Owned?

I walked towards Azalea's room and stopped just outside it, "Azalea?" I knocked on the door and heard her approach but instead of her answering me I heard the door click.

Did she just lock the door?!

I was stunned for a moment and turned the knob, it was without a doubt locked.

"Hey! Why did you lock the door?!" She didn't answer me, "Azalea?!" Is she mad? "Are you angry?" But why? At the kiss? Well I'm not apologizing for that because I have no explanation except that I did it on a whim. "If you don't want to answer me then fine. I'll leave for Lorelai without you."

After a few seconds I heard footsteps approach the door and then I heard it click again. I opened the door and saw her standing there with a pout on her lips with folded arms.

"Soo… We're leaving in an hour. I hope you're-"

"Why did you do it?" She cut my words and asked me the question I had no answer to.

"I did it on a whim." I told her the truth, "Sorry." I apologized. It just came out of my mouth, probably because I didn't want her to be mad at me, "I know it might have put you in a tight spot and it might expose you to more danger, it was wrong of me I shouldn't have done that."

The expression of anger turned into disappointment.

Did I say anything wrong?

"So you didn't do it to tell everyone something?"

Uhhh. "No." Was I supposed to? 

"I see." She turned around and got the bag from her bed, wore it on her shoulders and then walked out.

"Azalea?" She stopped and looked back at me. It suddenly clicked me what had gotten her angry and upset. It was because I didn't speak up about my actions and ignored it all together even after showing it to everyone.I left everyone in doubt, "I'll ask for just a few days." She raised her brow at me, "Once we've dealt with the skull spiders and the Blacks I'm going to officially tell everyone that you're mine." Her expression softened, "I hope that nothing goes wrong." I closed my eyes, this fear never seems to leave me, "And nothing happens to yo-" I stopped when I felt her hand on my cheek.

I opened my eyes and saw her smile.

"I'll be fine." She hugged me.

I hope it always stays like that.

I hugged her back

I hope I never have to lose you.

***

Azalea, Nora and Caesar came along with me to Lorelai while Ben and Lee stayed behind along with Ayaan.

Lee took care of the prisoner pretty nicely while Ben was at work regarding Macy but I'm sure he'll do a good job at it.

The journey lasted throughout the night where Nora and I exchanged driving shifts. While I drove the rest all slept but when Nora started driving Azalea woke up to guide her through the way.

We reached Lorelai before dawn.

It was a surprise visit so none of the towns people or the castle workers knew.

"Is there a reason why you didn't inform anyone before hand?" Nora asked me.

"A big one." I answered and glanced at Azalea and Caesar, they both were still drowsy.

"What might that be?"  

"I can't afford anyone to be too cautious. If the traitor knew I'm here of course she'll find a way out."

Nora narrowed her eyes at me, "You know who it is. Don't you?"

I smirked, "I do have an idea."

"You do?" Azalea asked with her eyes drooping. 

"... Yeah."

"Well that makes the work easy." She yawned, "Are we going to the castle?"

I nodded, "You guys can rest for a few hours if you want." They all bopped their head up and down, "But I don't want you to be seen by anyone so be careful. Caesar?" I called him and he lifted his face up.

I could see he didn't sleep properly during the ride,

"Yes?"

"Take everyone to Huang-fei's room on the top floor and make sure none of you get spotted."

"Okay."

As we reached the castle gate I saw one person standing there to greet us.

"Matthew?" Azalea squinted her eyes, trying to focus on him.

"Hey!" Matthew smiled and waved at her. She was about to go and hug him when I held her wrist.

"What?" She acted innocent.

"You're mine now, you can't just go hugging any other man."

She freed herself from my grip, "Matthew isn't just any other man. He's very important to me." She ran up to him and was about to hug him when he stepped aside all the  while keeping a smile on his face.

Good move, he wouldn't get on my nerves now.

It surprised her but he talked normally, "How's my baby doing?"

She relaxed, "I'm good."

The rest of us reached them, "So," Nora grinned, "You're Matthew?"

"Yes." He smiled

"She did?" Matthew was surprised while Azalea blushed.

"Nora!!" She yelled.

"What? It was in the past." Nora shrugged.

"Leah?" Matthew chuckled, "Is it true?" He went closer to Azalea when I stepped between them.

"As Nora said it was in the past. After all, now she has me." I could feel the corners of my lips twitch as I tried to maintain my smile.

"Oh." He realized something, "I see." He chuckled again, "Too bad. If I had known I would have loved to have you."

This buffoon better be joking.

"Matthew!!" Azalea peeked at him from behind me.

"I'm joking." He laughed, "I'm happy for you both." The sky was getting lighter and the servants would be up anytime now, "You all should go and rest."

"Caesar. Go, now." I told him.

As all of them were out of sight the fake smiles on both our faces faded.

"I got your message." I told Matthew, "Quite a brave move."

"I did it because I want to offer an alternative." He seemed serious, I could tell just by looking at him.

"An alternative?"

"I know you would just kill her considering how much you've been hurt because of all this, but I'll help you out if you let her live."

"What makes you think I will just let her live? There's nothing in it for me."

"If she's working for the enemy, she must know at least something about the Blacks."

"True, a spy will always have at least one thing on their hands but in the underworld it's not worth much. After all none of us are saints here."

"I know but please. If I can help you out and you get something out of it. Let her go."

"Well, I can understand why you're so desperate. She's your mother after all."

"..."