ANASTASIA

"You know me too well," Zade replied with unsettling calmness. "But sometimes my aim slips and the bullet finds a far more willing target."

Gabriel’s amusement fell faster than the change of weather, and suddenly the air was tightened with an intensity.

Zade just fucking threatened him!

I looked at Gabriel, and his expression told me he was not pleased by it as though he didn’t expect that from Zade.

Whatever this was, I didn’t wanna be caught up, so I attempted to leave, but Gabriel beat me to it.

"So! I think I have shown our princess quite enough." He smiled. "I’ll see you guys at the hunt. I’ve got a feeling that this hunt will be more competitive."

Gabriel walked away, and my eyes were on him before I dragged them back to Zade.

We stayed like that. Although Zade would usually be the one to make a remark that would get me vexed or attach his body to mine every single chance, he did none of those.

I forced my eyes to the target. There was no use for this anymore because someone decided to be a freaking terminator.

"Have you eaten today?"

I snapped my wide eyes back to Zade.

"Excuse me?"

"Your food has been untouched for the last few hours."

It was Cynthia who brought my meals, but I asked her to take them back.

Did she report to him or something? I sure hope not. He was probably lurking somewhere as always.

"My well-being is not your concern."

"You’re my wife, your well-being is always my concern."

I huffed at those ridiculous words. "Wife? It’s been a while since I’ve been reminded of that. After all, you bought me as your fucking property."

"I don’t see a contradiction."

I growled in frustration, dropped the rifle and walked away.

Asshole!

~☆~

The day of the hunt came quicker than expected.

"What is it? I can tell you wanna say something," I said to Cynthia, who braided my hair.

"No, madam."

"You know I can see you through the mirror, right?"

She took a deep breath. "Why do you have to go with them?"

"Because I want to. Don’t worry, I’ll be shooting at trees or something. My aim still sucks."

Cynthia forced a smile. "Just be careful."

"I will. I just need something to take my mind off things."

"And this hunt will do that?" she asked with wide eyes.

"I know, I could have just gone shopping to kill time, but I chose to go into the wild with a group of men."

"T-That’s not what I would say."

"Nope, but you were thinking it."

She gave me an apologetic expression. "Maybe just a little."

"I have been making dangerous choices nowadays. Can’t stop now, I have to see it through the end."

I didn’t talk about the hunt anymore, but my call with Clara. I had to do that for Annabeth. No one cared about her, only I did, enough to get revenge.

I tightened my fist. Then what was this uncertainty I felt? Despite everything, despite finding out he actually murdered her in cold blood.

I need to snap out of it and do what I have to. I need to get it together and not be swayed by that—!

"I’ll have to do some thorough cleaning before I go on leave."

I frowned. "Why?"

"The stench of smoke is all over the place."

My heart stilled. Have I been so caught up that I haven’t realized that?

"I-Is it?"

"Yes, Madam. Don’t worry, when you get back, it will be as good as new."

I forced a smile in return.

Cynthia was done braiding my hair, so I rose to my feet, checking out my hunting outfit.

I was wearing a fitted olive-green field jacket held neatly with a brown leather belt. Beneath it was a cream turtleneck sweater peeking from the collar in a soft knit, providing warmth for me.

I paired it with dark forest-green trousers that hugged my frame and chestnut riding boots just above my knees.

"All good, I guess..." I mumbled, grabbing my leather bag and crossed it.

The sound of meowing drew my attention, and I crouched down to pet my babies.

"Mommy will be right back." I glanced at Cynthia. "Make sure their bowls are filled, will you?"

She nodded with a smile. "Yes, madam."

I left the room. I used the back entrance and stepped out of the manor.

A few moments later, I found the company already gathered and waiting.

Gabriel was the first to see me. With a grin, he dipped into a dramatic bow.

"Ana!" Noelle came close and hugged me. "Oh, thank God! And here I thought I would be stuck alone with them. It’s good you’re here."

I took a look around. Seems like Lisa won’t be joining us. I heard from Cynthia that she has been on leave, which is why I haven’t seen much of her lately.

Good to know.

"Are you alright, dear?"

Noelle’s questions pulled me out of it.

"Yes, I’m fine."

She gave me a worried expression before tucking her arm with mine and walking.

"You don’t look fine. If this is about what I said about Zade during dinner, you shouldn’t let it get to you."

"It didn’t."

It did. That was the main reason I confronted him in the first place. It was a trigger, but I don’t blame her. It was meant to happen either way.

"Are you sure?"

I forced a smile. "Yes."

She observed me closely as though to make sure.

"Cheer up. This hunt will be quite fun if you ask me. Thankfully, we will pair and not go solo."

I kept my smile as I watched her leave before dropping it.

"Sis!" Luca came to me. "I have an update."

"Update?"

"Dante wants to sue social media. You should have seen his face when he saw all the likes on that post." He snorted.

I have completely forgotten about that.

"Where are the cars?" I asked, changing the topic since it wasn’t as appealing anymore.

"Cars?"

"Yes, we are headed to the hunting grounds, aren’t we?"

At least that’s what Cynthia told me.

"You mean horses."

Right on cue, the sound of neighing reached my ears. I whipped my head around to find several horses being led toward us by the stable hands.

Oh no.