~SabrinaI blinked as his words sank in. James? In love with me? I stared right at him in confusion as I tried to make sense of everything.He ran his hand through his lush, thick brown hair and pinned me with a subtle gaze as he added, "I have been in love with you since we were kids, right from the moment I was old enough to know what love was." He swallowed and managed a nervous smile, one I didn't return as I was still in a state of surprise, trying to soak it all in.It all finally made sense. All those times I got treated specially by James, it wasn't just because we were close childhood friends as I had thought; it was because he loved me.The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I already knew what my response would be, but I didn't know how to break it to him. I didn't know how to tell him that I was in love with someone else. I didn't know how to tell him that I have never seen him as anything but a friend. Those revelations will shatter him.Despite being someone who s
~AthenaI woke up feeling very grumpy. When my eyes fluttered open, Richard was not in bed beside me. I could hear the water rushing in the bathroom and knew he was taking his shower.It was today. The day he finally travels, leaving me all alone here for two weeks. I shut my eyes and massaged my aching forehead. How was I going to survive even a day without him?Just then the water stopped, and he got out, tying a towel around his waist. The first thing he did as he got out was to glance in my direction to check if I was still asleep. Upon meeting my half-open, tired eyes peering at him, he flashed me a heart-melting smile that caused my heart to flutter."I see you are awake," he said in high spirits as he walked towards me.I returned his smile, "I just woke up, it was a hell of a night," I whispered as he got close and bent down, kissing me on the forehead.He chuckled at my words. I meant that in a good way. We couldn't get enough of each other last night. We literally made love
~SabrinaAs soon as Richard and James drove off, I decided to go back to my room. It wasn't time for breakfast yet, so I thought it wise to go break the good news to Sebastian. He will be so delighted when he hears it.I have already set my plan in motion by feeding James with some lies; I felt bad doing so, but it had to be done anyway. I could remember clearly the smile on his face when I told him I was ready to give us a chance. That was a lie I needed to tell in order to be written off the suspect list when Athena eventually goes missing.Richard would believe there isn't any reason for me to have a hand in her disappearance since I was now willing to work out a romantic relationship with James. Unfortunately, it will be short-lived. I plan on telling him a few weeks down the line, maybe after a few sexual encounters, that it won't work as I have tried to love him romantically to no avail.It would break him, yeah, but he would move on in no time, knowing that I tried to give us
~SabrinaWhen I walked into the dining hall during breakfast and saw Michael and Athena sitting opposite each other, I quickly decided whom to sit beside. Since I wanted to study Michael, I walked straight to Athena and pulled out the chair beside her, offering her a smile. I noticed how she stiffened for a bit when I sat beside her. I decided to ease her up a bit and inquire about her welfare."How are you, my queen?" I asked in a seemingly concerned tone.She raised her brow as though she was surprised I was asking her a question. Meeting her brief silence, I added, explaining further, "With Richard and James gone, I bet this mansion would be a bit lonely for us all, but it must be even lonelier for you considering Richard is your husband," I sighed, seeing Michael from my peripheral view watching the both of us as he dug into his food.After a moment's hesitation, Athena returned my smile, one that was as fake as they come. "I am fine, Sabrina. I do really miss him though," her voi
~SabrinaEarly the next morning, as usual, i went to the stables, this time feeling all excited for what the day holds. I had already communicated with Sabastian to get ready as what he had been waiting for was finally happening today. I smiled, filling my lungs with the cool air outside as i sauntered happily towards the stables. Upon getting there, i saw Micheal standing tall and proud. For some reason he was unusually excited. His lips stretched into a wide grin as soon as he aaw me approach. Oh dear!, i muttered under my breath as i suspected the reason for his elated state. He must think i was about to tell him what the good news was. Just as i thought, that was first thing he asked when i approached him. Winking at me, he asked in a cheerful tone, "You said you have something to tell me today, now let it out baby girl, you kept me awake all night".Before i could respond, he ran a hand through his hair, "Forgive my manners, Good morning Sabrina", he greeted. I was older than h
~SabrinaI smiled at Michael, and from the way he gazed at me, I could tell the effect of the drugs and alcohol was gradually taking hold of him. All I needed now was to say the words that would activate the charm."What I want to tell you is something I believe you have always wanted," I said, stalling a bit to get him a little irritated."Then get on with it, Sabrina. I have been waiting to hear it since morning," his slightly impatient tone shone through.I locked eyes with him and said the words I had been itching to say all day, the words I had carefully memorized, "It is about Athena. She told me some things about you yesterday when we went for the outreach."His eyes widened. "What did she say?""You would be very surprised. I see the way you look at her, the way you lust after her. Well, you are in luck because Athena loves you too," I lied. If only he had gone with us yesterday, he would have known that I never even had a conversation with Athena all the time we were there, t
~ AthenaUpon seeing Sabrina, I stood up from the floor where I was squatting and ran to her, trying to explain what had happened, hoping she would understand. I just really needed someone to talk to about everything.When I opened my mouth to speak, I stuttered through the words, my voice trembling."Sabrina, I was in my room when Michael came knocking. He tried to rape me and…""You killed Michael?" She looked up from him and at me as she had been staring at his lifeless body with an intense look of horror mixed with shock planted on her face, and inquired again, "You killed the king's brother, Athena? How could you?!" She asked as though she hadn't listened to any of the words I said. Her shrill voice and fiery eyes sent cold shivers down my spine."Sabrina, it was a mistake. You have to believe me. I didn't do it on purpose," I explained, frightened.She turned around and hurriedly shut the door behind her before turning back towards me, staring at me with a monstrous glare in her
~AthenaIt has been at least 7 hours since I left the Mansion through the secret tunnel. I had run so fast and so far that my legs had become so weary I had to sit under a tree. The night was gradually giving way to light. I could hear the chirping of birds on the tree above me, the winds blowing through trees and grasses. I could also hear the buds alerting each other of their presence.I was super sensitive to all that was happening around me. My belly rumbled, informing me of how hungry I was. I had barely eaten the previous night, and with all the running and crying, I had become so tired. My mind played back to what had happened hours ago, and I cried yet again.Maybe, just maybe, I should have let Michael have his way with me. If I had known he was going to end up dead, maybe I would have. At least, that wouldn't be the first time I would be raped by someone. Alpha Sebastian had done that to me almost every night. I shuddered at the thought of it.The wind came with its whisper