Either Way You Die

Chapter 6

The night was cold, and soothing, the air crisp against my skin as I limped onto the balcony. Alone. I took a deep breath and relished the feeling.

I pulled my shawl tighter, staring at the moon as my thoughts wandered. So much had changed in so little time.

For a moment, I let myself breathe—let myself feel something close to freedom. But happiness never stayed long. There was always a lingering weight, a dull ache that settled deep inside me.

A gust of wind sent strands of hair tickling my face. I tucked them behind my ear, sighing.

"I could have you if I want to."

The memory of his voice sent an unfamiliar warmth through me. I bit my lip, embarrassed by the way my body reacted. I had never felt this before—this strange, exhilarating sensation.

A part of me wished I could see him again. Hear him say those words, watch his eyes bore into mine.

I shook my head, ashamed of the thought. What is wrong with me?

"You seem strong enough now, I see."

The voice snapped me from my thoughts. I turned too quickly, pain flaring through my ribs. I gasped, clutching my side.

“Hey,” I muttered, uneasy. How had she snuck up on me like that? She was standing too close, staring at me in a way that made my skin crawl. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

Her lips curled slightly, but it wasn’t a smile. Her eyes held something dark—something unreadable. “Of course, you didn’t. You were too busy… fantasizing.”

My stomach twisted. Was it that obvious?

I forced an awkward smile and quickly busied myself with my hair.

The woman tilted her head, studying me. Then, finally, she took a slow step forward.

“How do you feel?” she asked.

I hesitated. “I have some pain—especially my ribs and the back of my head. And my foot feels strange, like something’s stuck in it.”

She didn’t respond right away. Instead, she just stared, as if waiting for something more.

“I wasn’t asking about your injuries,” she finally said, her tone sharp. “I asked how you feel.”

I blinked. “Oh.” A nervous laugh escaped me. “I… I don’t know what you want me to say.”

I felt uncomfortable with the question and couldn't help smiling and trying hard to avoid her eyes but I kept meeting those piercing eyes of hers.

Her expression darkened, her eyes shadowed with something unsettling.

Silence stretched between us. I clicked my nails together, fidgeting.

“It’s time for your bath,” she said. “I need to check your wounds.”

I nodded.

I watched as she prepared the bath, mixing hot and cold water, testing it with her hand until she seemed satisfied. Then she added a fine powder, a few sticks, and some oil.

I frowned. “What are those?”

“Something to help you heal.”

Something about the way she spoke made me uneasy, but I didn’t question her further. Instead, I watched as she stirred the mixture. When she was done, she gestured toward the tub.

“I can bathe myself,” I said carefully.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “This isn’t up for discussion. It’s necessary for me to be here. Now get in.”

I hesitated for only a second before stepping into the tub. The warm water wrapped around me, soothing the tension in my body. It was exactly what I needed.

“What’s your name?” I found myself asking.

There was a long pause, as if she was debating whether to answer. Then, as she massaged my back, she said, “Lena. You can call me Lena.”

“Lena,” I repeated. “That’s a beautiful name.”

Her hands slowed for a fraction of a second before she continued. She didn’t respond.

My mind drifted back to my conversation with Nergal before he was called away. So many questions had been left unanswered.

“Lena?” I called.

“Yes?”

I trailed my fingers through the water, watching as the oil settled on my skin and the cherry blossoms floated around me. “Can I ask you something?”

She nodded.

“What are you?”

She stopped. Her gaze lifted to meet mine, her expression unreadable.

Seeing her hesitation, I added, “Yesterday, I saw something. Nergal—”

“Alpha.”

I frowned. “What?”

“Refer to him as Alpha. Not by his name.”

My stomach twisted. “Why?”

Her lips twitched slightly, and she let out a slow breath, as if restraining herself. “Because he is the Alpha. That's how we address our leader.”

I nodded, but something about the way she said it made my skin prickle. Why is she so defensive about him? What is she to him?

“We’re all werewolves,” Lena said suddenly, cutting through my thoughts. Her voice was softer now, almost distant. “What you saw… it was real.”

I swallowed. The image of him staring into my eyes flashes in my mind, and I almost smiled. His eyes were charming. “I didn’t think things like you existed. I only read about them in books. Old Miss Ray used to bring them to the orphanage.”

“Well, now you know.”

A thought crept into my mind. One I wasn’t sure I wanted an answer to. “Do you think I should leave once I’m healed?”

She stilled. Then, slowly, she placed the sponge into the water.

“Do you?” I pressed.

With her brows raised, she asked, “Do you?”

She stood abruptly, handing me a towel before turning away. “That wasn't the answer I was expecting.”

I stepped out of the tub, drying myself off as I limped back to the room. Lena was by the bed, laying out a blue silk gown, it was beautiful, yet simple.

“You are having dinner with him tonight.” She said, as she admired the dress.

I blushed.

“He thinks you’re the one,” she said suddenly, cutting into my excitement. Her gaze remained fixed on the gown. “But I don’t believe it.”

My breath caught. She didn’t need to say who he was. I already knew.

My heart pounded, unease creeping up my spine. Something about the way she spoke made me uncomfortable. Her emotions shifted too quickly—calm one second, on edge the next.

I swallowed. “Why would you think that?”

She turned, her gaze sharp. “Because you don’t fit to be his mate. You are weak, and of no use to him or us.”

The words struck deep. My throat tightened, but I forced out a laugh, though it felt hollow. “Sorry?”

“Don’t be.” Her voice was cold. “I just hope he realizes it before it’s too late. You won’t last here. If he doesn’t kill you himself, the world outside will. Either way, you die.”

She turned on her heel and walked out, leaving me standing there, frozen.