Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter

58

"Do you know what's going on?" Kariana asked, her voice breaking the silence as she approached Fiona. There was concern in her eyes, and she glanced nervously at the guards.

It was already the day after the trial. Fiona worked quietly in the infirmary, her focus shifting between the patients and the unusual number of guards patrolling the area. She noticed them out of the corner of her eye, moving in and out of sight like shadows. It was unsettling.

However, Fiona shook her head. "No, I don't," she said, feigning ignorance. At this point, not saying a word about the prisoner was better than carelessly creating rumors.

Kariana immediately leaned in slightly. "I heard someone dangerous escaped from the prison. No one's saying much, but that's the rumor." She lowered her voice just enough for Fiona to hear.

Fiona widened her eyes. "Did they say who?"

Kariana shook her head. "Not really. Just that it's someone... terrifying. Some people are saying he eats werewolves." Her voice dropped to a whisper at the last part, eyes wide with fear. "A werewolf that eats his fellow werewolves. Can you believe that?" Fiona's heart skipped a beat. "Eats werewolves?" The idea sounded absurd. Who would dare spread a rumor like that?

Before she could ask Kariana more, Miss Rosenda-Miss Rose, as everyone called her-called from across the room. "Fiona, can you come to my study for a moment?"

Fiona nodded and followed Miss Rose out of the main infirmary. Once they were inside the modest but orderly study, Miss Rose gestured for Fiona to sit.

"How are you, Fiona?" Miss Rose asked, her voice kind, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes.

"I'm fine," Fiona replied, though she could feel the tension in the room. Was she going to be fired?

Miss Rose studied her for a moment before speaking again. "Are you sure you don't need a few days to take a break? After everything that's happened, it wouldn't be a bad idea."

Fiona shook her head quickly. "No, I want to keep working. I need to."

Inwardly, Fiona recalled her earlier conversation with Elijah. He had been insistent that she stay by his side for the time being, worried about her safety. But she had refused, telling him that she wanted to work and that the palace was the safest place she could be. After some convincing, Elijah reluctantly agreed, though she knew he had assigned guards to follow her around without her directly knowing.

"I'm fine," Fiona repeated to Miss Rose with a small smile. "I'm innocent, and I'd rather keep myself busy."

Miss Rose returned her smile, though there was still a trace of worry in her eyes. "Alright. Just do your best, and if you need anything, you let me know."

you," Fiona said, standing up. She appreciated

Cillian waiting for her just outside the door. His posture was

Cillian said with a smirk, his eyes

raised an eyebrow at him. "What are you

casual shrug. There was a sharpness in his gaze, though his

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Chapter 58

"I

hesitated but then nodded.

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private space. They simply stood in the hallway, just outside Miss Rose's office. The tension between them hung in the

Cillian said,

off guard. "Apologize?

"I've been in the infirmary for a long time, and I've always seen myself as someone who doesn't need to be challenged, especially by someone new. But I was wrong." Fiona was speechless for a moment. She didn't

I've seen, it's clear you have real talent. More than that, you've proven it time

warm sense of respect. "I appreciate that, Cillian. And thank

good at what you do, and I'm not one to lie about something like that. You earned

Cillian held out his hand, and she took

finally get along," Fiona said, a small smile

with a grin before turning to leave. "See

walked away, Kariana appeared beside Fiona, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What was that all about?" "Cillian apologized," Fiona said,

even more. "Apologized? Cillian? Are you sure we're talking

same one. He admitted he was wrong

5

even to Miss Rose. Do you know how many times she's had to deal with his arrogance? And he's the one everyone thinks will be the next head of the infirmary when Miss Rose retires.

surprising," Fiona said, still processing the

to do the impossible.