Chapter 13: Memory loss

THALIA'S POV

I stood up, attempting to compose myself despite the recent chaos. Ignoring the throbbing pain in my elbow and the darkness that surrounded me, I followed the guard cautiously through the dimly lit corridors of the castle until we reached Savior's private chamber.

Savior was seated on a large wooden chair, his posture tense and his expression unreadable, likely due to my inability to see his face clearly.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy, and I hesitated before stepping forward.

"You called for me, sire?" I spoke, my voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

Savior glanced in my direction, his gaze cold and distant as usual. "Sit," he commanded, his tone sharp.

I complied, sitting on the edge of the chair, my hands clasped nervously in my lap. Savior took a moment before speaking, his voice dripping with disdain. "I don't have the patience for incompetence, Thalia. What happened out there?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the harsh words to come. "Mistress Janette accused me of saying things I never did..." I hesitated to continue, afraid that Savior would berate me for talking about his Luna, but he didn't, which gave me the confidence to continue. "She and her maids attacked me before you intervened."

Savior scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself, slave. I didn't do it to save you. I did it because we were supposed to be mourning, not causing unnecessary drama."

His jaws clenched, his annoyance shimmering. "I don't have the time to listen to your excuses every time you are involved in a scandal." He pinched between his brows, an annoyed sigh parting his lips. "I won't tolerate any more disputes that you are involved in, especially during these mourning days. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sire. I understand," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. There I was, thinking that maybe Savior did that to save me, but it turned out it was out of necessity, out of duty to the kingdom.

I didn't want to feel anything, but it hurts, knowing I had no one to fight for me.

Savior leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "Why must you disrespect me like so with your disgraceful appearance? Don't I deserve to see my mate's beauty?"

The sudden switch made me realize that Savior probably wasn't the one in control anymore, especially when he stood up and came to my front.

"Thalia, answer me," he demanded, pinching my chin to make me look up.

My reply came out in a stutter, "Forgive me, sire."

"Mate."

My brows furrowed, but I decided to ignore what I just heard.

"Say it." Savior pinched my chin harder. "Call me your mate."

"You are my mate, sire," I rasped.

Savior chuckled darkly. "And have you ever proved it to me?"

"How do I prove it, sire?" I asked innocently, but what he replied next shattered my innocence forever.

"Mate with me tonight." Savior leaned in, his breath fanning my nose. "Have another man touched what is mine?" He asked, his voice laced with a sweetness that was unfamiliar to me.

I shook my head slowly, and almost instantly, Savior rewarded me with a deep kiss.

My eyes watered because it left me almost breathless, but it seemed to be appealing to Savior. "Your eyes look pretty when moist," he commented with a smirk.

Slowly, he peeled off my dress, and almost immediately, he noticed the injury. "How did you get this?" He asked with a frown.

"When I fell earlier today," I replied shyly.

"Hmmm." Savior bit his lips until it drew blood, then he kissed my wound before I could even think of stopping him, and in less than a minute, my scar disappeared.

A blush crept up my cheeks as I struggled to stop my heart from beating so foolishly, but it was not working.

Lycans can heal anyone they care about with their blood, and Savior just did that for me. Does it mean anything? My heart fluttered at the thought of the possibility, but as the night progressed, I wished I had escaped when I had the chance.

But the chance never came. I had screamed so loudly that I had lost my voice. Savior was like a beast; he didn't hold back except in the beginning. He was desperate for me, and I gave in without a fight.

I was drained beyond recognition. I was so tired that I couldn't move a muscle; every part of my body ached. I had no choice but to spend the night in Savior's chamber. A big mistake; if I had known, I would have crawled out of his room...

I was awakened by the loud, piercing voice of Savior. "What in the goddess' name are you doing in my room and on my bed?"

I was still half-asleep, but the shock from his tone made me jerk up. "Sire... Good morning," I said with a yawn.

"To hell with your greetings, slave," Savior spat. "I asked you a bloody question, answer it!"

I couldn't. I couldn't speak as sobs racked my insides. Although I expected this rejection, it wasn't easy to accept. My lips trembled as I attempted to answer his question. "You summoned me here last night, sire."

Savior stabbed a finger at me, accusingly. "And you seduced me."

"I did no such," I argued but instantly lowered my head fearing the implication of my retort.

"You miserable, filthy, good-for-nothing, slut," Savior began, his words twisting a knot in my fragile heart. "This was your plan all along, right? To take advantage of me in my vulnerable state to gain my favor, right?"

My lips trembled, and I could barely feel my legs, but I was tired of the humiliation. I struggled against my biology and crawled out of the bed, landing on the ground with a thud.

I searched the floor for my sack dress and threw it over my head with a lot of restraint. Again, I continued to crawl, feeling everything I ate yesterday raising to my throat.

"And where do you think you are going?"