Chapter 3: The Unlikely Savior
1272 Words
Iriana POV
My insides burned, and my feet were swollen, but at least I felt better than before.
I was back in the woods, running, hiding, fleeing from them... from the humans.
I had woken up in a sterile white room, the unbearable beeping of machines and blinding lights assaulting my senses.
Relief washed over me when I realized the necklace was still with me. I’d feared they might’ve taken it.
Mother Ivonne had placed a special spell on the necklace that allowed me to become invisible for two minutes, my one chance to escape.
It had been difficult to find the exit, but I managed, and now I was resting in the woods after what felt like an endless run.
It was the only place I could call home.
I crouched down, panting heavily.
My clothes were gone, replaced by a white dress.
That man who saved me—what was it? The scent of sandalwood rain? Yes, that was it.
I thought he was trying to help me, and I know he was the one who left me in that white house and walked away.
Everyone here is so heartless.
I sighed, my stomach growling in protest.
I was starving.
I couldn’t even remember the last time I ate.
I groaned, staring up at the moon as i clenched my jaw.
The moon goddess, she must be mocking me.
After all the prayers Mother Ivonne made me dedicate to her, still, she wouldn't help me now when I needed her most.
A tear slid down my cheek, and I wiped it away with the back of my hand.
The night passed, the moon fading as the sun replaced it.
I stood up slowly.
I needed to blend in.
Staying in the woods wouldn’t do me any good—he might find me.
I dragged myself out of the forest and onto the street.
The few people who passed me looked at me with disgust.
Of course, I must look like an abandoned mate, which, honestly, wasn’t too far from the truth.
My stomach growled louder, and I instinctively clutched it, feeling the heat of embarrassment.
“What do I do here?” I whispered, hoping anyone—anyone—might hear me.
"Please, help me... please..."
Then, I bumped into something hard.
"Jeez! Watch where you're going, miss!" a voice snapped.
I rubbed my forehead and bowed slightly, trying to shuffle away.
But the person grabbed my arm and swung me around.
I looked up—and my breath caught in my throat.
Holy moly.
That’s a freaking demigod.
His eyes—there were no words to describe them. His face seemed to glow with an otherworldly beauty, like he’d met Mother Ivonne herself for some kind of divine spell.
I stood frozen, my mouth hanging open, staring at him.
He snapped his fingers.
"Hello, don’t tell me you’re drooling," he said, his voice dripping with amusement.
“Uh, uhm, I… I’m sorry,” I stammered, my words tumbling out of me.
He hissed and shoved me aside, starting to walk away when my stomach groaned louder than ever.
A few passersby stopped and glanced at me, and I buried my face in shame.
I heard him chuckle behind me.
“Well, I couldn’t expect much from a runaway patient. Come with me.”
I blinked in disbelief.
"Are you deaf? Come with me, aren’t you hungry?” he snapped.
Still in a daze, I followed him. We went to a nearby restaurant.
We sat, and without a second thought, he ordered a plate of delicacies. I started eating immediately, ignoring the stares from him and the other people.
After a few minutes, I finished the meal, feeling somewhat better.
We walked out, and I bowed slightly to thank him, but he shoved me aside.
"I don’t need it," he muttered, walking away.
I stood there, staring at his back, confusion flooding my mind.
Then the thought hit me.
“Wait!” I called, running to catch up with him.
He turned around, one eyebrow raised.
“Haven’t I fed you? What more do you want?” he asked.
“Uhm… can… can you hel... help me?” I stammered, my insides tight with fear.
“Help you?” he asked, looking at me like I had two heads.
“You have a house, right? Can I stay in your house?” I asked, my voice shaky but bold.
The worst he could say was no. But I needed help—anyone’s help. He was the only person who didn't treat me like a disease.
"What?!" he barked, and I flinched, taking a step back.
“Have you gone crazy? Oh wait, I know you’re crazy, but this… this is insane.” he said, clearly frustrated.
“I’ll leave when I find a place, I promise,” I tried pleading.
“What about your parents? Or maybe your family? What about the hospital you escaped from?” he asked.
“I don’t have any family here. And they were doing terrible things to me… the place I escaped from…” I said, trailing off.
“What?” His voice softened, his confusion evident.
“Please, I’ll leave in seven moon days,” I added, forcing the words out.
“Seven what?” He frowned. “What does that even mean?”
“I mean… seven days,” I clarified quickly.
“You know what you need? A real hospital, or better yet, a police station. I’ll report you missing. Maybe your family can find you,” he said, his tone filled with doubt.
“I’m not missing, I’m here with you. I just need help,” I insisted, as my eyes glowed just a tiny bit—a small wolfish trick to try and tame his anger.
He stared at me for a long moment.
Then, finally he exhaled.
“You’ll leave in seven days?” he asked.
“Yes! Yes!” I nodded vigorously, relief starting to flood my chest.
“Alright then, let’s go,” he said, turning and walking ahead.
I followed him, my heart soaring with joy. I could already imagine my tail wagging.
We walked for a while until we reached a building where a lot of humans in blue uniforms were coming in and out.
Was this his house?
He smiled at me.
“So, that’s my house. I’m kind of busy right now, so just go inside and tell them you want a room. There are plenty of rooms in there—you can choose whichever you like. I’ll catch up with you in a bit, alright?” He flashed me a smile.
Wow.
So nice.
I almost cried.
“Thank you, thank you so much,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, and I turned toward the house, exhaling deeply as I walked forward.
The people in uniforms stared at me, their gazes almost as if I had grown a second head.
I entered the house, and it was crowded.
Is this really his house?
I didn’t care. He had offered me a place to stay, and that was all that mattered.
“Hey, miss! How can I help you?” A man sitting at a desk called out.
I smiled at him, feeling safe for the first time.
“I’m here for a room, please,” I said.
And suddenly every chatter in the building stopped.
Total silence.
The man at the desk stared at me like I had grown a second head.
I looked around, confused.
Why are they staring at me like that?
Is it the dress?
- Writer
