Chapter 29: Unexpected Detours

MORANA

Volk mounted the black motorcycle, its tires wide, the seat low, and the handlebars slightly curved downward.

"You've got to be kidding me," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Get on, it will give us an edge," he instructed, staring at me.

"An edge?" I furrowed my brows, confused. "Why do we need an edge?"

"Get on," he insisted.

"I'm not going anywhere unless you explain what your plan is."

"I'll explain once we get there. Now get on," he said authoritatively, but I wasn’t ready to give in. "Brave enough to want to storm the castle, but not to get on a motorcycle?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not scared, but I thought we were going through the tunnel."

"For the last time, get on, or I'll put you on the motorcycle myself."

"You can try," I challenged, standing still.

He gave me a stern look before getting off the motorcycle, catching me off guard. I swallowed hard.

Was he serious?

"No need," I said through clenched teeth as he stepped toward me.

"Then, get on," he warned.

Reluctantly, I approached, climbing on behind him.

"Do you use this thing often?" I asked.

"And you’re not scared?" he scoffed.

"Why should I trust you?"

"You’re safe, okay? I've been riding since I was a boy, so relax."

I rolled my eyes, struggling to keep my distance from him, but it seemed impossible due to the lean of the motorcycle.

"Hold on to me," he instructed, starting the engine.

Taking a deep breath, I felt adrenaline surge through my veins as the engine vibrated beneath us. Following his instruction, I wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling the firm muscles of his abdomen under my fingers, while my chest pressed against his back.

My entire body went on high alert in response to the forced proximity. I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the sensations. Being this close to him stirred a whirlwind of emotions, which I still didn't know how to handle.

Accelerating, he drove the motorcycle out of the forest, dodging trees and other obstacles.

Within minutes, we reached the road, which led Volk to increase the speed. My heart and breathing did the same.

The speed, combined with the closeness to him, stirred a mix of excitement and anxiety within me.

Every new turn pressed my body even more against his, as the wind whipped through my hair and the night landscape sped by, offering me a taste of freedom once again.

It was for this freedom that I was willing to blindly trust someone I had despised not long ago.

Just for the promise of being finally free, I would risk being so close to him, despite all the dangers his proximity represented.

*

Volk finally stopped the motorcycle in front of what I guessed was a small hotel in town. I had imagined we weren’t heading to the castle, but I had no idea why we came to this place.

Getting off the motorcycle, I finally breathed a sigh of relief, though my body was completely tense and warm.

I looked around as he did the same. It was late, and the street was empty.

"Let's go," he said, walking past me toward the entrance.

I followed him, walking on the sidewalk, our footsteps echoing on the stones. The air told me it was about to rain.

As we entered the place, Volk headed straight to the reception while I looked around. The stone walls at the entrance now gave way to wooden walls painted burgundy.

Sconces hung on these, casting a yellowish light on the environment, making it appear cozy.

There was a lady behind the reception counter. Approaching, I stopped beside Volk.

"The usual room?" the gray-haired lady asked.

The usual room? That meant he must visit this place often. Why? Or for what?

"Yes," Volk nodded.

"Here. I hope you have a great night," she said, handing him the keys.

"Let's go," he said, passing by me, heading towards the stairs.

I couldn't help but notice the scrutinizing look the lady gave me during this, making me realize what the whole situation looked like.

I contained an inward laugh. Of course. Volk must frequent this place quite a bit, and I could bet he usually didn't come alone.

As I followed him up the four flights of stairs, I tried to focus my attention on the worn wooden steps and not on the muscular back and buttocks in front of my eyes.

When we reached the top floor, Volk stopped in front of the only door in the small hallway and opened it. Holding it open, he waited for me to enter first.

And when I did, I was surprised. The room was much better than I had imagined.

"I had almost forgotten that you're royalty," I said, staring at the chandelier on the ceiling, illuminated by candles, as he closed the door behind us.

The room wasn't very spacious, but it was clean and luxuriously decorated. The headboards of the bed had a carved wood design, as did some of the furniture and walls. A rug covered the entire floor.

"Said the girl of royal blood," he walked past me, approaching the bed.

"I think you meant to say impure blood," I corrected him.

"You know, that's the kind of thing that only matters to people like my uncle," he said, taking off his jacket and tossing it onto a chair in the corner.

I averted my gaze, not allowing myself to stare at the way his shirt outlined the muscles of his chest and arms. Suddenly, it became harder to breathe.

"So, are you going to tell me what the plan is?" I asked, leaning against the wall and taking a deep breath.

"We're spending the night here," he declared.