Chapter 81: The Calm Before The Storm
TERESA’S P.O.V.
Last night after Lucian left me with those cryptic words, my night had been a restless one. I barely slept. My mind kept replaying his teasing smirk and that maddening question: How do you know I’m just a helpless human? The question itself wasn’t as terrifying as the way he said it—like it wasn’t a question at all, but a revelation I wasn’t ready to face.
By morning, my exhaustion was drowned out by the chaotic energy around the estate. There were more people than usual, all bustling around with an air of urgency. It was like stepping onto the set of some action film where everyone knew their role except me. I noticed a group of men shadowing me, clearly guards, though they were trying—and failing—to blend in. Seven. Seven bodyguards. And leading them was Juliette, pushing the twins’ stroller like some badass nanny straight out of a spy thriller.
"Juliette," I whispered as we walked toward the dining hall, her grip steady on the stroller. "Lucian mentioned last night that I’d be getting bodyguards, but this? This feels like overkill. Why do I suddenly have a personal SWAT team? Last time I was here, I had two bodyguards—just two. I don’t need all this muscle."
She smirked but didn’t break stride. "Things have escalated. You’re very important Teresa, and we’re taking precautions. Bear with us."
I sighed, glancing at her. " I mean, I get that Adrian is... a threat, but this? Don’t you seriously think this is too much?"
Juliette didn’t answer right away, instead giving me that infuriating, knowing smile. "Just trust us. And Lucian. He wants you and your babies safe."
I sighed, deciding to push aside my unease but my discomfort multiplied the moment we entered the dining hall. The hum of conversation came to an abrupt halt. All eyes turned to me. Every. Single. Person. Staring just like they did at yesterday’s dinner. I had thought it was a one time thing but apparently not.
I froze, my breath catching in my throat. My instincts screamed at me to run, but Juliette nudged me gently forward. "They’re waiting for you, Luna," she whispered, her smile encouraging.
"Luna?" I hissed back, my voice barely audible. "What’s going on? Did Lucian put them up to this?"
Juliette chuckled but didn’t answer. Instead, she motioned for me to walk toward the head table. The stares were suffocating. People greeted me with bright smiles, their voices warm as they called out, "Luna."