Chapter 172: That strange feeling again

The long-awaited day of Alyssa’s orientation finally arrived four days later.

She woke up early that morning to prepare, largely because the admitted students were required to be sorted into the orientation hall according to their assigned identification numbers, meaning she needed to reach the Academy well ahead of schedule.

Dorian also had to leave early for an urgent, high-priority meeting with the council concerning unpaid taxes across three of the other territories.

He promised Alyssa he would wrap up the meeting as quickly as possible, return to the mansion to change into the suit she had handpicked for him, and drive straight to the Academy before it was time for his official speech.

As Alpha King, and with his Luna numbered among the newly admitted students, his presence at the ceremony was very important.

Shortly after he left with Jake, Anthony, and Alec, Pandora and Henna burst into the bedroom accompanied by Cara, Alyssa’s personal maid, and an additional servant to assist with the preparations.

Alyssa was still curled up beneath the sheets, wrapped tight like a hot dog while texting Dorian under the blankets.

"Don’t tell me you’re still tucked into bed at this hour!" Pandora exclaimed as the group swept into the room.

Alyssa peeked out from the sheets, throwing Pandora a sweet, innocent smile. "I still have plenty of time. About two hours before the event begins."

"You’re supposed to be there before it begins," Henna chuckled, marching over to the bed and unceremoniously tugging the sheets away. "Giselle just delivered your outfit."

Alyssa sat up sharply, her eyes widening. "It’s not a gown, right? I specifically asked for something different this time."

"Relax, it isn’t the gown," Pandora laughed, shaking her head. "It’s the tailored two-piece suit you selected, and I’ve paired it with the perfect set of heels."

"Heels?" Alyssa protested, groaning softly. "Can’t I just wear comfortable flats? Heels hurt my toes, and Dorian hates seeing me in pain."

"Aww, how sweet," Henna beamed, her hands pressed to her chest. "I could say the same for Jake. He’s so tender with me."

Pandora made an exaggerated gagging face, rolling her eyes playfully. "Enough with the sweet, lovey-dovey talk. We’re all aware of how obsessively your mates cherish you."

"What’s the matter, Pandora?" Alyssa teased, arching a perfect brow. "Jealous?"

Pandora smirked with supreme confidence. "Me? Jealous? Please. I have someone who dotes on me just as intensely as your husband dotes on you."

"Did he get you a luxury car like Alpha Dorian got Alyssa?" Henna asked mischievously.

"He would if I asked for one."

Alyssa’s eyes sparkled with playful intrigue. "Are you finally admitting that you and Anthony are an actual couple?"

"I’m not admitting anything," Pandora answered smugly. "Like I’ve said a thousand times, Anthony and I are just friends. Besides, Dorian would disapprove of any romance between us, if one even existed."

An awkward silence settled over the room for a brief beat before Pandora sharply broke it.

"Alright, enough chatter. Cara, Estella, go prepare Alyssa’s bath immediately. Use the special bath oils Nina provided."

"Yes, Miss Pandora," Cara and Estella murmured in unison, hurrying into the adjoining bathroom.

Alyssa had no choice but to drag herself out of the bed to get ready. She knew Pandora rarely tolerated digging into her personal life with Anthony, so she let the subject drop.

"Did someone bring up my Academy cap and gown?" she asked as she began to undress.

"Yes, the courier brought them in early this morning," Henna replied, stepping over to the vanity to neatly organize the cosmetic palette, while Pandora smoothed the tailored suit and heels over the mattress.

An hour later, Alyssa stood fully dressed and styled. She cast a wary glance at the burgundy high heels, then looked up at Pandora.

"Do I really have to wear these?"

"It compliments your outfit perfectly," Pandora insisted. "Don’t worry. I’ll slip a pair of flats into the car. When your feet start to hurt, just inform André. He’ll get them for you."

Minutes later, Alyssa made her way down the front steps to where André stood waiting beside the Bentley. Memories of the intensely steamy moment she had shared with Dorian inside that very car rushed back into her mind, painting a hot blush across her cheeks.

"Congratulations on your admission, Luna," André beamed, opening the rear door for her.

"Thank you, André," Alyssa smiled warmly at him. "And how is your mate doing? Sheryl, right? I heard she fell sick."

"She is recovering well. We received the thoughtful gift basket you sent to us, and we are beyond grateful. Sheryl insisted on coming to thank you in person the moment she’s back on her feet."

"She’s always welcome," Alyssa assured him softly. Before sliding into the car, she turned back toward the porch where Pandora and Henna stood watching her.

"What time will you two be arriving?"

"Around noon, most likely," Pandora called back. "Henna and I come with Dorian and the others. Try not to miss us too much."

"I’ll manage," Alyssa laughed. But as her gaze drifted up toward the terrace, her laughter abruptly died.

Elvira was standing at the edge, staring down at her with an unsettling, unblinking intensity.

Alyssa frowned, an icy sensation creeping up her spine. The look made her uncomfortable, especially when Elvira suddenly smiled before she disappeared.

Alyssa lowered her gaze and locked eyes with Pandora. "Keep a close eye on her," she murmured quietly.

Pandora didn’t ask for clarification. She knew precisely who Alyssa was referring to, and she nodded firmly.

Alyssa turned away and slipped into the back seat. André shut the door firmly, rounded the vehicle and slid behind the wheel. As the Bentley glided through the estate gates, she was suddenly hit with a wave of foreboding.

It was the same sickening gut feeling she had experienced when she and Dorian were returning from the cave sanctuary, the day Elvira had arrived.

Now, the feeling was back, wrapping tight around her chest. She couldn’t shake the creeping certainty that something was about to happen. That cold smile Elvira had thrown her from the terrace was ominous.

She pulled out her phone from her bag and quickly typed a message to Dorian: Please come soon. I have that strange feeling again, and I’m really worried. I miss you.

She hit send, squeezed her eyes shut, and prayed silently to the Moon Goddess that her instincts were wrong.

...

Back inside the mansion, Elvira waited patiently, biding her time until Pandora and Henna finally vacated the living room and headed toward Henna’s room.

It was almost lunch time. She had to move fast, since she failed to slip the potion into the morning breakfast.

She slipped out of her room and hurried down the hallway. At this hour of the afternoon, the mansion was nearly deserted. The guards were out on patrol, while the domestic staff were either occupied with chores elsewhere or taking a brief rest.

Lunch had already been prepared. She knew because she had been monitoring the kitchen like a hawk for the past hour. She had watched Martha step out after cooking, and she had seen the remaining maids clean up the used utensils and file out one by one.

She sprinted toward the kitchen doors, pushing one open a crack. It was empty. Perfect.

She slipped inside, pulled the door shut behind her, and moved toward the massive copper pot of simmering meat stew bubbling over the stove.

"Good thing Dorian never bothered installing security cameras inside these walls," she whispered under her breath, pulling the glass vial from her sleeve.

She uncapped the top and poured the entire contents of the thick green liquid into the bubbling broth. The potion sizzled for a few seconds before melting into the stew. No odor. No altered color. No taste.

Shoving the empty vial deep into the neckline of her dress, she carefully fitted the lid back onto the pot and hurried away.

So easy, she thought to herself, a cruel satisfaction warming her blood. No one will ever trace this to me. And even if suspicions arise, I will pin the entire blame on that bitch, Samantha.

She pulled the kitchen door open and began to sneak out when a sharp voice sliced through the silence behind her.

"What are you doing in there?"