Chapter 178 Chapter 177

Chapter 178 Chapter 177
Aloria.

When I wake up in the afternoon, still feeling completely out of sorts, the alphas help me to the bathing chamber, where my bath has already been prepared.

It's a warm bath, filled with fragrant, medicinal oils that soothe the lingering aches in my body. I slip into the bath, humming softly as the water laps against my skin, feeling the knots in all of my limbs loosen and melt away. Sitting there for a moment, I allow the warmth to wash over me before picking up the soap and washcloth, washing my entire body.

Although my bath time isn't as long as I'd like due to the water getting cool quickly, by the time I step out, I feel much more invigorated.

Wrapping a soft woolen robe around my body, I make my way to the full-length mirror located in the corner of the bathing chamber and stare at my reflection. My blonde hair is wet, sticking to my skin, my eyes are bright, and just below my neck, where my shoulder blades meet, are two red bite marks, swollen and pulsing with their own energy.

I let my gaze linger on them for a moment longer, feeling the gentle buzzing of the bond beneath my skin before reaching out gingerly to touch them.

Just as expected, the marks seem to have a life of their own, sending a strange pulse of sensation all over my body. A soft smile spreads on my lips as my gaze wanders, moving to the other marks of possession littering my skin, as well as that unfamiliar fullness that still persists even after last night, along with that strange sense of contentment and happiness. Those will take some time to fade away, not that I'm in a hurry to watch them disappear.

Pleased, I tighten the robe around my body and leave the bathing chamber. I return to my room and slip into fresh clothing. I come out to meet the alphas in the living room area, a plate of cut fruit and fresh honeyed bread already waiting.

"You must be hungry..." Draven says as he turns to me, a gentle look on his face. He gestures to the tray. "Eat this for now. You need to regain your strength."

I walk toward the tray and pick up several pieces of the cut fruit, popping them into my mouth and chewing enthusiastically. We eat in companionable silence for a while before I decide to break it, my gaze still fixed on them.

"So... now that the bond is done, what happens? What will we be doing in the meantime?"

"Oh... We're not in a hurry to return to the city," Draven says, taking a sip of the fruit wine he'd poured for himself and the rest of us. "We're going to be staying here for a bit... get used to the bond and to ourselves."

I nod slowly, taking another piece of fruit and popping it into my mouth.

"That sounds like a splendid plan," I say, giving them a soft smile.

Kairos grunts in agreement, but he doesn't say anything else.

We slip into another comfortable silence for a bit, just eating. I keep tuning into the bond, feeling and enjoying the buzz, the way I can feel the alphas' emotions and know for sure that they truly care for me.

It makes me feel so cherished. There isn't another feeling like this.

"Let's go for a walk after this," I say suddenly, looking at them.

Kairos and Draven stiffen, their eyes narrowing for a bit before widening with amusement and satisfaction.

"You want to go on a walk?" Kairos asks, peering at me with that curious look in his eyes.

I nod.

"I'd like to stretch my limbs for a moment," I say, holding his gaze.

Kairos nods in agreement, then his eyes narrow ever so slightly.

"Can you walk?"

My breath hitches at the question, a traitorous blush spreading across my face.

"I... um, I think?" I say, shrugging my shoulders.

Kairos scoffs, but there's no heat in it, while Draven chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Yeah... right," he murmurs, gazing at me with that fond expression on his face. "I think isn't going to work, Aloria. It's either you can walk or you can't."

At that, I press my lips together, averting my gaze. I don't think I can walk for that long. I wouldn't want to collapse.

Draven moves forward, getting into my line of sight, his expression becoming gentler.

"Don't worry. If you want to go on your walk, you will. Don't mind us," he says.

"Really?" I ask, brightening.

He nods, stretching to his full height. Kairos follows after him, rising as well.

"Come on, let's go."

I rise to my feet, a huge smile on my face. Together, we walk out of the cottage, arriving at the porch.

Then... Draven crouches in front of me.

"Come on, let me piggyback you," he groans, gesturing to his back.

I pause, staring at him with wide eyes.

"Oh..." I murmur, lost for words.

He looks back at me, his eyes twinkling with amusement, even as his jaw stays clenched. "Are you getting on or not?"

"I'm climbing on..." I say with a giggle, getting onto his back, making sure I'm secure behind him.

Draven rises to his feet with a soft grunt.

I can't help the smile that splits my lips. It's so mundane, yet so incredibly intimate. My grip on him instinctively tightens as I lean in, basking in his presence.

"Are you ready?" Draven asks, glancing back at me, and I nod, excited.

"Yes..." I say, beaming at him, my heart racing with excitement.

Together, we start our walk into the forest.

For some reason, even the forest feels different. Still on Draven's back, I pause, closing my eyes for a moment. The forest feels... Alive in some way. The breeze carries the scent of pine, damp earth, and wildflowers, but beneath it all, I can still feel the steady presence of the alphas through the bond. It's comforting. Like an invisible thread reminding me I am not alone.