12. Way Back
1165 Words
|| Selene's POV ||
I stood straight, fixed my clothes and walked out of his study. It was a mistake. A very wild mistake to come here.
This man was insane and had lost all senses of reasoning. He was beyond saving.
I needed urgently, desperately to find a way out of this castle before I did something catastrophic like fall deeper in love with a man who wanted me broken.
The corridor outside was all high arches and dark stone carved with the Ravaryn crest: a lycan mid-shift, caught between beast and man, howling at a crescent moon. I had always thought it was beautiful in an unsettling way. Like everything Arkandale.
But I also need to find more on the rogues I saw last night. Maybe it could even be my ticket outside Arkandale. That's right! I could go back to the North to report this incident and never return.
As I walked near the chamber assigned to me, a sigh left my lips. Why the hell was I staying in his room? He clearly didn't want me. How did it matter anyway? I wouldn't be here for long.
As I entered the room my legs stopped. In the middle of it all, stood Rowan's mother, Ara. She was giving instructions to Calla with a gentle smile on her lips. As soon as she sensed my presence, her eyes lit up.
“Selene! Come, sit here.” She said as she took a seat on the sofa by the window.
She was the previous Luna Queen. Graceful and fierce at the same time. Her features reminded me of Elysia.
“My Luna, what brings you here?” I asked, courtesying.
She quickly took my hand in hers, and said, “oh, leave the formalities. You are my daughter now. Just call me mother like Elysia and Rowan do.”
Like her children do! And one of them wants me dead.
I only nodded, keeping my smile intact.
“I heard you just had your heat. So I came to see you. Why are you running around? You should just rest at this time.” She spoke with care.
“I am fine.” I replied.
“Bullshit! Heat lasts for three days at least. Here, I brought you some tea.” Ara handed me a cup as we sat on the couch.
I took the warm cup and siped slowly. The herb blends were calming. Did she prepare it for me?
“Also, I asked the maid to prepare you a medicine bath. It will help.” She added.
“Thank you!” I simply replied. I was unsure how I should react to this.
She was kind but her son was a s**t dog!
Gently she took my hands in hers again as she said, “I know you grew up all alone, Selene. But not anymore. I promise I will look after you just like I did for Ely or Rowan. I will always be there for you. And if Rowan ever misbehaves, you just let me know. I will straighten him up.”
Her touch was gentle. Was it how a mother's touch felt? My heart warmed up suddenly.
“Don't think that Arkandale is a distant kingdom. It is your home now. Your customs will blend into its veins, your happiness will shape its heart.” Ara smiled. “Your breathing will become one with Arkandale slowly, Selene. This is your destiny now.”
Her words touched my heart. Was it really my destiny? A luna without a mark! Who would even listen to me?
With that she handed me a token with the Arkandale crest on it. “This is the token that holds the power over castle authorities. Even Rowan can't disobey it.”
“What? I can't take it.” I said quickly, my eyes widened.
“It is yours, Selene. You are the Luna Queen now.” She smiled, pushing the token to my hand. “You hold the power now. You are the heart of Arkandale.”
What kind of joke was this? She was handing me over the authorities and her son was dead set on tormenting me!
“Thank you, mother. I will try my best.” I gave her a small nod. I felt bad for lying to her. I wasn't gonna try at all. All I wanted was to go back to the North.
“Alright then. I will let you be!” She stood up. “If you need anything… anything at all, let me know.”
“Okay!” I smiled as I watched her leave.
Calla was standing in the corner of the room. As soon as Ara left, she rushed near me.
“Your highness, that is a good sign. The previous queen loves you it seems and she even gave you the authority over the castle.” Call said in excitement.
“But I am not planning to stay here for long, Calla.” I murmured.
“What? Why?” She asked.
“Nothing. Let me take a bath. Then I have work to do.” I held the token in my hand as I stood up. Maybe having it wasn’t that bad at all. I could escape this prison easily if I use it wisely.
I sank in the tub, thinking about my next move. When I stood up, I knew exactly what I had to do.
Drying myself, I wore a pair of pants and a shirt. When I left the bathroom, Calla gasped at my attire.
“Princess… What are you wearing? It is not appropriate at all!” She said in surprise.
“I am going hunting, Calla.” I smiled.
“Hunting? But why? It's not North and the Castle is new…” she mumbled.
“Are you coming?” I simply walked towards the door, unbothered.
“Of course I am!” She said as she hurried behind me.
We left the castle behind and walked towards the woods again. This time I paid attention. Even without snow, I had a good memory. Besides, Calla was one of the best warriors we had in my wing. A Lycan who had been by my side since her birth.
“Why are we going down the woods?” She asked.
“You will see soon.” I replied. My eyes looked around and then my ears finally picked up the sound of the stream.
The woods looked different under the sun. Warm and welcoming somehow. As soon as we reached the river, Calla became cautious.
“Princess, be careful.” She said as her eyes looked around like a hawk.
“You smell it? Three rogues were here last night. They smell normal in their human form.” I filled her in.
Calla narrowed her eyes, “why are we here, princess?”
“Calla, find me something… anything that will help me go back to the North.” I replied.
- Writer
