8. Stabbed

~Sai

I didn’t know what happened next. But I could feel my entire body stiffening, like invisible chains held me in place. I couldn’t move. I was fully aware, yet trapped inside myself. I saw Caspian kneeling beside me, his hands rubbing mine with urgency.

“Open your eyes, Sai. Please, just open your eyes!” he pleaded, his voice cracking.

That’s when I understood the meaning of Lucost Glow. I was somewhere between life and death—unconsciously conscious.

“Sai… Sai…” His voice trembled. “Please stay calm, okay? Don’t give up on me!”

I felt my soul detaching, drifting from my body. I could see myself, like I was watching from outside. Was this what dying felt like?

Then something changed.

Caspian’s shimmering eyes lit up, glowing brighter than before. His lips parted and his teeth shifted. Sharpened. Like a werewolf’s.

In one swift move, he bit into his own hand—deep and hard. Blood gushed out thick and dark. He didn’t stop. He tore further until the blood began dripping onto my abdomen.

Then, moving closer, he gently parted my lips.

A sharp, sour taste hit my tongue. It slid down my throat like fire. Blood. But not from a werewolf…

This was Demon’s blood.

And with it, I felt something awaken in me. My strength surged back like a tide. My limbs tingled. My heart pounded. I could feel my body again.

Then, I let out a loud, sudden sneeze.

“Oughfi!”

Caspian caught my palm instantly. “Sai! Sai!”

I blinked open my eyes, slowly. Our gazes locked, and I saw the relief flood into his face.

“You made it,” he whispered. “You’re alive, Sai. We broke the witch’s possession over you!”

He pulled my hand to his cheek, smiling through tears.

“Thank you, Caspian,” I said, my voice weak. “I owe you everything for saving me.”

He brushed his finger gently across my lips. “You don’t owe me anything. If anything, I should be thanking you. Without you in my life… I don’t know who I’d be.”

I smiled faintly. “You haven’t changed, Caspian.”

He tucked the blanket around me. “Rest here, okay? I’ll get everything ready for your bath.”

***

After some rest, I felt stronger. I finally stood up and stepped into the shower.

Later, I stood alone in the room, a towel wrapped tightly around my chest. My hair still damp, dripping onto my shoulders.

I looked around and found no clothes. I thought Caspian went to get them?

Maybe he got busy. I didn’t want to go outside like this. What if I ran into her? That witch might start again, or worse, we might fight.

No. Better to wear something of Caspian’s.

I turned toward his wardrobe. As I reached for the handle, a cold voice stopped me in my tracks.

“What are you doing, Sai?”

I froze.

Caspian.

I couldn’t let him see me like this… but it was too late.

I turned slowly, arms folded across my chest. His eyes met mine—and stayed there. He wasn’t looking at the towel. He was looking at me.

I saw it. The same look from the past. That deep, burning adoration in his eyes. That hunger. He used to love me with every inch of his soul. And now… seeing me like this had clearly struck something in him.

“I—I’m sorry, Caspian,” I said, trying to shake him out of it. “I didn’t find any robe. I thought of borrowing your clothes. I hope you’re not upset?”

He walked closer, a faint smile curling on his lips.

“I’m not mad,” he said softly.

I was so distracted by how good he looked! His black trousers, his orange shirt hugging him perfectly, the way his pink lips contrasted his dark hair—that I didn’t realize how close he’d gotten.

He set something down on the table, then reached out and gently brushed my hair behind my ear.

“You look even more beautiful when you’re not smiling, Sai,” he said. “But I’d kill to see you smile again.”

I laughed, just a little. “Sorry for being in this robe, Caspian. Celine might think I’m trying to steal you away or something…"

He covered my mouth gently with his soft hand, stopping me mid-sentence.

“You don’t need to apologize for anything, Sai,” he said, his voice low and tender. “You look absolutely beautiful in this towel. And if there's anyone you should be afraid to see you like this… it’s me, not Celine. Because every time I look at you, I get lost in your beauty.”

Our eyes locked, and for a moment, everything around us disappeared. His touch lingered on my lips, and my heart pounded harder. The love I thought I had buried was flooding back with every second we stood this close.

But I knew I had to stop this before it got out of control.

I stepped back quickly, creating space between us. Caspian blinked, thrown off by my sudden move. Then he gave me a teasing, knowing smile. He could tell I’d pulled away on purpose, dodging a kiss.

“I think I should get dressed now,” I said, trying to regain composure. “I’ll go make something for you to eat. You must be hungry.”

He smiled and handed me a shopping bag. “Here you go. I got these for you. I hope you’ll like the clothes.”

I took the bag, returning his smile. “Thank you, Caspian. I really appreciate everything you’re doing.”

He playfully ruffled my hair. “Don’t mention it. I’ll go take a quick shower. Make sure my food is ready when I come out, alright?”

“Noted,” I said, chuckling softly. “But don’t take too long!”

I dressed up and made my way to the kitchen.

When I got there, I found the Chief Maid washing dishes. A pot was boiling on the gas stove. That surprised me—Caspian had told me clearly that no servant was allowed to cook for him. So what was going on?

I cleared my throat, making my presence known. The maid turned around with a welcoming smile.

“Oh, Miss Sai. You're here already. I’m Anita. Is there anything you need?”

I shook my head. “No, Anita. I was just curious about the food on the gas. Is it for the Alpha?”

Anita glanced at the pot and gave a polite nod. “No, Miss Sai. Madam Celine said it’s for the Alpha. I’m just watching over it for her.”

Then a sharp, cold voice pierced the room.

“And why are you asking about the meal? Planning to poison it?”

Celine.

She stepped forward, eyes blazing with venom. The moment she appeared, Anita dropped her head instantly. The warmth on her face disappeared, replaced by fear. She looked like a child caught stealing.

Celine stormed over and grabbed Anita by the hair.

“And you,” she spat. “Even after warning you and the rest of the Pack maids not to talk to this woman, you still had the guts to call her Miss Sai? You’re fired! Get out of this house!”

Anita’s lips trembled as she tried to beg, but Celine shoved her away.

“Rose will take your place. Pack your things. You’re done here!”

Anita had no choice but to leave. I wanted to speak up, to tell Caspian not to let her go. But before I could move, Celine grabbed my arm.

“And where do you think you're going? Did I say I was done with you?”

I yanked my hand free, jaw tightening. “We weren’t having a conversation, Celine. Also, you should learn to treat people with respect. Anita is old enough to be your grandmother, and you’re here dragging her like some rag doll? No wonder Caspian doesn’t love you. Your attitude is disgusting.”

Celine’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What did you just say?”

“You heard me,” I said, standing tall. “You really think you can control Caspian? That you can keep him away from people who care about him? Who do you think you are—his mother? His wife?”

Her face darkened. “I am his mate,” she snarled. “And we’re going to be married very soon. You better get that into your dirty little brain. You belong with the servants. That’s where trash like you fit in.”

“I don’t have time for this,” I snapped. “Just hurry with the food. Caspian’s hungry. And so am I.”

That last sentence clearly struck a nerve.

Celine clenched her teeth and stared at me with pure hatred. But I ignored her, turning to leave.

Then she grabbed my wrist again.

“After tonight,” she said in a venomous whisper, “Caspian will never love you.”

Before I could react, she reached into the basin and pulled out a knife. My heart skipped.

“Celine, what are you—?”

Without warning, she drove the blade into her abdomen.

“Caspian!” she screamed in agony.

My eyes widened in horror. The knife had gone deep. Blood spurted from the wound, splashing on the floor and on me.

“Stop it! Don’t do this!” I rushed forward, but she yanked the knife out and stabbed herself again.

Blood gushed, warm and thick, covering my hands and clothes. She screamed his name again—“Caspian!”—and threw the bloodied knife at me.

I caught it by instinct, eyes still locked on her collapsing figure.

And just then, Caspian’s voice rang out.

“Celine!”

He ran in, eyes wild, just as she collapsed into his arms.

“Cas… Caspian…” she called weakly. “Sai did this to me. Please… don’t be angry with her. She was only fighting for you.”

Caspian’s head snapped up. His eyes fell on me—blood on my clothes, a knife in my hand.

The whole scenario looks like I had stabbed Celine.