Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 88

Itio glanced at Carissa, his gaze shifting toward the villagers lined up for food. His brows furrowed as he observed them murmuring Fiona's name with gratitude. Many were also offering praises to Prince Elijah, as though he were their savior. "Are you certain this is going to be alright?" Rio asked, watching Carissa as she moved from one villager to the next, distributing supplies.

Carissa turned to him, a soft smile on her lips as she handed a bundle of herbs to an elderly woman. "That's just how it is," she replied calmly. though a faint spark of frustration flickered in her eyes,

Rio shook his head, watching the crowd. "It doesn't seem fair, Lady Carissa. Every single supply here came from the Calyrre family. The least Lady Fiona could do is acknowledge it-maybe even announce it to everyone. But she's said nothing. Not a word"

A nearby friend of Carissa's, who had been silently listening, stepped forward, her arms crossed. "He's right, Lady Carissa. It really isn't fair. You and your family have provided everything, yet she's the one receiving all the gratitude."

Carissa glanced toward Fiona, who was examining a small child nearby. Fiona appeared focused, her hands moving gently as she checked the child's arms for signs of infection. Elijah stood beside her, alert and watchful, as if standing guard. Carissa's fingers tightened around the herb pouch she held. She released her grip slowly, keeping her face neutral "Lady Fiona is the one detecting the poison and healing the villagers," she said lightly, though her gaze lingered on Fiona with an intensity she didn't let show.

Rio sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Still, it doesn't sit right with me. You should at least get.

1 some credit for the supplies, Lady Carissa. They wouldn't have anything if it weren't for you."

Carissa nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watched Fiona move to another patient. "Perhaps," she replied, her voice steady as she handed another parcel to a young mother. "But people see what they want to see, don't they?"

Rio shifted closer to her, his gaze fixated on Fiona and Elijah. "Look at them" he muttered. "It's as if he's protecting her like she's some rare treasure. She hardly even acknowledges you or the work you're doing here."

Carissa gave a small shrug, forcing a serene expression. "It's her healing skill that draws people to her. They believe she's helping in ways they don't understand." She glanced at her friend, who was still watching Fiona with a critical eye. "But we know what's truly going on Lady Fiona might be useful now, but this entire effort is backed by the Calyrre family. That can't be hidden forever."

Rio nodded, seeming to relax a little. "I know. I just wish the people could see that, too."

One of the villagers approached them, bowing slightly as he accepted a bundle of food from Carissa. Thank you, Lady Carissa," he said sincerely. "We're so grateful for everything you've done."

Carissa smiled, her hand resting briefly on the villager's shoulder. "Please, take care of your family," she replied warmly, watching as he walked away. Once he was out of earshot, her smile faded. Her gaze drifted back to Fiona, her eyes calculating

initial interaction, Fiona hadn't looked her way-not a single glance. Fiona's influence

eyes met. Carissa's breath hitch. For some reason, she could feel daggers from Elijali's eyes.

her friend, and made her way to the makeshift infirmary. As she walked, her fingers tapped rhythmically against her herb pouch. Fiona's influence was spreading faster than expected, drawing admiration that Carissa had hoped would be hers. And with Elijah constantly

as she inspected the villagers gathered in the camp With each examination, her concern grew. She turned to Elijah, glancing around 10-enisure no one could overhear them. self

crowd. She was currently taking a small break to

the villagers. "Yes. Most of them are family members of the soldiers. Many of these soldiers came from other packi Swine were even

him in

decided to give them a chance," Elijali explained. "He offered them a place within the palace guard and allowed them to

1/2

"Do diey have access to the

11:31 AM

Chapter 88

moment before nodding. "They do, but it's restricted. To leave, they have to pass through

against her arm, her gaze drifting back to the villagers "If the Lycans managed to bring rogue werewolves into the palace during the last attack," she muttered. Then they must have found

Slowly, he nodded, his jaw tightening. "If you're right, then someone here could be

"Whatever we're doing

of his weapon. His gaze returned to Fiona's, and for a long moment, their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. Slowly,

reveal

a short distance away. Elijah glanced at

frowned. I know this isn't the time for this but Lady Carissa just injured

you think I am a healer.

why Lady Carissa came is

she wanted to help the others, Elijah calmly said. "But I will take note of what you told