Chapter Fifteen - The Dream

Aria’s POV.

From the distance, she could hear the loud outroar of the warriors and the clanking of swords, followed by the screams of anguish and the high-pitched cries of the women. The soulful cries of the children weren’t exempted as the war raged on. She could smell death hovering around, waiting for the next victim to grasp with its dreadful claws, to sip their existence. The atmosphere was tense with despair and anguish and it didn’t help that it was in the dead of the night.

Her mother had always told her to stay away from the darkness, that it could suck one into an unending abyss of anguish and she had never really understood the true meaning of those words until that moment she was running to save her life from the ferocious warriors of the enemy pack.

The cackling of the wildfire consuming the entire forest sailed into her ears, making more adrenalin pump into her as her feet hit the hard forest floor in loud thuds, her eyes and mind focused on her destination to get across the river ahead. She was lost in herself and the fear that was gradually weaving its way into her guts, gripping her heart like a vice, that she nearly missed when she first heard the faint cry. But then, it came again and as though it was a sudden command, she found herself halting to a stop, her sharp gaze seeking out its direction.

It was the cry of a baby.

Her heart thumped loudly in her chest as she ignored her urgent need for survival and began to walk in the direction of the soulful and heart-wrenching cry.

Gradually, she approached it to see a basket hidden within the bushes. Fear gripped her as she quickly glanced around before flipping it open to see a newborn wrapped in a thick blanket. The baby’s cries became louder with the lid gone. Her heart raced with terror and uncertainty as she glanced back at her original path and back at the little one.

She could leave her to her fate but deep down, she knew she’d forever regret her decision.

Thus, without second thoughts, she lifted the baby, still covered in the blanket into her arms and continued with her journey, filled with a new purpose and the unyielding need to survive because it wasn’t just her life in danger anymore, but the life of this little one who had been unfortunate enough to be born in such a terrible time…

My eyes suddenly snapped open to the bright morning light, with my heart palpitating from the wild dream I’d just had. I blinked to make sure I was truly back to reality as the dream had felt so real as if I was watching from a corner while the war was in full swing.

Who was that woman and most importantly, who would be mean enough to leave a newborn all alone in a burning forest? These thoughts assailed me as I struggled to find a realistic and possible explanation for the strange dream.

I wasn’t much of a dreamer and even on the rare occasions I’d dreamt, I won't remember them. Hence, it was unusual that I could still vividly recall the events of my dream.

I was still mulling over my strange dream when I felt the urgent need to use the restroom. Quickly, without thinking twice I bolted out of bed and ran into the restroom to relieve myself. Thereafter, I rose to my feet and was stepping out when I caught myself in the full length mirror. The moment my gaze landed on my reflection, I stilled, reality crashing into me.

I was meant to be sick and unable to walk. How had I gotten into the bathroom all by myself without help? I glanced down at myself to check for the bruises that had littered my skin but they were all gone. There was no evidence of my father’s abuse or of the fact that I’d been seriously ill.

I bent and tried to feel my thighs with my palms for any pains but there was none. I even went as far as flexing my limbs but in truth, I’d never felt as healthier as I’d felt at that moment.

With shock etched on my face, my eyes returned to the mirror but what they met had my mouth popping open in astonishment, with my eyes growing as wide as saucers.

My usually dull green eyes were glowing a bright shade of emerald. I closed my eyes, believing they were playing pranks on me but before I could get the chance to confirm my thoughts, a knock sounded on the door.

Hurriedly, I ran to the bed and got in, quickly pulling the covers around me. I was still too shocked to let anyone know of my sudden wellness. A minute later, the door opened and the maid assigned to me came in, carrying a tray of food and my medication.

My shoulders sagged in disappointment as I’d been secretly wishing it was the alpha.

I felt Hailey purr and warmth spread through me but I quickly brushed the feeling aside, subconsciously scolding myself for being brainwashed by my silly wolf.

The maid tended to me but I tried to avoid pulling the covers off so as not to reveal my new secret as it still bothered me and it did for the rest of the day until the alpha came in to check on me in the evening.

The last time I’d seen him was the previous night when he’d comforted me after I found out about my father’s atrocities and the extent of his hideousness. I’d cried myself to sleep in his arms.

“Good evening, Angel,” he greeted me with a heart-melting smile etched on his face as he approached the bed.

I couldn’t help but return his smile but suddenly, I recalled how my eyes had been glowing and my smile fell off, as my heart began racing. I blinked but the expression on his face didn’t give off the notion that he's seen something strange. So I assumed it was gone.

“How was your day?”

He sat on the bed beside me. “Can I?” he asked, glancing at my arm and I nodded in understanding.

Gently, he laced his fingers to mine and placed them on his lap while rubbing the back of my palm with his thumb. The simple and innocent movement sent a thrilling sensation through me that I couldn’t explain.

“You still haven’t answered my question,”

I blinked, unable to recall and it made him chuckle, the deep rumble making my stomach tie in knots and my cheeks heated up.

“How was your day and how are you feeling now?”

“Um… I’m fine, thank you.”

He had no idea of the real extent of those words. But then, maybe I was wrong because his next words had my heart slamming hard against my rib cage.

“I can see. Your eyes are brighter and more beautiful.”

His compliment was said with good intentions but it didn’t help my situation as it only increased my heart rate.

“Re-really?”

“Yes, Angel.” He winked at me, a dazzling smile stretching his lips.

I blinked, my thoughts spiraling out of control as fear gripped me, a cold sweat breaking out on my skin. I didn’t know what to say and I wasn’t sure I could tell him the truth about my sudden and mysterious healing.

I, myself, didn't understand it. But thankfully, his phone rang at that moment and he excused himself.

As soon as he was gone, I got out of bed and ran towards the mirror just to see my eyes again but then my eyes fell on another surprise.

The reflection in the mirror wasn’t me.