Chapter 52 Apology?
Celine’s POV
“I didn't notice you’ve been there,” I said, sitting upright on the bed.
“You haven't planned to sleep, the candle is still burning, and I saw Mira walk out of this room.” She walked too slow to the bed. “You needed something?”
All the standing like a ghost beside the door was to ask if I needed anything?
What if I hadn't noticed her?
She would still be standing there, wouldn't she?
“You’ve been watching me,” I said.
“I can't deny that.”
“Then… What's this about? I’m sure you didn't come to ask if I needed anything. Mira would have already done that if I needed.”
“I thought it normal to check on you.”
That soft spot about her. It was needed, but I didn't want to show too much neediness. But was there anything I had to hide?
She already had secrets about me, secrets that she’d refused to spill to me. There was nothing covered about me for her not to see through.
“You look pale,” she sat on the bed.
I gave up my strong stance. It was no use as this care and affection was what I needed at a crazy time like this.
“Maybe I look pale.” I leaned on her shoulders.
Her hand went behind me, patting my back. “I understand.”
But… What about the fight we had?
Her almost taking control of me by assuming I had no need of making any choice for myself, and her planning an escape that I refused to go on with, was supposed to drive us apart.
At least for a while till either of us came to terms with ourselves. But that could also take an eternity.
This gesture of hers… it went far beyond setting an argument. It was more like we never argued. More like everything had been perfect between us, and that she’d come as usual to render emotional support.
It didn't feel real. But it was.
Then she brought our little issue into the spotlight.
“I’m sorry.”
“About what?”
I didn't expect her to start an apology. It wouldn't make sense if she did.
“Planning an escape out of this pack without first informing you, going against your choices.”
I shook my head. “I didn't count those as something to make me offended.”
“But you were offended, and that was normal.”
“I didn't take anything to heart.”
I didn't know if to classify that as a lie.
“Even if you didn't, my apology would still be valid.”
“Okay then.”
While she held on to me, that was when the coldness of the room occurred to me. The cool breeze blew in through the window, joining her hands to caress my back.
And it wasn't all about the cool breeze coming in. It was like she called it along with her presence. I felt calm inwardly.
“So you forgive me?” She smiled.
“Forgive? That would be too high for me to say, don't you think so?”
“I don't, just say the word.”
“Fine, yes I do.”
She shook her head. “You didn't say the word.”
“Ugh… has it also become a magic word?”
“Magic word or not, you have to say it.”
A smile returned to my lips.
“I forgive you.”
“Thank you.” She kissed my forehead.
We stayed in this position for a while. She didn't rush to speak, just allowed the coolness to find its way into our moment in order to massage our hearts before we continued.
There was so much to talk about.
“Celine, you know what, your choice also matters. It’s your life. I shouldn't try to decide for you.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll always go with what you want.”
I hoped she wasn't taking things too far. My choice mattered but that always doing what I wanted without an argument didn't sound alright especially since I had little experience in these things.
“You have to always help me decide.” I told her.
“Of course I would always do that for you. I don't want you to make grave mistakes.”
And that sounded better. At least all the work of deciding wasn't just on me. It was better shared between us as my own idea could not be solely depended on.
“Have something you want to share with me?” She asked.
“I met Tristan today… I told him I was going to accept to become his mate.”
I studied her expression just to see if she still stood with me, and was not putting up an act.
“And what did he say?”
Her curiosity didn't come off as awkward. It showed care and support. It didn't show she had any hate for Tristan.
“He shifted so I saw him in the form of his wolf.”
“Werewolves barely do that.”
“They don't?” I raised eyebrows at her.
“Only in times of battle or for a great passion,” she explained. “For your case, it's obvious that it was all about passion.”
“He said he would mark me.”
“That is always a special ceremony. It's not done indoors as he’s an Alpha. The whole pack has to witness it.”
My eyes were starting to feel heavy. The heaviness of my eyes felt good. The sleep that would follow would be one of the best I had ever had since I was forced into this pack.
“Tristan will keep you safe,” Lila went on to say. “It’s just his curse I'm worried about.”
She made me lie in bed.
“My little girl.” She smiled, her face above mine.
I hadn't told her all I was supposed to.
I didn't think I should.
How was I supposed to tell her about Zara’s lies against Tristan when she was just starting to accept that Tristan meant no bad for me?
Or what about Mira's last words before leaving this room?
His darkness.
The thought of these things could disrupt the little sleep I was starting to let into my eyes and mind, but Lila's calmness dissolved everything. There wasn't a need to worry even though there was something to worry about.
“Sleep gently,” I heard Lila say.
But the next moment, I was between the deafening sound of loud growls, smoke flooding my nostrils while I stood in the center of burning houses.
Why wasn't I in my room?