Chapter 7
834 Words
Aurelia’s POV
I didn’t know when I drifted into sleep, but daylight was spilling through the narrow infirmary window when I woke.
My stomach growled like it was ready to eat itself. God, when was the last time I ate? Two nights ago? Three? I pressed my hands over my face and groaned.
This cannot be my life.
I swung my legs off the bed, wincing at the soreness in my body. I’d run harder that night than ever before, so hard I should’ve collapsed. Somehow, I hadn’t. That thought alone sent a shiver through me.
The door opened, and Riven walked in carrying a tray.
“You’re awake,” he said, smiling that easy, friendly smile of his. He set the tray down on the table by my bed like he wasn’t standing guard over a prisoner.
“What day is it?” I asked immediately.
“Thursday.”
My stomach dropped. Thursday? “I’ve missed three days of work. My parents are probably losing their minds!”
Riven hesitated before answering. “The Alpha wanted you to rest before questioning.”
“Questioning?” My voice shot up. “Like I’m some kind of criminal?”
His lips twitched, but his tone stayed maddeningly calm. “No one thinks that. But you showed up on BloodMoon land during a very tense time. The Alpha needs to be sure you’re not in danger… or bringing danger with you.”
“Wow. Super reassuring.” I threw up my hands. “And if I am in danger? What then? You just keep me locked up like a lab rat?”
“It’s safer here than out there,” he said simply.
I sank back onto the bed, glaring at the tray of food. “I just want to go home.”
“I’ll pass the message along.” His tone told me that didn’t mean I’d actually be going anywhere.
I huffed, pulling the blanket tighter. “What even are you people?”
He raised his brows. “We told you.”
“Yeah, I heard the word werewolf.” I waved my hand. “But that doesn’t explain why I’m here, or why your boss looks at me like I’m a ticking bomb.”
Riven’s smile turned wry. “Khyron looks at everyone like that.”
I gave him a flat look. “Oh, yeah. That makes me feel so much better.”
Before he could respond, the door opened again. Jarek stepped in, tall, broad-shouldered, radiating quiet authority. My stomach flipped nervously, and I hated that it did.
“The Alpha wants an update on her condition,” he said to Riven, as if I wasn’t even sitting right there.
“She’s fine,” Riven replied. “Still shaken.”
Jarek’s cool gaze swept over me. “Can you stand?”
I bristled. “Yes, I can stand. And talk. And think for myself, thanks.”
Something flickered in his eyes—amusement maybe—but it was gone too fast to be sure. “Good. You’ll be questioned tonight.”
“Questioned again?” I threw my hands up. “I told you everything already!”
Jarek tilted his head slightly. “Then you have nothing to worry about.”
And just like that, he left.
I glared at the closed door. “I hate it here,” I muttered.
-----
Khyron’s POV
I stood in my office, arms crossed while Jarek gave his report.
“She’s healthy. No signs of injury beyond what she sustained running. Her scent was checked again—still human.”
My frown deepened. “No masking?”
“None that we can detect. Riven swears she’s just a scared girl who had a very bad night.”
“Too convenient,” I muttered.
Kael stirred inside me, restless. You don’t trust her because you don’t trust what you felt.
I ignored him, my jaw tight as I stared out the window at the warriors training below. “Increase the patrols along the northern border. If this is a setup, I don’t want rogues using her as a distraction.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Jarek said. Then, after a pause: “You know, you could just speak to her yourself.”
I turned sharply. “I will. Tonight.”
Jarek smirked faintly. “Good. She’s driving Riven insane.”
Despite myself, the corner of my mouth twitched. “Tell Riven to hold out a few more hours.”
He gave a mock salute and left, leaving me alone again.
My shoulders sagged as I let out a slow breath. I didn’t like how much space this girl was taking up in my head. I didn’t like how my wolf paced whenever her name came up.
Kael’s voice was a low rumble. You can’t avoid her forever.
“I can,” I growled under my breath. “And I will until I know what she is.”
But deep down, I already knew that was a lie.
- Writer
