Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182

After a long, hot shower, I felt the weight of the dream begin to lift, the water rinsing away some of the tension still cooled inside me 1 dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, grounding myself in the Lamilias, casual comfort. It was only once I’d finished dressing that silence.

Midnight’s mer finally came to me, breaking her

“Welcome back from the land of visions, Scarlett,” Midnight’s voice echoed in my mind a steady presence

“Where were you in that dream?” I asked, remembering the terrifying emptiness I’d felt without ber.

“Keeping you alive,” she replied with a hint of pride but also concern. “I may be a Valkin Alpha, Scarlett, but I’m still young. Our magic. It’s strong, but it’s overwhelming. It’s like it’s concentrated, condensed into something so volatile. Keith’s magic feels balanced stable, while öars feels like it could combust any moment.” Her tone softened, an undercurrent of worry there. “It bothers me. We’re unstable, Scarlett, and that frightens me

Her words sent a chill through me, but I didn’t need her to explain. I could feel that instability myself, the sense of walking a line between power and chaos. But her honesty was grounding; she was as uncertain as I was, and that shared fear somehow made it more manageable.

The omegas arrived not long after with breakfast, their demeanor timid, almost fearful, as they set the tray down. I couldn’t blame them. I hadn’t exactly been warm to them since I returned. The “old” Scarlett-the one who smiled easily and bent over backward to please-was gone. I didn’t crave their acceptance, nor did I pity myself for no longer being the docile Luna they once knew. If anything, they’d often made me feel like I was never quite enough, a “useless Luna,” a title they’d let me carry for far too long. Now, that Scarlett was gone, replaced by someone they barely recognized. They looked at me with fear, and while I didn’t savor it, I understood it.

“Who made the meal?” I asked, scrutinizing the tray, and one of the omegas quickly responded, “Alpha Maxwell and Alpha Lucian.” With a nod, I dismissed them.

Those two had taken on the task of cooking for me every day since my return, alternating shifts in the kitchen. They weren’t gourmet chefs, but I could taste their intentions with every meal. They each cooked differently-Lucian’s food was simpler, but with a subtle richness, while Maxwell’s meals often leaned toward hearty comfort. They cooked the foods they liked to eat, perhaps hoping to share a piece of themselves with me through these small acts.

With a sigh, I took a bite, noting how their cooking had improved over time. I couldn’t deny the gesture moved me. In their own ways, they were reaching out, showing me that they were here, that they hadn’t given up. For now, that would be enough.

After finishing my meal, I decided to request to see Elsa. I needed to make sense of the visions I’d had, and the only way to do that was by consulting the

seer.

“Where are you?” I linked Lucian, and he responded almost instantly.

“How are you feeling now?” he asked, his concern evident even through the Link.

“Fine,” I replied, keeping it brief. A pause lingered, as if he was weighing his words, but he didn’t press further.

“We just returned to the apartment,” he said, closing the link, and I made my way there, wanting to get this over with. If need be, I would consult my father’s seer as well. The visions had rattled me, and I wanted clarity.

When I entered, I found them all in the living room, freshly showered, each with an unreadable expression that held back a multitude of questions.

“Good morning,” I greeted, and they each responded in kind, though I could sense the restraint. Their unspoken questions lingered in the air, but they held

back, giving me space.

“Thank you for the breakfast; it was delicious,” I said, meeting Lucian and Maxwell’s gazes. Their eyes lit up, a small flicker of joy breaking through their

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Chapter 182

therwise guarded expres

“We cook most of out nivels now,” Maxwell explained, his voice warm but tentative. “After what happened.

we don’t trust the kitchen stall anymores.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Wise choice.” I replied, then looked af Clay.

“Thank you for… keeping me warm,” I said to him, gratitude softening my voice. He offered a small smile.

“We all took turns,” he said, his tone humble, and I nodded, acknowledging their gesture.

“I could tell,” I replied, a touch of humor in my voice. “The T-shirt carried all of your scents. Thank you, regardle,”

Clay seemed hesitant, as if there was more he wanted to say, but he held back. I could sense he was holding a lot in, his expression both calm and painfully restrained.

Finally, I broke the lingering silence. “So, where’s the seer?” I asked, taking a seat. The atmosphere shifted as I did, a palpable sorrow settling over them. I could feel the weight of the words they wanted to say but wouldn’t. It was clear they’d come to some unspoken agreement to give me space, to keep their own questions and emotions in check.

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