Chapter 28
Ana moved quickly. She poured the powder into the water, stirred it slightly with a spoon, and quickly stood up just as Willow turned.
Willow blinked in surprise. “Ana?”
“I-” Ana smiled weakly. “I was just walking by and saw you sitting alone. I thought maybe… you might want someone to talk to.”
Willow hesitated for a moment, then she smiled. “Sure,” she said, pointing to the chair opposite. “You can have a seat.”
Ana sat carefully and tried not to stare at the glass. “I noticed you liked to write. It’s something I admired about you.” She said softly, even though she obviously didn’t give a damn.
Willow nodded. “Yes, it helps me clear my thoughts, so that I can think better.”
There was a pause, then Willow reached forward, but to Ana’s dismay, she grabbed the teacup instead of the water.
Ana smiled thinly and nodded as Willow sipped the tea. Her plan was still in motion. All she just needed was patience. Very soon, Willow would reach for the water, then her suffering would begin.
Ana offered a smile. “I can understand that. Some days, I feel like my thoughts are just too loud. Writing probably helps drown it out.”
Willow didn’t respond immediately. She took a sip of her tea and looked back down at the journal. “It does.”
Ana clenched her fingers on her lap. She hated talking like this, pretending she cared, but it was all part of the plan. She needed Willow to feel safe, relaxed, and unguarded.
Willow leaned back, and her hand brushed the glass of water.
Ana tensed slightly, but she hid it well. But Willow’s fingers brushed past the water, and instead of picking the water, she picked up the tea again.
Ana almost grit her teeth, but she forced herself to keep her expression soft. “Do you… still draw too?” she asked.
Willow shook her head. “Not really. I stopped a while ago. I mostly write now.”
Ana gave a sad nod, like she cared, but she didn’t. Her gaze returned to the water. All Willow had to do was take one sip, just one.
Willow closed the journal and kept it aside, then her fingers hovered near the water again.
Ana’s heart pounded in anticipation, and she struggled to control herself.
But yet again, Willow reached for the tea instead. It was almost painful at this point.
Was it luck? Or was Willow doing this on purpose?
Ana tried not to show how frustrated she was getting. Her entire plan depended on Willow taking that one stupid glass of water, and for some reason, it seemed like the universe was mocking her.
Willow set the tea aside and looked at Ana with concern. “Have you been sleeping okay?”
Ana blinked. “Uh… not really. I keep having nightmares.” She shook her head softly as her voice shook. “I keep seeing blood.”
Willow’s expression softened, “That takes time to heal.”
There was silence for a moment. Ana leaned forward slightly. “You’re really lucky, you
know.”
Willow raised an eyebrow. “Lucky?”
Ana nodded. “Yes, to have someone like Alastair. He really loves you. I can see it.”
Willow smiled slightly. “Yes. He does.”
Ana felt like throwing up. Of course he did.
Even Silas loved Willow. Ana had been the distraction, but Willow was always the one they wanted in the end.
It made her sick.
Willow turned slightly, to adjust her dress, then her fingers brushed the water again.
Yes. Yes. Ana chanted in her head.
This time, Willow lifted the glass and brought it toward her lips.
A loud shout interrupted them.
“Luna Willow!”
A small boy, probably six or seven years old, came running up towards them. Willow paused with the water a few inches from her lips.
Ana blinked in disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She mumbled under her breath.
The boy ran up to Willow, throwing his arms around her waist. “I drew something for you!” he exclaimed, handing her a crumpled piece of paper.
Willow laughed in joy, setting the water aside. “You did? Let me see.”
Ana sat there, frozen, barely able to keep the disgust off her face. She wanted to scream, grab the kid and throw him over the fence.
Willow unfolded the paper and grinned at the childish drawing. “It’s beautiful. Thank
you.”
The boy grinned, ignoring Ana as he ran off.
Ana sneered at the boy, wishing she could strangle him.
But she quickly forced a smile as Willow turned her attention back to her.
“So many kids here,” Ana said lightly. “You must love them.”
Willow nodded. “They’re the heart and joy of the pack.”
Ana’s eyes flicked to the water unconsciously, and Willow followed her gaze.
Ana looked up quickly, cursing her stupidity as she forced a smile.
Willow gave her warm smile, then she turned her attention to the paper the child had given her. Then finally, her fingers wrapped around the glass of water again.
Willow lifted the glass to her lips.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
