Chapter Six
Rue's pov
I walk to my room, my mind awhirl with thoughts. I take a deep breath as I walk in my room here.
The door creaks softly shut behind me, enveloping me in solitude. As I walk towards my bed, the weight of my concerns threatens to overwhelm me.
I always expected this from my step mom and stepsister Cassie, but not once would I have thought that Jessica wasn't who I thought her to be. How could I have been so blind to not notice her jealousy or refusal to talk about her family?
I walk to the table to take out the pain killers prescribed by Kael's doctor for me from the drawer. I pull the drawer open, the soft whoosh of its glide a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. My fingers stumble upon the bottle and I take it out.
The painkillers clink softly against the glass as I shake out the dose, their promise of relief a fleeting respite from the anguish.
I gaze into the mirror, and the reflection staring back shocks me. These few days have taken a devastating toll; I'm a shadow of my former self. My eyes linger on the bandaged injury on my head, a painful reminder of being knocked out. I lift my hand, hesitantly touching the tender area. The soreness shoots through me.
My mind darts back to the letter I received. I take it out of my bag and read it again:
"Flee from Kael. He's not what you think."
Who would send this and why? I turn the paper, trying to see if I missed anything when I read it before, maybe a name or signature letting me know who sent this, but there's nothing.
Is Kael really not to be trusted? I mean, I really don't know anything about him, but right now he's my only hope at reclaiming my position. Besides, what if Jessica and Cassie sent this letter? Maybe they know we're working together.
I let out a loud sigh. I don't know who to trust anymore, but I'll have to trust Kael for now; I have no other choice.
My thoughts are interrupted by the rumbling noise coming from my stomach, reminding me that I haven't had anything to eat yet.
I pick up the remote on the drawer used to call maids. I press the call button twice and wait for a maid. Moments later, a gentle knock echoes through the room.
"Come in,"
I say, and the door slides open, admitting a neatly-uniformed maid who curtsies gracefully.
"How may I assist you, ma'am?"
she asks, her voice courteous and attentive.
"Please, I'd like something to eat," I say.
"Okay, do you have any special requests on the food you want or should we serve what has been made?"
"No, I don't have any special requests. Whatever is available is fine by me."
"Okay ma'am, would you like your food served in the dining room or here?" she asks.
"Here please," I respond.
"Okay ma'am, will that be all?"
"Yes, that's all. You can take your leave," I reply.
The maid nods discreetly and exits, closing the door behind her.
Moments later, a soft knock signals her return.
"Your meal, ma'am," she announces, wheeling in a tastefully arranged cart.
The aroma of freshly cooked pasta and grilled chicken wafts through the air, stirring my appetite. A steaming plate of fettuccine pasta, topped with juicy chicken breast and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, is placed before me.
"Thank you," I say, smiling.
The maid smiles back, expertly setting the table.
"Enjoy your meal, ma'am. Shall I pour you some water or juice?"
"I'll have water, please."
She pours a glass and hands it to me before stepping back.
"Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"No, thank you. That's all."
With a courteous nod, she departs, leaving me to my food and thoughts.
I take a bite of the pasta, savoring the flavors. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the sauce adds just the right tanginess.
As I eat, my mind wanders back to my earlier concerns. Who can I trust? Kael seems okay, but can I truly rely on him?
Lost in thought, I finish my meal without realizing it. The maid returns to clear the table.
"Was everything to your satisfaction, ma'am?" she asks.
"Yes, thank you. It was delicious."
She smiles and begins to tidy up the room.
"If you need anything, just call."
I nod, feeling grateful for the brief respite from my worries.
The maid finishes her tasks and quietly exits, leaving me to my thoughts.
I decided to rest for the remainder of today. Tomorrow I'll write the letter to my father to warn him, and hopefully Kael and his team have been able to come up with something.
I head to the bathroom, ready to unwind. I brush my teeth, then step into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me.
As I rinse off, I notice the lingering bruises from earlier. I gently pat dry my skin and apply a soothing ointment to reduce the swelling.
The cool, calming sensation brings relief. I take a moment to massage it in, easing any remaining tension.
Feeling refreshed, I wrap myself in a plush towel and return to my bedroom.
The peaceful atmosphere envelops me, and I begin to relax.
I walk to the wardrobe where a few pajamas have been kept for my use by the maid. I select a soft, silk pajama set and slip into it, feeling the gentle fabric glide against my skin.
I walk over to the bed and slip under the covers.
My eyelids grow heavy, but my mind lingers on the day's events.
Memories of Jessica and Cassie's betrayal resurface, and the pain they inflicted cuts deep.
Their cruel manipulation, the men's brutal hands, the helplessness, it all rushes back.
I think about my father and how hard it must have been for him to disown me. There is no way he wanted to do it; they probably left him no choice. He would never do that to me, I'm sure he loves me.
My mind continues swirling around with thoughts. But exhaustion finally takes hold, and I drift off to sleep.
.............
I'm running, desperate to escape. Jessica and Cassie's cackling echoes through the darkness. Their footsteps close in on me.
Suddenly, I see my father, his eyes pleading. A figure looms behind him, a flash of steel. His cry is cut short as the figure strikes him.
I scream, but my voice is silenced.
Jessica and Cassie turn to me, their faces twisted. They both have knives in their hands and start running after me. I try to move but it feels like my feet are rooted to the ground. I look up in horror as they both draw closer and I'm not able to do anything but scream.
I jolt awake, gasping, my heart racing.
My sheets are drenched in sweat, my room bathed in morning light.
I lie there, catching my breath, trying to shake the horror.
Slowly, reality sets in. It was just a nightmare.
But the memory of my father's fall, the sound of his voice, lingers.
I throw off the covers and get out of bed, ready to face the day.
After a quick bath, I head downstairs to the dining room.
The warm aroma of breakfast fills the air, and I take a seat and start eating.
I finish my breakfast, feeling a sense of comfort from the familiar ritual. The pancakes, eggs, sausage, and orange juice have filled the void in my stomach, but the ache in my heart remains.
I push my chair back and head upstairs to my room.
As I enter, I notice the bed has been made by a maid. The room is tidy and clean.
Just as I settle in, a gentle knock on the door breaks the silence.
"Come in," I say.
Dr. Lee enters, her warm smile a comforting presence.
"Time to change your bandages," she announces.
I nod, familiar with the routine.
She gently tends to the wound on my head, her touch soothing.
"How are you feeling today?" she asks.
I shrug. "Better, I guess."
Dr. Lee's expression turns sympathetic. "That's good. Healing may be slow, but as long as you're healing at all, that's what matters."
I nod, knowing she's right.
Once she finishes, I thank her and take my medication.
As the door closes behind Dr. Lee, I walk to the table and take a paper and pen to write the letter to my father.
I sit at my desk, staring at the blank paper before me.
My pen hovers, poised to unleash the emotions swirling inside.
I take a deep breath and begin writing.
"Dear Father,"
My hand trembles, but I press on.
I tell him everything from Jessica and Cassie's betrayal, to their lies, the pain they inflicted.
I reveal Jessica's true identity and her plan for the pack.
"Exposing her is crucial, Father," I write. "Make sure everyone knows the truth."
"I'm working on something, a plan to ensure I return to where I belong. I know you did what you had to do and I understand."
I continue writing, tears staining the pages.
As I finish, I fold the letter, place it in an envelope, seal it and call for a maid.
A knock sounds on the door.
"Come in," I respond.
A maid walks in and curtsies.
"Good morning ma'am, you called?"
"Yes, I did. Please give this letter to the guards to deliver to my father secretly," I say as I hand over the letter to her and dismiss her.