Episode 4: A Fragile Sanctuary
1138 Words
*Selene’s POV*
As I moved about the infirmary, the smell of herbs and ointments was strong in the air. Over the few years that I had spent in the Stone-Claw pack, I decided to work at the infirmary to earn my place.
Lucia hummed gently while accompanied by the soft sound of the clattering sound of glass bottles. Her actions were practiced and sure. She tended to be soft and gentle whenever she treated wounds or calmed frightened pack members, and I already learned to like it of her.
"Selene, please get me the feverfew," Lucia continued.
I grabbed the small jar from the shelf and the dried yellow flowers rattled inside. "Here."
Her fingers brushed mine as she took the jar. "Thanks. You really are getting good at this, you know."
A faint smile spread across my lips. "I had some practice back in my old pack, though not quite my choice."
Lucia's expression softened, her unasked questions still lingering between us. Though, unlike most, Lucia never pushed for details. In that tiny measure, I was grateful.
“I’m glad you’re here.” She expressed while finishing the poultice preparation. “We could use more hands like you."
I concentrated on the linens, letting the rhythm of work keep me down to earth. I felt better this way-keeping my head down; it was alright so long as I stayed useful. That was all I knew that I could do to repay this pack for the kindness they had shown me.
Or at least, that most of them had shown.
I couldn't say the same for Alpha Damian.
Day after day, since I woke up in this pack, he had kept a steady cold, calculating stare upon me. His presence loomed like a shadow over every step. It was as though he was reminding me that I didn't quite belong there; a reminder that my place there was timed and conditional.
But his sister Eleanor was different. The girl lit up every space she entered while instantly growing fond of Lily. The natural charm of my daughter made it impossible not to love her as she captured the hearts of everyone she met.
"Mommy!"
I faced the door just before her arrival while she approached me giggling.
Lily rushed to my arms, which I opened wide to catch her. "Lily, what brings you here?" I asked.
"Eleanor said she would let me help!" she said, twinkling her silver eyes, which were the same as mine, in excitement.
Lucia chuckled; her hands, though, remained busy with herbs. "More helpers are always welcome."
Lily beamed. Moments like this, where normalcy could almost be felt, were rare and precious.
But they never lasted long.
Someone blocked the door and my muscles tense even before I laid eyes on him.
Alpha Damian stood in the doorway. His broad frame blocked out all the light. His dark hair streaked across his sharp features, while his golden eyes narrowed on me as they set down.
"Lucia," he greeted. His deep voice resonated around the room. "I would like to speak with Selene."
Lucia immediately stopped humming. Lucia's hands stood still, and Lily held onto my hand tighter.
"Of course, Alpha," Lucia replied, sounding nonchalant, although I noticed her glance digging an invisible hole through me, giving me a subtle warning.
"Of course," I muttered, crouching and giving Lily’s hand to Lucia. "Back to Lucia, little angel. I will be joining you both shortly."
"But Mom-!"
"It's alright," I said to her with a half-hearted smile. "Go on."
Lily shared Lucia's hand hesitantly and headed to the back of the infirmary, leaving me behind with Damian.
He stared without blinking, taut as always. "We need to talk.”
I crossed my arms over my chest though they couldn’t help against the chill he brought with him. "About?"
"The rumors."
I felt my heart skip a beat but kept an impassive phone. "What kind of rumors?"
"The kind that brings danger to my pack."
A shiver ran down my spine. "I do not know what you mean."
He stepped closer, and my instincts almost screamed at me to back away, but my feet remained planted to the ground.
"Do not lie to me, Selene," he growled. "There are whispers of a rogue she-wolf, one carrying a child. A woman running from her ruthless mate. Besides that, spies have been spotted near our borders."
The blood ran cold in my veins.
"They are looking for you," Damian said with a low voice that was edged with a threat. "And if they find you here, they will bring a war to the doorstep of my pack."
"I never asked for your protection!" I shot back.
"No. You begged for it."
His words hurt though they were true.
"I have done nothing since I got here but work hard. I abide by your rules. I have stayed out of trouble."
"And yet trouble still follows you."
I bit the inside of my lip, feeling the blood trickle out. "If you want me gone, just say so."
For a moment, something flitted through his eyes, something raw. And then his walls went shut once again as his face went hard.
"I want answers." He was cold now. "Tell me why you were running. Tell me why Marcus is so desperate to find you."
I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn’t. How could I possibly explain? How could I delve into the years of pain, the chains of control, the fear that had dug deep into my bones?
"I can't," I whispered.
Then his fists clenched. "Then you can't stay."
I could feel my eyes watering, but I refused to let any tears fall. "Fine. I'll leave."
There was a twitch in his jawline. "Where will you go, Selene? Back to Marcus? Back to the man who did this to you?"
“I don’t have any choices, Alpha,” I retorted.
Damian sighed testily, more of a growl than a sigh. "You're a liability. But..." His voice took a turn. For the first time, it lacked its usual edge. "Lily deserves better."
I sucked in my emotions and nodded in silent acknowledgment. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me," he muttered, "I'm not doing this for you."
He turned to leave but hesitated.
"You will follow my rules," he said without glancing back. "Step over the line, and you're out of here. Understand?"
"Understood."
He left, letting the door hit the wall behind him with a bang, and I finally let go of the breath I hadn't realized I had been holding.
Damian knew I was a liability, yet he let me stay. There was something strange about it and a part of me didn’t even want to know because that kind of truth that, once revealed, would definitely change everything.
- Writer
