Chapter 116: Chapter 116: CALLIOPE’S SURPRISE

VALORIA WILDEROSE

I’m suddenly aware of our proximity again, of the thin fabric of my dress second to skin, of my rapidly beating heart pounding in my ears, of the warmth radiating from his body so close to mine.

I give into it, leaning in, but he pulls away suddenly. This time he’s on his feet, putting more distance between us, running another blade through my heart.

Rejected once again for the third time leaves me feeling frustrated.

He walks back to his desk and I’m up on my feet.

“If it’s not me, then what is it? A week ago you wanted nothing but to jump my bones. I’m giving you what you wanted.”

“Valoria.” He stops me, opening his lips to speak, but no words follow, which confirms that he’s hiding something from me.

He’s never done that before. Not once in all the time I’ve known him.

Azrael huffs, giving up on it altogether. Rather, he moves for a clothing rack, grabbing his robe, and then he draws closer, covering my see-through nightie carefully.

He wraps the knot twice in the silence, his fingers brushing against my waist, only meeting my eyes once he’s done.

“I’m busy right now.” His voice is surprisingly gentle, almost as if to reassure me that he isn’t kicking me out. But it feels that way. It feels exactly that way.

I bite my lips, accepting defeat.

“Okay.”

“In the meantime, I suggest staying away from alcohol and late-night visits.”

I nod slowly, half listening to everything else he’s saying, overwhelmed by the numbing feeling welling up in my gut—a new, gut-wrenching emotion I’ve never experienced taking ahold of me.

He’s done, moving back to his desk and focusing on everything else but myself that slowly melts into the background of his room like a discarded toy. Like I was never even here.

I turn around and leave without needing to be told twice, quietly locking the door behind me, while wondering if he’s even noticed I’ve gone.

I feel sick in my gut.

I remain here leaning against the door for longer than I should, as it slowly begins to dawn on me that this is it. I’m losing importance in Azrael’s eyes. He’s done playing with me.

I expected it to happen around this time, anticipated the shift, but I never planned for the weights that hang heavy on my shoulders or the deep sadness in my chest.

What is wrong with me?

Maybe I’ve finally lost it. All the secrets and research, all the planning has made me finally lose my mind.

I have to snap out of it. I have to remember that all of this simply means that my days are numbered now. Any moment now Azrael can switch on me.

I need to hasten my speed in finding the other pieces.

Halfway through walking back to my room barefoot and in nothing but an oversized robe and a thin gown, I turn into a hallway with Calliope, holding a list in her hands, pointing and directing servants that carry heavy objects and plants toward a direction.

Drawing close, I’m held by curiosity, watching in the background until I’m noticed. Her vibrant blue eyes light up once I’m spotted, as usual, that familiar warmth spreading across her features.

“You’re up early.” She notes, eyes briefly scanning through my odd attire.

Anyone who’s lived here long enough would be able to spot one of Azrael’s custom lavish robes with gold threads and lush black fabric.

The fact that it’s twice my size sells the point that it isn’t mine further.

I see the inquisition in her gaze. Terrified that she might ask a question or spike up that conversation about having a thing with Azrael, I cut in first.

“What’s going on here?” throwing the attention back to the line of servants dragging furniture and flowers down the hall.

I sigh silently once the light in her eyes returns and she looks away, easily distracted by the subject she clearly loves.

“Preparations for the solstice festival are already underway. With a few days left, we’re making good progress. I want it to be perfect considering that we can never guess if it’s the last one that will ever be celebrated.”

“That’s nice.” I nod, sneaking away before her attention can shift to me again. “Keep up the good work. Let me know if there’s anything you need me to help with.”

Just before I can finally leave her, one of her maids appears, walking briskly towards her with two cloaked figures following closely behind. Their movements are synchronized, deliberate, carrying an air of ceremony that makes me pause.

“Lady Calliope, the priestesses have arrived,” she announces with a bow.

Something about walking around in broad daylight with their faces covered has my interest piqued for a moment, curious to see what they look like. What kind of women hide beneath those heavy hoods.

Calliope becomes more ecstatic. Her eyes suddenly search for and find me within seconds, calling me close with excitement.

“You’re just in time for your surprise, Valoria.” Her hand wraps around mine the moment she can, drawing me closer.

“Surprise?”

“You’ve said a lot about your family and how awful they were, and I wanted to do something about it. To help.” She squeezes my hand gently, her expression softening.

“What are you…?”

“We greet the high concubine Calliope.” The two cloaked figures bow before I can ask, before I can figure out what she means, why her eyes hold so much seriousness and empathy.

Why she seems suddenly cautious and unsure.

And then their head coverings fall and I’m frozen into a block of ice with my eyes expanding wide like saucers. The air leaves my lungs in one sharp exhale.

“Valoria. This is high priestess Celestina and—”

“Lyra…?” I whisper, breathless, staring at the dirty blonde in front of me with soft brown eyes and a delicate gaze. A face I never thought I’d see again.

“How are you, Sister?”

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