A thick silence pressing down on Stella and Daisha. The only sound was the rhythmic tick-tock of a distant clock, each second amplifying the tension between the sisters.
Stella, her heart a tight knot in her chest, finally broke the silence. Her voice, though firm, held a tremor of worry. “You should go home, Daisha. It’s getting dark!”
Daisha’s head remained stubbornly bowed, her dark hair a curtain shielding her face. A faint shake of her head was her only response, a silent defiance that sent a chill down Stella’s spine. “We are night walkers, Stella,” Daisha finally murmured, her voice low and husky, the words echoing the unspoken rebellion simmering beneath the surface.
Stella bit her lip, the retort dying on her tongue.
A few minutes stretched into an eternity, the silence punctuated only by the occasional creak of the old house settling around them.
Then, Theo entered, his footsteps soft on the worn wooden floor. He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room, landing on Daisha, who lay curled up beside Stella, asleep. The sight seemed to soften his features. He leaned down, his voice a hushed whisper barely audible above the silence. “Is she… is she going to stay here for a while?”
Stella looked at her sleeping sister, a wave of protectiveness washing over her. Her response was gentle, laced with a weariness that belied her outward calm. “Let her be,” she whispered back, her voice barely a breath. “She looks tired.”
Theo nodded understandingly, his gaze lingering on Daisha before he moved towards the couch. He settled onto the cushions, the springs groaning softly beneath his weight. “You should rest now, Stella,” he said softly, his voice a balm to her frayed nerves.
A small smile, hesitant but genuine, touched her lips. “I will,” she replied, the smile widening as she met his gaze. “You should too.”
Hours later, Stella remained awake, the silence of the room now a comforting blanket. The unexpected arrival of the head salutary shattered the peaceful quiet.
The woman’s entrance was announced by a hesitant knock, followed by the sound of her footsteps echoing down the hallway. Her voice, usually brisk and efficient, held a note of surprise. “Wow, it’s rare to see Daisha with you, Stella.”
Stella nodded, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. “She’s just visiting,” she explained, glancing at her sleeping sister.
The head salutary’s gaze softened, her expression shifting from surprise to concern. “Are you alright, Stella?” she asked gently.
The head salutary’s question broke through Stella’s fatigue, a sudden pang of hunger hitting her. “Actually,” she admitted, “I am rather hungry.”
The head salutary smiled, a warm, motherly smile that eased the tension in the room. “I’ll make us something to eat,” she offered, her voice filled with kindness.
Stella nodded, a small, almost imperceptible movement, and the head salutary quietly withdrew, closing the door gently behind her. A wave of exhaustion washed over Stella, but the gnawing emptiness in her stomach was a more immediate concern. She sat patiently, the silence of the room punctuated only by the soft creaks of the old house, waiting for the head salutary’s return.
When the head salutary reappeared, carrying a steaming bowl of something fragrant and comforting, Stella felt a surge of gratitude.
The aroma alone was enough to soothe her frayed nerves. She ate slowly, savoring each mouthful, the warmth spreading through her as she ate her belated dinner. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice thick with sleepiness, as she finished the last bite.
“No worries, my dear,” the head salutary replied, her voice kind and gentle, a stark contrast to the earlier tension in the room.
The head salutary left, leaving Stella alone with the lingering warmth of the meal and the quiet contentment of a satisfied hunger.
It was then Theo stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked around, his gaze settling on Stella. A hint of concern clouded his features. “You didn’t tell me you were hungry,” he said softly, his voice still rough with sleep.
Stella smiled, a tired but genuine smile. “It’s okay now, Theo,” she replied, pushing the empty bowl aside.
Theo carefully picked up the bowl and quietly left the room. He returned a few moments later, carrying a glass of water, his movements careful and considerate. He offered it to her with a gentle smile.
“Thank you,” Stella whispered, accepting the water gratefully. The cool liquid soothed her throat, washing away the lingering taste of her meal.
Theo watched her, his gaze filled with a quiet affection. “Do you need anything else?” he asked, his voice soft and attentive.
Stella shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “You should go back to sleep,” she said softly, her voice laced with a gentle concern.
But Theo shook his head, his eyes fixed on her. “I will watch you,” he said, his voice firm but gentle, his words a silent promise of protection and companionship.
Stella’s smile widened, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the lingering warmth of her meal. She felt safe, cherished, and utterly content.
A wave of sleepiness washed over Stella, a gentle tide pulling her towards unconsciousness. She snuggled closer to her sister, the warmth of Daisha’s body a comforting presence beside her. Soon, the rhythmic rise and fall of Daisha’s breathing pulled her into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Daisha awoke to the sensation of an arm draped possessively around her waist, a familiar weight pressing against her. A smile touched her lips; she assumed it was Brandon, the comforting warmth a familiar comfort. She nestled deeper into the embrace, her eyes fluttering open. But the face that greeted her was not Brandon’s. It was Stella’s, her sister’s peaceful face inches from her own.
A startled gasp escaped her lips, a silent “crap!” barely audible above the quiet breathing of the sleeping girl. She carefully extricated herself from Stella’s embrace, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked around the room, her gaze settling on Theo, who was lounging on the couch, his eyes watching them with a mixture of amusement and understanding.
“Let her rest for a while,” Theo said softly, his voice a low rumble that barely disturbed the quiet of the room.
Daisha’s breath hitched. “But I need to go,” she whispered back, her voice strained with urgency.
Theo’s gaze was unwavering, his expression unreadable. “She let you sleep beside her,” he replied, his voice calm and steady, “so you need to do the same.” His words were a gentle but firm command, leaving Daisha no room for argument.
Defeated, Daisha sighed, a long, drawn-out breath that spoke volumes of her frustration and exhaustion. She took a deep breath, trying to still the frantic beat of her heart, and settled back against the pillows, closing her eyes. She attempted to sleep, the image of Stella’s peaceful face burned into her memory.
Theo watched them, a faint smile playing on his lips. “What a nice view,” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. He returned to his book, the quiet rustle of the pages a soft counterpoint to the gentle breathing of the two sleeping girls.
Morning light filtered through the curtains, painting the room in soft hues of gold and rose.
Daisha shifted slightly, her movement disturbing Stella’s sleep.
Stella’s eyes snapped open, her hand instinctively reaching out. The moment her fingers brushed against Daisha’s arm, she froze, her eyes widening in realization. She quickly withdrew her hand, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, her voice apologetic, her gaze fixed on her sister.
Daisha remained silent, her expression unreadable, her gaze fixed on the floor.
“Good morning, ladies!” Theo announced, his voice bright and cheerful, as he entered the room carrying a tray laden with steaming mugs. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a welcome fragrance after the quiet stillness of the night. “I got some coffee,” he added, his smile warm and genuine, as he carefully placed the tray on the side table beside the bed.
Daisha, who had been sitting up, her gaze fixed on the door, looked at Stella, her expression a mixture of gratitude and urgency. “I need to go,” she said, her voice low and hurried, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.
Stella, sensing her sister’s need to leave, responded gently. “You can come back if you want,” she said, her voice soft and reassuring.
Daisha nodded, a silent acknowledgment of Stella’s words. She rose from the bed, her movements swift and efficient. “I will, if I have time,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper, before turning and quietly walking towards the door. The click of the door handle was the only sound that followed her departure.
Stella turned to Theo, her gaze meeting him. A soft smile touched her lips, a genuine expression of gratitude. “Thank you for taking care of me,” she said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. She reached for a mug of coffee, the warmth of the ceramic a comforting contrast to the lingering chill of the morning air.
“It’s my pleasure to serve you,” Theo replied, his voice soft and gentle, his eyes reflecting a depth of affection that went beyond simple politeness. He settled onto the edge of the bed, his presence a silent reassurance.
Stella took a sip of the coffee, her eyes closing momentarily as she savored the rich, dark flavor. “I like this coffee,” she murmured, a contented sigh escaping her lips.
Theo smiled, a radiant expression that lit up his face. “Thank you,” he replied, his voice a low hum of contentment.
Their quiet moment was interrupted by the arrival of the head salutary, her footsteps echoing softly down the hallway. She entered the room, her gaze settling on Stella with a mixture of concern and relief. “You’re fine now, Stella,” she said, her voice gentle and reassuring, “but you need more time to rest.”
Stella nodded, accepting the head salutary’s assessment. “Thank you so much for letting me stay here for a while,” She said, her voice filled with sincere gratitude.
The head salutary smiled, a warm, motherly smile that eased any remaining tension. “It’s my job, Stella,” she replied, her voice kind and compassionate.
They spent a couple of hours in the quiet companionship of the room, the gentle murmur of conversation a soothing balm to Stella’s weary soul. Then, a knock at the door announced the arrival of Flora and Tyros.
Flora’s voice carried through the door, bright and cheerful. “I got some of your clothes,” she announced, her gaze falling on Tyros, who stood patiently beside her.
Theo rose from the bed, his movements smooth and graceful. “We’re going to wait outside,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring. He gave Stella a warm smile before turning and heading towards the door, leaving Flora and Tyros to attend to Stella’s needs.
Tyros, in turn, offered Stella a reassuring smile before stepping outside, leaving Stella to the comfort of her best friend and the quiet promise of recovery.
“Thank you so much, Flora!” Stella said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at Flora’s face, noticing the faint discoloration still lingering beneath the makeup. “How’s your bruises?” she asked, concerned about lacing her tone.
Flora’s response was a smirk, a playful twist of her lips that belied the underlying pain. “You should think about yourself, and not me,” she retorted, her voice light but firm, as she began gathering Stella’s clothes from the neatly folded pile. She held up a soft, comfortable-looking sweater. “Should I help you?” she asked, her eyes searching Stella’s face for any sign of discomfort.
Stella nodded, a silent agreement to the offered assistance. She carefully climbed out of bed, her movements still a little stiff, and made her way to the bathroom.
Flora followed, her presence a comforting support. The quiet efficiency of Flora’s help was a balm to Stella’s weary spirit.
Once Stella was dressed, Flora emerged from the bathroom, her voice carrying a note of relief. “We’re done!” she announced.
Tyros and Theo entered the room, their faces etched with concern, now replaced with a quiet determination.
Theo immediately took charge, his movements efficient and organized. “Let’s start packing now,” he instructed, his voice calm and authoritative, as he began gathering their belongings and placing them carefully into a travel bag.
Stella watched them, a wave of gratitude washing over her.
Once they had finished, Theo turned to Stella, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and affection. “Let’s go,” he said, his voice soft and gentle, as he offered her his hand.
Stella accepted his hand, the warmth of his touch a comforting reassurance.
As they left the room, the head salutary appeared in the doorway, her expression a mixture of relief and concern. “I will visit you tomorrow to check on you,” she said, her voice kind and reassuring.
They reached the parking lot, the crisp morning air a welcome change from the confines of the infirmary. Just as they were about to leave, Brandon appeared, his face etched with worry. “Are you okay now?” he asked, his voice direct and urgent, his eyes searching Stella’s face for any sign of lingering pain.
Stella smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes, and squeezed Theo’s hand tightly. “Yeah, I’m fine now,” she replied, her voice firm and confident, her words a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her friends.
“I’m sorry!” Brandon said, his voice thick with regret.
Stella simply nodded, her gaze fixed on the ground, her expression betraying none of the turmoil within. “It’s fine,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper, the words clipped and final. “We shouldn’t meet again.” She nodded towards Theo, a silent dismissal, a clear signal that the conversation was over.
“We’re going now,” Theo announced, his voice firm and decisive, his tone leaving no room for argument. He offered a brief, almost curt smile to Flora before turning to leave.
Flora, understanding the unspoken tension, responded with a quiet, “We’ll follow you,” before sliding into Tyros’ car.
Tyros, sensing the charged atmosphere, exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Brandon before getting into the car himself. He offered a simple, “Bye,” his voice devoid of any emotion, before closing the car door.
As Theo’s car pulled away, Tyros following close behind, Brandon remained standing, watching them disappear down the road. He watched until they were nothing more than distant specks, the silence amplifying the weight of his unspoken feelings. He nodded his head slowly, a silent acknowledgment of the finality of the moment. “This is my fate now,” he murmured, the words a low growl barely audible above the rustling of the leaves.
With a guttural snarl, he shifted, his human form dissolving into the powerful, primal shape of his wolf. He plunged into the woods, his powerful legs carrying him effortlessly through the undergrowth. He reached the heart of the forest, a place of ancient trees and whispering shadows, and let out a long, mournful howl that echoed through the trees.
Miles away, Stella heard the howl, a chilling sound that sent a shiver down her spine. She glanced at Theo, who was focused on the road, his expression impassive. She remained silent, knowing that any mention of Brandon would only serve to disturb him.
After a few minutes, they arrived at their house, the familiar sight a welcome comfort.
Theo pulled into the garage, the smooth hum of the engine a contrast to the raw emotion they had just witnessed.
Tyros’ car pulled up behind them, and Flora’s voice, bright and cheerful despite the somber events, cut through the quiet. “Hey!” she called out to her best friend.
Stella turned to Flora, her face etched with gratitude. “You don’t need to take care of me anymore. Thank you so much!” she said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
Flora, however, was not ready to let go. “Are you sure about that?” she asked, her gaze searching Stella’s face, her expression a mixture of concern and doubt. She scanned Stella’s face, searching for any lingering signs of the trauma she had endured.
Stella nodded, a small, almost imperceptible movement, and gently tapped Flora’s shoulder. “Yep, you don’t need to worry anymore,” she said, her voice soft but firm, a reassurance meant to ease Flora’s lingering concern.
Flora, sensing Stella’s genuine relief, smiled, a warm, genuine expression that reached her eyes. “You have Theo now,” She said, her voice filled with a quiet confidence, “I know he’ll never let you get hurt again.” Her words were a testament to the trust she had in Theo, a silent acknowledgment of the strong bond between Stella and her protector.
Both women turned their gazes towards Theo, their eyes lingering on him for a moment, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken protectiveness that surrounded Stella.
“Go home safely! Thank you, Tyros!” Stella called out to Tyros, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude.
Tyros nodded, a simple gesture that spoke volumes of his unspoken concern and loyalty. “No problem, Stella!” he replied, his voice a low rumble that carried a hint of affection. He restarted the engine, the low hum a prelude to their departure.
Stella waved, her hand lingering in the air for a moment before dropping to her side. “Bye! Drive safely, Tyros!” she called out again, her voice echoing the unspoken gratitude she felt.
“I will!” Tyros replied, his gaze shifting to Flora before he focused back on the road.
“Bye! See you again!” Flora called out, her voice bright and cheerful despite the lingering undercurrent of anxiety.
“Let’s go?” Tyros asked, his voice gentle and reassuring.
Flora nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude.
As Tyros’s car pulled away, Stella watched, her gaze following the vehicle until it disappeared from view.
Lost in thought, Stella didn’t notice Theo approaching until he gently bumped into her. “Let’s go inside,” he said softly, his voice a gentle interruption to her reverie.
“Yep, let’s go,” she replied, her voice a little startled but quickly regaining its composure.
They entered the house, the familiar comfort of their home a welcome contrast to the lingering tension of the past few days.
Theo, ever attentive, began unpacking Stella’s belongings, his movements efficient and organized. He paused, holding a neatly folded pile of clothing, his gaze seeking Stella’s approval. “Should I put all your things in your closet?” he asked, his voice soft and considerate.
Stella, however, immediately stopped him, her intuition sensing a need for a more personal touch. “Hey! I can do that later,” She said, her voice a little sharper than she intended, a hint of panic edging her tone. She almost freaked out, the weight of her emotions threatening to overwhelm her newfound strength.
“Are you sure?” Theo began, his voice laced with concern, “You might get tired-” He paused, sensing her sudden shift in mood, his words hanging unfinished in the air.
“Nah! I gained a lot of strength now!” Stella interrupted, her voice firm and decisive, a determined effort to mask the underlying anxiety. She needed to assert her independence, to prove to herself and to Theo that she was capable of managing on her own.
“Alright! Just call me if you need my help,” Theo replied, his voice softening, his concern evident in his tone. He was willing to step back, to respect her need for autonomy, but his watchful protectiveness remained unspoken.
“You should go back to your work, Theo!” Stella insisted, her voice carrying a note of urgency. The words, however, had the unintended effect of halting his departure.
Theo paused, his gaze fixed on Stella, his expression a mixture of concern and understanding. “I will never leave you alone here,” Theo said immediately, his voice firm but gentle, his words a testament to his unwavering devotion.
Stella, however, felt the need to assert her independence within the pack’s established structure. “But you need to do your job in the pack,” she replied, her voice carrying a sincerity that left no room for misinterpretation.
A moment of silence hung between them, a heavy silence filled with unspoken emotions.
Theo studied her face, his gaze searching for any sign of weakness or hesitation. He saw only determination, a quiet strength that resonated with his own protective instincts. He finally conceded, his voice a low murmur. “I will call Flora to accompany you here while I’m not around.” With a final nod of understanding, Theo left her room, closing the door gently behind him.
Stella sank onto her bed, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. “Gosh! I miss my room!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with a genuine sense of homecoming. She looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings, the comforting familiarity a balm to her weary soul. “It’s good to be back,” she added, a contented smile touching her lips as she settled back onto the bed. She lay there, staring at the ceiling, her mind slowly unwinding from the tension of the past few days.
Just as she was beginning to drift off to sleep, a gentle knock sounded on her door. “Come in!” she instructed, her voice barely a whisper, already feeling the comforting presence of Theo’s unwavering support.
The door creaked open, and Theo stepped into the room, his presence a comforting reassurance. “I already called Flora, and she’ll be here any moment,” he said, his voice soft and gentle, his gaze lingering on Stella’s face, searching for any sign of lingering distress.
Stella rose from the bed, her movements still a little hesitant, but her posture straightener, her eyes reflecting a newfound strength. She looked at Theo, her expression a mixture of gratitude and a touch of awkwardness. “Thank you for your kindness,” she said, her voice sincere and heartfelt.
Theo’s response was immediate, his words carrying a weight of unspoken emotion. “It’s my will to protect you and keep you safe,” he said, his voice low and intense, his gaze unwavering.
The intensity of his words, the raw emotion underlying his simple statement, caused Stella to freeze. She looked away, her cheeks flushing slightly, a mixture of surprise and something akin to embarrassment washing over her. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice barely audible, her gaze fixed on the floor.
“I’ll wait for Flora to come before I leave,” Theo said, his voice softening, his intensity subsiding into a more gentle tone.
Stella, still flustered, could only offer a hesitant, “That’s… good,” before settling back onto the bed, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. The silence that followed his departure was heavy with unspoken emotions.
Once Theo had left, Stella found herself alone again, the quiet of her room a stark contrast to the intensity of Theo’s declaration. “He’s always giving me butterflies,” she whispered to herself, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, a faint smile playing on her lips.
The arrival of Flora and Tyros broke the spell of introspection. They entered the house, their presence a welcome distraction.
Theo, already waiting in the living room, greeted them, his demeanor calm and reassuring. “I just need a week for my job,” he explained, his voice carrying a note of apology, his gaze seeking their understanding.
Flora nodded, her expression a mixture of concern and determination. “Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to keep Stella safe,” she reassured him, her voice firm and confident.
Theo expressed his gratitude. “Thank you for staying here for a while,” he said, his voice sincere and appreciative.
Flora responded with a simple, “No worries,” her tone conveying a sense of shared responsibility and unwavering loyalty.
Once Theo had left, Flora and Tyros settled into the living room, the quiet hum of the television a backdrop to their comfortable companionship. They were watching a movie when Flora leaned over to Tyros, her voice barely a whisper. “Should I wake her up?”
Tyros, his gaze fixed on the screen, responded without looking away. “Let her take some time to rest,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring, his words a testament to his understanding of Stella’s need for quiet recovery and peaceful solitude. The movie continued, its gentle soundtrack a soothing counterpoint to the unspoken concern that surrounded Stella’s peaceful sleep.
The clock struck twelve, the chime echoing through the quiet house.
Flora slept soundly on the living room couch, her breathing even and peaceful.
Tyros, however, paced restlessly outside, his gaze fixed on the dark outline of the woods bordering their property. The stillness of the night was shattered by an unexpected voice.
“And you have access to enter my old house?” The words, sharp and clear, cut through the night’s stillness. Tyros spun around, startled, his eyes widening as he saw Brandon emerge from the shadows.
“What are you doing here, bro?” Tyros asked, his voice a mixture of surprise and apprehension.
Brandon, his expression unreadable in the dim light, gestured towards the house. “I just want to see if she’s fine,” he replied, his gaze lingering on the familiar structure of his old home.
“She’s doing fine! We’re here to accompany her,” Tyros assured him, his voice firm and reassuring.
But Brandon’s serious expression remained unchanged. “Where’s my brother?” he pressed, his voice carrying an undercurrent of urgency.
“He’s on a mission,” Tyros answered, his tone carefully neutral.
Brandon, however, was relentless. “What mission?” he demanded, his curiosity overriding any sense of caution.
Tyros sighed, his patience wearing thin. “You should know that, he’s your brother,” he replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
The words hung in the air, a stark realization dawning on Brandon’s face. He hadn’t been as close to his brother as he thought. “I don’t have time for that,” he mumbled, his voice laced with a hint of self-reproach.
Tyros couldn’t help but chuckle, a low, amused sound that echoed in the night. “But you’re curious about your brother,” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Don’t start,” Brandon warned, his voice sharp and defensive. He was about to continue when a voice interrupted him.
Flora, having been awakened by the sound of voices, emerged from the house, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Brandon standing beside Tyros. “What are you doing here, Brandon?” she asked, her voice laced with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.
Brandon’s response was immediate, his tone defensive. “Don’t make me the bad person here,” he retorted.
Tyros, sensing the rising tension, quickly intervened, placing a hand on Brandon’s shoulder. “Be easy on her,” he warned, his voice low and firm.
Brandon nodded, his expression softening slightly.
“If you’re here to check on her, then she’s fine. You can leave now,” Flora stated, her voice firm but measured.
Brandon remained silent for a moment, his gaze shifting between Flora and Tyros. “What happened there?” he asked, referring to the events that had led to Stella’s injuries.
Flora rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. “Why are you asking about that?” she retorted.
Tyros, ever the peacemaker, stepped between them, his voice calm and soothing. “Chill, love,” he said, his words intended to diffuse the escalating tension.
Flora, however, was not in the mood for appeasement. “I don’t need to chill,” she snapped, her glare fixed on Brandon.
Brandon, sensing the escalating conflict, offered a conciliatory, “It’s okay, bro,” to Tyros.
Their argument was abruptly cut short by a piercing scream from inside the house Stella’s scream. They reacted instantly, rushing into the house, their concern overriding any lingering tension.
Flora was immediately at Stella’s side, her voice filled with alarm. “What happened?” she asked, her hands reaching out to comfort the crying girl.
“Please don’t hurt me!” Stella cried, her words laced with terror, her body trembling.
Flora, her voice gentle and reassuring, tried to reach Stella, but the girl flinched away.
Tyros, understanding the situation, spoke calmly. “She’s having a nightmare,” he explained, his voice a soothing counterpoint to Stella’s distress.