Then, smoothly, “Oh, anything… for my darling girl.”
“I need an elixir,” I said breathlessly. “Something to make myparents sick—just enough to keep them from going to the masquerade. It’s the only way I’ll be able to go.”
A shadow passed over Raul’s face. He scowled, his amusement vanishing.
“I don’t have that kind of potion.”
“But you do,” I pressed, stepping closer. “I’ve seen you brew love potions. You’ve used them to bend girls to your will.”
His eyes gleamed with mischief. “Has it worked on you?”
I stamped my foot, frustration bubbling up. “Raul, this isn’t a game! I need your help. They’ll never let me out of that house unless something stops them. You’re the only one who can help me.”
He tilted his head, eyes dancing with wicked delight. “So, you are coming to the masquerade.”
My heart pounded. “Yes. But only if you help me.”
Raul rubbed his chin, pretending to consider. “Hmm. Maybe I can find something... but you know everything comes at a price.”
I clasped my hands beneath my chin, voice softening. “What do you want?”
He didn’t blink. “A night with you. And Tomaso.”
I stared at him, the air sucked from my lungs. “You want a threesome—with me and Tomaso?”
Raul nodded. “It’s the only way I’ll give you the potion. Besides, we could have quite a bit of fun.”
“I don’t know…” I faltered, the pit in my stomach growing heavier.
He stepped closer, his voice dropping. “Come on, Alina—just one night. You’ll get the freedom you want, the party, the thrill. And you know Tomaso won’t mind. I think he’s been hoping for it, too.”
I hesitated, torn between disgust, desire, and a deep need to be free, just for one night. One glorious, glittering night.
My lips parted with a sigh. “Alright. But after this, we’re done.”
Raul smirked, a glint of triumph flashing in his eyes. “Oh, I doubt that. You like me far too much to ever truly walk away.”
He dismounted with practiced ease, stepped forward, and lightly kissed my lips.
“Come,” he said, his voice like velvet over steel. “Let’s see what I can find for you.”
I followed him into the house, knowing I had just struck a bargain I could never undo.
I made my way back home, each step echoing the burdens I carried—secrets, poison, and a hunger for freedom. My heart pounded faster the closer I came to the estate as if it already knew the crime I was about to commit.
The house was quiet. Too quiet.
Sunlight filtered lazily through the windows. The carriage still sat outside, its horses idle and bored, so I knew my family hadn’t gone far. But not a single voice stirred the air. It felt as though the entire house had paused, holding its breath.
I crept inside, silent as a shadow, and went to the kitchen.
The duck lay prepared beside the hearth, ready to be roasted. The vegetables were freshly washed, waiting in their basket. Loaves of bread rested on a wooden board, still warm from the morning’s baking. And nearby, the wine flagon gleamed like a ruby waiting to be spilled.
Forgive me,I thought. But I didn’t hesitate.
I moved with grim efficiency—measured drops into the duck, a pour over the vegetables, a gentle soak into the bread’s soft core, and finally, the wine—a swirling ribbon of liquid death.
The scent of rosemary and garlic masked the faint bitterness. No one would suspect.
