THE WRONG SIDE VALERIA I fell asleep a little longer .


    However , even though the King told me to rest all day , Im not the type to spend so many hours in bed .


    I walked to the bathroom to wash up , feeling the ache in my sore muscles from all the physical activity .


    My thighs were sensitive , and my intimate parts well , even more so .


    Yet , I found myself smiling foolishly in front of the mirror blushing and satisfied as I traced my fingers over the scars on my face and my swollen lips .


    I wasnt sure if it was just my imagination , but they seemed less marked , less ugly .


    It had to be his delicious blood , the one I couldnt get enough of .


    I felt sexy , and desired , noticing how the marks of his hands were already fading from my skin .


    That lycan made me feel alive , like the most beautiful woman in the world .


    I got dressed and decided to visit little Edward and head down to find Celine , the Guardian Quinns sister .


    The whole note incident wasnt very smart , so even if we dont get along , I have no choice but to trust her if I want to share what I found .


    PAF ! I heard the sound of a p and something falling to the floor just as I was about to knock on the childs door .


    Through the crack , hateful words from his mother escaped into the hallway .


    Dont pretend all of a sudden ! What are you trying to pull ? Isnt it enough ying with our sanity every day ? What do you want , for the King to execute us all , you damn brat ? Mama , dont hit me … uuu … why dont you love me? Why do you only care about my brother ? Im your little boy , mama , Im Edward … aahh … Edwards sobs mixed with the Lunas hateful words .


    I clenched my fists in rage and knocked forcefully , interrupting the exchange inside .


    She immediately opened the door and looked startled when she saw me I can imagine the furious expression I mustve had .


    I came to ask for permission to take little Edward for a walk .


    Will his caring mother allow me ? I asked , trying not to let sarcasm drip from my voice .


    After all , it was a family matter , and I was still an outsider .


    про whatever you want , she replied with a frown , then passed me , leaning closer to whisper in a low voice , almost a hiss : Be ca careful , Miss .


    Nothing here is what it seems .


    Your kindness could lead you to a tragic end .


    I stared at her , not fully understanding , but she continued down the hall .


    Turning back , I approached the bed where Edwardy crying , a red handprint visible on his face .


    No matter how you look at it , what shes doing is wrong .


    64 THE WRONG SIDE  Come on , little one , dont cry anymore .


    Were going out to y , okay ? He clung to my neck , sobbing and telling me how his mother was cruel and didnt love him .


    My heart ached , but there was nothing I could do .


    Tomorrow , Ill leave , and this child will be left to his fate .


    I calmed him down and helped him get dressed so we could go down to the garden .


    I was worried about not finding Celine maybe she was stil with her brother .


    Though Aldric had told me he would personally investigate the Altar with Quinn .


    I really hoped he had cleaned upst nights mess Id die of embarrassment if the Guardian found those sticky traces on the stone .


    Celine , I need to tell you something , I dared to reach out mentally when I felt her not far , exercising in the woods .


    I only did this because Aldric was distant and couldnt intercept our messages .


    Me ? she responded , confused .


    Yes .


    Its hard to contact Guardian Quinn when hes so close to the King .


    And no , its not something personal between us .


    I think you already know I can read the Altar , added quickly to avoid misunderstandings , I exined what I had found the coordinates and how everything else seemed to be a decoy , all while pushing Edwards wheelchair toward the park .


    No wonder Quinn was so frustrated .


    I know where those coordinates lead Ive searched this forest thoroughly .


    It points to an old abandoned greenhouse , she exined , giving me a solid lead.


    I thought my part was done , that the rest would be up to her or so I believed until Edwards next words changed everything I dont want to go to the park today , Miss Valeria .


    Can we go to my secret ce ? I have treasures I want to show you ! Of course , sweetheart .


    Where is it ? I knelt beside him , smiling .


    Its over there , in an old greenhouse , he said , turning his head and looking straight at me .


    That strange sensation of danger and darkness swept over me again the moment I touched his hand and gazed into his eyes .


    Be careful , Miss .


    Nothing here is what it seems .


    Your kindness could lead you to a tragic end .


    His mothers words echoed in my mind .


    I wondered if I had misjudged everything all this time and med the wrong side .


    Of course , my love .


    Well go wherever you want , I replied with a forced smile as I stood up and began pushing his wheelchair Celine , Im heading to the greenhouse .


    Follow me silently I think I might need your help .