Episode-8
1029 Words
Dorian’s Point of View
The moment Aria fainted in my arms, my heart raced with fear. Her body felt so light, so weak. I couldn’t let anything happen to her.
"Quick, someone help me!" I shouted, looking around.
The maids came running, their faces full of panic.
“Take her to the east wing,” Greta, the head maid, said. “The Luna’s old room.”
The Luna’s room. I paused for a second, but there was no time to think about the past. I carried Aria there myself, my arms aching, but my grip was firm. She needed me now.
When we reached the room, the maid opened the door and pulled back the bed covers. I gently placed Aria down. She looked so pale, her breath was soft and uneven.
"Greta," I said, my voice firm. "Send a guard to fetch Katherine, the healer. Tell her to come immediately!"
Greta nodded and rushed out of the room.
I turned to another maid. "Bring me a bowl of water and a towel. Hurry!"
The maid obeyed quickly and left. Moments later, she returned with the items. I dipped the towel into the cool water and sat by the bed. The room smelled of lavender, the remnants of Luna Athena were still lingering in the air. But the warmth that once defined this space was gone.
I wiped Aria’s forehead carefully, hoping the coolness would help her. Her skin felt cold and damp. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She looked so fragile, so lost, but even now, there was something about her that pulled at me.
"Aria," I whispered softly. "Wake up. Please."
But she didn’t move.
"Come on," I said under my breath. "You’re stronger than this. I know you are."
The minutes went by as I sat there. I wiped her face and stared at her peaceful but pale expression. My wolf was restless, pacing inside me. He wanted to do something, but there was nothing I could do but wait.
Suddenly, the door opened with a loud creak, and Katherine rushed in, her satchel in her hand. She was a sharp-eyed woman with years of experience, and she always carried a calm, steady energy.
"My Alpha," she greeted me with a quick bow.
"Skip the formalities," I said, standing up. "She needs help, help her now."
Katherine moved quickly, setting her satchel on the bedside table. She pulled out herbs, bottles, and a small mortar.
"What happened?" she asked as she worked.
"She fainted," I explained. "Her breathing was shallow. Do whatever you need to, but fix this."
Katherine nodded, crushing some herbs into a paste. "This will help her breathe easily."
She sat beside Aria and reached for her hand. As soon as she touched her, Katherine froze. Her face changed, and her eyes widened with shock.
"What’s wrong?" I asked as I stepped closer.
Katherine pulled her hand back quickly like she had touched fire. "There’s something about her."
"Something? What do you mean?"
She shook her head, her voice uncertain. "I don’t know yet, Alpha. It’s strange, but I’ll need time to understand."
"That’s not good enough," I said sharply. "Tell me what you’re seeing."
Katherine hesitated. "I don’t have answers yet. But listen to me, Alpha, you have to keep her close. No matter what, don’t let her out of your sight."
Her words sent a chill through me, but I didn’t press further. I just needed Aria to wake up.
Katherine gave her some of the paste and pressed a drop of liquid to her lips. "She’ll sleep for a while now," she said quietly.
"Fine," I replied. "Leave us."
The maids and guards left the room quickly, but Katherine paused at the door. She turned back to me with a serious look.
"Remember what I said, Alpha. Keep her close."
With that, she left.
I sat down by the bed again, watching Aria’s steady breathing. The room was quiet except for the crackling of the fireplace. I didn’t move and I didn’t speak.
The hours passed, but I couldn’t leave her. My wolf was calm now, but his focus on her was unwavering.
Why did I care so much? I had vowed not to let anyone get close to me again, not after what happened with my Luna. But Aria… she was different.
"You’ve turned my world upside down," I muttered softly, leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees.
The firelight sparkled across her face, showing her delicate features. Even in her weakened state, she had a quiet strength in her.
I sighed as I ran my hand through my hair. "Why do you affect me like this?"
I stood there, unmoving, as the night went by. It was just after midnight when she stirred.
"Aria?" I leaned closer, hope rising in my chest.
Her eyelids moved, and she let out a soft groan.
"Aria, can you hear me?" I asked, my voice low but firm.
Her eyes opened slowly, unfocused at first. Then they locked on me.
"Alpha Dorian?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
"You’re safe," I said, relief flooding through me. "No one will hurt you here."
She didn't respond, and her eyes were heavy with exhaustion.
“Aria,” I said again as my hand gently brushed her arm.
She still didn’t respond, and she tried to sit up, but her body was still weak. I reached out to hold her, my hand resting gently on her shoulder.
"Take it easy," I said. "You need to rest."
She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out. Her eyes fluttered closed again, and she slipped back into sleep.
“Aria,” I called out again, but there was no response.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
For the rest of the night, I stayed by her side, watching over her as she slept. I didn’t know what the future held, but I was sure of one thing, I wasn’t going to let anything happen to her.
And no matter what Katherine had seen or felt, I would find out the truth.
- Writer
