57: Emma

"This is... impressive," I managed, turning slowly to take it all in. The ceilings soared overhead, decorated with frescos depicting night skies and running wolves—both two-legged and four. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the Royal City, its lights beginning to twinkle in the gathering dusk.

"The royal suite has been modified over the years," Theo explained, watching my reaction with a hint of nervousness I found endearing. "I've made some changes of my own since taking the throne."

He led me through a doorway into a massive bedchamber dominated by a bed that could have slept six comfortably. More windows, these draped in midnight blue velvet, looked out over a different angle of the city. The room was decidedly masculine in its decoration, with dark woods and leather, but touches of softness appeared in unexpected places—a cashmere throw across a reading chair, the silken sheen of the bedcovers.

"And the bathroom is just through there," he said, gesturing to yet another doorway.

I stepped through and gasped. The bathroom was the size of my entire guest suite, lined in pale marble shot through with veins of silver and gold. A shower large enough for several people occupied one corner, with multiple showerheads at different heights. But what truly captured my attention was the sunken tub in the centre of the room—more a small pool than a bathtub—surrounded by a mosaic of the night sky in tiny tiles of lapis, silver, and mother of pearl.

I couldn't help the squeal that escaped me. "Change of plan," I announced, turning to Theo with what must have been childlike delight on my face. "I'm going to have a bath."

He chuckled, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, watching me with undisguised affection. "Help yourself, my Queen. There are bath oils and salts in those jars by the tub. Towels in the cabinet to your right."

I moved to the tub, running my fingers over the smooth edges. "This is incredible."

"It's yours now, too," he said softly.

I looked up, caught by the weight of his words. "This is all moving so fast," I admitted. "I was just a visiting Gamma, and now…”

"And now you're my mate," he finished, pushing off from the doorframe to approach me. His hands found mine, warm and steady. "I know it's sudden. But it feels right, doesn't it?"

I nodded, because it did, despite the whirlwind pace. "It does."

He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I'll be back soon with your clothes. Take your time, relax. You're safe here."

Something in the way he said it—you're safe—made me wonder if he'd sensed my lingering anxiety about Benjamin. But before I could ask, he kissed me once more, this time on the lips, then turned to leave.

"Don't be long," I called after him.

"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied with a grin, and then I was alone in the palatial bathroom.

I busied myself with preparing the bath, discovering that the faucets produced perfectly heated water without any adjustment. The array of bath products was overwhelming—jars and bottles of various sizes, each containing something fragrant and luxurious. I selected one at random, pouring a stream of golden liquid into the rushing water. The scent of honey and subtle herbs filled the air, and bubbles began to form on the water's surface.

While the tub filled, I peeled off my training clothes, grimacing at the sweat-dampened fabric. I caught sight of myself in a full-length mirror and paused, studying the woman reflected there. I looked the same as I had yesterday, and yet everything had changed. My dark hair hung in messy waves around my shoulders. A bruise was forming on my hip where I'd hit the mat during training. But my eyes—they looked different somehow. Brighter. More alive.

When the tub was full, I stepped in, hissing at the perfect heat against my skin. I sank down slowly, letting the water envelop me up to my chin, the bubbles tickling my neck. The tension in my muscles began to melt away immediately.

"This is the life, isn't it, Artemis?" I murmured to my wolf.

‘Better than running through the mud,’ she agreed, her presence warm and content within me. ‘I like him.’

"Me too," I admitted, closing my eyes and letting my head rest against the edge of the tub. "It's crazy, but I do."

’Not crazy. Right.’

I smiled at my wolf's simple certainty. "You think so, huh?"

‘Know so. He is strong but gentle. His wolf honours you, honours us. He provides.’

I laughed softly at her practical assessment. "The bathroom is pretty amazing," I agreed.

‘Not just bathroom. Protection. Position. Purpose.’

My wolf's insight gave me pause. Artemis was right—Theo offered more than material comforts. As his mate, I would have a unique position to help bridge the divide between Lycans and werewolves. I could make a difference on a scale I'd never imagined possible.

"It's a big responsibility," I whispered.

‘We are strong enough.’

"I hope so." I sank deeper into the bubbles, letting the water cover my shoulders.

I lost track of time in the warmth and comfort of the bath, my thoughts drifting between Theo, my family, and the future that was suddenly opening before me. The steam rose around me, carrying the honey-herb scent, making me feel cocooned and protected.

Eventually, I heard the outer door of the suite open and close. Theo had returned, sooner than I'd expected. I smiled to myself, wondering what clothes he'd selected for me.

"That was quick," I called out, my voice echoing slightly against the marble walls. "Anyone would think you're eager."

I turned toward the door, expecting to see Theo's tall frame. But the figure that filled the doorway wasn't Theo at all.

Benjamin Thorne stood there, his silver-gray eyes cold and calculating as they raked over my exposed shoulders and the bubbles that thankfully covered the rest of me. His lips curved into a smile that never reached his eyes.

"Hello, little mate," he said softly.

I scrambled to sit upright, water sloshing over the edge of the tub as I instinctively covered myself with my arms. "How did you—"

The question died in my throat as he raised a small weapon I didn't recognize. Before I could react, a sharp hiss cut the air, and a sudden, burning pain blossomed in my chest. I looked down in shock at the small dart protruding just above my left breast.

"What have you—" My tongue felt thick, my words slurring as whatever was in the dart spread through my system with terrifying speed.

Benjamin's face seemed to waver before me, like a reflection in disturbed water. The bathroom tilted sideways. I tried to call for Theo, tried to reach for the dart, but my limbs wouldn't obey. The last thing I saw was Benjamin approaching the tub, his expression one of cold triumph as darkness crept in from the edges of my vision, swallowing me whole.