Chapter 42
1050 Words
_Lyla's POV_
A soft warmth surrounded me as I slowly drifted out of sleep. My body felt heavy, and my mind was clouded, still lingering somewhere between dreams and reality. I blinked a few times. My vision was slowly adjusting to the morning light streaming through the curtains.
The room was quiet, except for the faint sound of breathing beside me.
As my eyes fully opened, I turned my head and found Aaron staring at me. His blue eyes were intense, watching me in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. He wasn’t smiling. He wasn’t speaking. He was just… staring.
A strange feeling settled in my chest. My heart pounded a little faster.
I swallowed. My voice was hoarse from sleep. “Aaron?”
He didn’t respond right away. His gaze remained locked on mine, unreadable and deep. Then, after a long moment, he finally spoke.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he said, his voice softer than usual.
I tried to sit up and rubbed my eyes. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
Aaron blinked, as if just realizing he had been caught. Then, his lips curved into a small smile—one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“I was just watching you sleep,” he said casually. “You looked peaceful.”
I frowned slightly. Something about his tone didn’t sit right with me, but I pushed the thought away. Maybe I was just imagining things. Maybe I was still half-asleep.
Aaron sat up and stretched. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go have breakfast. It’s already late.”
I turned to glance at the clock on the bedside table. My eyes widened when I saw the time. Half past eleven.
I had never slept this late before.
I looked at him, confused. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
Aaron chuckled. “You looked like a cute little angel while you were sleeping,” he said, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”
I sat up fully, running a hand through my messy hair. “Still… I don’t usually sleep this long.”
Aaron shrugged. “You seemed really tired last night. I thought you needed the rest.”
Something about his words made my stomach twist, but I forced a small smile. “I guess I was a little tired.”
Aaron stood up and reached for my hand. “Come. Let’s eat.”
I let him pull me to my feet, and together, we left the room.
When we arrived at the dining hall, I noticed that it was empty. The long tables, usually filled with pack members during meals, were completely deserted. Only silence remained.
I frowned. “Where is everyone?”
Aaron walked over to a chair and pulled it out for me. “They already ate,” he said simply.
I hesitated before sitting down. “Oh… I guess we’re really late.”
Aaron waved a hand, dismissing the thought. “It’s fine. I wanted to have breakfast with just you today.”
I looked at him curiously. “Why?”
He smiled, but there was something unreadable behind it. “Because I like spending time with you.”
Before I could respond, Aaron turned his head and gestured toward a nearby maid.
“Bring us breakfast,” he ordered. “And make sure to bring the special tea.”
The maid nodded quickly and hurried off.
I looked back at Aaron. “Special tea?”
His smile grew. “Yes. There’s a special kind of Indian tea I want you to try. It has cardamom in it—very good for health.”
I tilted my head. “You drink it often?”
“Occasionally,” he said. “It’s good for the body. And I think you’ll like it.”
Something about the way he said it made me pause, but I brushed it off.
A few minutes later, the maid returned carrying a large tray. My eyes widened as she placed it on the table.
The tray was filled with food—more than I expected. There were golden-brown croissants, slices of fresh bread, and soft butter. A plate of scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and sausage sat in the center. A bowl of fresh fruits—strawberries, blueberries, and mango slices—was placed next to a small dish of honey. There were also fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, along with a plate of roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs.
And then, there was the tea.
The maid set down two cups, each filled with a warm, golden liquid. A faint, spicy-sweet aroma drifted up from the tea, making my nose tingle.
Aaron picked up a cup and handed it to me. “Try it,” he urged. “You’ll like it.”
I hesitated for a second, then took the cup from him. Aaron took his own cup and sipped, sighing in satisfaction. “Mmm. It’s good.”
I looked down at the tea. The surface was smooth. Steam was rising from it in gentle swirls.
I lifted the cup to my lips and took a small sip.
The taste surprised me. It was rich and slightly sweet, with a warm, spicy kick from the cardamom. There was something comforting about it, something soothing.
Aaron watched me closely. “Well?”
I smiled slightly. “You were right. It’s really good.”
Aaron chuckled. “Told you.”
I took another sip, enjoying the warmth as it spread through my body. Then, I reached for a croissant, tearing off a piece and popping it into my mouth.
But just as I swallowed, something strange happened.
A wave of dizziness crashed over me.
The room blurred.
My fingers trembled and my grip on the cup was loosening.
I blinked rapidly, trying to steady myself, but the spinning only grew worse.
“Aaron…” My voice was barely a whisper.
Aaron’s face twisted with concern as he reached for me. “Lyla? What’s wrong?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but my head felt too heavy. The last thing I felt was Aaron’s arms around me, holding me up as my body gave out.
And then—
Darkness.
- Writer
