I sighed and reached for my phone. No missed calls. No messages from Malachi. His son had nearly killed me, and he hadn't even bothered to check if I was breathing. I quickly typed a message to the contact I had reached out to before.
Something happened. Reschedule my departure ASAP.
“Lady Rhea?” the healer called. “You lost a great deal of blood, but the herbs have done their work. You will be discharged shortly.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice steady.
I stood up and reached for my bags. I was ready to vanish. But the door swung open again, and Casey sauntered in. She wasn't limping. In fact, she looked perfectly fine.
“What do you want? I thought your ankle was broken,” I said coldly.
She giggled, a sound that made my skin crawl. “Oh, that? I just wanted to see who Malachi would choose if we were both in pain. And he chose me! Isn't it wonderful?”
I scoffed, turning away. “Have your victory, Casey. I am leaving.”
Casey stepped into my path, a slow, poisonous smile curling her lips. “There is one more thing you should know,” she whispered, her voice dripping with triumph. “I am carrying Malachi’s pup. I am pregnant.”