Artemis didn't know why she was holding her breath, but something about the atmosphere made it hard to breathe. She had been surprised to see Alexander return to the room last night. She'd expected him to stay with his guest.
When he came back, her heart had leapt into her throat, but he hadn't done anything—not even taken her blood. He merely fed her and lay beside her until morning. He did the same again before they both came down to the dining hall.
Is he… mad? she'd wondered. But now, standing beside him, she was beginning to understand.
Artemis shifted her gaze slightly to the woman sitting across from Alexander. She had long, fiery red hair—something Artemis had never seen before. Her first thought was that the woman must be royalty.
The way Christine stared at Alexander, the way she reached out to touch him at every opportunity—it made Artemis's skin crawl. There was something predatory in her eyes.
"Alexander, do you think you could come early that day?" Christine asked, her voice laced with excitement.
"Why?" he replied, raising a brow.
"I want us to arrive together," she said, practically glowing. Dichelle and Ezra smiled in support, nodding in agreement. Artemis bit the inside of her cheek, her gaze dimming.
Priscilla remained calm, saying nothing. Cleopatra, wisely, kept her mouth shut and focused on her food.
"No," Alexander said flatly, making Christine's smile falter.
"Why?" she pressed.
"I don't want to, my lady," he replied smoothly, offering her a smile. Artemis felt her heart stutter.
Christine scowled, her eyes snapping to Artemis. Ever since she had come down with Alexander, Christine's attention had been fixed on her.
She sleeps… in his room? Rage simmered beneath Christine's polished expression, but she masked it, knowing what she wanted.
After Alexander's blunt rejection, she swallowed her pride and redirected her fury.
She smiled coldly.
"Come here, slave. Pour my tea," she ordered.
Artemis stared at her, unflinching.
Who do you think you are? she thought, her eye twitching. One Cleopatra was bad enough—but this?
She glanced behind her, then pointed to herself. "Me?"
Christine's face twisted. "Are you mocking me?"
"Why would I do that, my lady?" Artemis blinked innocently.
Alexander chuckled softly behind his teacup. Little bunny...
Priscilla sipped her tea, amusement in her eyes. She's sharp.
"She told you to pour her tea. Are you deaf?" Cleopatra finally dared to speak up.
Artemis's eyes flicked toward Alexander. He gave a subtle nod. She bit her lip and swallowed.
They both knew what Christine was trying to do.
"As you wish, my lady." Artemis moved around the table. Christine and Cleopatra exchanged smug glances.
She picked up the tea jug, ready to pour—when Christine suddenly, subtly, smacked her hand. The scalding tea spilled over Artemis' skin.
Alexander's expression darkened instantly. Priscilla raised a brow. Dichelle gasped, while Ezra simply observed.
Christine and Cleopatra waited gleefully for the agonized scream—but it never came.
Artemis stood motionless, staring at her hand.
Nothing. It didn't even sting.
Her gaze slowly lifted to meet Christine's. A wave of anger rose in her chest. Her bright blue eyes began to glow, intensifying.
"Artemis!" Alexander's voice snapped her back. She blinked, the light in her eyes dimming, and looked at him as though waking from a trance. Then she calmly poured the tea and returned to stand behind him.
They all watched her in stunned silence.
Alexander stood and gently took her hand, inspecting it. Artemis flushed, startled by his touch.
"Are you alright? That tea was hot," he said, concern clear in his voice.
Christine's face contorted in fresh rage.
"Th-The tea got on me too, Alexander," she said, eyes watering dramatically.
Alexander barely glanced at her. "Clean yourself up."
Priscilla let out a laugh. "How cold."
Christine trembled with fury. What the hell?
Ezra frowned—the first true expression he'd shown all breakfast. Dichelle leaned back with a sigh, casting a wary glance at Christine.
I hope it's not what I'm thinking…
Alexander remained unfazed by the tension, but Artemis quietly pulled her hand away.
"I'm fine, Master. Please carry on with your meal," she murmured, looking down.
Was that tea really hot? she wondered. She hadn't felt pain, only a strange burst of rage. Something inside her had stirred.
Alexander watched her in thought. She was clearly trying to make sense of it. She's starting to manifest, he realized. It's time I explain what's happening to her.
Artemis sighed, lifting her gaze—and flinched at the expression on Christine's face.
Christine abruptly stood. "I'll be on my way now," she announced, turning toward the door.
Dichelle followed her without a word.
Alexander didn't stop them. Priscilla didn't care enough to.
After they were gone, Alexander wiped his mouth and stood.
Ezra's eyes trailed Artemis as she left with Alexander. His frown lingered.
Priscilla noticed.
Hmm…