Empress Of Wrath, Blood And Desire

Chapter 39: Big reveal

Closing my baby girl's diaper, I gently lift her and place her in the middle of the bed, where she coos softly, tiny fingers curling in the air.

The discarded diaper lands in the trash with a soft thud when I toss it before I step away to wash my hands, scrubbing them clean. 

The scent of food lingers in the air, drawing my attention to the Chinese meal on my bedside table. I had asked Marcellous to order it, but he refused- said he didn't trust takeout.

Instead, he had the cooks prepare everything from scratch, claiming it was safer this way.

Safer. Right. 

Grabbing the plate, I settle back on the bed, propping myself against the headboard as I dig in.

I'm starving.

Each bite is warm and flavorful, but my mind lingers elsewhere. Across from me, my baby girl stares up at the ceiling, gurgling with soft, innocent delight as she plays with her fingers. 

She's perfect. So pure. She was unaware of the chaos she was born into. 

A doctor will be arriving later to check on her. Marcellous insisted. He said it was necessary, though I agreed under one condition. I'll be present every second of the exam. I need to know she's healthy, and that nothing is wrong before I make my next move. 

Before I leave. 

This time, there will be no trace. No breadcrumbs for him to follow. 

I won't let her grow up surrounded by this life. My baby girl deserves peace, safety, and a 'normal' life far from the shadows Marcellous and I both live in. 

And I'll make sure she gets it. 

Even if it means disappearing forever.

After I finish eating, I set the empty dish aside on the bedside table and sink back against the headboard, exhaling slowly. The tension in my chest lingers, but for now, I let it ease as I focus on the only thing that truly matters. 

My baby girl. 

She yawns, tiny lips parting as her golden eyes flutter up at me, hazy with sleep. My heart softens, the coldness I've carried for so long thawing just a little. 

"Hello, mama's love," I whisper, brushing my fingers along her soft cheek. 

Her lids grow heavier, but I know what she needs before she slips into sleep. "You're tired, hmm? Let Mama give you some milk first." 

I shift slightly, cradling her closer as I free my breast. She latches on without hesitation, her mouth suckling gently, eyes closing as comfort washes over her. 

Perfect. Innocent.  

I keep my arm secure around her, rocking her softly while reaching for the sleek laptop resting on the bed. 

The one Marcellous gave me. 

A peace offering, he called it. But there won't be peace between us. Not now. Not ever. 

Still, I accepted it. Not because I trust him, but because it serves my purpose. I made sure to strip it clean, checking for any hidden spyware or trackers- just in case he thought he could use this gift to control me. 

I won't be controlled. 

The screen flickers to life as I power it on, the Netflix homepage glowing back at me. A show auto-plays, but I'm barely paying attention. My mind is elsewhere, calculating, planning, always three steps ahead. 

I've already created a secure email account. Disposable. Untraceable.  

It was through that account I messaged Ezekiel Roman.