Chapter 13%
The Arrows estate was all decorated for a dinner in my honor.
All of the extended family was mandated to attend and yet the table filled with expensive delicacies from around the world looked cold and sharp as the men and women sitting murmured amongst themselves.
They had taken all the seats and only left one for Killian, deliberately removing a the second chair to humiliate me
“How could Killian many like this? He did not even consulted us, his uncles!”
“To think he brought in a wife after rejecting all those women from high society
“He is the patriarch of Arrows, since when does he needs to acquire your permission to make his decisions? A female replied sharply before continuing. I might be his elder but respecting the one on the throne is basic courtesy, don’t forget that.”
“Basic courtesy?! Are we going to now bow down infront of a little girl! That Athena Valcruz who was called the vixin–“%
At that moment I stepped into the dining area which was chaotic making the atmosphere freeze instantly.
The emerald silk clung to me like a second skin, dark and dangerous, parting high at my thigh like a challenge. I wore a diamond choker from Paris latest collection worth millions making some females look at me with wide eyes..
I did not spare anyone a glance, my silence thunderous as I walked ahead and took the empty seat meant for Killian
1
A sharp silence covered the atmosphere as the men watched with wide eyes..to think I did not cried when they snatched my seat and instead sat at the throne?:
“Miss Vaicruz,” one of the men greeted with a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “An honor to have you join us.”
I didn’t smile back. “You will find it’s not an honor easily revoked.” I said, carving into the lamb on my plate with an elegant grace.!!
“Miss Athena.“}
A female wrapped in crimson silk acknowledged me with a smile too sweet. her blonde waves framed a face that seemed innocent and without an ounce of malice…..just like Jessica- all of it was a pretense.!
“Athena Valcruz” she said, voice syrup–sweet “What a lovely surprise. You are just as “beautiful‘ as the men say. I mean its not easy to win hearts of so many men…no wonder you have such a ‘bold‘ style.”
lifted my gaze slowly, like she wasn’t worth the effort.
“And you are?”
Her smile wavered. “Oh, forgive me.” She clasped her hands, all mock–innocence. Tam Julia Sanders.
My uncle James Carson is a long–time family ally of the Arrows family. Killian and I grew up together. Some say we are like oil and flame almost inseparable.
“Miss Athena I know that It must be hard adjusting to such a powerful circle coming from a background such as yours but don’t worry I will help you as much as I can.”
In other words I was a crude and unworthy female who should learn from her example.
I didn’t flinch. “I do just fine with power.” I replied, my tone elegant and yet coated with venom. “It’s snakes I find tedious.”
Her eye twitched. She didn’t like the answer and tumed a little red
“I didn’t mean to offend.“she said, too quickly. “Though you might find it difficult to remain close to Killian, He has very high standards. His women tend to burn out fast.”
I set down my fork with a gentle, deliberate click.
“Then it’s a shame” I said softly, “that you couldn’t bum bright enough to be one of them,”
Her smile cracked, just a little.
your father.”
“You have quite the spirit. Some of us thought maybe you were just another ceremonial gesture..just like your mom was for she whispered, with a cruel glint. “It’s tragic, really. What happened to her. Madness runs in bloodlines, they say, Or was it drugs?” The others looked at our confrontation without a word, some feeling smug that I was finally going to learn my place.
Wrong
My fork hit the marble as a sound rang out sharp and absolute.
The entire room went still.
I didn’t blink. Didn’t lower my voice.”
‘Pick it up.
Silence.
Julia stared, baffled. “What…?”
1 said Pick.It.Up.“)
She scoffed, finally not able to hold off her anger. “You can’t be serious-“|
“You claim loyalty to this house?” I said, my voice quiet, deadly. “Then kneel to the woman who will soon rule it.”
“Because if I asked for your life, you shouldn’t hesitate. And yet here I am, only asking for my fork so bow down. NOW.” A collective breath held. The room lightened around us.
Julia’s face turned pale.!!
10:02 AM ď ď ·
“You think I will grovel like a maid?” she hissed. “You think I will fucking crawl for some bastard daughter playing dress–up?”
“You slut!” She raised her hand ready to strike me but at that very moment the doors thundered open.
And Killian Arrows walked in,}
Black suit, collar open like a man who didn’t fear a single thing in this world. Every step of his boots echoed sharply. Everyone stood and bowed except me.
I met his eyes and when he saw me sitting at the throne he simply smiled.
Then he looked at Julia.!
“Why did you stop?” he said lazily, voice full of knives. “Slap her.”
Julia froze. “H didn’t mean-”
“It is no fun that you stopped.” he cut her off, still smiling and Julia feeling confident like a fool turned around ready to strike.” Killian’s smile vanished
With one snap of his fingers the shadows guards surrounded me.
Ten masked men stepped forward, rifles in hand, silently surrounding Julia like wolves. Their guns pointed directly at her head
“Go on, do it.” Killian said, his aura murderous “Because the moment your hand even touches my woman’s hair I will cut off your hand efficiently without a blink”
Julia collapsed when the guards held her down dragging her to my feet.!!
“Give your orders Madam.
“I stared down at the female with tears and snot unmoved.
“So much noise.”
Everyone watched in horror as I waved two fingers.
The guards didn’t hesitate.
Julia screamed loud, broken, and shrill as she was dragged away like garbage across the marble. Her nails scraped the floor. Her cries echoed until the doors slammed shut behind her.
Silence
Killian turned back to the table.
Adjusted his cuff like none of it mattered and the extended family members looked between me and Killian feeling chills running down their spine.
“I hope your appetite isn’t ruined darling.” he said, voice lower now…more intimate.
I lifted my glass.
“Not in the least.” I murmured before looking at each one of the foxes seated at the table “Though your taste in guests could use… improvement.”
His grin returned, slow and dark. Like fire catching silk as he came near standing beside me, twirling a strand of my curl with his fingers. “But worry not.I will be refining it.”
