CAMILIA'S POV.
Throughout the entire night, Halfdan remained completely silent, and didn't utter a single word to me at least.
His silence troubled me deeply; I couldn't shake the fear that he might have followed me and witnessed the encounter I had with the man earlier.
As the hours dragged on, I began to understand that his cold demeanour was driven by his feelings for Astrid. Just thinking about it filled me with intense frustration and anger.
When morning arrived, I had hoped that Halfdan would break his silence and engage in conversation with me, but every attempt to communicate with him failed.
It became clear that no matter what I did, he remained steadfast in his refusal to speak.
I realised that it wasn’t worth my effort to keep trying; I would have to wait and see how long he could maintain this stubborn silence.
I sighed with exasperation as I watched Halfdan slowly approach the car and carefully sit down in the seat.
When he finally looked up to meet my gaze, I felt it was about time he stopped his aloof attitude and acknowledged me.
“I would prefer you keep your distance from me for now; I have no intention of speaking with you. I’m sure you’ve figured that out by now, so please don’t embarrass yourself by lingering around,” he said with an icy tone.
He offered no further explanation, simply starting the engine and leaving me stunned.
I sat still, shocked, as his words replayed in my mind, each repetition intensifying my disbelief.
It was clear from his expression that he wasn’t joking; his cold attitude seemed genuine.
Without a trace of apprehension, he held my gaze, showing no sign of concern or regret. It was as if he was completely reluctant to my feelings.
In an attempt to make sense of his behaviour, I asked, “Why?” My voice trembled as I struggled to keep my emotions in check, my anger and frustration building with each passing second.
“Is this because of Astrid?” I inquired again, hoping for some clarity.
But he ignored my question, instead turning up the volume on the stereo, the loud music effectively drowning out my voice and any chance of further communication.
I felt a deep sense of emptiness and pain. The man who was supposed to be my husband was instead fixated on Astrid.
It stung even more knowing that not only was she with a man who loved her and had wealth, but now my own husband seemed to be smitten by her as well.
I regretted the choices I’d made, realizing things had only gotten worse. Astrid had everything; affection, financial stability, and now, Alpha Halfdan’s attention.
This realization fueled my fury. I was determined to act on whatever plans I had, knowing that she was neither a friend nor a family member; she was merely someone trying to take Alpha Halfdan away from me.
The drive was enveloped in a heavy silence. My gaze was fixed on the passing scenery outside the window as he drove for miles.
I had resolved not to overthink things anymore; this was about protecting what I wanted, and nothing would stand in my way.
When we finally arrived at our destination, Alpha Halfdan stopped the car and without uttering a single word to me, he climbed out of the car, shutting the door.
His silence was a test of my patience, and I felt my anger flare as I clenched my fists. As I exited the car, I muttered curses about Astrid under my breath.
But then something unexpected happened; I caught sight of something that made me smile. Maybe, despite everything, my day wasn’t so terrible after all.
I muttered to myself, “How about we settle this now and cut to the chase?” My voice was barely audible as I made my way toward the location.
As I approached, my suspicions were confirmed: it was Astrid, appearing unusually nonchalant about her fate and disturbingly vulnerable.
A sense of grim satisfaction washed over me, but I forced myself to remain composed.
I turned on my heel and walked back towards the main hall, where the preparations for the day Two burial celebrations were underway.
I caught the attention of a nearby waiter and signaled for him to come over.
I took a glass of wine from his tray, dismissing him with a wave of my hand.
Once he had left, I discreetly slipped a small vial of oil into the glass, ensuring it was well-mixed.
I then called over a different waiter, giving him specific instructions. “Take this glass to Astrid, who’s by the greenhouse. Tell her it’s from Dane,” I said, my tone firm but controlled. The waiter nodded and hurried off with the glass.
A few minutes later, he returned, his expression indicating that the task had been completed. “I’ve delivered it to her,” he reported.
Without acknowledging his presence, I dismissed him with a wave and took deliberate, measured steps toward the greenhouse, my heart pounding with anticipation as I neared the spot where Astrid was.
Astrid, holding an empty glass in her hand, tried to stand but lost her balance and tumbled forward, crashing to the ground.
I couldn't help but smirk at the sight. I approached her quickly, my steps deliberate and fast.
She struggled to get up, her palms pressed against her head as if trying to steady herself. Despite her efforts, she stumbled again as she tried to move forward.
I reached out and steadied her, my hands gripping her arms to prevent her from falling again. She looked up at me with a mix of confusion and anger.
“Get away from me,” she snapped, her voice wavering. Even under the influence of the drug, she recognized me, which only made me think I must have left a painful impression on her.
“I’m just trying to help you, Astrid,” I said with an insincere sweetness, my voice dripping with false concern and lies.
“Help me? Who says I need your help?” she retorted, her words slurring and barely coherent.
“You’re clearly having trouble walking; let me assist you,” I insisted, trying to sound as helpful and accommodating as possible.
I gently guided her, making sure to keep her close and be supportive as we moved, ensuring that we were out of sight of others… especially Alpha Dane.
“This is my father’s pack, and mine as well. I’ll find my way,” Astrid snapped, trying to assert herself as I guided her towards a secluded corner. Her voice was laced with defiance, but it was clear she was struggling.
As we reached the secluded spot, she attempted to rise to her feet, her movements shaky and unsteady.
“Where am I?” She looked around in confusion, her eyes losing their sharpness. A smile crept onto my lips as I watched her.
“Where am I? Where is this?” she asked again in a panicked tone, her voice wavering.
Her struggle to understand her surroundings only heightened my satisfaction.
“It’s okay; just rest and close your eyes. I’ll take care of you,” I said soothingly, masking my true intentions with a veneer of kindness.
I observed with a sense of grim satisfaction as she slowly succumbed to the effects of the drug, her eyelids drooping.
She wasn't going to be strong enough to defend herself now.
“Good, just sleep,” I murmured, my voice carrying a note of cruel satisfaction. “When you recall your actions, you’ll realize what a mistake it was to cross me.
I’ll make sure you pay for everything you’ve done to me.”
Everything was going according to my plan; she was fully unaware of her surroundings, leaving me free to proceed with my intentions.