17

Serafina's POV

"Do it. Flip the table. They deserve it."

The words echoed through my mind like a lingering whisper, pulling me from the depths of sleep.

I inhaled sharply, my body tensing as my eyes fluttered open.

My gaze darted across the dimly lit room, my chest rising and falling in quick, shallow breaths.

It took me a moment to realize I had been dreaming.

A slow exhale slipped past my lips.

I pressed my palms against the soft sheets, grounding myself as the hazy remnants of the dream clung to the edges of my mind.

But as I sat there, the voice’s words replayed again, dragging me back to the banquet hall, the laughter, the insults, the burning shame of the spilled wine.

My fingers curled into the sheets.

Had I really been about to flip the table?

Would I have actually done it if Daxton hadn’t stopped me?

I hesitated before whispering internally, Was that my wolf?

The thought sent a ripple of something- hope, fear, uncertainty- through my chest.

Tentatively, I tested my thoughts. Hello... are you there?

Silence.

I swallowed, waiting.

Listening.

But nothing out of the ordinary happened.

A scoff escaped me. Of course not.

If I had a wolf, I would have felt her years ago.

Still, the unsettling weight in my chest remained.

I pushed the sheets aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my bare feet pressing against the cool floor.

My gaze flickered to the small dining table across the room.

It wasn’t the same as the banquet table, but the memory of my grip on the edges, the raw frustration coursing through me, was still fresh.

Slowly, I stood and walked to the small dining area a few feet from my bed.

I placed both hands on the edge of the table, tightening my grip as I had done last night.

Then, I pushed. But the table didn’t budge.

I gritted my teeth and tried again, pressing my weight into it, forcing my muscles to strain; still nothing.

The wood remained firm, unmoving.

A sharp pang of frustration shot through me.

I had felt something last night, something powerful, something real.

So why couldn’t I feel it now?

A defeated sigh left my lips as I loosened my grip.

Then, a sudden flutter of feathers caught my attention.

I turned toward the window, just in time to see two small birds landing on the sill.

Their tiny feet gripped the edge as they chirped softly, tilting their heads.

My frustration eased slightly.

For the first time in weeks, a small smile tugged at my lips.

Moving carefully, I pulled a stool to the window and settled onto it. The birds didn’t fly away.

I lowered my head slightly, meeting their tiny black eyes. "Hi there," I murmured.

The birds continued chirping, their little bodies fluffing up as they adjusted themselves.

A soft chuckle escaped me. "You’re my first friendly visitors since I arrived here."

One of them fluttered its wings before tucking them back.

I hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out a hand toward one of them, but it quickly hopped away.

A breathy laugh slipped from my lips.

"Alright, I get it. No touching." I leaned back slightly. "But I promise I’m harmless."

The birds chirped again.

I tilted my head slightly. "Are you thirsty?"

Of course, they couldn’t answer, but something in their restless shifting made me act.

I stood and walked over to the small dining area, pouring some water into a glass.

Returning to the window, I set it down carefully.

Then, I moved away and sat on the edge of the bed, watching.

For a few seconds, the birds remained still, as if debating whether to trust me.

Then, one cautiously hopped forward.

The other followed.

A warmth bloomed in my chest as they dipped their beaks into the water.

A murmur left my lips.

"So, you just didn’t trust me, huh?"

Before I could savour the moment, a knock rapped against the door.

I barely had time to register the sound before it opened, and Madam Rachel stepped inside, followed closely by four maidservants.

Startled, I turned back to the window, just in time to see the birds flap their wings and disappear into the sky.

Disappointment settled over me like a shadow.

Madam Rachel inclined her head politely, while the four maidservants dipped into small bows.

I blinked at them before giving a slow nod in return. I was still trying to get used to this treatment.

Madam Rachel wasted no time.

"Mira will now work closely with your assigned attendants to serve you."

As if on cue, the door opened once more, and Mira stepped inside. Relief swept through me immediately.

I stood quickly, my lips parting. "Mira." It was really a pleasant surprise to have her back on my side so soon. It reminded me of the old days, before my life fell apart.

Her soft smile was immediate. "Miss. " She caught herself. "My lady."

A laugh of disbelief bubbled in my chest.

Without thinking, I took a step forward, arms outstretched, intending to embrace her,

Only for Madam Rachel to step between us.

I froze, my smile faltering.

Madam Rachel’s expression was firm. "A noblewoman does not embrace a servant."

My chest tightened at the reminder.

Mira quickly lowered her head, clasping her hands in front of her.

Madam Rachel turned her sharp gaze toward her. "Have you already forgotten your training?"

Mira shook her head, her voice small. "No, Madame."

"Then act accordingly. The woman before you is no longer your young miss." Madam Rachel’s tone was cool, but her words cut deep. "She is the wife of Alpha King Daxton Cole. Do you understand?"

Mira hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Madam. I understand."

She straightened and properly addressed me once more. "My lady."

A strange, hollow feeling settled inside me.

"Good," Madam Rachel said before turning back to me. "These are the four attendants assigned to you. They have been hand-picked and will serve you closely."

I glanced at them briefly before looking back at Mira. "I want Mira as my chief attendant."

Madam Rachel’s brow lifted slightly. "Why?"

I straightened my shoulders. "She has been with me before. She knows my preferences, my habits. And... she’s the only one I trust."

A brief pause. Then Madam Rachel met my gaze, unimpressed.

"That sounds like a problem."

My chest burned with irritation, but I swallowed the retort forming on my tongue. It was too early to be rude.

Madam Rachel’s expression remained neutral. "Get used to your new attendants. Learn to trust them."

I felt small under her scrutiny, but I couldn’t deny the truth in her words.

Taking a slow breath, I exhaled, trying to release the tension in my body.

Madam Rachel allowed me a moment before continuing. "Get ready for your bath. The doctor will be here soon."

I frowned. "Why do I need a doctor?" I asked, clearly aware of my perfect health.

"To examine your scar."

My body stiffened.

Madam Rachel remained indifferent. "He will prescribe medication to help with the healing."

A bitter taste filled my mouth.

I had nearly forgotten about that arrangement. And now, I have no choice but to face it.

A deep sigh escaped my lips. I can’t wait to get this over with.