Tasting

236–Poisoned 

Nora: 

Hearing him say that felt like a stab to the chest. It definitely struck my ego, but instead of arguing, I just nodded. However, I subtly slipped my hands out of his grasp. 

So I was wrong to think he was worried about me. He was worried about his son’s girlfriend because, apparently, I was considered a troublemaker. 

The crowd dispersed, and soon I was the only one wandering around. The second floor was also crowded with people seeking a respite from Galinda’s cries on the ground floor. 

After the eulogy, I headed to my bedroom. But on my way upstairs, I noticed someone following me. It was none other than the three witches in their black attire. 

They wore fancy shoes and carried brand–new black bags. It didn’t even seem like they were here to support the grieving mother; they had come thinking it was an event. 

I rolled my eyes as I slowed down and turned to look at them. A waiter passed by, and they grabbed some wine while I opted for a virgin mojito. 

“You’re back?” Daphne called out to me. I assumed the three must have bonded over their shared dislike for me. They had been sticking close to each other ever since they arrived. In fact, April and Daphne had been whispering throughout the eulogy, while Natalya seemed to be lingering in the background. 

“Yes, this is my home. Of course, I’m back,” I replied, rolling my eyes again as I tried to cover more ground to reach my room. However, with the large lock on my door and no intention of going downstairs to ask for a key right now, I decided to head for the terrace. 

My bad luck, the three joined me there. 

“The brothers and their father had been living so peacefully without you. There was no drama going on when you weren’t around,” Daphne said, her arm folded over the railing, with April standing beside her and Natalya lingering in the back. 

“What is it? Why can’t you girls leave me alone?” I sipped my mojito and held it in my hand, trying to ignore their smirks that made me feel uncomfortable. 

“Hmm, because we’re suspicious of you,” April said, her smirk widening as she knew it would pique my interest. 

“About what?” I asked the grinning trio. 

“Where were you the night of the murder?” April’s question paralyzed me. I watched as Daphne took a sip from her drink and zoned out. I bet she knew I was with Nash that night; that’s probably how she found 

1. mc. 

But why did they want me to say it out loud? 

“Why? Why would it matter where I was?” I shrugged, not giving them the satisfaction of appearing concerned. 

“Because I was thinking, what if—Mia was lured into the woods by someone who knew how to bring the monsters there,” April said, spinning a ridiculous lie. But there was more to her insinuation. 

So enter you to everyon 

suspicion,” Daphne smirked. 

So that’s what it was. She wanted me to say Nash’s name, hoping to get him in trouble for spending time with his stepsister, who the brothers already suspected of inappropriate behavior, instead of guarding the Whistler. 

“Go ahead, spread the rumor that I did it. I’ll see what proof you bring to the table,” I said, trying to sound unbothered, but my eyes landed on my ring, and unease began to creep in. 

“I think they should force your transition,” Daphne added, and I felt a jolt of fear. 

That wouldn’t be a good idea. 

“You know the process?” Natalya inquired, the one who didn’t have a wolf herself. 

“They strip you naked, no jewelry, no garments, no underwear. Then the warriors stand around and whip the wolf out of you, and they even inject some drugs. Alpha King Silas is also involved,” Daphne said with a smirk, stretching her back and taking a sip from her glass. 

“Wouldn’t it be embarrassing for her to go through all that with her stepbrother present?” Natalya asked in a falsely concerned voice, while April pouted and nodded. 

I wasn’t truly concerned about that. I mean, it would be humiliating, but there would be no need to whip me or anything. The moment they removed everything from my body, including my ring, and drugged me, my wolf would emerge immediately. Not only that, but once they saw her, they wouldn’t waste a single moment before pointing at me and labeling me a monster. 

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my wolf alone. 

“What happened? Where did you get lost?” Daphne seemed satisfied with herself now that she had seen the look of horror on my face. 

But did that mean I’d get Nash in trouble? No!. 

So I decided it was best to leave and avoid them. Lord Atwood was right in a sense that I would come face to face with them—he just misunderstood the culprit and the victim. 

As I tried to walk past them, Daphne stepped into my path and pushed me back. 

“What are you doing? Back off,” I hissed at Daphne, who kept blocking 

my way. 

“I’m just giving you a chance, or maybe I’m willing to hear your last wish since this will be the last time you get to ask for anything,” she said, her eyes gleaming with malice. 

I was concerned because the three of them together meant serious trouble. They also seemed far too pleased with themselves. 

“I just want to leave,” I hissed, trying to maintain my composure. 

“Oh, you will. Sadly, not just this place, but you’ll be leaving 

everything and everyone behind. You will no longer be a part of the living,” April said with a smile, her eyes looking insane as she stared at me, not blinking at all. 

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