Rivers
I felt strangely light, almost weightless, and a deep sense of relief washed through me, so different from the woman I remembered being. My body felt alive in ways I couldn't yet understand, as though something buried deep within me had finally awakened.
I stirred softly, my body sinking into a surface far too soft to feel real. It didn't make sense, nothing about it did. I couldn't remember the last time I had ever laid on something this comfortable… except…
My breath caught sharply as my eyes flew open. I blinked, adjusting to the brightness, my gaze slowly moving around this unfamiliar room. It was nothing like the one I had woken up in before, though it carried the same blend of blue and golden lighting that gave it an oddly calm but luxurious feel.
The large bed I lay on sat at the center of the room, positioned just before a floor-to-ceiling cupboard. Close by, there was a neat arrangement of packed items, like someone had been organizing things. My eyes drifted to the creamy walls, taking in every detail until they landed on a structure that immediately caught my attention, a mini bar.
A memory surfaced instantly.
I had seen something like this before… in Alpha Anthony's quarters. He often walked over to it to pour himself a drink, especially during those long nights when he was buried in work or stress.
My gaze lingered on the shelves filled with books, and a quiet longing stirred within me. I swallowed it down quickly. I had never gone to school, and as far as I could remember, reading and writing were things I barely understood. Still… I had secretly taught myself what little I knew, holding onto knowledge like it was something precious and forbidden.
"Where am I?" I asked softly, my voice sounding unfamiliar even to my own ears.
There was no one in the room, but Bella stirred faintly within me, her presence surfacing with a dull, aching throb.
"In our mate's territory," she murmured.
I frowned slightly. "But this looks different from the previous room."
"That's because it is different," she replied. "We are no longer at the summit grounds…"
Before I could process her words, the door suddenly swung open, cutting the moment short.
My breath stilled.
Standing there was the one man I hadn't expected to see, at least, not after the coldness he had shown me before.
He stepped inside, his movements calm yet commanding, closing the distance between us until he stood only inches away. My breath hitched, turning uneven as his scent wrapped around me, stirring something restless inside both Bella and me.
"You are awake," he said quietly, his voice low and controlled. His expression unreadable as he clasped his hands behind his back.
Now that he was this close, I couldn't look away.
My eyes traced over him, his broad shoulders, his strong chest, the sharp lines of his face, and the firm set of his jaw. Everything about him spoke of strength and authority. He looked like a man carved with precision, as though perfection had shaped him deliberately. Time had changed him… turned him into someone far more imposing, someone whose presence alone demanded submission.
"Where am I?" I asked again, my voice steadier this time, though my body betrayed me.
Under his intense gaze, heat crept up my skin, flushing my cheeks with a mixture of nervousness and something far more dangerous.
"You are at Darkshades. My territory," he answered, his tone sharp and distant.
I swallowed. "Why am I here? Why bring me when it's obvious you don't want me… or this bond?"
His brows pulled together instantly, his expression tightening. His gaze hardened as it dropped slightly.
"I may not want you," he said slowly, "but I want you safe. And there is no safer place for you than here."
Something in his voice felt final, cold, even.
"I never asked for your protection," I muttered, biting down on my lip as I looked away, refusing to meet his eyes.
A low breath escaped him.
"Careful, little mate," he warned, stepping closer again until his towering presence overshadowed me completely. "Without my protection, you are nothing more than a prey to them."
He turned as if to leave, but something in me refused to let him walk away.
"Wait."
My voice stopped him mid-step. He paused, then turned back slowly.
"Thank you… for coming to my rescue," I added, my tone softer now.
For the briefest moment, something shifted in his eyes, something gentler, almost like restrained emotion, but it disappeared just as quickly as it came.
"You will remain safe if you follow simple instructions," he said firmly. "Do not go against my will, and do not leave the pack house, at least for now."
His words carried weight, more command than advice.
"Prepare yourself. A maid will be here shortly," he added before turning away completely.
The door closed behind him, leaving a lingering silence that felt heavier than before.
I hadn't even gathered my thoughts when a knock came at the door.
"Come in," I called.
The door opened, revealing a woman who probably was in her mid-thirties. Her dark hair was tied neatly into a ponytail, and she wore a gentle smile. Her full cheeks and rounded figure reminded me of myself, though she carried hers with more confidence. Her simple brown gown fit her comfortably, neither too tight nor too loose.
"Greetings, my lady," she said politely, bowing her head slightly. "I have been assigned to assist you in freshening up and to escort you afterward."
I frowned slightly. "Escort me where?"
She hesitated, then exhaled softly before meeting my eyes. Her green eyes were bright and warm, almost comforting.
"I'm sorry, my lady, but I am not permitted to say more than I've been told."
Something about her honesty made my chest tighten slightly.
"If you don't mind, I'll prepare your bath," she added gently.
I gave a small nod. "Yes… please."
Even as I spoke, my mind refused to settle. Everything felt too sudden, too unfamiliar.
"Bella… can you sense what this is about?" I asked inwardly.
She was quiet for a moment before responding.
"I don't know," she admitted softly. "It's best we follow his instructions… for now."
"My lady, the bath is ready," the woman called after a moment. "Would you like assistance?"
"No… I can manage," I replied quickly.
I pushed myself up from the bed, my body protesting slightly as weakness lingered beneath the surface. Still, I forced myself to stand, determined not to appear fragile, not here, not now.