Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Chapter 79 Cakes, Pies and Lisa (Aliana POV)

The day trudged along at a snail’s pace, and the heaviness of my sleep-filled morning lingered on. As I emerged from my slumber, I found Ania and Lisa engrossed in a lively game of cards at the coffee table, their laughter filling the room. Though I overheard Ania mention Erica’s name, it failed to register in my groggy mind. Determined to shake off the sluggishness, I finally mustered the strength to get out of bed. Making my way towards the bathroom, I was greeted by Ania’s cheerful voice.

“Good to see you up and about,” she exclaimed, and I couldn’t help but giggle in response.

“Refreshed,” I replied, meeting her gaze, and she winked playfully.

“Alpha mentioned craving chocolate cake and coconut cream pie. Are you up for a kitchen adventure?” Ania asked, and I nodded eagerly.

“It’s bound to be a marvellous experience,” Lisa chimed in, laughing along.

“Let me freshen up, and then we can begin,” I suggested, and both of them agreed wholeheartedly.

In a hurry, I took a quick shower and stepped out of the bathroom. Picking out something comfortable from the closet, I opted for a shirt and shorts, wanting to avoid any clumsiness while working in the kitchen. Although tempted to wear Nikolas’s clothes, I decided against it at the last moment. Revealing sensitive information to potential spies was not a risk worth taking; my own attire would have to suffice for now.

Exiting the closet, I found the ladies ready to leave. Together, we left the room, embarking on our journey towards the kitchen. I silently prayed that we wouldn’t encounter Isabelle along the way, and to my relief, my prayer was answered. We managed to navigate through the mansion without bumping into that woman. Stepping into the kitchen, a wave of relief washed over me, only to be short-lived as I laid eyes on Shirley, Qusack’s date from our dinner with Prince Piotr and Natasha. Suppressing the urge to roll my eyes, I greeted her with a smile.

“Aliana,” she said, trying to sound friendly, and I responded politely.

“What is the mistress doing in the kitchen? You really shouldn’t be here, you know,” she commented, and I couldn’t discern if her words were meant to offend me or not. Nevertheless, I chose to shrug it off and replied calmly.

“Well, some of us still have work to do,” I stated, causing her smile to fade.

rather unfair. You should be resting and have maids at your beck and call. Alpha is being unjust,” she remarked, and I realised she was attempting to instigate trouble. Not that she could succeed, but

up with him? I’d rather stay where I am, thank you,” I retorted, cutting her off

I asserted, and she fell silent, getting the message. I hoped she would leave me alone, but she lingered in the kitchen,

Since he escorted me home, I haven’t heard from him. I’m becoming anxious, you see. I don’t know if I offended him that night,” she confessed, sounding

reach out to him?” I suggested, and she shook

dripping with arrogance. Her reaction reminded me why we all felt uneasy

baking pan, I placed it on the kitchen island. That was when I noticed Ania seemed slightly

with Ania, and she nodded while continuing to sift the flour and cocoa powder into a mixing

to let the matter go, as I knew Shirley had treated Ania poorly during dinner. I thought it was only natural for Ania not to want her presence around. “She’s finally gone,” I linked my friend, and

were creating, I couldn’t help but speculate that Nikolas must be in the mood for something sweet. It brought a small smile to my face. “Where are you?” Nikolas’s voice

the kitchen,” I

Don’t overexert yourself,” he admonished, and I

him, sensing an

while since he referred to Ania and

am,”

in the room. Kindly have them join you,”

wrapped up our kitchen activities, we decided to bring the desserts back to the room. Leaving them unattended would invite others to help themselves,

inside. We could all sense Nikolas’s sombre mood, and Ania and Lisa seemed ready to retreat after setting the table. Placing the pie down, I gazed at Nikolas, whose face betrayed no emotion. Instantly, I knew something was wrong. Joining him on the couch, he managed to offer me a smile, but his gaze turned to

he commanded abruptly. We all felt a surge of fear, and it wasn’t for my own sake—I was terrified for Lisa. Nikolas scrutinised her intensely, causing tears

into your mess, Lisa,”