Chapter 8
1030 Words
Damien’s POV:
I could still feel the fear in her body even after I stepped out of the room. The memory of her shaking fingers and terrified eyes stuck to my mind. When she looked at me, she was always afraid and it hurt me even though I hated to admit it.
But right now, I had to focus on who poisoned her. Someone tried to poison her in my house and under my watch.
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I walked into the main hall where my men stood. They were silent and didn't know why I called them.
“Everyone who works in the kitchen,” I said. “Step forward.”
Five people moved out nervously. I studied their faces, their moves.
“Who touched the bride’s food?” My voice was low.
No one answered, Luca stepped next to me.
“Speak. Now.”
One man swallowed hard. “W-We all helped… “
“Answer the question.”
They flinched as I walked closer. My eyes were locked on them like a weapon.
“Who was the last person to carry her tray?”
A young maid raised her head slowly.
“I… I took it up, sir.”
I stared at her. “Did you stop on the way?”
“N… No, sir. Straight to the guard outside her door.”
“If you are lying,” I said, “I will know and you’ll regret it.”
She started crying, but crying meant nothing.
“Bring the guards” I ordered.
Luca left.
I looked at the others. “Two nights ago, she ate nothing. Earlier, she fainted from fear. So this drug had to be given before that, possibly in water or while she was unconscious after the wedding.”
Everyone froze as I walked the line slowly.
“Someone under this roof poisoned my wife.”
A man at the end was breathing too fast. I stopped in front of him.
“You,” I said. “Look at me.”
He lifted his eyes and I saw guilt. Luca returned just in time.
“That one,” I said, pointing.
Two guards grabbed the man and he started screaming and begging.
“I didn’t! I swear… she’s just some useless girl, why would I…”
My fist hit his jaw before he finished the word. Everywhere turned silent as he fell to the floor, coughing up blood. I stepped over him, my voice cold as I shouted.
“You poisoned my wife.”
“I… I didn’t know it was for her!” He sobbed. “They paid me to weaken someone… said it would help get her out of the mansion… I swear I didn’t know it was your bride!”
Wrong answer…. I leaned down and grabbed his throat.
“My bride is off limits. Always.”
His eyes bulged
“ Who paid you?”
“ I don’t know! A messenger in mask… they said she doesn’t belong here, that someone would come take her away…”
Take her away, take her again after twelve years of searching.
I let go of his throat just to speak clearly.
“If you ever go close to her… I will cut off your head”
He nodded hard and desperate.
“Luca,” I said, standing. “Handle him. Make him tell us everything.”
Luca dragged the man away. My body still filled with rage. That was when I heard a quiet sound behind me.
I turned and saw Sera standing at the top of the stairs.. barefoot, with a white nightgown. Her eyes looked terrified. She looked like she wanted to disappear… or run.
“Sera,” I said, softer now.
She flinched like I’d hit her. Her eyes moved fast to the main doors… the way out.
“No,” I warned.
But she had already turned and was running down the hall. My heart slammed as I ran after her.
She was running hard, desperate, but still weak. She stumbled as she reached a door, trying to push it open but my hand caught her arm just before she fell.
She gasped and fought, her nails scraping my wrist. “Let me go!”
“Stop.” I pulled her gently but hard against me. “You’re still sick.”
“I don’t care!” she cried. “I don’t want to be here. I don’t want you!”
Those words sliced straight through me. Her breath was wild as tears ran down her face. She shook, thinking I would hurt her. I cupped her jaw, not to hurt her, but to make her look at me.
“You ran straight into danger,” I whispered. “They want to take you. To kill you.”
“I would risk it,” she choked out. “Than stay with you.”
My chest burned with anger mixed with deep, cold fear.
“You think I’m the one hurting you?” I asked.
“You kidnapped me!” she screamed.
“So I could protect you!”
She froze. My voice shook not with rage but with everything I was holding back.
“Someone outside this house wants you dead, Sera. Someone who already tried once.”
Her lips parted, he face turned pale from fear.
I leaned down, my forehead almost touching hers, close enough for her to feel my heart beating fast.
“You are safer with me than anywhere in this world,” I said. “Even if you hate me.”
Her breathing turned sharp and fast, her chest pressing against mine. She didn’t understand… not yet. But I would make her understand. Before she could answer, a voice shouted from below:
“Boss! Another message!”
I didn’t look away from her. Felt like there was more danger, more threats.
And I would destroy every one of them. But first, I tightened my grip on her wrist
“You’re not leaving my sight again,” I said. “Not for a second.”
Not until I kill the one who wants you dead.
Not until you finally understand who you belong to.
- Writer
