Adella’s hand landed with a dismissive pat on Odelliana’s head, a sharp click of her tongue the only sound of sympathy offered. “A disgrace,” she spat, voice dripping with disdain. “Someone like you, a pretender to nobility without the Grüsewald name or true power, dares to act above your station? Have you forgotten your place?”
“Do you think the master and mistress summoned you back to the manor out of concern for you?” Adella’s voice rose, laced with mockery. “Perhaps to punish me for my actions? Or maybe to protect a precious little flower like you?”
Adella violently yanked on the wheelchair. The sudden stop sent Odelliana lurching forward, her body nearly tumbling out. She looked back at the older woman, eyes hollow with despair.
“They brought you back,” Adella snarled, “because you, with your manipulative ways, egged the young master on. Now, he’s caused trouble, and the master needs to manage an unruly beast. The manor might be grander, but believe me, it’s just a gilded cage, no different from this one. Remember that. And prepare yourself. Even your precious young master won’t be able to shield you from what awaits.”
“Spare me the sermon, Adella,” she said, voice quiet but laced with a steely edge. “I understand my position perfectly well, even without your lengthy explanation.”
Adella’s lips thinned into a disapproving line. Odelliana continued, her gaze unwavering.
“Don’t mistake me for a fool,” she said. “My memory may not be perfect, but I’m not so far gone that I can’t distinguish right from wrong. The way everyone in this house looks at me, the way you treat me – it speaks volumes.”
Adella scoffed. “You wouldn’t know right from wrong if it bit you,” she retorted. “And it’s more than that. You’re simply incapable of rational thought. You need to learn some boundaries. Picking up some… worthless…” Her voice trailed off as she subconsciously reached up to rub her neck, revealing a dark bruise that hadn’t been there before.
Odelliana’s eyes narrowed. The bruise wasn’t your average bump. It looked more like a strangulation mark, wide and angry. A flicker of fear crossed Adella’s face so quickly it could have been a trick of the light, but it was enough. Odelliana threw back her head and laughed, a sharp, unsettling sound.
“Such carelessness, Adella,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement. “Getting bitten after meddling with my sweet puppy.”
A recent encounter with Matthias must have not gone as planned.
“Be careful,” Odelliana continued, a dangerous glint entering her eyes. “You might get a real bite next time. And no one will be there to help you.”
Adella, regaining her composure, gritted her teeth in fury. “That scum and you won’t escape the Duke of Grüsewald’s harsh judgment,” she spat.
“Bring it on,” Odelliana countered. “I’ll teach my loyal companion to bite and defend itself against anyone who poses a threat. It might just make your throat its first target.”
Adella, speechless, quickened her pace. She glared icily at Odelliana, not even bothering to slow down at the approaching stairs.
“A disobedient dog needs correction,” Adella hissed, her eyes flashing with murderous intent.
Unfazed, Odelliana sat calmly. Fear wasn’t an option, nor was a desperate escape from her wheelchair. An unshakeable confidence in her own safety radiated from her.
As they neared the stairs, Adella’s grip faltered, and the wheelchair lurched forward. Before Odelliana could even react, a strong hand steadied the chair, gently cradling her.
“Are you unharmed, Master?” a voice inquired.
“Perfectly fine,” Odelliana replied. “Seems Adella’s old grip faltered a bit.” She’d known Matthias would always be there to catch her. Matthias was a silent protector who shadowed her like a wraith. He remained perpetually close, his watchful gaze unwavering whether they were navigating the familiar halls of Anatolia Castle or venturing into an unknown territory.
“Thank you, Matthias. Your presence ensured my safety.”
“Protecting you is simply my duty as your servant,” he replied modestly. “I merely fulfilled my obligation.”
“Indeed,” Odelliana agreed, a pointed barb in her voice. “Unlike some who seem incapable of even basic tasks.”
