Chapter 54 Chapter 53
Evelyn.
The wolf nuzzled against my hand, his presence bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity. I couldn't help but feel a connection to this creature, as if he understood the turmoil within me. "What are you doing here?" I asked gently and it let out a growl, brushing it's nose against my face. "That's not the question I should be asking, I apologize." I muttered. "Thank you," I whispered sincerely, gazing gently into it's eyes. "For saving me."
"If I may ask, can I see the man behind this. I'd like to thank you properly." I said and it shook his head almost instantly, taking a step back. "You don't want to reveal it to me?" I asked and it growled, it's ears drooping. "Okay, then. I won't press." I said and he let a satisfied growl. I chuckled, continuing to stroke it's fur, reveling in it's softness. Through there were scratch marks embedded on its skin, it didn't stop it from looking mighty and powerful. Yet, it was nuzzling adorably at me.
It began to nudge at me once more, prodding me to climb on its back. "You want us to go on a run?" I asked and it nodded, sticking it's tongue out. Hesitating slightly, I walked around, gingerly climbing on its back. Once I was secured properly on its back, I tapped it and it took off into the forest, a scream escaping my lips.
I buried my face into its back, gripping it tightly as it ran, laughter escaping my lips. We ran together, the forest embracing us in its tranquil, mysterious embrace. I reveled in the freedom, the wind in my hair, the wildness in my heart. It felt as though the night, and this enigmatic wolf, understood me in a way no one else did.
It came to a stop at a stream that glittered under the moonlight and I dismounted, going to take a seat, soaking in the view. Lying down beside me, I continued to stroke it's fur, smiling gently at it. I took a deep breath and looked up at the moon, its gentle glow casting a serene light upon the forest.
"Thank you for bringing me out on this run. I really needed it. I've been feeling rather restless lately." I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "This was needed." I muttered, resting my back against it.
The wolf tilted his head, his eyes filled with understanding. It was as if he could sense the pain that weighed heavily on my heart. "Are you feeling that way too?" I asked and he let out a low growl, turning it's head. "You don't want to tell me anything, do you?" I asked and it shrugged. I chuckled, turning my gaze back to the steam before me.
Hours passed in blessed silence, and exhaustion began to settle in. I began snoozing against the wolf but it nudged me awake, guiding me back to the palace, his presence a silent reassurance that I was not alone. With a final nuzzle, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving me with a sense of gratitude and a newfound hope.
As I made my way back to my crib, a smile gracing my lips, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. I had found solace and peace in the presence of the wolf. And as I drifted off to sleep in the early hours of the morning, I couldn't help but hope that this encounter wouldn't be our last.
(A few days later)
"You have been summoned by the Alpha King." A guard announced at the edge of my crib, his gruff voice sending shivers down my spine. My heart skipped a beat and I immediately stood up to my feet, wearing my sandals. At long last, the awaited summons have arrived. I quickly donned my cloak and made my way through the huge corridors of the palace. It was a routine I had grown accustomed to, yet this time, it was different. It was as if the looming Moon Goddess festival had shifted the dynamics between us.
The heavy wooden door creaked as I pushed it open, revealing the Alpha King's study bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. The room was filled with the scent of aged books and the faint hint of sandalwood. My heart raced in my chest as I stepped inside, my footsteps echoing in the silence.
There he was, seated behind a massive oak desk, his eyes closed and his brow furrowed in deep concentration. Papers were scattered across the surface, ink stains marking the edges. The Alpha King appeared lost in his thoughts, his face etched with weariness. It was the first time I had seen him in such a vulnerable state, and a pang of sympathy tugged at my heart.
"You summoned me, master." I called out into the dark room. He barely spared me a glanced as he closed his eyes back, his face withdrawn. I approached cautiously, not wanting to disturb him. The room was filled with an air of tension, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. The preparations for the Moon Goddess festival must be taking a toll on him, I thought. The responsibility of leading the kingdom and ensuring the success of the event was undoubtedly overwhelming.
As I neared the desk, I caught a glimpse of the Alpha King's face. His features were drawn, lines etched around his eyes and mouth. It was as if the weight of his duties had aged him overnight. My heart ached at the sight, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of compassion for him. I bit my lips worriedly, waiting him out, unsure of what to do.
He finally opened his eyes, and they met mine with a mix of coldness and weariness. "Strip and get on the bed." He ordered, his voice low and almost inaudible.
I nodded, unable to find my voice. The sight of him in such a vulnerable state left me momentarily speechless. I had grown accustomed to his commanding presence, his air of authority that seemed unshakable. But now, seeing him like this, I realized that even the Alpha King had his limits. I peeled of the clothing from my body and climbed into the huge, soft bed. Pressing my face into the soft sheets, I took in a deep breath, trying to calm my rattling nerves.
But the Alpha King didn't join me immediately, and after a long time of waiting for him, I finally turned around to look at him again. He was still in the same position that I met him when I arrived, his head thrown back on the seat and his eyes closed. The unusual detachment that I had gotten used to, was ever present, even worse this time around. The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace. I watched as he ran a hand through his tousled hair, a gesture of frustration.
"Your majesty...." I called out softly after a moment's hesitation. "Is everything alright?"