"No!! Stop this madness!" Rena shouted in vexation, breathing heavily, interrupting this ludicrous and unfair trial. After getting treatment on her arm by Doctor Ophelia, which she left in the room, Rena rushed in. Open the door with her right shoulder. She was reluctant to make small talk.
To Rena's great disgust, this reminds her of Deverell's ridiculous interrogation at the Eldham Mansion, accusing her of killing Ares and Malia. The soulmate, the only source of strength Rena survives in hell, is her baby twins. Now that they're gone, who will she turn to?
Lucian Deverell's condescending gaze, Quinn Harlow's slanting smile interrupted by sobs and her fake whining. Until now, Rena could still hear Lucian's sickening insults. The death of Rena's Twins hits her hard, with every breath she takes now leaving only resentment and wrath — Rena will not stop until Deverell receives the punishment he deserves.
[When I swore that Quinn Harlow would pay for my baby's death. Then she'll take it. I'll do anything. Before my revenge is successful, I will never stop destroying them! Not a single werewolf stood up for me. They threw me out like scum!]
Hunter Arlo restrained Rena's steps; his stern look almost every time showed an expression of hostility. Frankly, Arlo shows his dislike for Rena. "Who said you could come in here?! Who do you think you are?!"
Rena aggravated. Her eyes glanced at Danika, shivering in fear under the floor. Danika seemed so terrified that her shoulders stiffened to tremble. Verena can't save Danika's life, or they're threatened just because of her.
[Kaius Morgenstern is a bastard!] Rena curses hate inwardly. Her face was contorted sarcastically at Kaius.
"Arlo! Give her away; I want to hear what she says." Kaius commands with his hands on his chin. He hid a faint smile behind his fingers.
Mael noticed Kai's unusual body gesture; maybe this was the first time Mael had seen him. He closed his eyes for a moment. Sighing deeply, when opening both his eyes again, he scrutinized Rena sharply.
Arlo snorted irritably. Glaring at Rena, he whispered barely audibly, threatening Rena with a hardened tone. [I'm watching you. Don't think you can fool me, werewolf!]
Come on, this isn't the first time Verena's heard a barrage of curses or death threats. It's not worth it to lose her twins.
"They are innocent," Rena confirmed her words. "They did a good job; I was wrong. I want to get out of here. No one helped me escape. I did it myself. You know why. So, stop being silly!"
Mael hissed, moving forward. He wanted to punch Rena in the face. Kai raised his hand, stopping Mael's movements.
"It's fine, Mael," Kai stated, not offended to hear Rena's zingy words. "You want me to let them go?"
"Yes."
"Is that how you begged me? With an outraged look at me and comments piercing like daggers?" Kai raised his chin. For some reason, he liked this situation. "I thought you could do better than this."
Rena frowned, her hands firmly clenched. She felt trapped and even played. "What the hell do you mean?!"
"You admit it's all your fault. Those people are here because of you if you want to save their lives. Pray for me in a better way. Your confession is not enough, miss. You can't change my decision that way. I will still put them to death."
[What the?! This means jerk!]
Okay, Rena's head is throbbing right now. This madness, facing Kaius, who always acts surprised and unexpected, makes her lose her mind. "Then, what else do you want from me? Didn't you say I was a prisoner? You have always considered your caste to be superior to people like me! If you feel so superior, what more do you want?! I have nothing!"
Mael and Arlo's ears felt hot, and their jaws hardened. Rena's disrespectful remarks towards Alpha Lycan King Osiris are unacceptable. They seemed desperately holding back while their gazes were eager to kill Rena as soon as possible.
Kai sighed, folding his arms over his chest. Cluck. "Then my decision has not changed. Still, sentenced to death."
"FORGIVE US, GRAND MASTER! We beg you to give us a chance—" Danika hysterically shouted. Her tears spilled, and her howling could tearfully tear the air. Danika could not hide her inner shock.
[Why is it like this?!]
Forcing Rena to bear countless guilts. She had time to worry. A pinched feeling crept into her heart like a cold hand was squeezing. Rena couldn't see them suffer or lose their lives just because of a trivial matter. She doesn't know what to do and doesn't understand the mind of the lunatic Kaius Morgenstern.
While Kai was still waiting, his thin smile grew wider now.
"Okay! Fine!" Rena interrupted their sobs. She can't believe doing this. "I will do anything to make up for my mistakes! Whatever you want, I will do it! As long as you let them go! Don't put them to death!"
Kai still gazed straight at Rena's face. He was waiting for the continuation of such a final sentence.
Rena sighed deeply, even though she didn't want to do that. Pleading with her greatest enemy?! She must be crazy! Why does Rena care about them? Lycans have always cruelly slaughtered werewolves. But, seeing Danika's condition forced Rena to be helpless.
"I beg you," Rena added in a low voice. "I guarantee them with my life."
"Fair enough." Kai nodded casually. From earlier, he had looked enthusiastic, waiting for this remark to come out of Rena's sensual lips. He smirked faintly. "Then I changed my decision. You can all return to work; this lady guarantees your lives. Thank her. Starting today, anyone. The residents of Lakeview Mansion treat her well."
"Grand Master —but—" Mael wanted to interrupt, but his tongue was too tight.
"Yes, Grand Master." Weston nodded respectfully. "We promise to fix it. Thank you very much for your understanding."
Danika cannot stand up when Weston, the two guards, and the kitchen chef are relieved from the charges. They immediately retreated out of the room after bowing respectfully and swearing it would not be repeated.
Rena helped Danika to her feet slowly and carefully. Rena clasped Danika's fingers, whispering in husky voice. Her face showed an expression of genuine concern. "I'm sorry—"
Danika gave a staring smile. Wiping away the tears with her hand, she returned Rena's handshake. "It's okay. Thanks a million, miss."
"I—" Rena's tongue felt numb, not knowing what to say. Since she arrived at Lakeview Mansion, only Danika and Doctor Ophelia have treated her well.
"See you, miss." Danika bowed respectfully, saying goodbye slowly backwards. "Thank you for your generosity, Grand Master."
Kaius glanced at Mael and Arlo. "Give me time to talk to her alone."
Mael seemed doubtful, and Arlo glared away while glaring at Rena fiercely.
"It’s okay, I want to talk to her, Mael." Kaius peered at Mael coldly.
Mael nodded obediently. "Call me if you need help. I'm in front hallway."
Unlike the reaction of Hunter, Arlo — Mael seemed unwilling to look at Rena's face even for a moment. Kaius' study door was tightly closed.
"Keep your promise, miss." Kai stood up from his chair.
Rena hissed furiously. "Miss? Verena Iridessa. That's my name!"
"Finally!" Kai was impressed. He stands facing a giant window that shows the beauty of the Digris Northlandic landscape. "You finally told me your name. That's good progress. Isn't it hard to answer other people's questions? It turns out that there are a lot of ways to want to know your name. You Owe Me Your Life, Verena. Don't forget that."
Rena was vexated, throwing her eyes in the other direction.
"Who helped you out? Tell me. I know you're lying." Kai added; he opened one arm. Demanded Verena sits down. "Please sit down; how long do you want to stand there? Feel free."
"What the hell do you want from me?! Get right to it because this is starting to sicken me!" Rena swore again; then, she remembered her earlier promise. She took a deep breath, aware of having to behave better.
Rena didn't know why she was so patient.
[Don't let Morgenstern change his decision again. If I'm behaving incorrectly, he will withdraw his speech and sentence Danika to death again. Why should I be stuck in a situation like this? Now, how do I get out of here?]
"All the guards of the Lakeview Mansion are obedient to me, as are the servants. Who helped you?" Kaius sat on a sofa with shiny black leather, ignoring Rena, who rejected his kindness and still chose to stand like a statue there. Kai gazed at Verena straight. "Is she a woman? Gave you the duplicate key?"
Rena’s eyeball narrowed. Her vexation ignited as if someone had poured hot water on her head. "So, you already know? If you know, why do you keep blaming them?! I mean, why — you still want to put Danika to death?! They're innocent, but you did it anyway?!"
"I gave you a chance to talk, but you didn't use it well." Kaius sighed. "That woman who helped you out — Jade Lorelei. I'm warning you, you're not getting too close to her. It's for your safety."
"Thanks, but I can take care of myself. Don't give a sh*t about me! You're my biggest enemy, remember?" Rena hissed furiously. Wrath blood rose to her cheeks. "I just want to go. Can't you let me go?!"
Kai stood up, approaching Verena. Highlights those cold and shaded eyes, the color of the iris of which is often changeable. Darken or brilliant. Heavy muscles sculpted under a black shirt. Kai continued to trim the distance, cornering her so that Rena retreated backward. There was an unusual smell emanating from Kaius Morgenstern's body. Never before had Rena inhaled this cold but powerful scent.
Rena was cornered against the wall; she subconsciously held her breath.
Kai confirms his words. Demanded in a stern whisper. "Let's talk nicely, Miss Iridessa—“
***