QUINNS SECRETS QUINN Stop making that face , like someone just died … Nmmm … I couldnt help but groan in pain , clutching several fractured ribs as Iy back on the bed .


    Why are you doing this , Quinn ? I told you to stay away from that woman .


    Its obvious the King has be infatuated with her .


    This is his warning .


    He noticed you paying too much attention to his maid ! Ah , damn it , easy , Celine , or youll end up piercing my heart with the tip of a rib .


    Her rough hands were cleaning the blood from my torso , and as always , there was no trace of delicacy .


    Sometimes I even doubted she was a woman .


    Are you even listening to me ?! Of all the women , youre interested in her ?! she shouted , exasperated , straightening up .


    Yes , sister , Im listening .


    Its just … Valeria is different .


    She has so many mysterious things about her that draw me in .


    I dont know why , but I cant stop following her with my eyes every time we cross paths , I finally confessed with a sigh .


    I know exactly what attracts you to that maid … I tensed when she added that , her gaze lowered as she stood at the edge of my bed .


    They look so much alike , but she isnt that woman , Quinn .


    End this stupid obsession of yours , or it will get you killed .


    Heal yourself its your own fault for being an idiot She threw the bloodied cloth at my face and stormed out of the room , furious ..


    Valeria can read them , Celine , I called out , watching her stop at the door , still facing away from me .


    I dont know what connection she has to the Dark Kingdom , but she can read the Altars to the Goddess .


    Maybe ….


    maybe she could help us heal you .


    I dont care for her help if it means your death , Quinn , she replied in a low voice .


    And now , even more , youve told me that .


    Its just another reason to stay far away from the danger she represents .


    since You risk your life every day by hiding me right under the Kings nose .


    What do you think His Majesty will do when he discovers his maid has ties to the Dark Kingdom ? She finally turned to face me , her eyes turningpletely ck , like two endless voids .


    Celine ; he … I dont know .


    Thats also why I dont want to leave her to her fate .


    Valeria isnt even aware of the danger shes in with Aldric … He will kill her .


    Just as he will kill you if he finds out youre hiding a hybrid , with half her blood from the Dark Kingdom .


    Brother , forget that woman , or all your sacrifices until now will be meaningless .


    I wont sit by and watch you destroy yourself over an obsession And with that , she stormed out , mming the door shut behind her .


    I leaned back against the headboard , sighing in frustration , closing my eyes to summon my powerful lycan strength and speed up my healing .


    41 QUINNS SECRETS  Valerias vibrant blue eyes invaded my mind , just like the moment I first saw her and almost thought I was seeing an illusion .


    That mysterious woman who haunts my thoughts seemed to havee to life right before my eyes .


    Yet Valeria wasnt that female … and Aldric , too , had fallen under the spell of his maid .


    Im not afraid of the King , even though hes stronger than me .


    But its foolish to anger him that would mean leaving the castle and losing ess to the ancient manuscripts .


    I cant .


    I wont leave .


    I have to find the cure for Celine .


    I need to save my younger sisters life and forget the dangerous temptation that Valeria represents .


    VALERIA 1 sessfully slipped away to theundry area where the other maids were busy with their chores .


    They all looked up when they saw me , but then returned to their tasks , with their sleeves and dresses rolled up over their thighs , sitting in front ofrge soapy tubs filled with the masters garments .


    1 pretended to be there to collect some folded and ironed clothes from the Kings chambers , but the housekeeper caught me with free time and gave me extra work .


    So here I was , holding my dress up with both hands to keep it from getting soaked , barefoot , along with the other girls stomping on the massive winter nkets .


    As always , I worked in silence , enduring the sticky difort between my legs .


    I just wanted to leave , but suddenly , a hushed silence froze me in ce .


    Sir ? … What brings you to the service area ? Do you need anything ? the housekeeper asked as she walked towards where I assumed Aldric was standing .


    And I say assumed because I didnt even dare to turn and look at him .


    My feet felt like two hammers , pounding the fluffy nkets faster and faster from how nervous I had be .


    I could feel the others subtle nces on me , and I thought that any moment now , Id hear him order me back to his side .


    Nothing , I just wanted to give you some instructions for the next few days while Im away from the castle , he finally answered in a rough voice , and even without eyes on the back of my head , I knew very well that he was watching me .


    His searing gaze burned my body and made my heart race .


    Now that he was so close , I wasnt as brave as when I used to run off through the corridors .


    Very well , Im at your service , sir , the housekeeper assured , and then I heard them leave .


    The air escaped my lips in a long , relieved sigh .


    Hey , Valeria ! Wait , woman , youre going to tear a hole in the bedding if you keep that up ! Youre sshing everywhere ! The girls suddenly shouted , and I realized I looked like a duck in a puddle , sshing water and soap all over the 41 , QUINNS SECRETS ce .


    Everyone had stopped when the King arrived .


    I was the only fool still stomping away .


    Im sorry , I apologized , embarrassed , finally stopping with my feet swollen and aching .


    Damn perverted King , youre going to drive me insane !