After getting his wounds cleaned and stitched, Lucien found his thoughts drifting back to Neri. She’d told the duke she wasn’t injured—but something about that didn’t sit right with him. During the fight, her back had been to him, too far to see any real damage, but still… he needed to see for himself.
When he reached her door, a faint light glowed from beneath it—she was still awake.
He knocked softly. No reply.
He knocked again—and this time, he heard a faint thud.
The image of Neri collapsing from Gehenna’s poison flashed in his mind.
“Neri,” he called, his voice tightening, “I’m coming in.”
Lucien’s heart stopped at the sight. Neri was on her knees, coughing blood.
The door shutting on its own behind him.He pretended not to notice.
He knelt beside her immediately. “Neri, are you okay?” his voice rising with panic.
He gathered her into his arms and carried her to the couch.
“Neri… you told the duke you weren’t injured…” His eyes dropped to the spreading red stain on her nightgown. “How serious is it?”
Neri turned away. “It’s not a wound. I just… coughed a little blood.”
Lucien’s hands tightened on her shoulders. “Nerissa, friends don’t lie to each other. I’m worried about you.”
Her eyes glazed with pain, and her skin had gone pale. She quickly hid her expression behind a cold mask.
“Leave, Lucien,” she said flatly—but her voice trembled.
He sank to his knees before her. “No. I won’t budge.”
Neri had hoped he would leave. That would’ve been easier. But there he was, kneeling in front of her with that stubborn look on his face.
He was so infuriatingly persistent.
She thought about using her aura to make him leave, but she was in no condition to use it carelessly.
With a sigh, she huffed, “Fine. Stay all you want. I already said I was fine. I’m going to bed.”
She stood—too quickly. Her vision swam. But before she could collapse, Lucien swept her into his arms and carried her to bed, laying her down gently.
“Where’s your maid?”
She shrugged, but before she could answer, her stomach growled. Embarrassed, she turned her face away.
Lucien blinked—then stood abruptly and left the room without another word.
Neri stared at the closed door, confused. What was with that boy? And where was Enya?
“Bingo,” Enya whispered as she spotted the doctor’s medical kit.
She had been following him ever since he treated Lord Ikar, waiting for the perfect chance. Slipping into the room, she snatched the kit—but just as she turned to leave, she collided with Lord Keiran.
The kit hit the floor with a thud.
Keiran picked it up, frowning. “A medical kit?”
He looked her over. “You’re Neri’s maid.”
She bowed quickly. “I apologize, Lord Keiran. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
He handed it back. “You don’t seem ill or injured. Is Lady Neri alright?”
“She’s doing well, my lord. Just a slight headache.”
“I should go see her. She must be shaken after what happened.”
“The lady has requested to be alone. She’s quite tired,” Enya said quickly.
Keiran studied her in silence, then nodded. “Very well. Go on—she must be waiting.”
Enya hurried away, repressing a shiver. Why is everyone in this house so terrifying?
Back in her room, Neri struggled to stand. She stumbled to the drawer and rifled through it, hoping—praying—to find an antidote.
Nothing.
She slumped to the floor.
“I need to stay awake,” she murmured, gripping the wood tightly. She’d lost a lot of blood. She had fought Arwin and Morana. And now, Gehenna’s pain was creeping back in, sharp and merciless.
“Neri, I’m back—Neri?”
Lucien entered and found her by the drawers. She stood slowly, voice weak. “I’m over here.”
He rushed to her side, alarmed. “Why did you leave your bed? You should’ve waited—or called someone!”
He guided her back to the couch. A plate with a neatly prepared sandwich and a glass of juice sat waiting.
“I made these for you,” he said with a proud smile.
Neri gave a soft laugh. “What an honor—to be served by Lord Lucien himself.”
“Eat,” he said, nudging the plate toward her.
She took a bite and smiled faintly. “It’s delicious.”
Lucien sat beside her, watching her hands tremble slightly with each bite. She was trying so hard to hide the pain.
“You know, Neri… you’re pretty mature for your age,” he said gently. “If I didn’t know you were Nathan’s twin, I’d think you were my age.”
She raised an eyebrow. “And I would’ve thought you were younger if I hadn’t known you’re the same age as Alen.”
He laughed, but it faded quickly as she stood—and staggered.
He caught her instantly and carried her back to bed.
“Neri,” he said quietly, “I know you’re hiding something. I want to help. But I need to know what’s going on. This isn’t the time to be stubborn.”
She huffed. “Look who’s talking.”
She opened her mouth to explain—just as Enya entered the room.
“Forgive me for the interruption,” she said, bowing. “Lord Alen is asking for Lord Ikar.”
Lucien sighed. “Of course he is.” He glanced at Neri. “I’ll be back to check on you.”
She smiled faintly. “I can’t promise I’ll be awake. But… alright.”
As soon as the door shut, Enya locked it behind him and pulled a box from her bag.
“Master, I’m sorry I’m late. I ran into Lord Keir. I also heard Lord Alen is searching for Lord Ikar.”
Neri sat up. “We need to call Koa.”
Enya blinked. “Wasn’t the plan to sneak out?”
Neri exhaled. “I’ve lost too much blood. And Gehenna’s pain is returning.”
Enya brought over a chair and set the box down on the nightstand. “Let me take a look.”
Neri lifted her gown slightly. “Do you know how to treat wounds?”
“Master Liam taught me,” Enya said, already disinfecting the area.
“I’ll need to stitch these,” she added softly.
Neri stopped her. “Wait… there’s a risk my ability might activate. I’m not… in full control yet.”
Enya paused, startled. “I see… is there no other way to treat you?”
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