Chapter 15: How Dare You?
Iris’s POV
"How dare you!" Zane’s voice roared, his face filled with fury as I could see the bloodshot in the intensity of his gaze towards me and particles of the spoiled rice still clinging to his cheeks and part of his body. His eyes blazed with a rage that sent a shiver down my spine, but I did not flinch or act afraid as my eyes were locked on his intensely, my heart thundering in my chest. Lyra on the other hand was quiet, of course surprised at my sudden courage.
And before I could summon a response, a sharp tug on my wrist yanked me backward, pulling me away from Zane’s towering presence.
I stumbled, turning to see Amelia, her face etched with a mix of panic and fears. Her grip was firm as she dragged me toward the edge of the training field, away from the ears of the servants.
"Iris, what were you thinking?" she hissed, more like a whisper, her eyes darting back toward Zane, who was still dusting off his tunic with an exaggerated irritation and angry look on his face. "I know it wasn’t right, what he asked you to do, eating from the bin like some... some animal but you shouldn’t have done what you just did!" Her hands gestured wildly, pointing back toward the field where the rice had splattered across Zane’s face. "Throwing that filthy food at him? He’s the Alpha’s son, Iris! You can’t just... just do that!"
I said nothing, my gaze fixed her as my cheek still stung from the fall. Amelia’s words washed over me, each one a prick against my already raw nerves.
"You need to go back there and apologize," she urged, her voice softening slightly, though her eyes were still wide with disbelief. She stepped closer, placing a hand on my arm, her touch gentler now. "If you don’t, this could bring punishment, not just for you, but for... for all of us who associate with you. Please, Iris, just swallow your pride and make this right. Please."
Her words hung between us but I couldn’t bring myself to respond. My mind was a storm of emotions and anger. I stared at her and without a word, I pulled my arm free from her grasp. Then, I turned and began walking back toward the field.
"Please Iris, please..." Amelia added.