ALPHA’S HEART, My Haven

Episode-9

Aria’s Point of View

I slowly opened my eyes, feeling warmth around me, and for a moment, I thought I was dreaming. As my vision cleared, I saw Dorian sitting beside the bed, his head was resting on the soft sheets. His dark hair was a little messy, his face calm and peaceful in sleep. I didn’t want to wake him, but I kept on smiling as I watched him. How had I gotten so lucky?

The moon goddess had to have kept him hidden from me for a reason. Why had she made me wait for so long? Why had she let me go through so much pain before bringing him to me? I couldn’t help but wonder. All my life, I had felt so lost, unsure of what I truly needed. But now, with Dorian beside me, everything felt right.

I felt a small ache in my chest as I admired him, and I felt my heart flutter. He was so kind, so gentle, so different from anyone I had ever met. I had never felt so safe before. How had I not seen this sooner?

I tried to move carefully, slowly lifting myself from the bed. The last thing I wanted was to disturb Dorian. But as soon as I shifted, I felt his hand on mine and I froze.

He opened his eyes, his gaze soft and filled with a warmth that made my heart race. "You’re awake, Aria," he whispered.

“Alpha Dorian…” I whispered back, my voice barely audible.

He smiled, and for a moment, I thought I might melt into bed. “I’m so glad you're awake. I was so worried." His voice was full of affection, and his eyes shone with something deeper, something more than gratitude. He looked at me with hope, with care, as if nothing else mattered but making sure I was okay.

“Thank you,” I murmured, not knowing what else to say. His kindness was overwhelming, and I felt something I didn’t quite understand.

Before I could say anything more, he spoke again, firmly. “I’ll call the maids to get you something to eat, and I’ll have them help you get ready. You need to take time to recover.”

He stood up, calling for the maids. His eyes never left me. “I’ll be back after you’re dressed. Please, feel at home.” And then, with one last glance, he left the room.

I was alone, but for some reason, I didn’t feel lonely. There was a warmth inside me that hadn’t been there before. It was as if, for the first time in my life, I was truly seen, truly cared for. And I liked it.

The head maid entered shortly after, along with another maid carrying some fresh clothes. They began to clean me up, their hands were gentle and careful. I didn’t speak much, just watched them as they worked. The maids spoke softly among themselves, but I was too lost in my thoughts to pay them any attention.

When they were done, the head maid helped me into a simple but beautiful dress. It was soft and comfortable, and it felt like something I could wear forever.

I sat up on the bed, and my legs were still shaking, but I felt better. Stronger. And for the first time in a long time, I was happy.

A few moments later, Dorian came back into the room. His eyes brightened when he saw me, and I couldn’t help but smile in return. He seemed so happy that I was awake and moving.

“How are you feeling?” Dorian asked, his voice was full of concern. He moved closer, taking my hand gently in his. “You’re looking better already. Does anything hurt?”

I was surprised by how tenderly he spoke to me. It was different from the way we had interacted before, and it made me feel like I was something precious to him. Maybe I was. Maybe I was finally more than just a burden that I thought I was.

I shook my head slowly. “I feel better. It’s just… a little strange, I guess.” I smiled at him. “But I’m okay.”

He smiled back, and I could see the relief in his eyes. “I’m glad,” he said softly, “because you’re going to take it easy today. No more rushing around. I’ll take care of everything.”

I wanted to argue, but I knew better than to argue with him. He looked at me with such tenderness that it was impossible to say no.

After a moment, Dorian helped me to my feet, his hand on my back. He led me toward the door, his hand never leaving mine. “I’ll take you to breakfast,” he said. “I want you to have a good meal. You’ve been through a lot.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling my heart flutter again. The way he looked at me, with so much care, made me feel like I was the most important person in the world to him.

We walked together to the dining hall, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. There was something about being with Dorian that made everything seem okay. For once in my life, I felt like I was in the right place.

We sat down to eat, and Dorian insisted I take my time. He was so patient, watching me with such focus that I almost felt embarrassed. But at the same time, it was nice. It was comforting to know that someone cared so much about me.

“Don’t worry about anything,” he said as I ate. “You’ll have as much time as you need to recover. You don’t have to rush. I’ll be here for you.”

His words were so soothing. I can’t remember the last time someone had said something like that to me.

When the meal was finished, Dorian helped me back to my room. He was so gentle, so attentive. He made sure I was comfortable before stepping back.

Just as he was about to leave, the head maid came into the room again. “My king,” she said, “Katherine is here.”

“Thank you,” Dorian said, turning to me. “I’ll be right back. Please rest.”

He left, and I was alone again. But I wasn’t really alone. I could feel Dorian’s presence with me.

Katherine entered not long after. Her expression was calm but serious. She looked at me as though she was trying to figure something out, but I didn’t understand why.

“Are you feeling better?” she asked, her voice steady.

“Yes,” I replied, “I feel much better now.”

She nodded, but there was something in her eyes that made me uneasy. She reached into a small pouch at her side and pulled out some herbs. “Drink these,” she said. “They’ll help you feel stronger.”

I didn’t hesitate. I took the herbs from her and drank them down. They tasted bitter, but I didn’t care. Anything to make me feel better.

Katherine studied me closely, her eyes narrowed. Then, after a long moment, she spoke again.

“I’m going to leave now,” she said.

I wasn’t sure why she was looking at me that way, but I nodded. I didn’t have the energy to ask her questions. I just wanted to rest.

As Katherine was about to leave, Dorian returned to the room. “My King, please see me now,” Katherine said sharply.

“I’ll be back soon,” Dorian said, his voice gentle. “Rest, Aria. Please.” I watched him leave, and my heart was heavy with thoughts I couldn’t express.