Nervously I watched, as the Lycan King climbed the podium and commanded the attention of everyone in the hall.
Naomi’s left hand grasped mine and held, offering a much needed comfort. Appreciation rang true in my eyes as I turned and looked at her.
“Good evening everyone. I am glad that y’all honored the invitation to be here tonight… as you all know, we have gathered here for the sake of one of ours…”
The king continued with the speech; apologizing for the misconduct of his sons; and promising a better life for me outside the pack, in the city of humans.
I turned to Adam, to see his reaction, when his father mentioned that a car would be coming next tomorrow to take me to the city of humans.
His face was contorted in sadness, even as he redirected his gaze to stare at me as well, as if he had known that I had been staring at him all this time. He gave me a sad smile, and I wondered what that meant. Did it mean that he had given me up; that he couldn’t help the string of fate?
My gaze left him dolefully, and I busied myself with the sling purse which Naomi had lent me. It was empty, save for a lipstick and a small scarf.
“…Now, Maya Holins, we care for you and we are sorry for how we have mistreated you these past years. We also believe that you have forgiven us…” The King was saying, dragging my attention to him again.
Forgiven them? When had I done that?
The King was staring at me at that moment, his blue eyes as cold as ever. From my angle, it was like the man was anything but sorry. I darted my eyes to his wife; she was looking at me sorrowfully.
When she assimilated that I was staring at her however, her face returned to its signature aloofness, and a faux smile plastered on her lips.
What was going on here? Why was the Queen sorrowful about this? Was I really going to be taken to the city of humans?
I regarded the King now. He was beckoning me to climb the podium. I glanced at my mother; she was unsure of the request, knowing how shy and nervous I could be. But I couldn’t turn down the order of the Lycan King. That was treason.
Taking in a deep breath, I stood up shakily from the chair, sighing in relief thereafter, when Adam walked up to me, not minding the stares we were getting.
He held me by the waist, and whispered comfort into my ear.
“Everything will be fine. I am here with you and for you.” My nervous ticks died down immediately.
When Adam and I got to the base of the podium, I noticed, for a second, that his father’s jaw was ticking in anger. The King wasn’t happy about the recent development. I hoped it wouldn’t push him to do something that would be fatal to me.
Adam, surprisingly, didn’t flinch when the King glared at him; when the King glared hotly at both of us, before returning his attention to his people.
“Well, here is Maya Holins. Dear child, do you have anything to say to us?” He asked, and I shook my head immediately, not trusting myself to address the crowd.
There was a hesitation on his part, during which I prayed he didn’t order me to say something. Thankfully, he gestured with his hand that we leave the stage. But before we marched on the last step, he called out to me again.
“Holins, do you agree with our decision to leave the pack and only return at times of visit?” He asked, and for a second I was dumb in Adam’s overwhelming presence, even as I swiveled to face the King, even as I felt Adam flinch, his body tightening in part anger, and part anticipation.
Did Adam expect me to say no in front of the whole crowd? Was that his way of tackling the issue? He must be joking.
“Yes, my king. I agree with the decision to leave next tomorrow, and stay away except on the scheduled days for visit. Thank you.” I bowed, before swiftly turning around and walking down the remaining step, startling Adam who hadn’t bargained with my swift movements.
But he was faster of course. Within seconds, we fell in step with each other, walking to our seats, as the party continued at the king’s order.
Noah called Adam after the Prince refused to leave my side since the address at the podium. Noami was still with the familiar male.
Adam looked at me, as if asking for permission, and I shrugged, indicating that it was okay.
A few minutes after he left, a little girl walked up to me. She should be around twelve years old. She had long wavy blond hair, and was very pretty.
“Hi Maya,” She greeted, before waving at Naomi who furrowed her eyebrows at the girl before waving back.
“Do you have a minute?” The girl asked me, and I cocked my head to the side, trying to understand what in the world I might share in common with a twelve year old.
“Sure, I have.” I answered after a few beats. Is there a problem?”
She shook her head.
“Not at all. I just want to talk to you about something important. It’s about Claire. She is…”
The girl was whispering now, and she had obviously gotten the attention of Naomi and I, just by mentioning the name, Claire.
“What about Claire?” Naomi asked the girl when she noticed that the latter had stopped talking and was looking around now, as if afraid that someone would catch her snitching.
“She is.. I can’t say it here. Can I talk with you outside? I swear it will just be for a minute. I wouldn’t take your time.” The girl pleaded, still looking around her.
I looked at Naomi, who shrugged, not seeing anything wrong with the matter.
“Let’s go then.” I said , motioning to the door. The girl nodded. But her lips pouted a second later when she regarded Naomi who was right beside me, who was gearing to follow us outside.
“No, not with her. Just you alone.” She stated, causing us to stop in our tracks.