Chapter 6 Commander Ruel
Ruel’s POV
The corridor stretches wide and far, spanning across a hundred rooms.
“It's weirdly silent today.” Elric mutters, effortlessly keeping up with my stride.
My sturdy soles strike the stony ground with steady rhythm, the sound echoing beyond the brightly lit space.
Everyone we pass by salutes in respect, waiting a second for us to move on before continuing on their way.
I nod, acknowledging Elric’s initial statement.
Something does seem strange.
No one speaks when I pass. It's almost like they are hardly breathing. I know I'm their commander but this reaction… It seems like they've done something wrong again. Or at least something that could either go right or terribly wrong for them.
I leave the base for a day and everyone is acting like they stuck their hands in the cookie jar.
Behind us, Scarface trails close, the scar under his chin tightening each time he swallows.
“Updates,” I demand flatly as he too falls in step with me.
Briefly brushing a hand through his blond hair, he straightens.
“The Alpha King sent more hands. This time from Velmora City.”
I nod slowly, keeping my eyes ahead. “Anything else?”
Scarface hesitates as we take a turn. “There’s… something else, Commander.”
Elric snorts. “Whatever it is better explain these guilty looks we've been getting.” He keeps his brown eyes on Scarface before speaking again. “You look almost ready to shit your pants.”
“Scarface, the other news?” I cut in, not willing to listen to Elric’s theories.
Scarface swallows, his left eye twitching. “The Alpha King sent a letter, sir. I kept it… in your room. First drawer.”
I tilt my head slightly, staying silent for a moment.
Two weeks… It's been two weeks of waiting. And finally, the Alpha King chooses to respond. Hopefully, this time the letter has what I requested.
My jaw tightens, as my blood pumps faster in anticipation.
“A letter from the King himself? Not a lackey’s hand?” I ask to be sure.
“The Alpha King, Commander Ruel. His seal is still intact.”
I nod. “Good. Keep it safe until I need it. Bring it after we check the corridor.”
Elric smirks faintly, but even his amusement is gone now. “Still… that doesn't explain all the cautiousness. It's not our birthday today right? I mean, it’s not like we’re walking into a trap… is it?”
Officer Scarface shifts uneasily. “Uh, there's one more thing I need to tell you.”
I slow my pace, finally meeting Scarface’s eyes as we reach the final door. The black iron shines with the crest of Vahl.
The torches on this side of the hall burn lower, giving it an eerie feeling– just how I like it.
“And what is it you need to say?” I ask.
Scarface opens his mouth to speak but I lift a finger, my nostrils twitching as I pick up a scent.
“Sweetness doesn't belong in my hall.” I whisper to myself.
Elric turns the knob.
Scarface moves forward. “Commander Ruel,” he begins carefully but then the door swings open before he can finish.
And I stop.
The floral scent hits harder. It's so strong that it's both nauseating and captivating. Suddenly my room feels tainted.
“Did someone spray in here?” I ask, frowning.
Elric rolls his eyes. “Really, this place smells of dust as always. You…”
But I don't hear what he says next. Because in that exact moment, I see her.
Her head tilts slightly at the sound of our voices, pale slender hands tied to my bedpost.
For a split second I hear and see nothing but her.
The slightly pink drops of water that roll down her red wet strands of hair. The little bits that stick to the sides of her face and neck.The very transparent fabric she has on.
It really leaves nothing to the imagination.
The way the thin material clings to her hips makes the purpose of this setup sickeningly clear.
Someone wanted her to look like an offering.
My jaw tightens.
Elric goes still beside me but Scarface doesn’t move at all.
When she raises her head fully, I'm met with her cold blue eyes. Yet her gaze burns with an undeniable rage.
Her hands tremble when I step closer but she doesn't drop her glare, as though daring me to take another step.
The freckles on her skin stand out the most, spreading innocently across her button nose.
Her breathing becomes laboured as she parts her chapped lips even further.
My gaze drifts lower… Bruises mark her shoulders and collarbone, obvious against her pale flesh.
A sound hums low in my chest before I even recognize it.
Lust, hunger?... No.
What I feel right now can only be described as pure rage.
My wolf stirs beneath my skin, curious and eager. I shove him down immediately. I don’t need his instincts right now.
This is in no way a temptation. It’s an insult.
Someone thought I’d find pleasure in a bound, broken woman being displayed like a damn prize?!
Do I look like some crazed dog in rut?
The ropes around her wrists are visibly tearing into her flesh.
Someone had the audacity to clean her, wash her, dress her like this and leave her for me.
It's at this moment I realize they all have a justified reason to be scared of my reaction.
I move closer, the floor creaking under my shoes. She flinches instinctively, but her eyes never lower. Like someone cornered in a battle, she covers her fear with boldness.
Or is it foolishness?
Scarface clears his throat behind me, his voice breaking the silence. “Commander Ruel…”
“What the hell is this?” I scold, my voice sounding rougher than intended.
Scarface takes a step back. And Elric steps between us, his eyes moving from the chained woman to me.
Fury digs up my spine, hastily filling my throat as I glare at her again. At the mockery someone thought I'd appreciate.
“I asked a fucking question, Scarface!” I thunder, watching the man breath in deeply.