...for me?

Leo paced restlessly in his room, his thoughts consumed by Anna's sudden disappearance. He had searched every corner of the palace, desperate to find her, but she seemed to have vanished without a trace. Unable to ask others for help, as he didn't even know her name, Leo felt the weight of his helplessness bearing down on him.

He decided to search for her again. After what felt like an eternity of fruitless searching, Leo's spirit began to waver. He considered giving up, resigning himself to the idea that he might never see her again. But just as he was about to abandon hope, a flicker of movement caught his eye.

Leo's heart leaped in his chest as he rushed toward her, stopping her in her tracks. "Stop there!" he exclaimed, "I've been searching for you everywhere."

*******

My eyes widened in surprise as Leo stopped me. "You were looking for me?" I asked, my voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.

He nodded, a sheepish expression on his face. "Yes, I... I want to apologize for the way I acted the other day. I was shocked to learn that my mate would be a mere slave, but I realize now that it was wrong of me to judge you based on that. I'm truly sorry."

I listened attentively, my gaze softening. "I accept your apology Master Leo," I replied, my voice gentle. "I understand your initial reaction. It's not easy to accept such a situation."

Leo took a deep breath, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I've thought long and hard about it. I am ready to accept you as my mate, regardless of what anyone else thinks. However, I want to keep our relationship a secret, at least for now. I fear that if my father finds out, he might try to make me reject you."

My brow furrowed in concern. "if I may ask Master Leo, why would you want to keep it a secret?"

A smile played on Leo's lips as he replied, "The reason is best known to me, Anna. I'm not ready to share it just yet. But please trust me."

I hesitated for a moment, studying Leo's face intently. Eventually, I nodded and said, "Alright, Leo. I will trust you."

Leo's eyes brightened with gratitude. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

Relief washed over Leo, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you. Now, may I ask for your name? I realized I never knew it."

A hint of amusement danced in my eyes as I replied, "It's Anna, Master Leo."

Leo chuckled softly, feeling a newfound warmth in his heart. "Anna... a beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

I blushed and looked away, trying to look innocent "Thank you, Leo."

A comfortable silence settled between us before Leo spoke again. "I have a request, Anna. I want you to be in charge of bringing my midnight snack to my room every night. I want to see you, spend time with you, and build a relationship with you, even if it has to remain a secret for now."

I felt so happy and surprised hearing that from Leo since I never expected him to act and talk that way. "I would be honored, Leo," I replied him. "I will bring your snack to your room every night."

Leo's face lit up with genuine happiness, and he reached out to take my hand. "Thank you, Anna. I'm grateful for your understanding and willingness to give us a chance."

My heart soared with a mix of joy and anticipation as Leo accepted me as his mate. Finally, I would have the opportunity to get closer to him and set my revenge plan into motion. I had spent countless nights plotting my revenge, and now it seemed that my moment had arrived. Breaking Leo's heart before ultimately ending his life would be the perfect way to exact my vengeance.

Unable to contain my excitement, I tossed and turned throughout the night, the thoughts of my impending revenge dancing in my mind.

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through my window, I knew it was time to share the news with Master Cyrus. I rose from my bed, and made my way to the secret cave where I normally do have my training.

Master Cyrus was already waiting for me in the cave. As I approached, my steps quickened so I could tell him what happened the previous night. I wasted no time in recounting the events that had transpired, the words tumbling out of my mouth in a mix of excitement and urgency.

"Master Cyrus, it happened! Leo has accepted me as his mate," I exclaimed, my voice filled with a dangerous mix of triumph and malevolence.

A smile tugged at the corners of Master Cyrus's lips as he listened. "Ah, my dear Anna, this is excellent news. Your plan is finally set in motion."

Relief washed over me as she realized that Master Cyrus was pleased with her progress.

"Master Cyrus, what should I do next?" I asked eagerly, my eyes shining with anticipation.

Master Cyrus eyes gleamed with a knowing glint. "Fear not, Anna. I will personally inform the sorcerer about this development so she wouldn't bother anymore. Your task now is to focus on your training and maintain your cover within the palace. Let me take care of the rest."

I nodded, grateful for the Master Cyrus guidance. I had complete faith in his ability to orchestrate the downfall of Leo and the fulfillment of my revenge.

With the weight of my revenge temporarily lifted from her shoulders, I immersed myself in my training, honing my skills in secrecy and darkness. I knew that I needed to be prepared for the tasks that lay ahead.

When my training session for the day came to an end, I returned to the palace, slipping seamlessly into my role as a maid. I carried out my duties diligently, the thought of Leo's impending heartbreak fueling my every action. My acts of service concealed the darkness within me, the burning desire for vengeance that consumed my soul.

As the day drew to a close, I prepared Leo's midnight snack, carefully selecting his favorite treats. The anticipation of seeing him again coursed through my veins, sending a shiver of excitement down my spine. With the tray in hand, I made my way to Leo's room.