Five

A lady must not speak unless asked. In the presence of others and no question arise, the art of listening must be mastered. Perfecting this skill will surely make you recognizable in society.

✾

After that eventful lunch, nothing of importance happened next.

Before I knew it, a week has already passed. Karina still visits my room from time to time asking me if I ever need anything. I don't. I already had books and food, and a comfortable place to sleep.

We don't see Silas much, he always stays inside his office. And although he mentioned that we would be taught different things, that hasn't happened yet as well.

I did spend time reading books. From the bookshelf of my room, I saw one book that had the majority of the places inside Cinco listed. The lands that were rich enough and had plenty of resources, and the lands that were so poor werewolves were resulting to cannibalism to fend off hunger.

I got sick and vomited most of my meal that day. I couldn't eat much after that.

"You'll be meeting the poison master today, Lady Amara." Karina mentioned by Monday morning, she was already inside my room with my breakfast before I even opened my eyes. I guess privacy was something unknown to the staff inside the palace. I doubt Silas would even punish them for it. "Lessons start after breakfast, it would be best if you get there now. Early bird catches the worm and whatnot."

I nod and did just as she said. By the time I was finished eating my breakfast, I was outside on my way to the place Karina pointed. Apparently our lesson for the week would be about poison, specifically the only poison that can kill us.

Wolfsbane.

It would be conducted in a greenhouse besides the maze I saw when I first got here. I made an effort to review some books on herbs and antidotes as well as some general knowledge about Wolfsbane.

Up close, the maze looked scarier and bigger than what I thought when I was standing by the gates. There were vines with thorns at both the bottom and top of the hedge. I look up and see the sun raising my hand to cover my face, I breathe in.

"Number seven, you're here early."

I don't turn, I mean not immediately, but I did eventually. Not that I wanted to. My week was going so well without having to see him. He knows we can't talk back if we're not asked a question.

I stare at him, trying my best to make my face look blank. To make sure that he doesn't see that he's getting on my nerves. I don't know if I failed or succeeded. He's the future Alpha, he has senses and strength more powerful than all of us combined.

He smiles at me mockingly. "I see, you came here early because you wanted to have an upper hand against your competitors. Checking the place out, looking at the herbs and weeds and vines that might be discussed. Isn't that right?"

"I don't see anything wrong with being prepared, Silas."

He placed his hands on his hips and nodded. Agreeing with me.

"True. I like your spirit, number seven. You know you're no good that's why you try ten times harder than the rest." He walked past me, opening the door of the greenhouse and turning back to look at me.

He leans against the frame, tilting his head to one side and smiling once again. As if he didn't just give me an insult in the guise of a compliment. "Everyone loves an underdog."

With that final comment, he extends his hand and waves it toward inside the greenhouse. Ushering me to come in. He even bowed slightly. I didn't even bother hiding my disgust this time.

If he doesn't punish servants for disrupting the consort's privacy then he probably wouldn't punish a consort who will roll her eyes at him. Since that's exactly what I did.

Not that he minded it. I could hear him chuckling behind me.

The inside of the greenhouse was a bit smaller than I thought. It wasn't as lavish as some places inside the palace. In one corner there was a lone incinerator. In the middle there were three long tables adjacent to one another. Two of the tables had three rectangle cast irons each above it. Each cast iron had a pot beside it.

Walking near one of the tables with the cast irons I see some herbs and various plants that I recall seeing in one of the books I've read.

And in the table without the cast irons, I see it.

A vase and some gloves. A vase that had a plant with rounded leaves and lobed segments of purple helmet shaped flowers.

"Aconitum napellus. It's usually called Wolfsbane." Silas says behind me.

I stare at it entranced. Who knew something so beautiful can be so deadly?

Every part of Wolfsbane is poisonous, from its stem, leaves, and flowers. It has to be grown separate from other plants, accidentally touching it or even ingesting edible plants that might have been too near it will cause death.

 "Let's see if you're as reviewed as I think you are, number seven. Can you tell me about what you read about Wolfsbane?"

I'm not a humble person, which I know. My confidence however is well justified. I always make sure I'm the smartest person in the room – I always try to be. Without looking at him, I dive inside my brain and recall every little thing I read about it.

"It's not a subtle poison. It's very bitter. It burns and numbs your tongue to the point where you wouldn't be able to talk. Once ingested, it will kill you slowly, prolonging the pain. You'll feel yourself die."

"Someone's come prepared." I hear a voice behind me. I turn my head sideways and see an old man with long graying hair. He was wearing gloves and a gray apron that covered his brown tunic.

I bow subconsciously, Silas was looking at him too. He looked at him with fondness in his eyes. "Number seven, this is Plimoth, Cinco's poison master. He'll be conducting your lesson for this week."

"My Lady, it's nice to make your acquaintance. I'm sure Silas is jesting me and your name isn't a number. No judgement but you'd think one sounds better than seven. What's your name?"

"Amara."

He smiled at me, placing one of his hand on my shoulder and squeezing. He's so much taller than I am, but shorter than the future Alpha. I had to crane my neck just to look at him. "What a lovely name, Lady Amara. Wanna hear a tip?"

My eyes widened and I nodded enthusiastically. I could hear Silas chuckling at me but I didn't care. I knew something good would happen if I'm the first one here. Plimoth must have seen my enthusiasm since he gave me a goofy grin, inching closer to my ear he whispered, "Silas uses nicknames for girls he find pretty."

I snorted.

And they both looked at me like I had grown another head.

I cover my face instinctively and had the decency to blush.

"Well, that was something, Lady Amara."

"Didn't know you had it in you, number seven."

I didn't let them finish. I grabbed a pair of gloves from the table and plopped on one of the benches by the table covering my face with my hands. I should have listened to Lady Vita when she told me snorting was unladylike.

            The other girls arrived a few minutes later, they were confused as to why I was facing towards the incinerator covering my face, when Silas and Plimoth was in front talking to one another.

It's considered rude to act as if an advisor is not in front of you, even if they don't mind you. After everyone has worn the gloves, Silas started introducing Plimoth to everyone.

Then the lessons begin.

"It's not a matter of if you're going to be poisoned – it's a matter of when."

I released a deep breathe I didn't even realize I was holding. Katya was sat beside me, and beside her was Suzanne. It must have been due to our open discussion a few days back when I first had lunch here.

She must have thought of us as acquaintances as well as Suzanne, who was discreetly counting the candy she has hidden in her pocket.

Holly, Tarryn, and Mariana occupied the table up front. I was too embarrassed to get a spot near Plimoth and Silas. So even if occupying seats at the back is a disadvantage, I took it.

"Contrary to popular belief, Wolfsbane won't kill us immediately. It depends on how much you will ingest." Plimoth plucked 6 flowers from the plant and approached us. One by one, he placed a piece of flower in front of us. He winked at me as he placed the flower at my cask iron and I could feel blood rushing to my cheeks again.

After distributing to each of us, he then picked one for himself and for Silas. "So as an exercise, I want you to take one petal, tear a small piece of it. And eat it."

Before we could faint on spot, he plucked one petal and swallowed.

Silas did so too.

We stood still for a few minutes. It was Holly who moved first. Her hands were shaking but she did as she was told. She plucked one petal and tore a small piece of it and swallowed. Tarryn looked at Mariana, as if in silent conversation, Mariana nodded and plucked a petal tearing it in half. One half to her, the other half she gave to Tarryn.

I look beside me and Katya had tears in her eyes, I didn't have to check Suzanne to know that she didn't even think twice she was already chewing on Wolfsbane petal.

In her consort's voice, Katya looked at me with tears in her eyes. "I can't do it."

"Here," I say, copying what Mariana did. I plucked one petal, tore it in half, and gave the other half to Katya. "Let's just do it together to get it over with."

"What if I die?"

"Don't be stupid, you won't."

Or maybe she will, it would mean less competition though.

Katya was still looking at the torn petal I was giving her. She was shaking her head now, more noticeable even by those in front. I sighed and without even thinking, I placed the other half in my mouth and swallowed. I grabbed her cheeks with one of my hands, urging her mouth to open and shoved the petal inside her mouth. "Swallow it."

Tears were falling from her eyes now. And even though I used my consort's voice I'm sure from what I did Silas and Plimoth saw. Katya did as I ordered, coughing severely. I couldn't help it, I snap at her.

"Listen, I know you're a kid. And I know Silas made sense when he mentioned you can be both consort and kid. But in a few weeks, we will be outside, and you will be alone, ravages will not care if you're a kid. They'll kill you. They'll eat you alive. Toughen up, and do not let your position go to waste. You were picked for a reason, prove that Lady Vita was right when she placed you there."

Katya didn't say much after that. She was still sniffling.

A few minutes later, I realize just how strong Wolfsbane is.

I could taste its extreme bitterness on my tongue.

My face was tingling, my eyes felt puffy, I didn't know if I felt sleepy or if my eyes were closing all on their own. Maybe Plimoth was talking or maybe Silas was, I wouldn't know. I couldn't hear anything, there was a deafening ring in my ear.

Then it was my stomach next, a pain so unbearable I couldn't help but slouching on my seat and clutching my stomach. I wouldn't find it surprising if I puke blood this moment.

I try to open my eyes and look around me.

Silas and Plimoth were surprisingly very nonchalant about this. They were talking and checking on us every now and then but they made no movement to help us. Holly was trying to sit properly but her eyes were closed, and she was sweating profusely. Her hands scrunching her dress.

Beside her Tarryn was hunched over, and she was banging her head on the table. Mariana pulling her sleeve and pointing to her every now and then, circling her hand that was in a thumbs up position. She didn't look any better.

Katya was down by the floor, writhing in pain, looking as if she'll actually die soon.

It was Suzanne, I notice, who sat by her chair, almost looking bored.

"How are you-" I wheezed and clutched my stomach tighter, a pang of pain exploding making me groan loudly. "How are you alright?"

Suzanne looked at me almost shocked that I was still capable of using my consort's voice. She shrugged. "I can tell it's bitter though."

That was the last thing I heard before a pang of pain exploded again on both my head and stomach. I felt as if a thousand knives were slicing me inside, burning my throat. I see black dots forming my vision and moments later, only darkness.

...Mirrors, thousands of them staring at me. Golden eyes that looked feral, elongated canines that would belong to a monster. A werewolf. I could feel something clawing, itching to come out, the sounds of my bones breaking, slowly, making me feel agonizing pain. I wanted to scream, but a howl came out of me instead. I started banging the door but no one is hearing me. I banged louder, and the door opened…

I was awoken by cold water being thrown at my face.

"Hey there number seven, the sun says hello."

I flinch and look around me. Everyone else was sitting properly, as if they weren't in agonizing pain a few minutes ago.

At least I think it was a few minutes ago, how long was I out?

As if seeing the confusion on my face, Silas gave me a cheeky grin and wiped my face with a towel.

I was too focused on staying alert that I didn't even notice the other consort's looking at us. "You were out for about 2 minutes, the others woke up before you."

I sighed, I guess I might come here early but they're still stronger than me.

"Now don't be too hard on yourself, number seven," Silas said tilting his head, twirling one of his fingers by the tips of my hair. "Plimoth's first try of Wolfsbane, he couldn't wake up for three days, 2 minutes is more than outstanding. Don't you think so?"

"Funny, is that a genuine compliment?"

He stopped and stood abruptly with a cough. As if realizing who he was, who I was, and where we were.

He returned by Plimoth's side, who was looking at us back and forth with a glint in his eyes. I decided I like him more when he kept his mouth shut. After a few moments of unbearable silence, Plimoth clapped his hands and gained everyone's attention.

"Allow me to extend my sincerest apology, the pain is severe, I understand, but I wanted to see who was immune and who was not," Plimoth then looked at Suzanne, who still looked as if she wanted to be anywhere else but here. "Lady Suzanne wasn't even bothered by it. In fact, the moment you all were busy groaning in pain, I made her eat a whole flower. Isn't that right?"

            "Yeah, my mouth still taste like bitter petals."

"Excellent!" Plimoth rushed over to Suzanne, grabbing her hands and hugging it towards his chest like she was a prized possession. Maybe she was. "It took me years before I got used to the poison to make me immune. How did you do it, Lady Suzanne?"

Suzanne rips her hands from Plimoth's hold and chuckles humorlessly. "You said so yourself, it's not a question of if we're going to be poisoned but when. I'm not special, it took me years to be immune too. Just not voluntarily."

Suzanne then grabs something from her pocket, the candy.

She pops it in her mouth.

"I can never get rid of the bitter taste."

What did she mean by that?

Silas approached her, something flashed in his eyes. It looked like guilt. What was he guilty for? "You're the one from Verdant, aren't you?"

I was even more confused. Verdant was one of the places I've read in my books. It's one of the districts here in Cinco. It was located up in the mountains, by the forests. It's hidden by a mist and the place used to be rich in resources.

Suzanne nodded, "Yes. I'm from Verdant, we're known for Anise and Wolfsbane."

Anise, it's like catnip for werewolves.

"I'm sorry for what you had to go through," Silas mumbles, he places one hand on Suzanne's shoulder and squeezes. "There's only a number of people who are immune to Wolfsbane. Plimoth one of them, however he does not have Alpha blood.”

He was quiet for a moment, but then as if making a decision, he smiles.

 “Regardless of how this competition will turn out, I will be recommending your name to our Department of Weaponry. We always need scientists that can do experiments on Wolfsbane. Will that be alright?"

Suzanne was staring at him now like he was the answer to all her questions in life, he probably was. "I don't know how I can possibly repay you."

His smile widened and his features soft.

The look on his face catches me off guard, like I've seen it before. I guess it's from the time I saw him on his 6th birthday. Suzanne was still red, the other consorts looking at her with jealousy.

I'm jealous too. Not that Silas was complimenting her, but from his offer.

She already won.

She might not be a Luna but she already has a future. "Loyalty is all that I ask for."

"I'm sorry if our exercise brings bad memories, Lady Suzanne." Plimoth mumbled, frowning. He looked as if someone told him his cat died.

"However, as Silas mentioned a while ago we always need weapons solely on Wolfsbane. It might have been a rough time then, but we will turn it all around. We cannot reverse what has already happened, but we can choose to do something useful with it, no?"

And just like that Suzanne crumpled like those were the words she always longed to hear. She was crying now, and Silas was holding her close, almost hugging her. "Plimoth, continue with the lesson. I'm going to escort Suzanne to her room."

They walked outside and I couldn't help staring at them as they leave. My heart felt anxious, like something is terribly wrong. I look at the other consorts and see them staring at the pair as well.

Katya holding her hands by her heart, looking dreamily at the two like she's watching two characters from a romantic movie.

"She was poisoned as a child, that one." Plimoth mumbled, probably from the questions on our faces. He too, was staring at them. "Silas was too, he must have seen himself on her and wanted to help. I'm glad whatever experience he had when he was young didn't make him hate the world."

Plimoth was wrong. Silas hated the world.

He hated it so much he wanted to change it.

At least, that's what I think. Because ever since I stepped in here, that's all he ever did. Break the rules. From not following what was already done by Alphas before him, from wanting us to experience life outside the gates, from actually offering jobs to women that weren't being maids or royal consorts.

Just what was he planning?