Page 130 of The Cursed Kingdom

I look like Lill.

The bathroom door isn’t locked, and I peer into the hallway before tiptoeing into the main living area. Where is Mason?

I quickly find him sitting on the couch, looking comfortable as he stares into the lit fireplace.

His hair is wet, and he’s changed into a fresh pair of clothes. He must’ve showered while I was, which is annoying. He wasn’t standing outside the bathroom listening as he led me to believe, and I could’ve taken this opportunity to escape.

Mason looks me up and down, his lips twitching as his gaze lingers on the rolled-up waistband of his sweatpants. He probably finds this funny, but I don’t see the humor.

“You look better,” he says. “How do you feel?”

I’m going to ignore that question. He doesn’t care.

A bowl of soup is on the coffee table. Inside it, I spot what looks like potatoes and green beans. My stomach aches, and it makes a noise as I eye the food. I’m starving.

“It’s for you.” Mason points to the bowl. “Eat.”

I bet it’s poisoned.

Ignoring him, and the painful ache of my stomach, I sit on the far edge of the couch.

My butt sinks into the cushion and threatens to swallow me, and I struggle to keep my back straight so I don’t get too comfortable. I did as he asked, showered and calmed down, and now I want answers.

“What are you doing to Lill?” I ask.

Mason points again to the bowl of soup.

I grind my teeth as I slide onto my knees before the coffee table. If he’s trying to soften me up so I give him answers, he’s going to be sorely disappointed. I won’t speak a word about Lill to him, not before I’ve had the chance to talk with her.

I refuse to get her into any more trouble than I already have.

My hand shakes as I pull the spoon out of the bowl and set it aside. Mason raises a brow, but he doesn’t say anything as I bring the entire bowl to my mouth and begin gulping down the contents. The liquid burns my mouth and throat, but I don’tcare. It tastes so fucking good, and guilt spreads through me as I enjoy it.

I should be asking about Lill instead of eating.

“Slow,” Mason orders.

I speed up, mostly to spite him but also because I can’t stop myself.

It feels incredible to have something other than nuts or bland meat inside my stomach, and I choke slightly as I try to breathe and swallow at the same time.

Mason moves quickly, and I fight the urge to snap at him as he grabs the end of my bowl and forces it away from my mouth. I feel like a feral animal.

Mason nods, mostly to himself. “That’s better. Eat like a lady, Abby, before you get sick.”

He sets my bowl on the table, and I wish I could shoot lasers from my eyes as I glare up at him. He’s such a fucking asshole, and I bite back a snarky remark as I grab my spoon and begin politely eating the soup.

Mason returns to his original spot on the couch. He leans against the cushions before bringing up his right leg and resting his arm over his knee. I don’t like how he looks at me.

“What are you doing to Lill?” I ask the moment my bowl is empty.

My stomach feels better than it has in days.

“I’m here withyou, Abby,” Mason says, a smile spreading over his lips. “SoI’mobviously not doing anything to her.”

He knows what I meant.

“What’s Kie doing to Lill?” I ask instead.

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