doesn't matter now. I’m so glad you’re back.”
I carried the tray of food to Raphaella’s room again, my steps slower this time. Every visit to her had to be perfectly calculated. Too much kindness, and she’d suspect. Too much pressure, and she’d retreat even further. I had to be gentle with her now—at least until I found the right moment to strike.
Knocking softly on the door, I waited for a few seconds before pushing it open. Raphaella was exactly where I expected her to be, curled up on the small couch by the window, her back facing me. She hadn’t eaten the last meal I brought, and I knew she was getting weaker.
"Raphaella," I called softly as I approached, setting the tray down on the small table beside her. "I’ve brought you some food again. You need to eat. You know how Lycan King is. He doesn’t tolerate disobedience. If you keep refusing to eat, he might..." I paused, letting my words hang in the air. "He might take more drastic measures."
She didn’t respond, her body stiff, her gaze fixed out the window.
I leaned in closer, my voice dropping lower, almost conspiratorial. "He’s cruel, Raph. You’ve only been here a short time, but I’ve seen it. He will kill anyone who offends him."
"I heard about what he did to an entire village once," I continued, my tone darkening as I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "They disrespected him, and he slaughtered them all. Men, women, children. He didn’t care. Pierre only cares about one thing—power. He’ll use anyone and destroy anyone who gets in his way."