Aurora’s Pov
The warm water cascaded down my skin as the maids gently bathed me, their hands careful not to touch my wound. The scent of the soap was intoxicating, a mix of lavender and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. If not for the dull ache in my body, I would have enjoyed this moment even more.
They washed my hair with different shampoos, each one filling the room with a new, fresh fragrance. My face was cleansed with soft, foamy soap, making me feel like I was being pampered like a queen. Or a baby.
I couldn’t help but think about Ryan. He had actually wanted to stay while I bathed. The thought sent a shiver through me, not of fear, but something else. Amusement? Embarrassment? Maybe even excitement. I imagined him pacing outside, arms crossed, frustrated that he couldn’t have things his way. The image made me smile.
After the maids were done, they dried my body with delicate towels, moving carefully as they worked. When I stepped out of the bathroom, a dress was already laid out for me. It was a soft, loose gown, clearly chosen to keep me comfortable and not aggravate my injury.
I turned to one of the maids. “Where did this dress come from?”
“One of the other maids brought it, my lady,” she answered politely, keeping her head slightly bowed.
I looked at the three of them. “What are your names?”
They hesitated for a moment, exchanging quick glances before one of them finally answered. “I’m Leila. This is Mira and that’s Sona.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said warmly. I noticed how they seemed hesitant to speak to me, almost shy. “You don’t have to be so formal with me. I’m not Ryan, you know.”
Mira let out a small giggle. “It’s just so weird… you being a human. I’ve never seen a human before.”
I blinked at her. “What do you mean?”
Leila nodded in agreement. “Most of us were brought here after being saved from something. We’ve never had the chance to go outside and see humans. It’s strange…you look just like us.”
I listened as they spoke, feeling a strange sense of sadness settle in my chest. They had been here their whole lives, hidden away in this world I was only just beginning to understand.
Once they finished dressing me, they stepped back and bowed. “We will see you later, my lady.”
I sighed. “See you later.”
They left the room, and I sat down, my fingers idly tracing patterns on the fabric of my dress. The room was silent now, except for the occasional crackling of the fireplace. I let my gaze wander around, admiring the intricate designs on the walls, the luxurious feel of the bed, the rich colors that made everything seem warm and inviting.
Then, the door opened.
Ryan came in.
He walked in with his usual confident stride, his eyes locking onto mine instantly. Without a word, he came forward and leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss on my lips. My breath hitched at the warmth of it, the tenderness that sent a flutter through my chest.
“You took so long in there,” he murmured against my lips.
I smirked. “Who were you watching while I was inside?”
His fingers brushed against my cheek. “I was waiting for you.”
I chuckled. “I had to prepare myself to meet you.”
He inhaled deeply, his lips curving into a smirk. “Don’t you know? I’ve always loved your scent from the very first moment.”
I giggled at Ryan’s words, shaking my head slightly. He always had a way of making me feel things I wasn’t prepared for.
Ryan tilted his head slightly, watching me with amusement. “Are you ready to meet Selene?”
I straightened up a bit, nodding. “Sure.”
He nodded back. “Alright, I’ll have her come in.”
Before that, we chatted for a bit. I couldn’t help but ask, “Is this how you guys shower here? With different shampoos and all that?”
Ryan smirked. “No, it’s just you. And honestly, it amazes me.”
I laughed softly. “Okay, noted.”
A knock on the door interrupted us. Ryan said, “Come in.”
The door opened, and a young girl, not more than eighteen, walked in. She had a delicate frame and bright eyes full of curiosity and quiet confidence. She approached Ryan first, bowing slightly. “Alpha.”
Then, she turned to me and did the same. “Miss Aurora.”
She held out her hand. “I’m Selene.”
I looked at her hand for a second before reaching out and shaking it gently. “So, you do know my name? I’m Aurora.”
An awkward silence followed. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to thank her properly, but the words felt stuck in my throat. My gaze flickered to Ryan for help, but he just watched, letting me handle it.
I cleared my throat. “Thank you for saving my life. Ryan told me everything you did.”
Selene gave a small smile. “You’re welcome. It was nothing.”
“How did you do it?” I asked, genuinely curious.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. It just came naturally.”
I nodded, not sure what else to say. “Well, thank you. Really. I owe you one.”
Selene nodded. “I guess we’re done here. See you around, Miss Aurora.”
“See you,” I replied, watching her leave.
The door had barely shut behind her when it opened again. This time, a man walked in. He looked like he was in his late forties or fifties, but I wasn’t the best at guessing ages. The moment he stepped in, I saw something I hadn’t seen before, Ryan standing up immediately, showing someone respect. That alone told me who this man was. Elliot.
Ryan straightened. “Uncle.”
The man patted his back. “Alpha.”
Ryan groaned. “Are you going to disgrace me in front of Aurora? Call me by my name.”
Elliot chuckled. “Oh, but you never miss a chance to remind me that you’re the Alpha, so why not?”
Ryan rolled his eyes while Elliot turned to me with a warm smile. “You must be Aurora. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I started to stand, but Elliot held up a hand. “No need for that. Relax. I’m Elliot. Just call me Elliot. No need to be so formal with me. I’m not that old. Or am I?”
I laughed a little. “Okay, Elliot.”
He nodded approvingly. “That’s better. So, how’s your wound?”
I smiled. “Getting better.”
I had a feeling he was asking to make me comfortable, trying to keep Ryan from scaring me with his cold expressions. But the thing was, Ryan didn’t scare me.
I glanced at Ryan and then back at Elliot. “He doesn’t scare me.”
Elliot chuckled. “Well, that’s a first. Most people can barely hold a conversation with him.”
I smirked. “I guess I’m not most people.”
Ryan’s lips twitched, as if holding back a smile.
Elliot just shook his head with amusement. “I like you already, Aurora.”
I watched as Elliot asked me question after question. He was curious, but not in an intrusive way. It felt more like he wanted to get to know me, to understand me.
“Where are you from?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.
“A small town, nothing special,” I replied, feeling a little exposed but still at ease.
“How old are you?” he asked next.
“Ninteen”
Ryan scoffed beside me. “She’s still a baby.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not a baby, Ryan.”
Elliot chuckled, clearly amused by our exchange.
Just as I was about to ask him something in return, Ryan suddenly stood up. The shift in the room was immediate.
Elliot and I both turned to look at him.
“Ryan?” I called out, confused by his sudden change in demeanor.
His hands clenched into fists, and he took a step back. His breathing became heavy, his body rigid as if he was fighting something within himself.
I stood up instinctively. “Ryan, are you okay?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, a low growl escaped his lips. It wasn’t loud, but it sent chills down my spine.
Then his eyes changed.
Pure black.
The sight terrified me. I had never seen anything like it before. The warmth and intensity of his usual gaze were gone, replaced by something dark, something primal.
I took a step toward him, panic rising in my chest. “Ryan, what’s happening to you?”
“Stop!” Elliot’s voice was sharp, commanding. “Don’t go near him! He’ll hurt you. Go back.”
I froze. Hurt me? Ryan would never….
But as I looked at him again, the man standing before me wasn’t entirely Ryan anymore. He was trembling, his muscles flexing uncontrollably. He looked dangerous.
Swallowing hard, I did as Elliot said, slowly backing up to the corner of the room.
Elliot stepped forward cautiously. “Ryan, you need to come with me. Now.”
Ryan let out another guttural growl, his hands shaking at his sides. He seemed like he wanted to fight it, whatever “it” was. But it was consuming him.
Elliot didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Ryan by the arm, and to my shock, Ryan didn’t resist as much as I thought he would. He struggled, but Elliot seemed stronger at this point.
Before I knew it, Elliot had taken Ryan out of the room, leaving me standing there, completely shaken.
What just happened?