Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Silence echoed throughout the house. Standing alone in the kitchen, watching the water boil while the clock on the wall ticked with every second that passed. I had to move quickly, long gone, before Ines came downstairs to start breakfast.
Protecting my baby was my priority. I reviewed the plan again, looking for flaws and anticipating any problem that could arise and ruin my only chance of escape. Fear lingered like a vicious phantom at the back of my mind. What would happen if my plan failed? If he saw through the deception like he eerily saw through everything else.
"If everything goes right, we'll get you out. If not, Dove, you're on your own." The memory of Agent Aethra's warning spurred me on, and I couldn't linger on the consequences of what would happen if this were to fail. She would be waiting in the sea cave that led into the ocean.
I studied the routine and shift change, learning that the early morning was the best time to get past his security. Ines often made the men a basket of "goodies" every night and filled it with fresh coffee grounds for them to brew. I laced it with a sleeping powder, hoping they would all be well incapacitated by now.
The high-pitched sound of the kettle alerted me. I stared down at the small vial clutched in my hand, filled with the powdered poison.
The Noctis flower was tasteless and odorless. It was a potent neurotoxin that could be deadly if the dosage was off just a little. Its crushed petals were the main ingredient, along with shredded snakeskin and bloodroot, a forbidden formula passed down secretly for generations.
My hands shook with cold adrenaline, and the pounding in my ears was loud as I measured out the mixture. I watched the clear liquid turn dark, and the particles swirled and mixed with the black coffee.
The best way to hide the poison was in the cafecito Meroveo had religiously every morning. It was always the same. Breakfast, a cigarillo, coffee, and the laptop in his study were part of his everyday ritual. I used just enough to make him sleep deeply for three days. His blood pressure would drop, and he would be unresponsive to external stimuli. There was a chance that he would never wake up, but I was willing to risk it. The thought of pouring the entire vial into the cup tempted me.
Painful memories flashed in my mind, the violation against my body, the sorrow in Samara's face, images of a cold and lifeless Julian, the blazing fire. A darkness inside of me whispered, demanding revenge for everything that he took from me to make sure he could never hurt my baby. But no matter how loud the call for blood, I couldn't do it.
A loud echo of a breakfast tray dropped behind me. I turned around in panic. It was Yani. Her wide, startled eyes moved to the vial in my hand, then to the cup, confusion slowly turning into silent understanding.
I stood breathless, waiting for her reaction. My secret was exposed, and my chances of escape depended on her next move. Instead of running away, she ran towards crying.
"Thank you," I hugged her back, knowing she would keep my secret. After a while, she pulled away, looking up and bringing a finger to her lips.
" C ome in,” Meroveo’s deep voice ordered as I pushed the door open to find him behind his desk.
"Dove," he looked up at me with a genuine surprise, his eyebrows raised with a silent question as he took in my appearance, glancing at my bare feet and the tray of steaming coffee, the aromatic sharp hints blended with the scent of tobacco.
He closed the laptop, giving me his undivided attention. My spirit soared with painful hope. Agent Aethra had made it clear. I needed whatever was on it to secure my future.
"A peace offering," I said, meeting his eyes before lowering them and forcing a calm smile. His lingering look pounded my heart. Meroveo could not be easily deceived. He studied me, watching my every movement. I had to force myself to remain unfazed.
"Are you proposing a truce, Dove?" he asked, but not with the usual smirk on his face. He was searching for the lie to betray me in the slightest way. It would only take three sips, and I would have my freedom.
"Just a cafecito," I answered, placing the tray on his desk and serving him the coffee, playing the role of false submission. I passed him the cup. He took the first sip.
It was one of his favorite dresses. The light-yellow fabric wrapped around my waist, using what women had for centuries in silent battles with men. It wasn't just him who had power over me. I also had control over him,as I had from the beginning.
"Join me," he gestured towards the chair across from him, and I moved to follow his request. I remained calm, keeping my composure, knowing every move I made could be held against me. The familiar sound of a lighter flick. Of all days, the aroma was actually pleasant. Meroveo reclined in his chair, watching me, his mouth curving into a satisfied smile.
"Is it the right amount of sugar this time?" I asked, pretending to be unaffected, refusing to let the control slip.
"Perfect," he praised. His dark gaze, always unreadable, never left my face as I let him make the next move.
"You did say all it took was practice," forcing the words out of my mouth. My senses were stretched. He took a second sip.
"There are things about who I am that you will never understand. I could never apologize for that." He analyzed me, observing my reaction."You seem nervous, brujita," he stated, his smooth voice laced with suspicion as he raised the cup to his lips and stopped mid-air.
I was terrified that he knew and would call my bluff. The intelligent darkness in his eyes, soulless as it was, scared me.I just needed him to take one more sip."I'm always nervous around you, Meroveo,” I admitted, keeping my expression steady under his dangerous scrutiny. Hoping to appease his ego and dispel his observation. After a few tense seconds, he seemed satisfied with my answer and raised the cup again to his mouth. Yet, he waited for me to betray myself in any way. Every muscle in my body was tense as I held my breath- as he drank the third sip.
I sang a silent victory. The poison would work fast, needing just a few minutes before the effect began to show.
"I had hoped to separate who I am from the world and who I am with you." He looked at me as if that was the explanation for every horrific act he committed.
"I'll miss you, Meroveo," I confessed the aching truth out loud, "I think I did grow to love you."
He was perplexed. He glanced at the empty cup, but it was too late.
The tears on my face both surprised and disgusted me."You're never going to see me again," I whispered to him, watching as he began to cough and desperately pull at his collar.
"You better run and pray I never find you," he rasped his vow. His face burned with black fury at the realization of what I did. He tried to lunge at me in a furious rage, but I evaded him. His body was too weak. He collapsed to the floor on his knees, weakened, unable to withstand the toxins. He was shutting down.
I felt for his pulse on the side of his neck. It was shallow and slow, but it was still there.Instead of the triumph I was expected to feel, my chest had a hollow emptiness."Goodbye, Meroveo." I kissed his lips for the final time, the jump drive hidden in my pocket, the key to my freedom.