007
1274 Words
•~Fiona~•
The bath was quick and soon enough I am dressed in a plain white cotton gown, descending below my knee. Kendrick escorts me through the narrow halls of the royal house. My legs feel heavy, and my thoughts churn as I follow him in silence.
The grand doors of the royal house swing open to reveal a different setting from the entire houses in the forest. Forest green leaves ascending and descending in perfect order and right above the door there was a decorated with what looked like werebeast bones.
Kendrick leads me to my chambers, but as I step inside, my heart skips a beat and I take in the space.
Why would he let someone he didn't even know for a up to day into their home, let alone the royal house of the Black Wolves.
We stop in front of a door and he pushes it revealing a room with little furnishings, just a bed, side table and lamp.
"You'll be staying here from now on.” Kendrick says, turning to me.
I nod. I don't know what to say. Was I supposed to be happy or sad that these people were letting me into their home, a home that I could later destroy.
"It’s the Alpha’s orders. You’re under his protection now, and that includes staying close."
He turns. I open my mouth to speak but before I can say away he’s already left the room.
The door clicks shut, leaving me alone in this overwhelming space. It had a familiar scent of dry giveheart lily, a flower that could only be gotten from the far east where the dragon river laid.
I had that same flower at home, Raphael gifted me on our first meeting and I smelt it every single day hoping for the day I'd finally leave my home and move to the White Fox royal home.
The door just across the room pushed open revealing...Alpha Leonardo?
He had a towel wrapped around his waist, laying low on his waist revealing a little of his V-line. My face flush and I immediately lower my head to face the ground.
“You’re done arrived? I wasn't expecting Ghana to be quick. How do you feel?”
Still taken aback by his sudden appearance, all I can do is nod.
“Fine.” I mutter under my breath.
“You'll be staying here in our room from now on.”
Did he just say ‘our’ . He runs his hands through his hair a little before moving closer to another door.
“You can keep your things here.” He smiles but again it doesn't reach his face.
I still can't wrap my head around staying in the same room as him. He and I were on opposite worlds so why?
“Will you also be staying here?” My voice comes out barely above a whisper but just loud enough for him to hear.
He nods. “Of course, how am I supposed to protect you, if you're not always by my side. “
“B-But why?”
I'd expected him to put me in the dungeon or in a room together with the servants.
“Because Fiona..”He pauses, taking a few steps closer. “ You're my bride.“
My mouth drops slightly and I look into his eyes searching for a hint of lie but there was nothing. He was serious?
As if reading my mind, his eyes narrow.
He knotts his brows. “What? You didn't think I'd treat you as a slave did you?
My body moves on its own and my head nods.
“You're my bride Fiona, not my slave. And I do not care what creature you are, cursed or not. My wolf chose you.”
I froze stunned by his words. Bride? I couldn’t wrap my head around his words. I wasn’t anything special so why me ?
He takes another step closer to me and stops, his face just inches away from mine. “I promised to protect you Fiona, and I'll do just that.”
My eyes travel anywhere but his face despite the closeness between us. My eyes land on a scar at his chest region. A s***h mark like one from a werebeast claw or something even more dangerous.
Before I can register the mark on his chest he turns, exiting to the closet and then returning back with a plain white T-shirt and sweatpants.
“Come, you should eat something.“ He says, putting out his hand in front of me.
“I'm not hungry.” I mumble.
“It's not an option, Fiona. “ His words come out sharp with a definite authority. “You need to eat to regain your strength. We’re having dinner in the dining hall."
I blink, caught off guard. "Dinner? I… I’m not hungry."
His eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. “You need to eat."
My stomach churns, but I know better than to argue with him. Reluctantly, I nod.
He motions for me to move forward and leads me through the halls to the dining hall
The room is even grander than I imagined. A long mahogany table stretches across the center, illuminated by a massive chandelier above.
Leo pulls out a chair for me, and I hesitate before sitting. He takes the seat at the head of the table, his gaze steady on me. The servants begin to bring out dishes, each one more extravagant than the last. Roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and steaming bread fill the table. My stomach twists uncomfortably.
"Eat," Leo commands, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I glance at the food, my appetite nonexistent. "I… I can’t."
His jaw tightens, and he leans forward. "It’s not an option, Fiona. You need to regain your strength."
I swallow hard, my hands trembling slightly as I pick up a fork. The first bite is mechanical, tasteless, but under his watchful eye, I force myself to continue. He doesn’t say much as we eat, but his gaze never leaves me, as if he’s ensuring I follow through.
When the meal is over, Leo rises.
"Kendrick will escort you back to your chambers. Rest. We’ll talk tomorrow."
I nod silently, relieved to leave the suffocating atmosphere of the dining hall. Kendrick appears at the door, his expression unreadable as he guides me back. My mind races with questions, but I’m too drained to voice them. Once inside my chambers, I collapse onto the bed, exhaustion pulling at me.
I close my eyes, forcing a wash of sleep to take over but nothing. A few hours past and Leo still hadn't returned since dinner and I was starting to miss his presence.
It sounded bizarre but something about him made me relax although just a bit.
The room is dark and silent except from the faint rustle for trees and wind from outside. I close my eyes one again and just before I go deep into my slumber. I hear it– a voice.
‘Fiona.’
My eyes open wide again.
“Who's there?!” My eyes darts round the room and with my heart pounding heavily in my chest.
‘I'm sorry it took so long.’
And then it comes again, a faint distant growl–my wolf.
But this time it sounds different, it doesn't sound like the Vartex but something more familiar and calm—too familiar.
‘Don’t be afraid Fiona, It's me Philia.’
Philia?
It was her. The same voice I always heard when I was little. It was my wolf.
- Writer
