10|Assigned Duties.

Davina’s POV

“Protect your brother, Davina. I am counting on you”

Mother’s words echoed in my mind, and I watched as she shifted and charged towards the rogues without hesitation– I knew what was about to unfold, but I couldn’t stop myself from yelling, pleading for her to flee with Sebastian and me. She didn’t listen. I closed my eyes, unable to witness the scene that was bound to happen.

When I opened them back, the scene changed. I found myself standing before Father and Mother. A strangled sob escaped my lips as I ran to hug them, desperate to feel their warmth again but– they pushed me away. They glared at me with hatred in their eyes, and I flinched from their gaze as they cursed and blamed me.

“You failed us! You didn’t protect your brother! He is dead because of you, you!”

“No… that's not true” I pleaded as tears clouded my vision, my heart shattering at the words that aimed to break me– to leave me utterly defeated.

“You survived all by yourself, you left everyone to die. It's all your fault!”

“No…No!” I tried to run to them but without warning, everything went dark as arrows pierced through me, forcing me back to reality.

“Davina!” I sat up, gasping for air, hands clutched tightly to my chest. “It's okay, Davina. Everything is okay”.

I instinctively leaned in against the touch that held me and as my body shook, tears streamed down my face, the pain in my chest becoming unbearable. I felt a hand stroke my back in an attempt to calm me but I didn't seem to hear the words that were being said.

My heart pounded as a single thought echoed through my mind—the dreams had returned. 

“Davina,” Eva wiped my tears, but I gasped, quickly pulling away when I realized I had been clinging to her all along.

“I—I’m sorry. I’m fine,” I straightened up, wiping my eyes quickly, not wanting her to see my weakness. I had sworn to myself that no one would ever witness me cry.

“Hmm,” Eva seemed to want to say something, but stopped herself before she could speak further. “Do you want to sleep some more, you look tired and I'm sure the king wouldn't mind if you–”

“No, I am fine! It was just a nightmare”.  I quickly sat up and pulled away the blanket that was on me. 

"Alright, Davina” She patted my back “ You should take your bath first. I'll show you around the palace afterward, and then we can ask Emmanuel about your assigned duties."

"Thank you, Eva," I said gratefully. She smiled and handed me a fresh set of clothes. I headed to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day ahead.

"You know, I wanted to say this yesterday, but it slipped my mind," Eva whispered excitedly as we walked out the door. One of my hands held hers, while the other lightly brushed along the walls, imprinting every detail in my mind.

"Hm?" I murmured, glancing at her as she suddenly stopped and turned to face me.

"You're so pretty," she said, her voice soft. "I haven't seen anyone as pretty as you."

My face instantly turned red and I muttered a ‘thank you’. I wasn't sure if she was telling the truth but it was good to hear nice words for once. I was sure she was just as pretty  but I couldn't say it back because I didn't know what she looked like.

Eva guided me through the palace, carefully pointing out the areas that were open, restricted, and strictly forbidden. She outlined the punishments for stepping out of bounds, mentioning that entering Hades study without permission carried the ultimate penalty—death. A chill ran down my spine as she shared the tale of a spy who, disguised as a maid, had met her end at Hades’ hands after entering his study without his permission. 

"Make sure all the bedding is changed, and the curtains too. I won’t tolerate any mistakes—consider this your warning. One slip-up, and you’re fired."

"Hey, you there! Are you blind? Can’t you see the stain on the counter? Clean it up now, or you’re fired!"

“You there! Actually, you know what? Forget it—you’re fired. Pack your things and leave.”

“Someone is in a cranky mood” Eva whispered under her breath as we stopped. I could hear Emmanuel scream, ordering people around but Eva laughed. “But I understand, I heard the king was really angry at him yesterday”.

“Why?” I asked, hand gripping hers tight without realizing. When people yelled, it brought back memories, memories I would rather not remember.

“You don't know?” She said in surprise. “Well… it had to do partially with you. The dress you wore last night to the king’s chamber belonged to the late King’s mother”.

My eyes widened, finally realizing why Hades reacted that way yesterday. He had almost killed me because of the dress that Stella and Marie gave me, but why did they–

“Stella and Marie set you up. They were suspended for a week and their salaries were deducted by Emmanuel last night, not fired. It's probably because of their connection to Lady Evangeline”.

Just as I was about to ask who Evangeline was, Emmanuel's yell stopped me. “Eva! Why aren’t you working? Do you expect the meals to cook themselves, or are you hoping the royal chef will handle everything?”

"No, no, Sir Emmanuel. I was just showing Davina around the palace and helping her find out her assigned duties. I’ll get back to work now—I don’t want to risk making the king angry."  Eva said respectfully but I could hear slight mockery in her voice directed to Emmanuel. 

“You–” Emmanuel sighed, stopping his word before turning  to me. I felt his penetrating gaze on me for a moment before he said the words that had everyone around gasping in horror.

"The blind girl will be serving directly under the Lycan king."

"No fucking way," Eva muttered under her breath, and in an instant, all eyes turned toward me.