Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 80

Scarlett

Chapter 80

Hand in hand, we returned to the party, my heart light, khowing that despite everything, I was exactly where I belonged.

As we returned to the party hall, I immediately noticed the glances from Maxwell and Clay. Their shared look was both amused and knowing, and I felt my cheeks heat up with a blush.

“Had a private party without us?” Clay teased, reaching over to tickle me. I laughed, swatting his hand playfully, but he leaned in to kiss the mark on my neck, a reminder of the bond we shared. The spot held all their marks, each one unique yet layered closely, a symbol of their claim and our connection.

“You’ll pay for that when we retire,” he whispered, his voice low and promising. A shiver ran through me, and I felt a pulse of anticipation deep inside, knowing exactly what he meant.

We were served wine, and after a few sips, I felt an odd wave of drowsiness wash over me. I hadn’t even finished my glass, so it didn’t make sense to feel this tired. But as I sat there, the warmth of the wine mixing with my contentment, I found my eyes growing heavy. I tried fo brush it off, chalking it up to the night’s excitement and the recent intimate moment with Lucian. Maybe it was just fatigue, I told myself.

Rising slowly, I leaned in to kiss each of my mates, their familiar scents grounding me. “I think I’m going to bed,” I murmured, trying to stifle a yawn.

Lucian’s brows knit together with concern. “So soon?” he asked, his voice filled with quiet worry.

I nodded, feeling a little woozy. “I just feel really tired, unusually so,” I admitted, a strange drowsiness weighing down my body.

Clay immediately stood up, his hand on my arm. “Let me help you to the room,” he offered, his tone protective. But I didn’t want to drag them away from

the party.

“I’m fine, Clay. I’ll just head to our apartment and lie down,” I said, giving him a reassuring smile. Reluctantly, he nodded and took a sip of his wine, leaning in for one more kiss before letting me go.

As I made my way out of the hall, I started to feel even stranger. My legs felt weak, wobbly, as if I were walking on air. A chill crept over me as suspicion began to form-something might have been slipped into my drink. But I didn’t want to cause a scene or worry anyone, especially when I couldn’t be certain. I steadied myself and continued on, determined to make it back to the Packhouse.

By the time I reached the stairs, my vision was blurring, each step feeling heavier than the last. When I finally arrived at the door to our apartment, L realised with dread that it was locked. I fumbled for a connection with my mates, trying to reach them through our bond, but all I felt was a mused, empty silence. Panic bubbled up inside me, and I pressed my forehead against the door, fighting to stay conscious.

I couldn’t go back to the party in this state. I knew I wouldn’t make it. Gathering the last of my strength, I turned and staggered down the hall toward old room. Lucian had never bothered to fix the broken lock, so the door was always slightly ajar. I pushed it open, barely making it to the bed before collapsing onto the mattress, my body sinking into the softness,

The last thing I felt was the coolness of the sheets, grounding me in a haze of half-consciousness. Then, everything went dark.

Scarlett

Chapter 81