Chapter 41
Elise felt like she had been doing nothing but sleeping for over two days, trying to nech that burning ache in her, tossing and turning around her bed. Her heart ached every time she looked at the door and smelled a familiar pheromone and sees shadow of the alpha king wanting to come in, but she had locked her doors and held her tongue to prevent any tears from slipping.
“It’s better this way, she thought, repeating those words like a minira. Along with overthinking scenarios from her abduction and Alvira’s hurtful words in the past few days, her mind was a mess.
It felt like her memory was a broken glass, being embedded tighter piece by piece, and it frightened her to learn the extent of it-to learn what her wolf had done to those men, no, what she had done.
“Lady. Elise?”
A voice filled with apprehension broke her out of her thoughts as she looked at the female who served her well, giving her skeptical stares filled with uncertainty and fear, as if she had heard the rumors surrounding Elise pushing Alvira,
The female bowed before scurrying out of the room, leaving Else scolding herself for being so absent-minded again.
She hated that her wolf was whining for a specific alpha scent to comfort her even in this mess. “You don’t get to want anything after you put me in that mess,” she muttered to her wolf when alone, who gives back a sassy answer,
Her wolf whined in response. She had been trying to communicate with her, but she didn’t want to reveal herself to Elise.
Elise was already tired of thinking too much as she tossed over the bed. It felt like uncomfortable needles were p***g at herkin, and she couldn’t sleep anymore. A wave of anxiety was trying to cramp up on her.
She felt relief when she heard a small knock on the door. “Come in,” she muttered, standing up from the bed
Her hardened gaze softened when she saw Vienna and Hana entering the room, whom Elise immediately ran to and hugged.
“Miss Elise, I’m glad you’re back,” Hana said. She looked slightly at Vienna, who shook her head, quietly informing her that Hana did not know the full extent of her abduction..
“Thank you, Hana; it’s good to be back,” she assured the young girl, whose eyes glazed with emotions and tears, thankful for her return.
“Can you give us the room, please?” Vienna told her sister, who immediately agreed with a nod. The moment the door was shut, Vienna jumped into Elise’s arms, almost causing them to fall from the sheer impact as she hugged Elise tightly, letting her tears flow.
Only silence, tears, and their loud heartbeat filled the room as they hugged with so much love and affection for each other.
Elise realized she was crying quietly when she felt a sweet spot on her shoulders. “Moons, I was worried sick. I’m glad that you are safe. Those horrible people will pay for what they did to you,” Vienna said.
Elise couldn’t help but feel her eyes water too from her friend’s cries. “Do you know how shocked I was when I was called early in the morning to help you heal, to find your body battered, and all the more, I was glad that your wounds were healed like magic?” she said.
“It must be part of my powers’ healing abilities.”
You are not just a healer but a gifted mender, your power is unmatched.” Vienna said to Elise, squeezing her hands.
“Is that kind of power even possible for a mere wolf like me to wield?” she muttered frantically.
“It is, and you are strong enough for it, but i was all the more strange that you were completely covered in Ryan’s scent, it was like you were bathed in it, and our beliefs-an alpha or your mate licking your wounds-would help close faster she explained
But Elise could see what she was getting at and she immediately shook her head. “It’s not but that is it that was his obligation, and there is nothing else going on, not anymore.” sh be you think yes, he saved me. Vienna
She squeezed her hand to assure her she was where she was Elise then leaned deeper into the couch with Vienna following suit. “I’m so proud of you for being strong. Elise
“My wolf helped me; it was strange not having control watching those people being killed by me. I should not feel horrible about it because it was a defense. I feel that surging power inside me. I couldn’t stop she muttered with a shiver
“Can you tell me anything else to distract me? I don’t want to think about what’s been going on for the last few days’ she said to Vienna.
There was a beat of hesitation as she turned to see her friends as nervous and biting her lips nervoush Trombe you won’t freak out,” she cringed, and Elise sat up, excited to see why her friend looked so troubled. “I won’t I swear
The Rites banquet night. I heard about you from Kaide, he was searching for Tar to tell him what happened, but that’s when he came in and caught us.”
“And by us, you mean?”
hum, and “I mean, when Tazmin and I were kissing, one moment we were dancing then talking, then I felt that p he didn’t hesitate to kiss me back. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced” she told Elise, her eyes sparkling with each word
“It feels horrible to even feel that way after what you’ve been through” she said, but Elise shook her head in response.
moons, that is “What? You are allowed to feel what you want to feel you are allowed to be happy she argued. “Oh amazing that this happened for you. I knew he liked you: he couldn’t stop staring at you. You are such a gem and gift and have done nothing but help me, and I’m glad it’s working out for you,” she told Vienna. “You’re perfect” she said to her friend
“Thank you, Elise. You know For a pl**y, I was shocked that he kissed me gently, and when I pulled away, he leaned in for more, I still can’t believe that happened.” she said, sounding astounded
“Sounds like you got the commander wrapped around your fingers Elise said with a playful smile.
“Just like you got the general,” she retorted to Elise.
“Whatever do you mean?” Elise asked, her heart jumping from Vienna’s words, already knowing what she meant by them.
“Oh, come on, Elise, with the way Kaide looks at you, he wants you. Since you decided that phase with you know who is closed, what about opening up to someone who I think genuinely cares about you” she advised
“With Kaide? Um. it’s” she said, speechless. What did she think of Kaide? At most times, Elise wondered what she should do about it. Her heart thumped in her chest at the thought of a replacement for Rygan, but Karde had professed his intentions many times already.
There was a soft knock on the door, and the person they were talking about walked into the room Kaide looked at both women, who had identical blushes on their cheeks.
It looks like this is how much time I could get with you,” he said, Elise knew that Rygan had put her under house surveillance for three days, and today was the last day
Kaide led Vienna back outside. looking back once to give Elise a casual smile as he said. “Til meet arena; don’t be late there is a lot of stuff to catch on before leaving the room.
“Remember what I said?” Vienna reminded her with a wave. She and Elise immediately thought about what she had said about Kaide. uld she envision a life with him instead?
Maybe fate would be less cruel and smile on her if she finally picked a male who had no oaths or hidden betrothals. A male who wouldn’t make her heart hurt with each stolen glance, like they were committing a grave sin.
But she needed to focus on getting stronger and finding out who was the mastermind of her kidnapping.