ARIELLE'S POV
I hurried down the stairs to the kitchen, my hands still trembling from my encounter with Lucien. The house felt different now, more oppressive, like the walls were closing in on me. I had no idea where Kian was, and Lucien was locked away in his meeting, which gave me a small reprieve to collect myself.
The kitchen was a hive of activity when I entered. All the maids were working at their peak efficiency, moving with the kind of practiced precision that came from years of serving an Alpha household. The moment they saw me, their movements became even more careful, more deliberate.
"Please," I said softly, raising my hands in what I hoped was a calming gesture. "You don't need to be so formal. I'd like to get to know all of you, if that's alright."
I could see them exchan
