ZEPHYRINE's POV.
As I slowly opened my eyes, the wave of pain coursing through my body made me wince.
I came upon a soft plush bed where I had been lying, under a lavishly designed bedroom.
"Alpha Terran, the young lady is up," a feminine voice spoke beside me from her on.
A handsome youth, attended by a retinue of doctors, entered the room. "Good morning," he said in a deep melodious voice. "I am Alpha Terran. I am glad to see that you are awake and in good health."
"Th-thank you," I stuttered, struggling to raise myself on my elbows.
Alpha Terran quickly came to my bedside, helping me sit up and adjusting the pillows behind my back. "Easy, don't try to move too much. You have been through a lot."
The doctors began checking me out, examining my wounds and taking my vitals. I winced in pain as they poked and prodded, but Alpha Terran kept calm and gentle.
"How are you feeling?" one of the doctors asked.
"I.I'm in a lot of pain," I said, catching my breath.
The doctor nodded and jotted something on his clipboard. "We'll get you some more pain medication right away."
What felt like an eternity later, the doctors finished their examination and discharged me fit to recover on my own. As they filed out of the room, Alpha Terran addressed the young woman who had spoken earlier.
"Please bring our guest something to eat," he said. "She must be famished."
She nodded and scampered off, returning with a steaming tray of food. Alpha Terran helped me to eat, asking softly how I was doing.
"How is the food?" he asked me as I started into the soup.
"Delicious, thank heavens," I said, chewing slowly with relished enjoyment of warm, comforting flavors.
As I ate, Alpha Terran asked me if I wanted to rest or walk around the grounds. "You've been cooped up in that bed for a while," he said. "Some fresh air might do you good."
"I'd love to take a walk," I replied with glee, grateful for the offer.
And as we walked, words of thanks started to tumble forth. "I don't know what would have happened to me if you hadn't come along," I choked out, emotion so stark in my voice. "I owe you my life, Alpha Terran."
"Please, call me Terran," he said, his face breaking out into a smile. "And you don't owe me anything. I'm just glad I was able to help."
I smiled back at him and felt wonder and curiosity towards this kind and mysterious stranger. "Why did you save me?" I asked, looking up at him curiously.
The expression of Terran became serious, and he looked away for a moment before responding. "I'll tell you everything in due time," he said. "For now, let's just focus on getting you back on your feet."
“Why are you not questioning me? I mean, all alphas do this to catch spies in disguise.” I mumbled without thinking.
"I'm sorry about your mother's passing," Terran said, a lot of sincerity in his tone. "She was a great mother and a good friend."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked up at him, surprised by the kindness in his eyes. "You knew my mother?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Terran nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, we were like brother and sister," he said. "We grew up together, actually. I was in your pack for a period of time, before leaving to start my own."
I felt surprised. "In our pack?" I stammered, trying hard to make sense of all this news.
Terran nodded again. "Yes, I was. But I had to leave when I was younger. I was growing too fast, and I didn't feel like I belonged there anymore. Astrid was a beautiful young, vibrant lady… she acted like my big sister. Oh, you should have seen her."
I was curious, despite myself. "What was she like, back then?" I asked, leaning forward in my chair.
A wider smile overspread Terran's face; his gaze went far, far away, lost in thought. "She was incredible," he said. "So strong and confident then, much as she is now, had this way of making one feel as if you are the only individual around, you know? The heart of gold, tender and kind, compassionate-".
I felt a pang of sadness, hearing Terran talk about my mother like that. It was obvious he truly had cared for her, that he still missed her.
"I'm so sorry," I whispered. "I wish I could've known her that way."
Terran's eyes refocused, and his somber eyes locked onto mine. "You did know her, Zephyrine," he said. "You just didn't get to see that side of her as much because you were younger. But trust me, she was an amazing person, and I'm so glad to have met her."
I nodded.
As the sun was starting to set, casting that warm orange color over the room, Terran got up and smiled at me. "I think it is time for you to get some rest," he said. "You've had a very long day, and you are still recovering from your injuries."
I nodded, and disappointment surged well within me, and that indeed was the end of our conversation. He only smiled, however, took my arm once more and escorted me out of the library back to my bedroom.
As we walked, the whole castle seemed to come alive at this time of night. The castles, torches, and candles threw streaks of dancing shadows across the walls, and whispers of laughter and music stroked the corridors.
When we reached my room, Terran turned the door open and stepped aside, inviting me in. "I'll have something brought up for dinner," he said. "And then I will leave you to rest."
I nodded as a well of gratitude rose inside me. Seated at the small table beside the window, Terran sat across, and we dined in pleasant silence.
When dinner was over, Terran leaned back and smiled at me. "Rest, Zephyrine," he said. "You are safe here."
I nodded, and a wave of relief washed over me as he left the room. Immediately I was alone, a sense of peace settled over me. I looked around the room, taking in the comfortable bed, the beautiful tapestries on the walls.
Before I knew it, my inner voice was talking to mother and Cormac in my brain. "Mother, Cormac, I feel at home, I whispered very softly. "Please, give me some guidance. Show me what to do".
I was hit by a wave of longing and closed my eyes, praying to high heaven that one of them would answer me. But there was only silence.