Chapter 203: Evil doesn’t change overnight

Alyssa had never felt so cornered in her entire life. Staring into Pandora’s unblinking gaze, she knew she had to think of an answer quickly.

Pandora was smart as hell, curious, and inquisitive. It wouldn’t take her long to figure out what was happening, and she couldn’t let that happen.

"Oh, it’s nothing," she said, forcing a smile. "It’s just a little gift from Nina."

Pandora narrowed her eyes as Nina stepped fully into the room and shut the door. She noticed how the healer deliberately kept her gaze averted as she moved toward the vanity and set her bag down.

"A gift, you say?" she questioned. "Then why did Nina say it was for tonight?"

Alyssa’s mind spun rapidly as she scrambled for a believable answer. "I’m... I’m sure she just said that because tonight is the Solstice. Right, Nina?"

"That’s right," Nina nodded frantically. "The Solstice is all anyone is talking about. I guess that’s why I said tonight."

"Then why are you giving Alyssa gifts?" Pandora pressed, taking a step forward. "Any particular reason? Or do you give everyone gifts now?"

"Pandora!" Alyssa exclaimed, shaking her head in disapproval. "Don’t question Nina like that. You’re making her feel awkward."

"I’m not," Pandora’s frown deepened. "You two are acting really weird and suspicious right now. I clearly heard Nina say she brought the talisman for tonight. What aren’t you telling me?"

"It was a simple mistake, Miss Pandora," Nina protested. "The talisman is a gift for Luna, to protect her from harm tonight."

"Harm? Who would want to harm her?"

"Really, Pandora?" Alyssa shook her head. "Are you really asking that after everything that’s happened?"

"But Pilate is dead," Pandora insisted. "Who else would try to harm you? Ragnar? He wouldn’t dare! I know this talisman isn’t just a gift, or a protective whatever like Nina just said. It’s more than that, and you’re going to tell me..."

"Miss Pandora?" a voice called out suddenly from the hallway.

Pandora turned around and glared at the door. She moved away from the bed, yanked the door open, and glared at the maid standing on the other side.

"Is there a problem?" she demanded.

"We just received a message from Stonecrest Pack. It’s from Luna Kalista, and it’s for you."

Pandora’s expression shifted instantly. She turned back, shooting a suspicious look at Nina, then at Alyssa. "This conversation isn’t over."

She turned away and hurried out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Silence hung heavy in the bedroom for several seconds after she left.

Nina finally cleared her throat and let out a soft sigh. "Forgive me, Luna. I had no idea she was in here with you."

Alyssa offered her an understanding smile and waved the apology aside. "It’s alright, Nina. It wasn’t your fault. Pandora is just too curious for her own good."

She looked toward the bag expectantly. "Well? Where is it?"

Nina quickly reached into the bag and pulled out a small velvet pouch. She withdrew a fine gold necklace with a strange-looking pendant dangling from the chain, cast in the shape of a pentagram.

"Wow," Alyssa murmured, reaching out to examine it. "I expected something bland and old-fashioned."

"That’s understandable," Nina chuckled softly. "The Alpha requested it be made this way so it wouldn’t draw unwanted attention."

She reached back out for the chain. "May I?"

Alyssa handed it to her, turning around so Nina could fasten it around her neck. The gold chain was long enough that the pentagram rested right against her cleavage.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered, looking down at it. "Can I ask what you used to make it?"

"Of course, Luna," Nina nodded. "It’s crafted primarily from several protective herbs. The outer ring of the pentagram is lined with dried sage and moon root to keep your Lycan dormant. The small orb at the center is filled with burnt sage, blood-leaf briar, and a mild sedative from my collection."

"Wow," Alyssa murmured. "I’ve never heard of those."

Nina chuckled as she straightened up and stepped back. "They are rare herbs, Luna. Not nearly as common as Wolfsbane or Aconite."

Alyssa walked over to the mirror and examined the talisman. It looked like an ordinary, elegant necklace with a unique custom pendant.

Then a thought suddenly occurred to her.

"I’ve been meaning to ask you, Nina," she said, slowly turning back around. "Are all Lycan healers like you?"

"Not at all," Nina shook her head. "I wasn’t born a healer. My mother had a close friend who was a sorceress. When I turned thirty, my mother taught me everything she knew. She was the greatest healer in our pack before she passed away, and I had to travel down to Wintercrest."

"I’m so sorry for your loss," Alyssa whispered softly.

"It’s alright, Luna. It was over a century ago."

"Can I ask how old you are?"

"I am a hundred and fifty years old."

Alyssa knew she would never truly wrap her head around the lifespans of the Lycans surrounding her. Dorian looked like he was in his early thirties. Pandora looked barely twenty. Jake, Alec, and Anthony looked like they were in their late twenties.

And Nina looked no older than fifty. Their longevity ability was mind-blowing.

"Now, remember," Nina continued after a brief pause, her tone turning serious. "Do not take off the talisman tonight, no matter what. Until your shifting is fully under control, you must wear it at all times."

Alyssa nodded obediently. "Thank you, Nina. I’ll do as you ask." She glanced out the frosted window and sighed, already missing Dorian’s presence.

The closer nightfall came, the more the gnawing anxiety in her chest grew.

...

Samantha had just finished folding the last of the fresh sheets and blankets into the woven basket beside her.

She lifted it and turned toward the side exit when Alec suddenly materialized behind her.

She shrieked, her hand flying to her chest. "What the fuck? You scared the hell out of me!"

Alec raised his hands and took a step back, an apologetic smile tugging at his lips. "I was just passing through. Didn’t mean to startle you."

Samantha glared at him, lowering the heavy laundry basket. "Why are you here? I thought you left with Dorian hours ago."

"I had to return to grab something with my brother," Alec replied, stepping a little closer. "You’ve got snow... everywhere."

"I know," she snapped, brushing off the snow flakes that had collected on her hair and shoulders. "What do you want?"

"Hey, relax," Alec protested playfully. "You don’t have to be mean. I thought we were friends."

"We’re not friends," Samantha muttered, crossing her arms. "Acquaintances... maybe."

Alec shrugged innocently. "What’s the difference?"

She shot him an annoyed look and shook her head, making him laugh under his breath.

"I’m just messing with you," he continued, his tone softening slightly. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright. You’ll be present in the forest for the Solstice, won’t you?"

She nodded. "Yes. Will you?"

"I’m the Gamma," Alec rolled his eyes dramatically. "Of course I’ll be there."

"Show off," Samantha murmured, her lips twitching into a reluctant smile. "Now leave me alone, stalker."

Alec found himself reluctant to step away, though he knew Jake was waiting for him outside. "I guess I’ll see you around. Stay safe, okay?"

She picked up the basket again, giving him a guarded look. "Why? Are you worried about me?"

"No," Alec lied smoothly. "Just being a friendly Gamma."

"You don’t say," Samantha replied. "Tell me, Alec. Did you go around telling the other maids and servants to stay safe?"

Alec didn’t answer. His silent smile was all the response she needed. She shook her head, letting out a quiet chuckle. "See you at the Solstice."

Alec flashed a smug grin and finally turned toward the doors, leaving her standing alone in the courtyard, smiling like a foolish girl in love.

She suddenly caught herself and let out a sharp curse. "What the fuck!" She shook her head and turned away in anger.

Get a grip, Samantha. And stay the hell away from that Gamma!

...

Alec finally joined his twin, Jake, and the two of them slipped into the SUV, speeding off through the snow to join Dorian in the borders.

Halfway through the drive, Jake broke the silence. "You’ve been spending an awful amount of time around Samantha."

Alec gave him a quick, side-eye glance before looking back out the window. "What are you talking about?"

?"You damn well know what I’m talking about," Jake retorted sharply. "I saw you with her, and I’ve noticed how close you two are getting. Stay away from her, Alec. She isn’t the kind of girl you want to be with."

"I never said I wanted to be with her," Alec muttered.

?"I’m just looking out for you," Jake insisted, his voice deep with concern. "I know you think she’s changed, but evil doesn’t change overnight. I don’t want to see you get hurt. You’re the only family I have."

Alec didn’t respond. But deep in his chest, he felt a strange, unfamiliar stirring; a quiet sensation he couldn’t put into words.