SHELLY I remain standing by the door after there isn't any response to my knock. It's a bit noisy, and I'm sure they're probably inside busy with their lives, not expecting any jobless visitors. I adjust Petian on my hip, spreading her weight evenly as I towards the side I lay her for support. My postpartum body is still robust, an evidence that it housed a baby, makes it hard to withstand too much weight, and chubby Petian isn't helping. I knock again, this time louder than the previous, and as usual, I wait for a response.“It had better be a good one, or lose your goddamn fingers.” A croaked voice cuss. I stay put, not frightened by his threat. Even though this household is renowned for their notoriety in the whole of Scorpio Villa, they've been nothing but sweet to me, the daughter of their late saint, Beta Nicholas. "Hey, dear.” The face behind the angry voice surfaces, Lord Asher. He blossoms with a smile on seeing me and he's holding a cigar.“Good day, Lord Asher.” I gree
SHELLY “I’m so sorry for your loss, I couldn't come immediately I heard of the sad news, you know I can't just opt and leave for Scorpio Villa...” He pauses. The cap of his hoodie is off his head, his mask is lifted upwards so it rests on his hair and his face is bare before me. Before coming, he had sent a note to me earlier, informing me of his visit. And when he got to the border, I was there to make his passage easy. He won't take off his mask before others and definitely, the people of Scorpio Villa are strict, not everything goes in here like in Wild Crest Pack. "My loss?” I snort. "Right.”"How's Petian doing? Where is she? I could help you with her...”"How sweet. It takes the death of a child to make you this caring...”"I don't know what you're talking about. Don't even get started. It's a simple question, requiring a 'here or over there’ response. Where is Petian?” His cold voice repeats like I didn't interrupt at all.I sneer, my angry gaze fixed on his tall frame. "Of
SHELLY “How are you holding up?” Agnes asks, concern evidenced in her voice. She came early in the morning to help me out with some chores and also care for Petian, and myself likewise, to care for my post-partum body, despite my asking her not to bother. "Okay, I guess.” My face is away from hers."You don't have to lie about it, it's obvious you're not.”"And somehow you still want my say?”She heaves a sigh. "I know where you're coming from, you don't have to be insensitive.”I press my lips together, aware I overstepped boundaries. Being rude isn't going to change a dime, and definitely not to her. “Pardon my manners.” I plea after long minutes of silence. "Not a problem." She waves me off. "Lord Asher informed me that you came three days ago to see me but talked to him instead.”"I'm so sorry Agnes. It sure wasn't my initial plan. Not like he coerced me or anything.” I'm swift to add, not wanting to leave room for misconception. "I should have waited for you, but since he o
SHELLY. Shielded from the hot scorching sun, I'm seated in the carriage with my lover beside me. When he arrived earlier, he blatantly refused to come to my place, he is obviously still pissed about the last time. It sure came as a heavy and unpleasant surprise. For one who hates surprises, seeing him throw tantrums like a child is not weird. He sent me a short note via one of his guards, demanding I come within an hour, trying to exert the control he's scared of losing through a short piece. To be honest, I did willed to turn him down, but we have unfinished business and in my game, he's going to be a petty plaything. A scared one and the other, desperate. That makes us even. For the first time in forever, I left Petian all by herself. She was sleeping when I left and I made sure to feed her before leaving and locked the door. The amount of times I opened and locked it again to be sure it was safe is creepy. Her mama is bout to get her hands dirty, she needs to be strong for me
SHELLY.In Lord Asher’s huge living room, I’m seated as I await his arrival. I came here more than thirty minutes ago and whenever I stand up to leave, promising to return later, the servants have something to say to persuade me to wait just a little longer and then longer till it's almost an hour. Petian is now a toddler, which means more wailing, nagging, and tantrums. She almost threw a fit here on arrival, but the servants were swift enough to bring her a fruit pack and snacks and likewise myself as we wait with less guilt. It takes another twenty minutes before I hear the voice of Lord Asher from far off. I was about to read meaning of his not appearing; like he is pissed with me and wanted to punish me, before he stops me right on my track as though he knew. The sound of his voice gets closer, and so does he. As usual, he is with his cigar in his left hand as he drags and puffs while he approaches me. His countenance is oddly different today, he isn't the smiling and jovial
SHELLY.“How could you?” he snarls."How could I what?” My eyes don't leave his huge frame pacing back and forth. “Why...” He breathes in and then out, slowly. He comes closer to me and squats right in front of me. "Why did you tell Lord Asher, without seeking my permission or even as little as consulting me?” now his voice is a low growl. “Because?” I’m livid, almost about to snap if he pushes this further. He places his hand on my thigh. "Because I’m still the father, and I should have a say in his justice.”I snort. "Amazing! This ought to be the most awesome speech of the century. Shouldn't it?” I stare at him. "Shelly, this is not some cheap joke."“Of course, it's not. Rather It's an expensive one.” I give him a round of applause. “Then stop being ridiculous.”"Ridiculous? Now I’m being ridiculous!” My tongue swipes over my teeth. "You, a papa? Who would have imagined? I mean, suddenly you're acting up and being all sneaky, and now you want to claim papa to my children, es
SHELLY.“When do we strike?” Lady Agnes is eager. "Lord Asher asked me to confirm. He's gotten his ammunition in place, and incited the people to prepare for a just cause...”"We won't be needing all of those. I don't intend to make it a gore battlefield with heads and cold blood as decor. Just her, her baby, and her mates. She will be my weapon.”"Regardless, we can't just do nothing. You know when planning events, especially fights, you don't completely exclude unforeseen circumstances, like the what-ifs. It could go south and cost our lives if we're caught unaware. It could even get worse and our tribe will be burnt to the ground. What if...”“It's fine, Agnes. I get it. There are plenty of what-ifs. I just don't want to drag good people into my mess. I mean, I’m excited to have the support of everyone including yours and Lord Asher, but I want to limit the risk that hits anyone to as little as none.”"We're not complaining.”"You don't have to. Besides, Petian would need a home wh
AALIYAH.I open Nanny Mellissa’s room to find her quietly sitting on the bed, repetitively fondling her dress. The fluorescent bulb is switched off and the curtain is let down, leaving the room almost completely dark. "Mel, I only heard from the other maids that you are back, truth be told, I wanted to debunk it but then again I couldn't.” I stop to let her explain herself. She looks up at me but is still quiet. Like I’m a stranger. “Mellissa?” I find myself on the verge of yelling. Everything seems off. I feel so sad that I heard the news from the other workers. And to think that she's acting up... I puff. Perhaps it's just me making a mountain out of a molehill. "What's the problem? Are you okay?” I take a calmer approach. I can only pray silently to the moon that her mama is okay and nothing is out of control. “Good day, lady Aaliyah.” She bows to greet. Her voice is more like a whisper. I hesitate, not happy at all, and still careful enough to not blow things out of proport