I left his room with my head down, the bucket of dirty water splashing against my leg as I carried it out. My fingers trembled around the handle, but it wasn't from exhaustion anymore.
It was from confusion.
From the way Lucian had looked at me.
From the way he hadn't ordered me out.
From the way his gaze had lingered—not with kindness, not even cruelty—but something… else.
I didn't understand it.
And honestly, I didn't want to.
I just wanted to get through the day without another scar.
But apparently, even that was too much to ask.
Because the moment I turned the corner, she was there—the omega maid who had sent me into his room.
Her eyes blazed like fire, and before I could react, she spat at my feet.
"You filthy whore."
I froze.
She stalked toward me, seething. "You were supposed to be punished! What did you do to him? Huh? Spread your legs and beg for mercy?"
I said nothing.
Not because I agreed.
But because I knew what she was trying to do.
