ELORA
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The cold wind kissed the tip of my nose. My nostrils reacted in that instant, and I sneezed, dragging myself back to the land of the conscious.
I had fallen asleep after the king and I…
I stopped the thought. A tidal wave of panic washed over me. I forced my eyes open, and looked around to take in the sight of my surroundings.
My gaze met familiar walls and draperies. The tension that had built in my stomach reduced, and I found myself being able to breathe.
Slowly, I pulled myself up from the soft bed. I turned to my right and placed my feet on the ground as I stared out of the window.
I was in my room, but the king and I…
I shook my head to force the thought out of my mind, but not before I felt heat rise from the pit of my stomach, and spread through my cheeks.
I could tell I was as red as a tomato fruit without looking at myself.
I heaved a sigh and thought of getting back into bed when I heard my wolf whimper softly within me. I raised my right hand to be chest and rubbed it gently.
This was odd.
The bones in my feet stretched out on their own accord. When I touched the skin of my bare chest, it was hairier than it ought to be.
Frantic, I looked back at the window and peered at the sky.
A silver full moon stared back at me, in all its round and glorious beauty.
I was starting to shift. Confused, I sprang up from the bed and stared down at my elongated feet. My heartbeat quickened in my chest, and I glanced at the moon again.
This wasn’t right. My shaking hands clutched the sides of my dress.
I was not supposed to shift as a slave, it was not supposed to happen.
Panic-stricken, I dashed out of my room. My chest rose and fell in deep and ragged breaths, while I took the sharp corner that led to the King’s chambers.
I had to see him! I had to tell him everything!
I was done waiting for the right time. I was done with the internal conflict, asking myself over and over again if he was going to believe me.
What would he say? Would he hate, or like me more?
I rushed into his chambers, ready to explain the reason for my mad urgency if I was asked, but he was not present in his room.
Frowning, I walked further into the room and made my way to his balcony. I ran into the balcony and caught the iron railings in my small palms. My eyes scanned the ground, and the surrounding environs, all in search of him.
He was nowhere to be found.
Determined, I found my way to his study. Running past doors, into corridors, and up flights of stairs, until I finally arrived at the door.
It was opened. I stepped into the room, beads of sweat trickling down my forehead and forming a nasty pool at my neck.
The study was empty as well.
Tired, I leaned against the door frame. Frustration threatened to build a base in my head, but I fought hard against the thought.
It just felt silly.
I had given myself a long speech about all the reasons he needed to know the truth, even mustered enough courage to look into his eyes and tell him everything, to answer whatever questions he might have had when I was done.
All the pain I had gone through to get my mind ready resulted in nothing.
I could not see him, and my guts had dwindled. I folded my arms around my chest, while my brain actively weighed my options.
The truth had to be told, but how?
If he walked into the room, I did know if I would have the guts to stand in front of him and talk anymore.
I looked around his study. When my eyes landed on a piece of paper on his desk, an idea lit up in my mind.
A letter!
I jumped immediately, standing straight as I looked around the room.
My confusion dissolved and made way for a mix of relief and uncertainty.
I walked into his study and closed the door behind me. I pulled out a blank paper from underneath one of his many files and picked up a quill pen. I dipped the pen into a bottle of dark ink and started to scribble on the paper.
In it, I told him the truth about everything. I let him know what Alpha Rasmus of Alkarod had done, how my father had been killed and framed as a traitor, what had become of my mother, the things they did with slaves back at Alkarod, including Kain Kurt’s involvement in the very events that had led me up to this moment.
Then, I concluded the letter by telling him about our mate bond. He did not owe me his acceptance, but it was best he knew.
I finished the letter and wiped my ink-stained hands on my dress. I folded the paper neatly and allowed it to rest on his desk.
I had hoped he would come in while I was writing, but since he didn’t, I knew I had to leave it where his eyes would easily spot it.
A faint smile spread across my cheeks. I could only hope for the best, could I not?
I made my way out of his study and headed back to my room.
I strolled to my balcony to get some air. With all that had happened today, it was very much needed.
I leaned against the wall, and closed my eyes, allowing the soft breeze of the night to comb through my hair and kiss my face once more.
As I stood there, my wolf picked up the sound of quick footsteps drawing closer to us. My senses were immediately alarmed.
I tilted my neck to the side and made a sharp turn in the direction of my room door.
I was mentally and physically ready to attack my secret attacker first, but that was until Gael emerged from the darkness.
He stood tall, in his ever-charming state, and stared down at me. Alarmed, I staggered backward, creating as much space as I could between us.
He squinted his brows at me, but I didn’t stop.
He was not supposed to be here. The king had given him strict orders against coming close to me. Was he trying to die?
He took one step into my balcony, and I pressed my back against the wall. His eyes softened as he watched me.
“Oh, Elora. Please just listen to me, will you?”
“Why…?” I blurted out.
“Why are you here?”
“I just want to talk to you, Elora. I wouldn’t hurt you, I am not here to harm you. I give you my gentleman’s word.”
I stayed still when he started to walk towards me.
“The king, he is not your friend, Elora. He is not who you think he is. He doesn’t trust you, he wouldn’t believe you. But I…I trust you, Elora. I believe you, and I want to help you.”
Touching, but it didn’t make me feel any better. If anyone else saw him here, he would lose his head.
“You could die if you’re caught here, Gael. What is the matter with you?” I looked around, just to make sure no one was watching us.
“Don’t you care about your life?”
“I know, Elora. I know, but I came because I have found a way to help you with your mother.”
My mother.
Those two words piqued my interest, as though he had cast a spell on me. I listened intently.
“I know where your mother is in Alkarod, I can take you there. You see,” He stood barely inches away from me now.
“They are searching for you in Alkarod. You could be killed if you go there yourself. I can help you, we can go together, and take your mother away. I have a very good plan.”
Gael reached for both my hands. He caressed my palms as he held them gently. I was elated, too far gone to think about anything he was doing.
My eyes sparkled with excitement. Finally, I was going to get my mother back! After all these months!
However, there was one more thing that bothered me.
My smile disappeared from my face, and the worried look in his eyes appeared once more.
“Is everything okay?”
“I was…I mean I am, but, what about my siblings?” I asked. He heaved a sigh, and a small smile formed on his face.
“What will happen to my siblings if I leave?”
“Your siblings would be safe here, Elora. I know that the king is evil, but I trust he is not evil enough to harm innocent children.”
He tried to sound reassuring, but I wasn’t reassured.
“I mean it, Elora. Your siblings will be safe. We will be in Alkarod and back before you even know it.”
He was right. The king was kind enough not to harm my siblings while I was gone. Also, with the letter I had left behind, I was sure he would understand why I had to leave.
While his confidence was contagious, it bothered me. Did he not fear being caught? If he was caught running with me, he would be killed on the spot.
“I fear for you, Gael. If you are caught…” I started to speak, but he placed his finger on my lips.
I was taken aback by the gesture. My eyes shot open, and he smiled at me.
“Whatever happens, Elora, I would lay my life down to protect you. Rasmus has plans to kill your mother since he cannot find you, and I cannot let that happen to you.” He moved closer to me and stared deep into my dim eyes.
“I’ll keep you safe, and help you bring your family together. Even if it’s the last thing I do.”