Mira's POV
I stared at the silver object in my palm. The weight of it felt wrong and heavy like it carried a soul of its own. My fingers traced the cold metal. The symbols etched into the blade seemed to hum against my skin.
What the hell was I supposed to do with this?
I flipped it over. The intricate carvings looked ancient.
The sound of the door handle turning froze the blood in my veins.
Panic slammed into my chest. I scrambled backward and shoved the dagger behind the folds of my dress just as the door creaked open. My hand pressed the cold metal against the small of my back to keep it in place.
Maya poked her head in. Her blue eyes narrowed instantly as they swept over me. She stepped inside and closed the door with a soft click.
"What are you hiding?" she asked.
Her voice was sharp. Accusatory.
I forced my posture to straighten. "Nothing."
"Liar," she hissed. She walked toward me slowly. Her gaze dropped to my arm which was twisted awkwardly behind me. "Show me your hands."
My heart hammered against my ribs. I couldn't let her see it. I couldn't let anyone see it.
I waited until she was two steps away. I quickly shifted the dagger into the waistband of my shorts under the dress and whipped my empty hands out in front of me.
"See?" I breathed. "Nothing."
Maya stopped. Her frown deepened. She didn't look convinced. She stepped closer and her hand shot out to grab my wrist. She spun me around.
I held my breath and prayed that the waistband held a little longer.
Her hand patted down my back and stopped just inches above where the hilt dug into my skin. She patted my sides.
She stepped back and crossed her arms. Her face twisted in annoyance.
I raised my eyebrows. "What are you looking for?"
"I thought you were hiding something," she muttered. Her eyes scanned the room one last time.
"I couldn't possibly hide anything in this house," I replied. "You guys watch me like a hawk."
Maya huffed. She smoothed down her apron. "The Master is back."
My stomach dropped.
"He wants coffee," she stated. "Now."
"Why?" I asked. My voice came out higher than I intended.
"I don't know why," she snapped. "He just wants it immediately. Stop asking questions and get moving."
She turned and marched out. I let out a shaky breath and adjusted the dagger so it wouldn't slice my skin. I couldn't leave it here. Maya might come back and search more thoroughly.
I followed her down to the kitchen. The stainless steel appliances gleamed under the bright lights.
I stared at the coffee machine. It looked like a spaceship. Buttons and levers and a grinder I had no idea how to operate.
I stood there frozen.
Maya groaned beside me. "You are useless."
She shoved me aside and grabbed a bag of beans. I watched her movements closely as she ground the beans and tamped them down. The rich aroma filled the kitchen.
She handed me the steaming porcelain cup. "Take it to him. Don't spill it."
I took the saucer. The china rattled softly.
I walked up the grand staircase. My legs felt like lead. Every step brought me closer to the man who nearly strangled me yesterday.
I reached his door. I hesitated. My hand hovered over the wood.
"Come in," his deep voice rumbled from inside.
He knew I was there.
I pushed the door open gently. The room was dim. The heavy curtains were drawn. Xavier sat in a large leather wingback chair near the fireplace.
He didn't look up.
I walked over to him. The carpet swallowed the sound of my footsteps.
"Your coffee, Master," I whispered.
I held the cup out.
He raised his head. His green eyes locked onto mine. There was no emotion in them. Just a cold void.
He looked at the cup. Then he reached out and took it. His fingers brushed against mine. A jolt of electricity shot up my arm.
He brought the cup to his lips and took a slow sip.
He lowered the cup. He didn't swallow. He just stared at the dark liquid.
Then his gaze dropped to my hand.
I fidgeted. "Is... is the tea bad?"
He placed the cup gently on the small table beside him. The sound of china hitting wood echoed in the silence.
"Did you get the herbal bath?" he asked.
I blinked. "What?"
"The herbal bath," he repeated. His voice was smooth. Too smooth. "Did you prepare it?"
My mind raced. I had no idea what he was talking about. Nobody told me about a bath. But if I said no he might get angry again.
"Yes," I lied. "I did."
He raised an eyebrow. "What ingredient was in it?"
My throat went dry. I couldn't afford to guess wrong. I looked around the room for a clue. There was a bowl of fruit on the table.
"Orange," I blurted out.
Please, be right. Please, oh please…
A dark smirk curled the corner of his lips.
He rose from his seat, strolling over to me. My heart skipped a beat, and I stumbled over a few steps and kept my stance.
He towered over me. The air in the room suddenly felt heavy and hot.
"I hate lies," he whispered.
Oh God. He caught me.