Chapter 74

Ava’s POV

I had my nails to my mouth, pacing back and forth as we waited for Alaric to arrive. I'd sent a maid to fetch him. I stood by the window for a little while, the pale moonlight not helping to release the rope of tension that was so tight around my chest.

“You… What’s your name again?” I demanded of the girl.

“C– Clarissa Ma’am.” the maid shivered.

“I’d call you Clara from now on. Remember, we can’t afford _any_ mistakes.” I circled round her

“Y– yes. I understand ma’am.” She nodded profusely.

“Swear. I don’t think you understand the gravity of any mistake right now. Swear on anything or everything you hold dear.” I lifted her chin up so I could look into her eyes intimidatingly.

“I swear, I promise. Nothing would go wrong. I understand what I'm supposed to do.” She nodded more profusely.

“Remember, the bigger the consequence, the bigger your reward.”

“Yes, I understand ma’am.”

“Good.” I peered into her face for a second then in a flash I used about 60% of my strength to g