Switched Luna

Chapter 3: Bruise

|Carmella|

“Camilla!” I exclaimed as I caught her before she fell on the ground. The people around us immediately headed to our way as I checked her pulse—it was weak but steady.

Relief mingled with my worry. I looked up at Kian and Hans. “Get a healer here, now!”

Kian nodded and sprinted off. I turned back to Camilla, brushing her hair away from her face. She looked so different from the last time I had seen her, yet so familiar. Memories of our childhood, our bond, and the paths that had separated us flooded my mind.

“Lady Camilla…” I heard a shivering voice in front of me. Then a woman, whom my twin-sister was with, kneeled on the ground and looked at Camilla with tears in her eyes.

I clenched my teeth and stared angrily at her, but she didn't notice my intense gaze. It was only when she eventually caught my persistent stare that she lifted her eyes. She quickly looked away and retreated as soon as our eyes met.

I felt the immediate need to question her right then, but I had to prioritize my twin sister's well-being. I was about to follow up Hans about the healer when Kian emerged from the shadows. Behind him is a middle-aged woman named Elara, a Theta, who had been with the pack since its inception. I stepped back and allowed Elara to take care of Camilla. She quickly assessed my twin, her skilled hands moving with practiced ease.

My heart was pounding with a mix of fear and confusion while I anxiously awaited Elara's assessment of my sister's condition. Silence enveloped us all until Elara finally spoke up.

"She's been poisoned," Elara announced, her gaze shifting to me. My eyes widened in response as I met her gaze.

"We must get her to the infirmary immediately so I can conduct a thorough examination," she urged.

I nodded quickly and then glanced at Hans. With a meaningful look, he understood immediately what needed to be done. Hans moved forward, kneeling down to carefully lift Camilla. I stayed put, observing as he vanished into the shadows.

Though I wanted to follow them, I still had unfinished business. "I need a detailed update on her condition as soon as possible," I instructed Elara. She nodded and followed Hans. Once Elara was out of sight, I turned my attention to the woman who had been with Camilla. She remained on the ground, appearing dazed and in shock.

“Seize her. And bring her to the barracks.” I commanded. The nearest warriors promptly followed my instructions, grasping the woman firmly and then vanished into the darkness.

I watched everyone go and my mind is filled with questions as I find my way back to the celebration.

What happened to my sister? Why had she come here? And…who was the woman with her?

I went back to the gathering to check if anyone had noticed my abrupt absence. It was crucial to me that the festivities carried on without interruption, despite the unexpected arrival of my sister. After ensuring everything was running smoothly, I addressed Kian, who had been trailing me since my return.

"Increase patrols around the perimeter. I want to ensure there are no more surprises tonight."

He nodded. “Understood, Alpha.”

The moment he vanished, I seized the opportunity to withdraw for the night, making my way directly to the barracks. Urgency coursed through me; I needed answers, and I needed them swiftly. The mystery of why Camilla required my assistance gnawed at my thoughts. Upon reaching the barracks, I found the area deserted. Yet, despite the lack of people, I had no doubt that our territory remained well-protected, thanks to the vigilance of my scouts and warriors. This emptiness was not unexpected, as many had been excused from their duties to partake in the night's celebrations.

I made my way directly to the interrogation chamber where I knew my warriors had detained the woman. Sensing the most potent presence emanating from the second room, I proceeded there without hesitation. As I entered, my warriors immediately stood to attention, acknowledging my arrival with the respect I commanded. My gaze fixed upon the woman, now seated before Noel, one of my most skilled female investigators.

"Has she said anything?" I inquired.

Noel, perched on her chair, shook her head. "She has refused to say anything, Alpha Carmela. Not even her name."

Releasing a slow, deliberate breath, I settled into Noel's chair, fixing my gaze on the woman before me. She met my stare, a flicker of awe and astonishment in her eyes, as if still grappling with the reality that Camilla had a twin like me.

Leaning back, I folded my arms across my chest. "What is your name?" I demanded, my voice icy. The woman recoiled at the sound.

“H-How is Lady Camilla? Is she well? May I see her?” she inquired in rapid succession. My eyebrow arched sharply in response.

“I posed a question to you,” I intoned with deliberate slowness, my voice imbued with authority. The woman swallowed hard, her eyes widening in terror.

“M-My name is Janina…” she stammered, her voice quivering with dread.

“Janina what?” I demanded, my tone cutting like a whip. She recoiled visibly, and I could almost taste the fear permeating the air around her.

"I am J-Janina of the Grey clan, Lady Camilla’s devoted handmaiden," she stammered.

My brows knit together at her words.

"You serve my sister? Then recount everything that has transpired and why you are both here so abruptly. Spare no detail."

Janina nodded promptly. Whether it was out of fear or a desire to convey the truth, she began her account without hesitation.

"Three nights ago, Lady Camilla departed the vacation house with great haste. She left in secret, without my company..."

I remained silent as I listened to her.

“She must have thought that I was already asleep when she left. Curious of where she was going, I followed her in secret. When I noticed the route of her journey, I realized the gravity of the situation. Thus, I revealed myself to Lady Camilla to halt her progress, particularly as she was approaching the territory's border.

I shifted on my seat upon hearing that.

“Lady Camilla is expressly forbidden from crossing into the southern borders. The reasons for this prohibition remain unknown to me, yet it is the sole truth I have adhered to since I assumed the role of her handmaiden.”

Why did it seem as though Camilla’s predicament was somehow intertwined with my own?

“She became enraged when I attempted to dissuade her. Truthfully, it was the first occasion I had witnessed her lose her temper. She was weeping and appeared profoundly distressed. I have always known her to be a gracious woman, perpetually smiling and exceedingly kind. She possesses remarkable emotional composure. While I have seen her cry before, that night was different. It was as if she was baring her soul. I had the sense that if I persisted in preventing her from embarking on her intended journey, it would signify the end for her.” Janina hesitated for a few moments before continuing.

“With the deepest admiration and affection, I hold Lady Camilla in the highest regard, as though she were my own sister despite the differences in our social standings. When she expressed a desire to journey to the South, I was resolute in my insistence on accompanying her. Lady Camilla brought me with no choice. To avoid attracting the attention of the authorities to her actions, we traversed the borders on foot, shunning all forms of transportation to maintain our anonymity. Throughout our journey, I never once doubted her intentions and continue to fulfill my duties to be with her all the time. And when Lady Camilla informed me we were nearing our destination, I found solace in the absence of imminent danger, or so I believed. Prior to our approach, rogues materialized unexpectedly, launching an assault. Lady Camilla shielded me during our retreat. And then she told me that if the situation worsened, I must go and look for you…”

Janina halted abruptly, retrieving an item from the folds of her dress. My warriors tensed, ready for a threat, until Janina unveiled a necklace that struck a chord of recognition within me. With deliberate grace, she laid it upon the table, sliding it towards me.

"Lady Camilla entrusted me with this," Janina began solemnly, "tasking me to seek out someone named Carmela Whitlock if she ever fell captive. I refused to embark on this mission alone, opting instead to stand by her side. Together, we eluded our pursuers and eventually sought refuge within your domain. The rest..." She trailed off, her gaze falling as her voice trailed into silence.

I ground my teeth and tightened my fist.

"So, that's the situation. That explains why they appeared so rushed upon arrival. But... why did Camilla seek my assistance?"

I inquired of Janina. She promptly shook her head.

"I'm unsure why Lady Camilla sought your presence or what aid she requires. She hasn't confided in me..." Janina's voice trailed off as her gaze shifted past me.

I released a long breath and pivoted on my heel. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, converging towards the room where I stood. Just as I rose from my chair to ascertain the visitor's identity, the door to the interrogation room swung open.

"Alpha Carmela!" Calista appeared abruptly before us. I instinctively straightened my posture, focusing intently on her.

"What is it, Calista?" I inquired with concern, attentive to her visibly hurried demeanor. Despite her breathlessness, she relayed the message without pause.

“Elara wanted to see you and it’s urgent.”

Upon the mention of Elara, I knew right away that it has something to do with Camilla.

I rushed my way out of the interrogation room and quickly headed to the infirmary. The smell of antiseptic was sharp in the air. Some nurses must have known whom I was seeking so they immediately pointed where Elara and Hans were. When I arrived, I saw the two standing in front of the bed, where my sister was lying.

“Why? What happened to her, Elara?” I asked, worried sick of my twin’s condition. My attention was focused on Elara to hear her opinions. Elara looked at me for a few seconds before she sighed. Then she stepped closer to my sister and lifted the hem of her hospital gown.

I observed her actions closely, freezing in place as I noticed ominous blemishes on her skin. Anguish clenched my fists, stoking a simmering fury within.

"Hans," I called, my voice trembling with indignation.

"Yes, Alpha Carmela."

"Proceed to the barracks and retrieve the prisoner. Bring her to me. This instance," I commanded. And in the blink of an eye, Hans vanished from the room, swiftly obeying my orders.