Mia lapsed into unconsciousness in Alex's arms, worn out from the mundara symbol's effects and his firm grip.
"Mia," he called, tapping her face gently in an attempt to rouse her.
There was no response. He stood up, carrying her outside the locked doors.
"My Lord," the guards bowed, anticipating his wrath for allowing Mia in.
"Clear the road, and let no one disturb me in my room. Absolutely no one should disturb me," he ordered the guards and walked away with Mia in his arms.
"Yes, my Lord," the guards replied, bowing curtly after he departed.
Mia was carried in a princess carry to the bedroom and placed gently on the bed.
"Mia," Alex called again, tapping her face.
Still no response. He adjusted her on the bed.
He entered the bathroom, returning with a pail of water.
"Mia," he called again, sprinkling water on her face.
She gasped, drawing a quickened breath.
"Mia, Mia, you're fine. I'm here," he reassured, pulling her into his embrace.
"Are... are... are you fine, Alex?" she stammered, checking him for any signs of injury.
"I'm fine, Mia," he replied.
"I was so worried about you, Alex. The guards didn't want to let me in. I saw the smoke and you looked... different. Tell me what's wrong. Why does this keep happening?" she asked with concern.
"It's something very frightening, Mia. I'm not sure if I should tell you. I'm more dangerous than you running into my arms when I'm in that state," Alex replied, contemplating whether to share the truth about the monster.
"I'm your wife, Alex. I deserve to know what's going on. Keeping me in the dark does no good," Mia pleaded through her tears.
"I know, Mia, and I'm going to tell you now," he said, settling beside her.
Taking her cold palms in his, he began rubbing them affectionately.
"Mia, I'm the devil's incarnate. A demon lives inside me," he confessed.
Shock registered on Mia's face.
"Mia, I'm a living danger. When the demon takes over, I lose all control, and everything around me is in danger. I become bent on reducing everything to ashes. That's why I asked you not to throw yourself into my arms during such moments," he explained.
"Tell me, Alex, how did this happen? How did the monster end up inside you?" she inquired softly.
"I don't know, Mia," Alex said, bowing his head. "I was born this way. It has always been inside me."
Mia felt numb hearing his words.
"That's what happened, Mia. That was the demon taking over when you entered the room. I lost control. I don't recognize anyone when I'm in that state," he continued.
"You have me now, Alex. You have me, and I'll be there whenever you need me. I want to be your go-to person during the good times and the worst ones. I'll be with you," she said, embracing him.
"I'm happy you accepted me, Mia, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Alex said in her embrace.
A genuine smile appeared on his face as Mia leaned in for a kiss. He held her head firmly and kissed her back.
"You smiled, Alex. It's the first time I've seen you smile, and you look breathtaking," Mia complimented.
"I'm very tired, Alex," Mia said, closing her eyes. Slowly, she drifted into a deep slumber.
Alex gently laid her on the bed and walked out of the bedroom.
Hendrix was at the door, arguing with the guards.
"Hendrix, what's the matter?" Alex asked, standing by the door frame.
"Good day, Alpha Alex. The gammas told me you needed me, but the guards refused to let me in," Hendrix explained, looking at the guard who blocked his way.
"I ordered them not to let anyone in or disturb me," Alex stated.
"Let's go to my study. You better have some findings on the deaths of those wolves," Alex said, walking away with Hendrix following.
"Bring me the findings, Hendrix," Alex demanded.
"I could only gather a bit of information, and there's no paperwork involved," Hendrix replied.
Alex's face showed dissatisfaction with Hendrix's words.
"Tell me, Hendrix, how did the deaths happen under your watch? I specifically instructed you to guard the woods on nights like that," Alex demanded.
"I'm sorry, Alpha Alex, but the deaths remain a mystery to me. I found only limited information from their deaths."