With every day that went by, the anxiety at Barduff Castle increased. Leah sensed it in the air, in the way Serafina clung to her whenever Gwen was around, and in the way the maids talked when they thought no one was listening. Leah found herself at the center of the storm, as though an invisible force had upset the castle's equilibrium.
She had made an effort to avoid the new Luna, fulfilling her responsibilities, making sure Serafina was okay, and avoiding any pointless interactions. Gwen, however, was not to be disregarded.
The dining hall was the scene of the first open altercation.
Gwen entered the room with a sense of ownership after Leah had just seated Serafina at the magnificent oak table, her plate laden with carefully chosen items that she would genuinely consume. She slid to her place at the head of the table, opposite the seat Jacob would shortly occupy, and gave Leah a stern look.
Gwen said, "I see the help is still lingering where it does not belong,Omega," in a tone that was meant to be hurtful.
Leah tensed, but she remained calm. "I was merely ensuring that Lady Serafina had the necessities."
Gwen had a piercing smile. "You hover like an overprotective hen, though. A Luna can definitely take care of her stepdaughter's requirements, don't you think Omega?"
On her plate, Serafina's fork clattered. Her tiny voice pierced the room as she whispered, "Leah isn't the help." "She is a member of my family."
There was silence in the hall.
Jacob's keen eyes darted between the three of them as he walked in just in time to hear Serafina's words. With her heart racing, Leah hurried out of her chair and moved aside to make room for the Alpha to take his place.
Gwen's face clouded, but she quickly forced it to look more agreeable. She cooed, "Of course, dear," but Leah could see that her jaw was clenched. "However, families must change, and customs must be respected."
Jacob sat down, staring at Leah for a moment before focusing on Serafina. "Eat," he said kindly, but there was no room for debate in his tone.
Before the moment could go any farther, Leah excused herself by dipping her head. Her breath caught as she went out into the hall, and she covered her breast with her palm. This was just the start.
Leah heard quiet murmurs coming from the Alpha's study that evening as she was heading toward Serafina's quarters.
"That shameless Omega poses a risk to our union," Gwen spoke in a low, poisonous voice.
"You're acting irrationally," Jacob shot out, his voice tinged with fatigue. "This family set up includes Leah. She has only shown Serafina concern.
"She has overreached herself," Gwen yelled. "Because of her, that child doesn't see me as her mother. The servants see her as though she is greater than who she is and should be in this palace."
"If your deceased wife saw it best to have her working in the castle, then I as a new luna can determine that she's no longer useful!"
Words couldn't express the impact of Jacob's silence.
Leah's fingers tightened against her skirt's material. Although she had always known that Gwen saw her as a barrier, seeing her say it so openly tore something deep inside of her.
"She must leave," Gwen added. "Get rid of her. Assign her a menial role outside the castle. No matter what you do, she can't remain here.
Leah's breath caught as she awaited Jacob's answer.
"She stays," Jacob firmly stated. "She is devoted to this pack and looks after Serafina."
Gwen laughed. "How about you? Are you certain that I, your wife, are the object of your loyalty?
Leah knew she couldn't stand to hear any more of the silence because it had lasted so long. Her thoughts racing, she turned and slipped away.
Gwen had no intention of stopping. Leah also questioned how much longer Jacob could resist her.
Leah was aware that she needed to be prepared for the impending storm.