21

After regaining consciousness, the next thing I remember is opening my eyes to a wooden ceiling that I didn't recognize. I gradually sat up in bed and studied the room.

The room was filled with artwork, displayed in every corner, and adorned with rose-beige satin curtains that matched the wooden structure of the room. It wasn't a particularly large room, but it was elegantly decorated.

In one corner, there was a small fireplace. Flowers were scattered throughout, drawing attention to the impressive artwork displayed on large easels.

As I looked around, a damp cloth fell from my forehead, catching my attention. I noticed a bowl of water on the bedside table. The person who rescued me from the river also dedicated a significant amount of time to looking after me. I observed that they even made an effort to change my clothes.

In a short while, a very attractive man in his early twenties entered the room, holding a bowl of freshly warmed water and a clean piece of clothing. At that moment, I felt like I had stepped into a heavenly realm, completely captivated by his appearance.

The man's deep-set grey eyes captivated me the very first moment I locked my eyes with him. His jet-black hair artfully tousled yet impeccably groomed, cascaded in rebellious waves down his neck. A well-defined jawline and broad shoulders tapering into a slender waist balanced the refinement of his features with a touch of masculinity.

The man seemed startled to find me awake and sitting on the bed. However, his lips curved into a subtle yet confident smile, conveying a sense of kindness.

"You are awake," he said, his voice unexpectedly soft and beautiful.

Feeling a bit awkward and unsure, as I had never encountered another human besides my mother, I remained silent.

The man placed the bowl of water on the bedside table and took the empty one with him as he left the room. He returned shortly after with a cup of warm coffee.

Naturally, as if we were not strangers, the man handed me the cup. I took a sip silently and felt much better after drinking the coffee.

Pulling up a chair, the man sat by the bed and watched me as I finished drinking, avoiding his gaze the entire time.

After a while, his eyes filled with curiosity, the man asked, "How are you feeling right now?"

"Much better," I responded in a calm voice.

''That's great to hear. I am Edward,'' the man introduced himself, his charming smile growing wider and dimples appearing on both of his cheeks, proving the stereotype that all good-looking men don't have dimples, but all men with dimples are good-looking.

''I am Ella,'' I calmly replied. ''Were you the one who saved me from the river?'' I asked again.

''Does it seem like it could be anyone else?'' Edward chuckled. The sound of his laughter was like a melody to my ears, and suddenly, butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

Blushing, I quickly glanced at the white shirt I was wearing. There was no doubt that Edward had been the one to change my clothes.

''I was respectful, I promise,'' Edward assured me, sensing my concern. His words made my ears feel hot.

''I can't thank you enough for saving my life and for your kindness,'' I said, hesitating. I had never spoken to a human before, other than my mom. I didn't know how to explain anything to him, especially since I could see the curiosity flickering in his eyes.

''You don't need to thank me. How could I let such a beautiful lady drown?'' Edward asked, tilting his head and causing my heart to skip a beat. ''However, I must admit, I am incredibly curious right now.''

I gasped, realizing that the moment had arrived. I had been worried that he would ask about my true identity.

''Last night, when I was changing your wet clothes, I noticed something. The scars on your hands healed on their own after a while. They just faded away. That doesn't happen to a normal human,'' Edward said, his voice surprisingly calm.

As the blood drained from my face, leaving me pale, Edward noticed the change."Don't worry," Edward reassured me calmly. "I've grown up on this farm and have encountered people from the other side of the river many times. I know that the inhabitants of the woods are not human."

I was taken aback that Edward was aware of the existence of the wolves. However, I hesitated to reveal everything to him. My mother also ventured into the woods for the same purpose anyway. Humans always had a curiosity about beings different from themselves.

Could I truly trust this man? I pondered. What if he captured me and handed me over to human organizations? I gazed into Edward's captivating eyes for a moment, searching for any signs of violence or greed. To my relief, I found none. Even Lexa, who would usually become agitated around people if she sensed danger, seemed unusually calm in his presence.

"I'm sorry," Edward apologized, placing his hand on top of mine. "I shouldn't have pressured you while you're still recovering. If you're not comfortable sharing the details with me, I won't push you. However, regardless of whether you're human or not, you're a woman in need of help. Don't worry, I won't harm you. So please stay here until you're fully healed. Then, I'll respect whatever decision you make."

Edward's words left me feeling disheartened. I couldn't ignore the fact that he had saved my life and taken care of me, despite any ulterior motives he may have had. Plus, I needed his assistance to survive and escape from my pack by blending into human society.

Staying near the wolf territory was too risky, so when Edward tried to leave, I grabbed his wrist to stop him.

"I'll tell you everything," I said calmly.

Edward turned to me, surprised, and sat back down in the chair. He was a good listener and had a kind heart. He attentively listened to everything I had to say. He seemed amused that I didn't hide any reasons for my escape. I moved my hair from my neck, revealing the bite marks.

Edward's already pale complexion turned as red as cherries when he saw the mark on my neck. His eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed. I found it adorable, like a cat.

"So, it was part of the marking process," Edward muttered. "I thought those were from a lover or something," he said, looking away and becoming embarrassed.

It was a new side of him. During our earlier conversation, I didn't expect him to act so innocently. He seemed much more extroverted. I couldn't help but chuckle at his cuteness.