Chapter 13   Mia Merris

Mia sank instantly to her knees, trembling in pure fear. “Please forgive me, Master Levi, I… I did not mean anything…”

 

Levi raised his hand, ready to strike her. But Scarlett stepped right in front of him, using her own body as a shield.

 

“Levi, stop this at once,” she commanded firmly, causing him to freeze and pull his hand back.

 

“What is the matter with you? Why are you so angry with her all of a sudden, enough that you would raise your hand to hit her?” Scarlett pointed a finger at him. Levi’s jaw tightened hard.

 

“She is my personal maid. I have never punished her unjustly, not even once. But you? Who do you think you are, daring to strike her?” Scarlett’s words shocked Levi and Viviane completely.

 

‘What has gotten into her? Standing up to me just for some lowly servant girl? Usually she is the first to punish Mia herself if I even look slightly annoyed. She would beat her without hesitation. Why is she suddenly defending her now?’ Levi ground his teeth together, holding back his frustration.

 

Scarlett clenched her fists tight. She glanced down at Mia, still kneeling at her feet, shaking and stifling sobs.

 

‘So I was truly blind all this time. I even sacrificed Mia’s well‑being for the sake of a scoundrel like him. I am so sorry, Mia. You must have hated me in silence for years. No wonder you were always so awkward and afraid around me,’ Scarlett thought, suppressing a surge of rage.

 

She had been so blind, so incredibly foolish for so long.

 

“Why have you gone silent?” Scarlett asked. Her voice was calm and low, yet the cold, heavy pressure radiating from her made Levi shiver slightly. He quickly brushed the feeling aside with arrogant disdain.

 

Levi let out a cold snort. “It is obvious why I am angry. She was clearly insulting me.”

 

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, remaining perfectly composed. ‘Go on, Levi. Keep talking. Show me more of your sickening arrogance.’

 

Levi pointed an accusing finger at her face. “Come now, Scarlett. It is common knowledge that you are madly in love with me. And because I happen to be closer to Viviane, you convince yourself that I do not love you. That is why that filthy maid of yours called me blind. She deserves to be punished.”

 

“Who else could she mean by a blind man unable to love a woman like you, if not me?” Levi added, struggling to keep his temper in check.

 

“Just look at yourself. You are still recovering, and you were ordered not to leave your chambers. Yet here you are now. You definitely came out hoping to meet me. Today is the day I report to Elder Marcus. And now you dare claim you do not love me? Honestly, Scarlett, you are beginning to disgust me.” Levi chuckled coldly.

 

“Master Levi, please do not speak to Sister that way. I am sure she was simply bored being locked inside her room all day,” Viviane said softly. She stepped closer, took Scarlett’s hand, and secretly squeezed her wrist as hard as she could.

 

“Poor Sister. You must still be in such pain. Come, let me walk you back to your room. Let me take care of you starting tonight,” Viviane said, tugging forcefully at Scarlett’s arm.

 

‘In the past, she pulled this exact trick all the time. I would instinctively yank my hand away, and she would throw herself to the ground, then cry and claim I had pushed her,’ Scarlett recalled, keeping a cold smile hidden inside.

 

‘Do you really think I will fall for your cheap tricks again, Viviane? Not anymore.’

 

Scarlett gently but firmly freed her wrist from Viviane’s grip. “It is quite alright, Viviane. I am feeling much better now. You do not need to trouble yourself looking after me. You should focus on your own studies instead. You need to improve your magic skills, especially since you hope to become Luna one day.”

 

‘Ugh, curse it! She pulled her hand away slowly and calmly. I had no chance at all to provoke her,’ Viviane screamed inside Scarlett’s mind, sending a sharp throb of pain straight through her head.

 

“Of course I am nothing compared to you, Sister. I truly do not measure up to you and your knowledge. You were born and raised specifically to be the future Luna of this pack,” Viviane replied, her voice trembling as tears spilled down her cheeks.

 

Scarlett pressed her fingers to her temple, her face twisting in discomfort.

 

“Scarlett, why do you always have to humiliate Viviane like this?” Levi interrupted. He wrapped his arms around Viviane, who was now sobbing against his chest.

 

“Is it not enough that you have everything you ever wanted? You have power, authority, and your precious pride standing tall before everyone. But that does not give you the right to crush Viviane beneath your feet. She is your own sister, Scarlett! You truly make me sick.”

 

Levi led Viviane away, leaving Scarlett standing frozen in place, watching them with cold, unblinking eyes.

 

‘Go on then, Viviane. Where is that look of triumph you always wear?’

 

Just as expected, within seconds, Viviane peeked back over Levi’s shoulder. But the moment she met Scarlett’s gaze, the look of smug satisfaction vanished instantly. She looked startled, caught completely red‑handed.

 

‘Got you, Viviane,’ Scarlett thought, keeping her expression icy.

 

Scarlett reached down and gently pulled Mia up to her feet. “Mia, stand up,” she said softly. She brushed the dust and dirt from the maid’s gown. Mia immediately stepped back, terrified and awkward.

 

“Miss, please do not. I am perfectly fine. Please forgive me. I only caused trouble between you and Master Levi,” Mia stammered.

 

Scarlett touched Mia’s tear‑streaked face. Mia flinched again, panic and confusion written all over her features.

 

“Mia, please forgive me. For all this time, I have unknowingly made you suffer and endure pain, all because of my own foolishness.”

 

Scarlett’s words made Mia cry even harder. She shook her head frantically. “No, Miss, no… never…”

 

‘What has happened to my mistress? She is being so kind to me now. She even defended me in front of Master Levi. Oh, Moon Goddess, I only wish for Miss Scarlett to be well and to lead this pack one day with the right man, someone who truly loves her.’

 

Hearing Mia’s heartfelt thoughts, Scarlett suddenly pulled the girl into a tight embrace.

 

‘Oh, Mia Merris… from this moment forward, I will protect you with my own two hands.’