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."

up. She appreciated

was surprised to find Cillian waiting for her just outside the door. His posture was casual, but there was a sharpness in his

with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

eyebrow at

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

1/3

TIE

16.58

Chapter 58

"I

but then nodded. "Alright,

D

54%

in the hallway, just outside Miss Rose's office. The tension between them hung in the air for a moment

Cillian said, his

blinked, caught off guard.

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 expect this from Cillian of all people. "I-thank you,"

you didn't. But after what I've seen, it's clear you have real talent. More than that, you've proven it time and again. I

of respect. "I appreciate that, Cillian. And

you. I was telling the truth. You're good at what you do, and

held out his hand, and she took it, shaking it

finally get along," Fiona said, a small smile forming on her

with a grin before turning to leave.

her eyes wide with curiosity. "What was that all about?"

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

he was wrong for thinking he was

5

his arrogance? And he's the one everyone thinks will be the next head of the infirmary when Miss Rose retires. He takes so much pride in his work that he doesn't usually admit

even more surprising," Fiona

you've managed to do the impossible.