Whisper Bloodrose

Chapter-14 Night

Chapter-14

Night

Whisper didn't want to wake up, fearing what will welcome her when she woke up. She was praying it was the forest where she had slumbered, feeling safe in the embrace of the grass and the cloak of the moonlight. She remembered nothing besides, running and falling. All she knew was that she might wake up to the devil.

If this was what opening her eyes held for her, she didn't want to open them at all. She had gained consciousness with vivid memories of the night sky, but she didn't let her eyelids unveil themselves. As she shifted slightly, she could feel a stimulating pain in her shoulder and hand. She recalled blood on those parts. Her body was in mild pain, like the aftertaste of her true agony.

Whisper sensed something, an enchanting warmth in her hand. Her fingers were tightly laced with a set of another, a hold that oozed with familiarity. That softness and clutch of affection forced her eyes open.

The eyelids revealed the forest green eyes, which had turned darker under the touch of revenge. She was met with a gray ceiling with white tulips painted on it. It was not Lucien's room; she recognized its ceiling better than anything in that place.

‘Whisper.’ The voice called, it was so muffled, that Whisper barely heard her name but she recognized that voice. She felt like her heart was filled with thousands and thousands of fireflies. For the first time, in a long time she was feeling protected. Like her hand belonged there, like it was home, and there was no place in the world better than that.

Whisper was occupied in gulping that feeling down, slowly without a rush, making it last as long as possible. Her eyes widened to inform him, that she had recognized him. In reply to which his hold only tightened and her breathing softened. Whisper turned her head, ready to see the face she was longing for. Even though her wrapped up shoulder and hand were hurting, she didn't dare let go.

Rebel smiled a small smile that was wavering, to stay firm. Whisper couldn't tell if her world was suddenly brightening and turning his eyes brighter, or his eyes were sparkling and illuminating the world around her. The sky had come crashing on them, as they refused to look away and break the contact.

All the walls she had built, so firm that the gods of storm wouldn't try to break it. Those walls had gone crashing at Rebel's feet begging to be broken. There was no time, sun, moon, star only them.

Whisper didn't know where, she gathered that energy from but she snapped to a sitting position. In a flash, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her forehead placed on his shoulder. The storm of her grief had slowed down, in the meadow of Rebel's arms. He embraced her, and not just her body, but her soul. He was embracing her pain, her broken hope; he was trying to heal her. He was bringing more relief to Whisper than she was used to.

Whisper was afraid to get too addicted to that affection, lest it be taken away. His fingers were brushing her hair, as she kept drinking away the warmth that Rebel was offering.

‘Whisper, are you well?’ Rebel asked his voice choking, from the tears he was holding back. He just wanted to know, what happened after he left and how far Lucien went. Whisper only nodded against his shoulder. She lied, knowing all too well that Rebel would not believe her. But even if it was becoming apparent she was not ready to make it approved. Rebel pulled away and held her face between his hands, staring into her eyes. His thumb caressed her cheekbones and she leaned into the touch. ‘Why do you lie to me?’ He whispered, shaking his head. She didn't know why she lied, to him, to anybody. It just felt right to lie, because sometimes lies become a protection.

‘Rebel I missed you.’ Whisper said a tiny crack evident in her voice, as she held back the tears. She wanted to tell Rebel, the truth. She wanted Rebel to hold her and tell she was alright. But she knew she wasn't and she won't be until Lucien's blood was pooling around her feet.

‘I was worried. Not one second has passed in peace since the time I left you.’ Tears were now rolling down his cheek. Rebel was never one for crying, but Whisper managed to liquefy all his emotions. He wondered how Whisper managed to keep them at bay, always. ‘I wanted to kill myself knowing what Lucien would do.’ Rebel quietly sobbed still holding the sides of her face.

‘I am…..’ She started but she couldn't complete that sentence. She wasn't fine, and she was tired of saying the same lie again and again.

‘Say it, what is another lie.’ Rebel smiled sadly, she looked down at her thighs. She was hurt again, but this was the closest she had gone to comfort in a long time. Whisper was waiting for that smile to fade; waiting for Rebel to realize how much that smile hurt and let it drop.

‘I love you.’ Whisper mumbled for only Rebel to hear. Rebel knew what this I love you meant. It meant that Whisper didn't know what to say, it was better than silence. Under Rebel's stare Whisper thought she might melt, into a puddle of red. The silence was suffocating but Whisper had no courage to break it.

Rebel leaned his, his lips brushed against hers. They rested there, barely touching each other. Now he was the one waiting, waiting for her to return that spark. She did, with one tiny movement of her lips against Rebel's, a blaze of longing and love was unleashed.

Whisper didn't flinch, she was expecting herself to. But that touch it was different from Lucien's. It was patient and gentle, above all it was wanted. Like stars were glowing brighter than they were supposed to. Like birds were chirping louder. Like the rustling of water was more violent.

There were little things she admired. How Rebel would wait for her to catch up. He would softly embrace her like; it was much more than lips. The way he would notice every movement, to make sure she was nothing but relieved. When they pulled away, she had forgotten where she was. That was the haze of his intoxicating kiss.

Her shoulder was in excruciating pain and even though she didn't make it visible, Rebel knew she was in pain, so he helped her lie down again.

‘We are in this together.’ Rebel kissed her forehead and she closed her eyes to captivate that feeling.

‘I know.’ She smiled the first genuine smile from the moment she came in. ‘Am I in Fragment?’ Whisper finally asked looking around her.

‘Yes, my soldiers found you. We are in Leticia, the palace of Fragment.’ Rebel nodded at her, she looked around to take in her surroundings. A mildly lavish room, with gray colored walls. The bed was in the center, where she and Rebel were sitting. There were three windows on the wall to her right that kept the room cool. There were tables on the either side of the bed that had different bandages and medicines on it. That was when she noticed her shoulder and hand were wrapped.

Whisper looked at her shoulder to see it cleanly wrapped up; Rebel's gaze shifted to eyes the same spot. Rebel caressed the injured part with his thumb, his face softening, when she smiled.

‘When you came in like that, it took me all my power to not cry in front of all the soldiers and doctors.’Rebel started, with an almost non-existent crack in his voice. ‘You were injured, tired, broken and barely clothed. I felt my hands get cold when I held your cold body. I was shivering, from fear. I was scared to hold you, scared you will fall to pieces when I would.’ He whispered last part, with his hand now caressing her wounded palm. Rebel raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it.

‘I am fine now.’ Whisper reassured. Another lie was shot like a careless arrow.

‘You think. If I had those whip marks on back I wouldn't call myself fine.’ Rebel gritted his teeth together with anger in his tone. Before she could reply, another voice made their way through the conversation.

‘Rebel, I hope she is feeling healthier now.’ A feminine voice asked. Rebel's eyes looked towards the door and Whisper's gaze followed. She was met with a beautiful lady dressed in a long flame auburn colored dress. Whisper admired the poise she walked with and the grace her body had, like royalty in flesh of a Rogue.

‘She is, looking way more alive than she was when she arrived.’ Rebel answered smiling at the new presence pleasantly. She walked towards them smiled down at Whisper.

‘Whisper, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Astera Crimson.’ She introduced herself, and Whisper recognized the name immediately. She was the one who had sent the message to help Rebel, when he was captured by Lucien.

‘This is my mother and the queen of Fragment.’ Rebel added to her introduction. Astera held no resemblance to Rebel. Their skin colors differed Rebel was pale and his mother had a beautiful bronze colored skin. While Rebel had sapphire like blue eyes, Astera held a pair of shiny gray ones. It occurred to her a few seconds later that Rebel was adopted.

‘It is a delight to see you in person.’ Whisper lowered her neck a little, to show respect earning a warm smile from Astera.

‘I have heard stories of your bravery not only from Rebel but a few soldiers who have battled you.’ Astera told her. Whisper felt a little pride bloom in her heart, at the compliment. She was at loss of words so only smiled wider in reply. ‘Rebel, why don't you show her around the castle?’

‘Of course, we have a few things to talk about.’ Rebel gave Whisper a lop-sided smile, telling her that her secret won't be safe for too long.

……………………….

‘You were defeated by an Omega.’ Lucien laughed while leaning back on his throne. The entire room echoed with his laughter and the six soldiers in front of him, shivered with the evilness of his laughter. ‘Irony is, a raging fire is created from a tiny spark, and the stories say a mere shadow outran the king of dark.’ He grinned.

‘Alpha, we tried.’ One of them answered through a shaky mouth. Their Alpha and never scared them so much, as if he was possessed by an angry demon. He looked like war had found a refuge in his body, and fire was swimming in his eyes.

‘Really, thank you much for trying. I express my utmost gratitude. I owe you my life now.’ Lucien raised his eyebrows the amusing smile never leaving his lips. ‘I have no knowledge of how I will repay you.’ He yelled and threw the glass goblet, filled with a wine that was a million year old. The glass shattered with an impact that a few of its fragments landed at the soldiers’ feet. Lucien growled lowly, after the voice was crashing glass faded, and placed his elbow on the arm of the throne. His forehead relaxed on his tensed fist and his breathing turned shallow.

‘Sir, I think we underestimated Whisper.’ Another one of them said. At the words that left his lips Lucien's head snapped into his direction. His blue eyes darkened and his chest started heaving up and down.

He stood up angrily and walked towards the line of soldier. On seeing him approach, all the soldiers took a step back, except for the one who was responsible for those words. The soldier's heart leaped a beat, despite him being an Alpha his fear was clear in his eyes. Lucien fisted his collar in his hand and pulled him roughly towards himself. The guard stumbled and stood inches away from the king.

‘She might have fled, but she is still your Luna.’ Lucien warned through gritted teeth. ‘I am not letting anybody else taste that name on their tongue, you understand.’ He threatened hands now moving towards his neck. Lucien's fingers wrapped around his neck, and he pressed tightly. Within seconds the guard was choking for air and gasping through a dry mouth. The other soldiers only watched Lucien kill the people who had been loyal to him.

He let go, and the guard fell to the floor lifeless. His eyes were open, terror evident in them and mouth was gaping, as if somehow with a system long gone, he could still breathe.

‘Alpha, do-do we-we keep look-ing for….. the Luna?’ Another soldier asked closing his afraid, that even the most mentally tested words would set the king off.

‘No.’ Lucien chuckled. ‘You don't look for things when you know where they are?’ He smiled admiring the blue hand prints on the deceased's neck.

‘Alpha, you called for me?’ A new voice broke into the eerie silence of the large room, it came from the door. Lucien's back was to the door. He smiled while his tongue stroked his bottom lip. He turned around at faced the Beta who was waiting for Lucien to invite him in.

‘Talon, I haven't seen Saige is awhile. How is he?’ Lucien asked teasingly, c*****g his eyebrows at Talon, who was looking puzzled.

‘He is well.’ Talon answered subtly.

‘Lady Adlecia, Lady Edith and the panther. Are they well too?’ Lucien chuckled.

‘Indeed.’ Talon answered confidently.

‘They will be very heartbroken when the news of Whisper fleeing will reach them, right?’ Lucien questioned again while nodding a huge smile on his face.

‘I will definitely try to reduce the agony for them.’ Talon retorted, hands behind his back, as he fiddled with his fingers. Outside it was only twilight but the sun of Talon's heart had set already.

‘Of course and I will help, by paying a visit. I am sure we share the same agony.’ He smirked, and Talon's eyes widened slightly. Lucien was collecting leverage against Whisper.

…………………..

‘Rebel, I want revenge.’ Whisper declared. She sat up straight, while staring at Rebel to detect a change in his expression. Her face had no expression, no feeling. It scared Rebel, because even vengeance was not visible on her face. As if, she was born without feelings. Like all these years she was pretending to laugh, smile and love. Rebel wanted to cry. Lucien hadn't killed Whisper, he had done much, much worse.

‘On Lucien?’ He questioned, knowing the answer all too well. He stood up and stalked towards the other side of the bed, sitting himself on the edge, his back to Whisper.

‘Yes and I need your help.’ She stated. Rebel massaged his forehead. He squinted his eyes, worried that the tears might slip past the guard of his lashes again. ‘You don't seem very eager to help.’

‘Whisper, you told me that you didn't want revenge, you wanted freedom. You have it now; I want to know what changed your aim.’ Rebel looked behind at Whisper, who was fiddling with the fabric of her skirt. His tone was cold, angry at her for hiding things from him.

‘Don't you know?’ Whisper mumbled. Rebel squeezed his eyes shut, from the pain that would run through his heart at the mere thought.

‘I want to hear it from your mouth.’ Rebel answered bravely. He only wanted her to accept it, for once, that she was not fine. That she was hurt, like everybody else. Whisper's hand caressed the top of Rebel's and gripped it tight. He looked at Whisper's face and saw a half smile on her face.

‘Trust me you don't want to.’ Whisper gulped. He actually considered her point, he desperately wanted to hear it from her mouth, but would he be able to bare it.

‘I won't know until you say it.’ Rebel replied mimicking Whisper's half and unreal smile. ‘Is it that hard to tell me something?’ He finally asked.

Whisper looked at her lap, not knowing how to reply to that question. Rebel turned a little so his back was no more facing her. He placed his feet back on the bed, staring at her, waiting impatiently for an answer.

‘Rebel... he took everything from me, you have no idea what it felt like. What is feels like, to feel nothing. Like what supposed to be a beating muscle is just a stone.’ She started in a voice that was lower than a whisper. Rebel tightened his hold on her hand and kept caressing her knuckles, remaining silent. He was scared to listen to, what will come next, but didn't stop her. ‘I don't even know if taking revenge will fix me or not.’ She sniffed and inhaled air, as if saying these words had drained all the energy from her. ‘Even if I take everything from him, I am not sure if it will make up for what I have lost.’ His words were just as dark as the evening sky outside.

Rebel was staring at their intertwined hands, fearing the broken expression on her face. But through his lashes he looked at her, she looked numb, calm as sea waiting for its warm heart to erupt. Her eyes were quiet, but her insides were as unmoving as an unleashed fire. He had no idea what to say so he did the only thing he knew, he embraced her, hands gently wrapping around her shoulders and holding her close. Whisper's face was buried into his torso and her words came out muffled, as she fisted parts on his shirts in her hands.

‘He took away my dignity, Rebel. Even when you're holding me, I can feel his touch in places I shouldn't. I don't know anymore which one is real, yours or his.’ She gasped, the words felt like burning alcohol traveling down her throat, the liquid trying to block her heart. ‘When I jumped from his window, I midair I was wondering whether to turn or not. Will be better if I ended it there itself.’ Whisper couldn't stop speaking, no matter how much Rebel wanted her to. She took a sharp intake, of breath after pouring her feelings out. But not one drop of tear escaped her eyes, just like always.

With shaky hands he rubbed her back, comfort slipping through his fingers and escaping into her skin. She breathed in relief, like the gesture was a confirmation that Rebel was the real one.

‘Whisper he will pay.’ Rebel assured as she started finding new air, in the confinements of Rebel's arms. Whisper head snapped up, to look him straight in the eye. The corners of her lips quivered with anger, her jaw was clenched and eyes were filled with a fire that could burn the Forever Forest.

‘Yes. He will. You have no idea, how much I will make him suffer. He will regret laying eyes on me. He loves two things the most, himself and his throne and I will seize both of them.’ Whisper shook his head dramatically slow. She meant it, that promise was flowing through her blood. A commitment her soul was starving to fulfill. If she had survived so long, this was the reason.

‘He will, I know. You will do it and I am with you.’ Rebel finally answered. But his answer was the alarm of a war.

……………….

‘Saige, can't you ask Talon if he knows anything about Whisper.’ Edith insisted to her husband, who was sitting beside the fireplace, too peaceful. Edith's heart had not been at peace since the night she woke up with a nightmare. Edith had been worried, due to multiple reasons, Talon's demotion and lack of news from Whisper. The last time they had seen their daughter was the day she had left, for the palace and Edith thought she was forgetting tiny details of her daughter bit-by-bit.

Saige on the other hand, hadn't had a comfortable sleep, from the concern of Whisper. But he failed to display it. He would sit down on the plush chair beside the fireplace and read books for hours straight. Adlecia would sometimes, offer him cups of tea. So he could add details to his pretend.

‘Edith, Talon has not been home since his demotion.’ Saige stated turning to a different page. Adlecia stared at the title, The Whispers of Darkness. For some reasons all the books he had read contained a “Whisper” in their titles.

Adlecia was trying to hold her home together. With a worried Edith, scared Saige and weakening Talon. She was afraid her home will turn into bricks very soon. Ace yawned and stalked to sit beside Saige's feet.

‘Father, we should perhaps pay a visit to the palace.’ Adlecia suggested lowly placing her hand on Edith's shoulder. They only got a simple shake of head. Then he looked back at the window that gave the view of the night sky.

The door suddenly slammed open. Saige was quick to retrieve his sword from under the chair, and Ace rose with fury. His roar echoed around the house, mixing with the gasps of the ladies.

‘It is me.’ Talon said drawing everybody out of their alert states and into amazement. Ace let his guard down, Saige's sword came back to his side, and Edith’s eyes watered at sight of his son after so long. Adlecia only smiled, not letting the tears escape the brim of her eyes.

‘My lord Talon…’ Edith started but was cut short by her son rushing his words.

‘We have no time.’ Talon ran towards the crowd around the fireplace, his muddy shoes leaving behind a trail. ‘Ace, guard.’ He ordered. The panther leaped towards the door and stood tight, growling and sniffing.

‘What is happening?’ Saige questioned eager to get immediate answers. For some reason he knew it was about Whisper.

‘Whisper fled, Lucien is coming. We are unsafe, we have to leave.’ He quickly explained not willing to waste his time in questions he didn't know how to answer.

‘Why did Whisper run?’ Adlecia asked. But Saige was in trauma, running away was not in the Bloodrose blood. Running was cowardice. It was the first time; his daughter had brought her shame.

‘She didn't run! We are from a bloodline that died on frontiers but didn't run. She can't bring me this shame.’ Saige shook his head out of disbelief. It enraged Talon to not extent. His father refused to see the bravery Whisper had shown all along. This time running was wise not cowardice.

Talon stepped towards his father, their bodies only inches apart as Talon glared angrily at Saige. Talon gripped both his shoulders tightly, eyes squinting in anger.

‘You have no idea what your daughter has suffered. You trusted her all along. Do it again. I don't know where she went, what she wants. But I am with her.’ Talon declared. Edith's hand had flown to her mouth at the shock. The family couldn't take the blow of the news that Talon was throwing their way.

The dead silence in the room was taken over by the sound of clip-clop of a horse's hooves. He was here, very close. Ace growled in warning. Talon nodded at everybody and pointed his chin towards the back door, telling them the path of their exit.

‘I will hold them. Go.’ Saige ordered. Edith gasped and Talon's eyes widened in shock. ‘I have faith in Whisper and you. Don't let her lose.’ Saige warned pushing his son towards the door. Adlecia followed. Ace left his guard and ran towards Talon.

Edith looked at Saige, and there was a sorrow in them, not fear but sorrow. She nodded at Saige before following his son, towards the back door. Talon looked at his father one final time, with a smile. Saige was proud, he could tell.

‘Yes, sir.’ Talon stated. Everything that Saige had in the name of family left through that door, and he smiled.

……………

Whisper kept squirming and rolling in the bed. Something was keeping her away. It was not Lucien's everlasting touch. It was not the ambition burning in her. It was not the discomfort of new surroundings. It was something else, like the stars were trying to give her a message. She had not been at rest, and kept changing her positions in an attempt to sleep.

‘What is wrong, Whisper?’ Rebel finally asked, waking up due to the fidgeting beside him. He yawned and turned his body so he could look at her. She was staring outside the window, not meeting his gaze at all.

‘I can't sleep.’ She answered voice thick from thoughts. Rebel thought it was probably thoughts of Lucien that kept her awake, but there was a strange grief in her eyes, that told him that his assumption was wrong.

‘Why? Is it…..’ His question was cut short when Whisper answered it.

‘No, it's something else. I feel like something is wrong.’ Whisper finally met his gaze. Rebel smiled comfortingly at her, his hand reaching towards her cheek and caressing it. ‘I haven't felt so restless, ever.’

Rebel, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. His arms embraced her tightly and protectively, as if he was securing her from things that kept her awake. Whisper buried her face into his bare torso and breathed softly, to bring some calm to her fiery heart.

‘Try to sleep again.’ Rebel whispered and kissed the top of her head, her eyes closing soon after.

………………….

‘Saige, I haven't seen you in a while.’ Lucien walked into the house like he owned it. Saige who was previously sitting on the chair, beside the fireplace stood up and faced him. His eyes were equally dark as the night outside was. He was angry his vibes alone said that. But his mile was toothy and wide.

‘I am glad you took the time to come and visit.’ Saige replied his hands tied behind his back majestically. ‘How is Whisper?’

‘Scared, Whisper is scared. She ran away.’ Lucien stated with a chuckle. He found it ironic that the bloodline that had seen danger in the eye had an heir that ran like a dog. ‘You must be ashamed?’ He curved his lips sympathetically.

‘I wonder what made her run away.’ Saige answered wittily, raising his eyebrows. Lucien looked at floor smiling, as a breathy giggle escaped his lips.

‘Where are the ladies and the panther?’ Lucien questioned walking further in towards him, until only a little distance was left between them.

‘They are visiting a friend.’ Saige replied confidently. Lucien only nodded and started analyzing his surroundings. His eyes fell on the muddy foot prints on the floor that led him all the way to the back. He smiled like the devil and looked at the Bloodrose in front of him.

‘Sure they are.’ He raised his eyebrows and walked closer, until his left shoulder touched the right shoulder of the old werewolf. ‘I don't like lies, Saige?’ Lucien whispered. The mischievousness and the smile on his face vanished and were replaced by an angry scowl replacing it.

‘I have no truth to tell.’ Saige declared voice firm and unwavering. His age had no affected his warrior charm.

‘Where is Whisper?’ Lucien interrogated through gritted teeth, mouth inches away from Saige's ear.

‘I wish I knew.’ He answered confidently.

‘Sad.’ Lucien laughed.

A gasp escaped Saige's mouth, as Lucien's dagger pierced his stomach. Blood oozed out of the opening, running towards the sleeves of Lucien's white coat and coloring it crimson. He yelled when the king turned the dagger. All the life left him, his eyes closed slowly. As soon as he pulled out his cursed weapon, Saige fell. He didn't in war but lived the life of a warrior.

‘Your daughter destroyed my heart. You destroyed the coat that was close to my heart. You Bloodroses certainly have issues with me.’ Lucien laughed and threw the dagger beside the deceased's face.

The sound of the dagger hitting floor, perhaps woke Whisper up in mid-sleep.