Page 106 of Ruthless God

And I don’t intend to let it go unanswered.

22

Cecely

My legs feel unsteady as I slip away from Claudius’ office, my pulse pounding in my ears. I don’t stop moving. I can’t. I hurry back to my room, shutting the door behind me like it might somehow keep the truth out. But it’s already inside me, looping on repeat.

I try to make sense of what I heard, trying not to jump to conclusions. But how the hell can I not?

It sounds like Claudius is bringing my sperm donor here. To this island.

Why?

I only caught the tail end of the conversation, only heard Claudius’ voice, but it was enough. Enough to leave my stomach twisting.

Is my sperm donor bringing his family here? My mother? A fresh wave of nausea rolls through me. Each thought makes me sick for a different reason. He’s gone through so much trouble to make sure our paths never crossed. He’s also gone through equal trouble to see my mother and never me.

Why now? What changed?

My breath shudders, my nails digging into my palms as I try to steady myself. There’s only one answer. Something bad must have happened.

My mind races back to the empty grave. Does that have anything to do with this? Does Agnes have answers that might help me?

I’m about to rush for the door when a soft sound stops me. I freeze. Slowly, I round the bed, my heart lodging in my throat as I spot Polina sitting on the floor.

Crap. How long has she been here? She’s curled into herself, small and fragile, her wide eyes staring at something I can’t see.

“Hi,” I say gently, keeping my voice soft.

She doesn’t move for a second. Then, her gaze lifts to mine.

“Scared.”

The one word shatters me.

I kneel beside her, my pulse hammering. “Do you know where Leyla is?”

Polina nods. Without another word, she stands, reaching out. I take her small, trembling hand, letting her lead me through the hallways. The house feels colder, darker than it did before. The corridors twist into a maze of shadows, the silence too thick, too watchful. Then, finally, we stop at a door, her grip tightening around my fingers.

“Leyla,” I call out, tapping lightly on the wood. “Are you in there?”

A pause. Then the door swings open. Leyla stands there, her expression shifting from surprise to mild irritation as she sees me and Polina standing in the hallway.

“What do you want?”

I exhale, glancing down at Polina, still clutching my hand. “I found her in my room. She said she’s scared.”

Leyla huffs, folding her arms. “That’s the only word she knows.”

That breaks my heart. This poor girl…

Leyla shifts her attention to Polina, speaking in a low, steady tone. Polina responds softly, voice barely above a whisper.

Leyla exhales sharply, her eyes flicking back to me, unimpressed. “She said she was scared and looked for you, but you weren’t there all night.”

Heat creeps up my neck and my stomach twists. Damn it.

I clear my throat, forcing a steady voice. “Tell her I’m sorry, please.”

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