3

At my words, Redakai’s gaze searched the clearing, his nostrils flaring. He was looking for something, some sign of what had happened. And when his eyes found it, his expression grew darker. A single flower lay at the edge of the clearing, crushed and mangled. The same flower that had been in my basket before I had dropped it. The same flower that was forbidden to all but the most skilled of Potion Makers.

He looked back at me, his eyes piercing. “It’s ruined.”

I stumbled over my words, trying to explain. “It-it was an accident. I swear, I didn’t mean to-“

But he wasn’t listening. His grip tightened, and he pulled me along with him, his strides long and fast as we left the clearing behind.

When we reached the edge of the forest, the stone fortress came into view. I had never been so relieved to see its looming figure.

Redakai dragged me through the open gates, the guards watching us with a mix of curiosity and fear. They knew better than to question their leader, especially when he looked as he did now. His eyes were glowing red with fury, and his fangs were bared.

Once we were inside, he flung me into a nearby room, the door slamming shut behind me. I stumbled forward, catching myself on a chair. The room was dimly lit, with candles flickering along the walls. It smelled faintly of earth and something else, something that made my stomach turn. I knew what it was; it was the scent of fear.

He followed me in, his eyes never leaving mine. “You will tell me everything.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. “I-I don’t know much. Only that the flower is rare.Javaleen had sent me out to f it! I swear, my lord, I didn’t know the Olympus were near.”

He leaned in closer. “You are a witch of the forest. You know every plant, every creature. You expect me to believe you didn’t know?”

I felt the tears stinging my eyes. “I-I don’t know what you want from me!”

The silence grew thick, tension in the air. Redakai stared at me, his eyes searching my soul. And for the first time, I felt like he saw me, really saw me. Not just the girl who gathered herbs for his coven, but the girl who had just survived a Lycan attack. The girl who was afraid. The girl who was hiding something. And it was in that moment, I realized what I had done. I had stepped into the middle of a war that was far bigger than I ever could have imagined. And I had no idea how to get out.

With a frustrated growl, he released me, pacing the room like a caged animal. His movements were fluid, almost graceful, despite his size. He was so powerful, so terrifying, and yet, I couldn’t help but feel a strange pull towards him. It was as if he was the embodiment of the very danger I feared and the protection I craved.

“You will stay here,” he ordered, his voice low and firm. “Do not leave this room until I come for you. Is that clear?”

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak. He slammed the door behind him, leaving me in the dim light of the candles. I collapsed into the chair, my legs giving out beneath me. The room spun, and I took deep breaths, trying to calm down. What had I done? I had seen the way he looked at that flower. It was more than just important; it was vital. And now it was gone. I had failed, and the consequences would be dire.

The minutes ticked by, turning into hours. The sun grew lower in the sky, and the room grew darker. I could hear the whispers of the coven outside, the hushed tones of fear and accusation. They knew I had been out there, that I had brought danger to their doorstep. And they wouldn’t let me forget it.

Finally, the door swung open, and Javaleen swept in. Her eyes were cold, her face tight with anger. “What have you done?” she spat. “The potion was due at sunup! Redakai is furious!”

I looked up at her, feeling the weight of her wrath. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—“

She slapped me, hard. “Don’t you dare lie to me, girl!” she screeched. “I know what you’re capable of. I’ve seen the way you look at him!”

The pain was a shock, and I felt my cheek burn. “What are you talking about?”

Her eyes narrowed. “The way you look at Redakai. The way he looks at you. It’s disgusting. And now, because of your carelessness, the potion is ruined, and we’re all at risk!”

My heart sank. The potion wasn’t just for Redakai; it was for everyone.

The door opened again, and Redakai filled the frame, his expression dark. “It’s time we had a little talk, Kaisha.” His voice was like thunder, shaking the very walls of the room. “You’re coming with me.”

I stood on shaky legs, my heart racing. I knew whatever was going to happen next would change everything. And as I followed him into the heart of the coven, surrounded by vampires with eyes that bore into my very being, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would ever be the same again.

Redakai led me to a chamber that was unlike any I’d ever seen before. The walls were lined with ancient tomes, and the air was thick with the scent of leather and ink. A massive wooden table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by high-backed chairs that looked more like thrones. He sat down in one, gesturing for me to take the one across from him. His eyes never left me, his gaze unwavering and intense.