Tasting 236

236–Poisoned

Nora:

Hearing him say that felt like a stab to the chest. It definitely struck my ego, but instead of arguing, I

just nodded. However, I subtly slipped my hands out of his grasp.

So I was wrong to think he was worried about me. He was worried about his son’s girlfriend

because, apparently, I was considered a troublemaker.

The crowd dispersed, and soon I was the only one wandering around. The second floor was also

crowded with people seeking a respite from Galinda’s cries on the ground floor.

After the eulogy, I headed to my bedroom. But on my way upstairs, I noticed someone following me.

It was none other than the three witches in their black attire.

They wore fancy shoes and carried brand–new black bags. It didn’t even seem like they were here

to support the grieving mother; they had come thinking it was an event.

I rolled my eyes as I slowed down and turned to look at them. A waiter passed by, and they grabbed

some wine while I opted for a virgin mojito.

“You’re back?” Daphne called out to me. I assumed the three must have bonded over their shared

dislike for me. They had been sticking close to each other ever since they arrived. In fact, April and

Daphne had been whispering throughout the eulogy, while Natalya seemed to be lingering in the

background.

“Yes, this is my home. Of course, I’m back,” I replied, rolling my eyes again as I tried to cover more

ground to reach my room. However, with the large lock on my door and no intention of going

downstairs to ask for a key right now, I decided to head for the terrace.

My bad luck, the three joined me there.

“The brothers and their father had been living so peacefully without you. There was no drama going

on when you weren’t around,” Daphne said, her arm folded over the railing, with April standing

beside her and Natalya lingering in the back.

“What is it? Why can’t you girls leave me alone?” I sipped my mojito and held it in my hand, trying to

ignore their smirks that made me feel uncomfortable.

“Hmm, because we’re suspicious of you,” April said, her smirk widening as she knew it would pique

my interest.

“About what?” I asked the grinning trio.

“Where were you the night of the murder?” April’s question paralyzed me. I watched as Daphne took

a sip from her drink and zoned out. I bet she knew I was with Nash that night; that’s probably how

she found

1. mc.

But why did they want me to say it out loud?

“Why? Why would it matter where I was?” I shrugged, not giving them the satisfaction of appearing

concerned.

“Because I was thinking, what if—Mia was lured into the woods by someone who knew how to bring

the monsters there,” April said, spinning a ridiculous lie. But there was more to her insinuation.

So enter you to everyon

suspicion,” Daphne smirked.

So that’s what it was. She wanted me to say Nash’s name, hoping to get him in trouble for spending

time with his stepsister, who the brothers already suspected of inappropriate behavior, instead of

guarding the Whistler.

“Go ahead, spread the rumor that I did it. I’ll see what proof you bring to the table,” I said, trying to

sound unbothered, but my eyes landed on my ring, and unease began to creep in.

“I think they should force your transition,” Daphne added, and I felt a jolt of fear.

That wouldn’t be a good idea.

“You know the process?” Natalya inquired, the one who didn’t have a wolf herself.

“They strip you naked, no jewelry, no garments, no underwear. Then the warriors stand around and

whip the wolf out of you, and they even inject some drugs. Alpha King Silas is also involved,”

Daphne said with a smirk, stretching her back and taking a sip from her glass.

“Wouldn’t it be embarrassing for her to go through all that with her stepbrother present?” Natalya

asked in a falsely concerned voice, while April pouted and nodded.

I wasn’t truly concerned about that. I mean, it would be humiliating, but there would be no need to

whip me or anything. The moment they removed everything from my body, including my ring, and

drugged me, my wolf would emerge immediately. Not only that, but once they saw her, they wouldn’t

waste a single moment before pointing at me and labeling me a monster.

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my wolf alone.

“What happened? Where did you get lost?” Daphne seemed satisfied with herself now that she had

seen the look of horror on my face.

But did that mean I’d get Nash in trouble? No!.

So I decided it was best to leave and avoid them. Lord Atwood was right in a sense that I would

come face to face with them—he just misunderstood the culprit and the victim.

As I tried to walk past them, Daphne stepped into my path and pushed me back.

“What are you doing? Back off,” I hissed at Daphne, who kept blocking

my way.

“I’m just giving you a chance, or maybe I’m willing to hear your last wish since this will be the last

time you get to ask for anything,” she said, her eyes gleaming with malice.

I was concerned because the three of them together meant serious trouble. They also seemed far

too pleased with themselves.

“I just want to leave,” I hissed, trying to maintain my composure.

“Oh, you will. Sadly, not just this place, but you’ll be leaving

everything and everyone behind. You will no longer be a part of the living,” April said with a smile,

her eyes looking insane as she stared at me, not blinking at all.

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