Chapter 32

Daphne’s POV

I didn't know and didn't care about where Gideon went early in the morning with half of his warriors. I heard some rumors that he is going to hunt rogues my father helped escape. There is going to be a blood bath under the moonlight, but I did care about it. Those enemies were outside of the pack.

Mine were here.

Whenever I walked past the the courtyard or wandered in the hall,I always saw the way Gideon always looked at the boy gently. Or worse, on her.

Raven. A woman who was now another competition after Claire. She now stood between me and Gideon, not just Gideon..she stood between me and everything I wanted, no matter how hard I tried to reach my goal.

They all treated her like some savior simply because she guarded Leo’s sickbed and smiled at him as if he were the center of her world. Leo was once Gideon’s weakness, something that always holded him back as the Alpha that I wanted him to be. But now he has become Gideon’s strength instead.

And with Raven there, feeding that flame, I was being pushed further into the shadows.

It was unbearable.

I won't let Gideon cast me aside easily, I worked too hard to be where I am now. If Gideon would not look at me of his own will, then I would make him look—by taking away the distraction.

Leo.

The young maid stood in front of me this afternoon, she was shaking in fear knowing she is now caught in the middle of the storm. She was always trembling these days.

“You have failed me greatly.” I told her calmly but my voice was as sharp as blade.

“I am sorry my lady, I-I was just too scared,” she stuttered, she clenched onto her dress due to nervousness.

“Scared?” I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “You think I am not scared? Every time I watch Leo, I feel like I am losing my place as Luna. I am fighting for my future, and you dare tell me you’re afraid?”

Tears filled her eyes, but I didn’t care about it. Sympathy was something I didn't want to feel right now.

I leaned in, close enough that she flinched at my breath on her ear. “Do you love your family?” She nodded without hesitation, she wanted to speak but didn't because of fear

“Then you have to prove it,” I said with a calm voice yet with a soft yet dangerous expression. “Wolfsbane, in the boy’s supper tonight. I want no hesitation nor excuses from you. You will do it, if you want your family safe in this pack You fail me again…”

My lips curved into a cold smile. “…and you’ll watch them suffer, piece by piece.”

Her shoulders slumped under the gravity after she heard my words. I knew, in that moment, she understood I would not bluff. She nodded once, and then again, more desperately, until I was satisfied.

At last. The web of my plan was tightening.

Later that evening, I stood hidden in the corridor which was near the kitchen. I hid perfectly in the shadows so no one would notice me quickly. I was able to watch everything from here clearly.

The maid gently took out the vial from her pocket, her hand shook badly due to nervousness and fear of being caught. But managed to tip the liquid into the stew. She gently stirred the stew till the wolfsbane became one with it

The maid stood frozen as she looked at the stew knowing she was about to do a crime. I almost laughed at her cowardice. The most difficult part was done, but she still shook like a child who was guilty of something that she shouldn't have done.

I stayed hidden in the shadows, my heart was beating fast not because of fear but because of exhilaration. Soon, soon the boy will start to feel weak, his body will not be able to withstand the wolfsbane potion.

Gideon’s only home will now shatter, and in this disaster he will see me, just me, still standing by his side.

I had waited too long for this.

The maid carried the tray of food into Leo’s room, I made sure I followed her carefully. I wanted to see it unfold. I was excited to see how little Leo take the spoon in his small hands and ate the stew, I wanted to see how sick he would become.

But right now, fate was not on my side, my expression turned ugly. Raven has to be here with the children of all the time.

She stood up from her seat as the maid entered with the tray, Raven’s eyes looked at the maid sharply with narrowed eyes, there was a tense pause. I should have known she always kept a close eye on the kids. She was a warrior who could sniff any danger close to Leo.

Raven looked at the children gently “Leo, Nova go outside for a bit. I have to speak to this maid alone, and don't eat this food without my permission.”

The children looked at Raven confused but nodded and stood outside the room.

“Your hands, why are they shaking?” Raven asked the maid after children left, her voice full of suspicion.

The maid just stood frozen, her face paled “I—it’s nothing, my lady. Just tired. Too much work.”

Raven stared at the bowl in the maid's hand, I held my breath. She could not know. She definitely can't.

“Did you put something in the stew?” Raven questioned.

The maid forced her mouth open to speak. “N-No, madam it is just… stew.” Her voice was too weak and soft. I can tell it didn't convince her.

I saw Raven looking at the maid, her gaze was suspicious and her instincts were sharp. A hunter’s suspicion. I felt my stomach twist, it was not because of guilt but because of fear that my plan might get exposed.

And then she moved.

Before the maid could stop her, Raven was quick enough to take the spoon. “No way…” I whispered softly as I looked at her in shock.

She dipped the spoon in the stew and brought it to her lips to drink without hesitation. The wolfsbane took effect immediately and she fell on the ground paralyzed.

Raven’s face tensed in pain, the spoon in her hand clattered on the ground. She tried to get up but her body felt numb. The sound of her body falling on the ground was sharp but final.

The maid let out a terrified scream and ran out of the room scared of being discovered but it was late because children had already seen her run out of the room

When Leo and Nova entered the room they let out a sharp gasp as they saw Raven on the floor and ran towards her.

I just stood there, the shock of what just happened going through me. It made me almost breathless.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. That poison was only meant for Leo, not Raven.

For a moment, I wanted to go to them, I almost let my fear take control. But then an evil thought came into my mind.

Maybe this was a gift given by Fate.

In case Raven dies, one obstacle will already be gone without me making another effort for it. Gideon will feel sad for her, of course but it will not last long. And Leo doesn't need a poison now his grief will be an equal poison to him.

In this tough time. Gideon will need someone to bring him back on track. Someone very loyal. Someone like me.

I turned and walked away from chaos, my lips curved into an evil smile.

My life was finally shifting. Whether it's by fate or by my hand. I can tell my victory was close.