My mind cleared. I remembered Liv sweetly asking me to let her handle this task. A creeping sensation crawled over my body like vines.
Had she deceived me?
But why?
I couldn't figure it out. More importantly, was this the only thing she had lied about, or was she hiding more?
I knew I had to investigate her true intentions.
CHAPTER 10
SERENITY KELLER
Isat by the window in a daze, motionless as a withered tree.
Mountains rose in layers outside, draped in lush green. This sanatorium was hidden deep in the wilderness. That was why I never saw anyone coming or going, never spotted a road leading down.
Five full months had passed since the night of the Moon Ceremony. Five months since I was brought here. The baby in my belly had grown strong, kicking more often now. I rested my hand on my obviously rounded stomach, as if I could feel his eagerness to enter the world. It was the only comfort in this cold, sterile room.
"Ma'am, time for your medication."
The door suddenly opened. A nurse walked in carrying a tray loaded with bottles and jars.
Here, they never called me by name. As if I were nobody important, just "Ma'am."
I turned slowly and held out my hand. The nurse placed a handful of pills and a glass of water in my palm, then watched to make sure I swallowed them. I tilted my head back, numb, and choked them down. Even with water, the bitter taste spread through my mouth.
I forced myself not to spit them out.
These medications were supposedly for "stabilizing the pregnancy," but I suspected they'd mixed in sedatives. Every time I took them, I grew drowsy almost immediately.
But I didn't want to sleep right now. I asked the nurse, "Can I go for a walk?"
"I'm sorry, but you need to rest quietly," the nurse answered without a trace of emotion. "You disturbed the pregnancy during the Moon Ceremony, and your checkups since then haven't been satisfactory. Mr. Alfred is very displeased. Stricter supervision is required."
I clenched my fists.
I used to think Elias's "protection" was the same as imprisonment. But now, with something to compare it to, I finally understood what real imprisonment looked like.
I couldn't help feeling regret. If I had known, I should have rested longer after waking up at the mansion instead of forcing myself to leave while I was still weak, only to collapse on the roadside.
But the guard watching me that night had looked at me with such hatred. Pure contempt, as if I were nothing but a traitor.
Escaping had used up the last of my strength. I hadn't gotten far before the world started spinning. In my haze, I felt myself being moved somewhere.
When I woke, I was in this sanatorium room. My freedom was gone.
The one responsible for all of this was Alfred.
He had come to see me once. His first words were a harsh rebuke. "You've disappointed me, Serenity. I overestimated your abilities. I thought you could properly care for the Vernal heir on your own, so I allowed you to raise this child by yourself. But look at you! The doctor says you nearly miscarried!"
"That wasn't my fault?—"
"I don't care whose fault it was!" Alfred cut me off sharply. "I only care whether the Vernal bloodline continues! Since you can't handle this responsibility, I'll personally oversee everything about this child's care from now on!"
"What do you mean?" I stared wide-eyed at this "room," at the barred windows and multiple locks on the door. A chill ran through my bones. "You're going to lock me up? You promised me freedom!"
"Quiet. Of course I haven't forgotten our deal." Alfred's face was expressionless. "But I never specified when you'd get your freedom. You'll stay here until the baby is born! I'll provide the best medical equipment and staff. They'll ensure the child's healthy delivery. As for you?—"
