✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book Two]

CHAPTER 21

[ C H A P T E R 21 ]

LATISHA VALENTINE

Napatahimik ako sa sinabi ni Nethys. The way he stressed over that matter seems like a grave situation. Naiintindihan ko ang sinabi niya at kung bakit ganito ang tingin nila sa taong paparating. I may know a little about what truly happened during Annabelle's pregnancy, and I also fear the same thing for myself, but Napoleon is needed for the commencement of my plan.

He is also in danger right now. Partly, kasalanan ko kung bakit. He is running for re-election, and if Napoleon Jakare Lamperouge wins this year's Lord of the State position, the stakes will be higher and my freedom will be in grasp. Nababahala man ako sa mangyayari, pero nananaig sa kaibuturan ng pagkatao ko ang pagiging metikuloso.

The war will commence right after the election. Kasalukuyan pa namin inaalam kung ano ang plano ng nasa kabilang partido. I know Magnus is working for the new leader of the Moore Clan, but I have faith that he'll help us. Ito din ang dahilan kung bakit palaging umaalis si Blessime.

"I will be fine, Nethys," mahinang sabi ko. I looked at him with assurance and a simple nod. "You know what I am capable of. Hindi ko hahayaan na may sisira sa pamilya na binubuo ko."

Nethys diverted his eyes in front. I noticed his shoulder loosened but his guard is intact. "I hope you'll not going to hurt the Duke," he said. His voice was filled with worry but there was a threat accompanying his voice.

Napakunot ang noo ko. "Bakit lahat kayo ang tingin sa akin ay kaya kong saktan ang Duke? I already did, but he deserves it naman. Right now, his safety is also my responsibility."

"Forgive me, Valentine. Pero hindi ako naniniwala sa mga ginagawa mo," Nethys uttered. His voice filled with seriousness made me think what got into him to ever say that way.

"Why don't you trust me?" I asked. Hindi ko nilulubayan ng tingin si Nethys kahit hindi naman siya nakatingin sa akin. He is hiding something, I know it— I can feel it.

"Remember who died protecting your father?" he asked. This time, his gaze slowly settled on me. Nakipagtitigan ako sa kanya at bakas ang walang emosyon sa kanyang mukha. "The village thought Burton was dead, but he was in flesh months ago until he finally rested for real. You lied about his identity for years, and made me think you killed him."

"I didn't lie," I uttered. Mariin ang pagbigkas ko sa mga salita. "You didn't ask me directly if I am affiliated. I let it slide because it is trivial, Nethys. Anong kinalaman nito sa kung bakit hindi mo ako kayang pagkatiwalaan?" dagdag ko.

"Because you have a lot of skeletons in your closet, your grace. Hindi man tinatanong ng iba, pero matagal na kaming napapaisip kung bakit ka umalis at bumalik," sagot niya. Nagsukatan lang kami ng tingin. Right now, Nethys is frying me. He's trying to extract something from me.

"Why exactly are you up to?" tanong ko. I feel bothered that Nethys is becoming a puzzle, difficult to understand and decipher. May alam ba siya sa mga bagay na hindi niya dapat malaman?

"Let's just say that I am on the Duke's side," he answered. Inayos niya ang kanyang tindig bago ibaling sa ibang direksyon ang tingin nito. "Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dahilan, your grace. Pero sa puntong ito, hindi ako tatayo lamang at maghihintay ng utos. I am protecting Annika because it's the Duke's order. So, remember, Valentine, if you ever try to hurt the Reidensteigh heirs, I am one of your enemies."

"You know they are both heirs," I said. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko sa kanya. "You know who Annika's—"

"Your Grace!"

Hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko nang marinig namin ang boses ni Cyan. I glanced at Cyan and noticed he was marching his way towards us. Impatience burst at me when my gaze diverted back to Nethys.