Chapter 5
"No problem. Mind telling me what happened to your hand and face?" Alpha asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"Just a scratch and a bruise, nothing serious," I replied casually.
He gently took my hand and examined the wound. "Doesn't look too bad, but I'll have our healer take a look, just to be safe," he said, turning to Elijah.
"Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it," Alpha said sincerely.
Elijah nodded, and the tension in the air dissipated. It was clear that Alpha was worried about my well-being, and I was grateful for his care. As his mate, I knew he would always have my back.
After the doctor finished treating my wound, Alpha wasted no time in calling for their services. He stayed by my side throughout the entire process, making sure I was well taken care of.
As the doctor bid us farewell and left the room, I noticed Alpha's gaze fixed on me. There was a mix of concern and affection in his expression, as if he couldn't bear the thought of losing me.
"Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine," I reassured him, trying to lighten the mood with a smile.
He tightened his grip on my hand and spoke with genuine emotion, "I can't bear the thought of losing you, Clara."
A surge of electricity ran through my body as he kissed my hand. It was a sensation I couldn't quite explain, causing butterflies to flutter in my stomach. I quickly pulled my hand away, not wanting to entertain these unfamiliar feelings.
"Can you leave me to rest now, Alpha?" I requested, hoping to regain my composure.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
I nodded, assuring him, "Yes, I'll be fine."
"Alright, just remember to call me or Martha if you need anything," he said, a warm smile gracing his lips.
"Of course," I replied softly.
As I left the room, my gaze was drawn upwards towards the ceiling, captivated by the lingering impact of his touch. The question echoed in my mind, resonating with a profound intensity - why did his hand have such a profound effect on me?
Slowly, I rose from my seat, my attention shifting away from the wolves engaged in their training outside. I took a deep breath, my eyes fixated on the window, contemplating the duration of my stay in this place. The sacrifices I had made for my parents weighed heavily on my heart, and soon, I would ensure that Alpha faced the consequences of his actions.
Suddenly, a knock on the door startled me, breaking the silence that enveloped the room. I made my way towards the door, curiosity piqued.
Martha stood before me, her arms laden with food and a warm smile adorning her face. Concern laced her voice as she inquired about my well-being, and I expressed my gratitude for the nourishment she had brought. As she departed, I hungrily devoured the meal, the hunger within me insatiable. After changing into fresh attire and catching a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror, I reminded myself of the purpose that had brought me here. I could not afford to fail in this mission, even if it meant leaving behind those I held dear.
The following morning, I awoke early, a sense of curiosity urging me to explore the vast expanse of the palace. As I strolled down the quiet corridor, I encountered Martha accompanied by two other women, their destination set for the kitchen.
"Good morning," Martha greeted me warmly, her smile illuminating the surroundings.
"Good morning, our Luna," the women beside her chimed in, their smiles mirroring Martha's.
Unable to resist their infectious joy, I reciprocated their smiles. "Just call me Clara. I am not your Luna," I responded, attempting to convey a sense of seriousness.
Martha's smile remained unwavering. "But that is what you will become. You are the fortunate one chosen by Alpha," she declared, her voice filled with admiration.
I nodded, acknowledging her words. "You are right, but for now, let us stick with Clara," I suggested, a playful smile gracing my lips.
The woman's eyes shimmered with genuine admiration. "Your beauty is truly remarkable, Clara," she complimented, her smile never fading.
With a heart full of gratitude for her kind words, I returned her smile and said my goodbyes. As I made my way towards the magnificent doors, I couldn't resist stealing a quick glance behind me. My curiosity was instantly sparked when I caught fragments of a conversation between the guards, causing my eyes to widen in sheer astonishment.
As I surreptitiously listened in on their conversation, I was astounded by what I overheard. They were engaged in a sinister discussion about pilfering the wolf's prized tusk, but what was even more alarming was their malevolent plot to assassinate Alpha Henrick. Determined to shield him from harm, I stealthily navigated my way through the concealed passage that led to the tower. My heart pounded with anticipation as I finally laid eyes on Alpha Henrick, who was engrossed in observing the celestial wonders through his telescope.
"Alpha," I murmured, capturing his attention.
He turned towards me, his countenance illuminated by a radiant smile. It pained me to witness such a striking and benevolent individual being targeted by these nefarious individuals. Concealing my true intentions, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming concern for his safety. Perhaps, deep within me, there existed a latent desire to take matters into my own hands and eradicate the looming threat.
"Alpha, I have something of utmost importance to divulge," I uttered with a grave tone.
"What's going on, Clara?" he asked, his curiosity evident in his tone.
I took a deep breath before revealing the shocking news, "Our castle has been infiltrated by the enemy."
His face registered surprise as he processed the information. Stepping closer, he locked his gaze with mine, eager to understand the situation. Summoning my courage, I decided to disclose everything I had discovered.
"But we have guards, Clara. They wouldn't let anyone breach our defenses," he reassured confidently.
"They have infiltrated precisely because the guards themselves are the enemy, Alpha!" I insisted firmly.
Confusion washed over his features as he struggled to grasp the gravity of my words.