Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance-Chapter 48 - - FORTY-EIGHT - LOCKED IN

"Ah, it smelt awful, that’s all," Serena said in a last-ditch effort to save face. At this point, she was grasping at straws.

A loud groan echoed in the infirmary, and Edith rushed to the source of the noise. Serena bit her lip and turned to Darius, her shoulders stiffening when she realized Elder Cedar had vanished.

He folded his arms. He looked like he had a lot on his mind but wasn’t sure where to begin. Serena hoped and prayed Cedar and Darius wouldn’t dwell on it too much.

"She said only trained healers knew of it..." Darius began slowly, like he was choosing his words carefully.

Serena rubbed her head and sat on the bed next to her. To pull this off and shake them off her back, she would have to lie through her teeth and fake whatever needed to be done.

"I have such a terrible headache," she groaned. Serena pressed the back of her hand to her forehead and glanced at Darius. He had his arms to the side, and he looked like he was unsure of what to do.

She smiled inwardly, her heart fluttering a bit. Maybe he did care- either that or he was a masterful actor. Regardless, Serena decided to play on that and continue her act.

"Being around here makes my head feel light," she complained.

"We... we could get you out of here and visit another time," he said, taking a step forward.

She shook her head, raising her brows. "Oh no, it would be terrible to cut my visit short. I’ve talked with a few wolves and they seemed happy to meet with me."

Darius pursed his lips and remained silent. He reminded her of a young husband after his first argument with his bride, unsure whether to speak or stay silent, stand close or give space.

Serena had to be the one who steered the conversation, else it would quickly spiral out of control. If Darius fired questions at her, she could make a fool of herself, and the worst thing could happen.

She looked at the floors, they were scrubbed clean with unscented soaps.

"My mother... she was a healer," she began before looking up at the man. It was not a lie she told, but she would spin the tale in such a way that it would discourage him from pressing her with more questions.

"She left her pack before she had me. I never knew why. Or... she never got to tell me." She swallowed hard, casting her gaze to the window. "She passed before she could."

Darius moved closer to her and touched her shoulder as an act of comfort before letting his hand fall to his side.

"There’s no need to go on," he said quietly. "I wouldn’t want to open old wounds."

Serena nodded, looking down. It was still hard to speak about the passing of her mother, and she hoped her spirit would not punish her for lying like this.

She was doing it to survive. Serena didn’t know what would become of her if her real identity was discovered. Annamarie’s smile would vanish, the look of kindness in Elder Evelyn’s eyes would die down, and then Livia would be right.

Serena gripped the sheets, willing herself not to think such thoughts. It wouldn’t happen. She would pretend until spring, and then they would never see her again.

Darius offered her a small smile. He couldn’t read Serena’s thoughts, but she looked far away, like she wasn’t with him.

He kept his hands to himself, things between them were still prickly, and he had yet to apologise. He rubbed the back of his neck. Would she even accept his apology this time?

—

Serena kept close to Edith as she took the party to look at the reserves. Edith was more chatty now, recounting incidents with patients, only the positive ones, though.

Serena thought wistfully of how she would have loved to work at Ironshade. It would have been a wonderful learning experience. They had more tools, more patients, more equipment.

She felt like a child looking into a bakery window, nose nearly pressed to the glass. A wistful smile tugged at her lips. The power and resources of a Cardinal Pack, it really was a marvel.

Edith took them to a smaller room, and in it were little pups, each in their separate cots with name tags.

"This is our pup wing," Edith announced.

Serena smiled at the sight. The room was painted a light blue, with a few animals painted on the walls as well. It was clean, and it instantly calmed Serena.

She moved carefully, like she was walking through a garden of something sacred. Her fingers brushed the edge of a cot, the fabric cool under her skin.

"This is beautiful," Serena whispered.

Edith appeared at her side and looked at the children. When she was satisfied with the inspection, she moved to the next aisle.

A voice came from behind, low and close. "This is my favorite place to visit in the pack."

Serena jumped slightly, her heart stuttering before she caught herself. Darius.

She still held a grudge in her heart for his words at the castle. Try as she might, she could not shake off her anger.

Before he could say more, Serena spotted a corridor branching off and seized her chance to slip away. Darius blinked in confusion, then frowned and followed quietly.

She drifted down into a smaller, cooler chamber tucked beneath the main floor, her nose guiding her toward the earthy scent of herbs and oils. Glass jars lined the walls, each labeled in neat handwriting. This must be the main storage for medicines.

Serena turned, eyes wide to see Darius behind her. She hadn’t heard him approach, and her nose had led her to this little room. It was below the general area, presumably because it was cooler and served as an excellent place for medicine storage.

Serena tried to sidestep him, but he caught her arm. She stepped back, trying to yank herself free, but his grip only tightened.

"We need to talk," he said, leaning toward her ear.

Those words sent a chill down her spine, and she glanced at him. "Not here, and I do not want to do this now."

Then, like a perfectly timed omen, a gust of wind howled through the upper level and slammed the heavy wooden door shut with a thunderous bang.

Serena flinched and used the opportunity to scurry to the door. She gave the doorknob a twist, but it did not budge. They were stuck here- alone.

Serena turned slowly to meet Darius’ expectant gaze. His arms hung at his sides, but his posture said he had no intention of leaving this room without answers. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

"Oh dear," she muttered, sighing.