Chapter 209
Chapter 209:
She didn’t look entirely convinced, but it didn’t matter. I had planted the seed, and it would grow. Rising to my feet, I pulled my cloak around me and stepped toward the door.
“I’ll be in touch,” I said over my shoulder. “Be ready p>
The door closed behind me, and I stepped into the night, the cold air biting at my skin. As I made my way back to the packhouse, a sense of satisfaction settled over me. Isabel was a tool, one I would wield with precision.
Jasmine’s days were numbered, and with each step I took, I edged closer to victory.
Isabel’s POV
The fire crackled softly, its warmth doing little to chase away the cold unease that lingered. The book in my lap lay forgotten, the words blurring together as my thoughts wandered. Jasmine. That name was like a thorn lodged deep in my side, a constant reminder of everything I’d lost—and everything I still had to fight for. Ryder was supposed to be mine.
The sound of the door creaking open snapped me out of my thoughts. My head whipped up, my heart pounding. No one came here. No one dared. My fingers itched to reach for the dagger hidden under the armchair, but I froze when I saw her.
Luna Anna. Jasmine’s mother?
I narrowed my eyes as she stepped inside, her cloak casting shadows across her sharp features. She closed the door behind her, her movements deliberate, calculated. My pulse quickened, suspicion clawing at my gut.
“Luna Anna,” I said, forcing my voice to remain calm despite the racing of my heart. “What are you doing here p>
She lowered her hood, revealing her face. There was no warmth in her eyes, only the cool glint of purpose.
“We need to talk,” she said, her tone even, almost casual.
I frowned, setting my book aside but keeping my guard up. “Talk about what p>
gⲁ𝗅𝓝𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰0𝗺; 𝓤𝓹𝗅𝗼𝗮𝓭 𝗦𝓞𝓤𝗍𝗍
“Jasmine,” she said, her voice laced with a subtle edge.
The name hit me like a slap, and I couldn’t stop the way my body tensed. My jaw clenched as I straightened in my seat, instinctively preparing for a fight.
“What about her p>
She stepped closer, just outside the reach of the firelight, her presence as imposing as ever.
“I know what you tried to do,” she said softly, her words laced with an unnerving calm. “The Wolfsbane. The attempt on her life. The rogue attack, too. Clever p>
My breath caught, and for a moment, panic flared in my chest. She knew. But how? I quickly schooled my features, masking the shock with anger.
“If you’ve come here to threaten me—” I began, but she cut me off with a raised hand.
“I’m not here to threaten you, Isabel,” she said smoothly. “Quite the opposite, in fact p>
Her words threw me off balance. I blinked, trying to read her expression, but it was as guarded as ever. Her lips curled into a small, calculated smile, and something about it sent a shiver down my spine.
“I’ve come to offer you an alliance,” she continued, her voice soft but firm. “You and I share a common enemy, and together, we can ensure Jasmine is removed from the picture—for good p>
My mind reeled, her words echoing in the sudden silence. An alliance? With Luna Anna? It sounded too good to be true, and yet…
“Why would you want to harm your own daughter?” I asked, my voice laced with disbelief.
She sighed, lowering herself into the chair across from me. Her movements were graceful, deliberate, like a predator closing in on its prey.