Chapter 3: Captive in Nightfang
Darius's POV
Aria remained motionless and silent on the bed as the silver light dimmed. There was a low rumble in my chest as my wolf growled. What had taken place? She was unique. altered.
I extended my hand, lingering on her flesh. Like moonlight on water, it shimmered. Unsure, I drew my hand back.
I yelled in a harsh voice, "Guards."
With wide eyes, two wolves came into the room.
I smiled at Aria and said, "Take her to the holding room." "Remain vigilant. Avoid touching her.
With their eyes still on her, they nodded. They carried her out of the room after carefully lifting her.
I watched them depart, my thoughts racing. What was she? Not just a rogue. Not just a mate. Something more.
I trailed behind them to the holding room, a little stone chamber tucked away in the pack house. Her eyelids were still closed when they placed her on the cot, and I watched.
"Go away from us," I replied quietly.
After a moment of hesitation, the guards nodded and departed, shutting the heavy door behind them.
I watched her from where I stood.
She didn't say anything. Too silent. She breathed evenly and slowly. In the dim light, however, her skin continued to shimmer and sparkle faintly.
I sat on the cot's edge and stared at her face. She was stunning. even while you're sleeping.
My wolf stirred, a profound hunger in my breast. She was mine. Deep within my bones, I sensed it. But she was also something else. Something I didn't understand.
I reached out, my fingers brushing her cheek. Her skin was warm, silky. I drew my hand back, a weird sensation of amazement enveloping me.
I got up and paced the little space. I had to find out who she was. I had to comprehend.
I walked through the pack house after leaving the holding area. I hardly noticed that there was a strong wolf smell in the air. Aria was on my mind.
I shut the door behind me and walked to my study. I sat at my desk and took out old scrolls and books. I looked for everything pertaining to Moon-Blessed, silver light, and dazzling skin.
Hours went by. The moon climbed higher in the sky. I found nothing. No mention of anything like Aria.
I rubbed my weary eyes and reclined in my chair. Who was she?
I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door.
"Alpha," a voice said. "She's awake."
With my heart racing, I got to my feet. I moved quickly as I made my way to the holding area.
With Aria in my line of sight, I opened the door. Her eyes were open as she sat on the cot. They weren't the same. Blue-silver.
"Aria," I uttered softly.
She searched my eyes as she looked at me. Her voice was weak as she asked, "Where am I?"
I took a step closer and stated, "You're in the holding room."
Her eyes widened as she surveyed the tiny space. "What took place?"
"You changed," I remarked softly. "You were radiant. Like moonlight."
Her eyes widened. "I… I don't remember."
I sat on the cot's edge and stared at her face. "Ariana, you're different. More powerful.
She touched her face as she reached up. Her fingertips stroked her flesh, her eyes flooded with delight.
"What am I?" she whispered.
I gave a headshake. "I'm not sure. I'm trying to find out."
She searched my eyes as she looked at me. "Why am I here?"
With a flat voice, I replied, "I'm watching you." "Until I comprehend."
She nodded, terror shining in her eyes. "May I go now?"
"Not yet," I answered, my voice harsh.
She turned aside, her shoulders sagging. She was a captive. Mine.
Days turned into nights. I observed her. I observed her. For the most part, she was silent. She consumed food. She slept. But she was always observing me.
She had strength. I sensed it. not only physical prowess. Something more profound. Something old.
My wolf craved her. More than previously. Our relationship was closer and more solid. However, I refrained. I had to know.
I watched her sleep one night while I sat in the holding room. The silver light was dim now, but still there.
"Darius," she said, her voice quiet.
With my heart racing, I leaned in closer.
"Don't abandon me," she murmured in a feeble voice.
I extended my hand and brushed her hair. "I refuse," I said.
Her hand reached for mine as she moved in her sleep. I grabbed it and held on to it.
I had her. I was aware. But she was more than that. I didn't comprehend something.
I had to keep her safe. From what, I didn't know. But I felt it. A risk. A danger.
The following morning, I awakened to a bustle outside the holding room. Wolves snarled, their voices harsh.
I stood up, my hand moving to my sword. Something was wrong.
I opened the door, my eyes widening. In the corridor, wolves stood staring at something behind me.
My breath caught in my throat as I turned. With silver-blue eyes, Aria stood at the doorway. And the wall behind her was gone. ripped to pieces.
"Aria," I said, my voice full of wonder and terror.
Her eyes were intense as she looked at me. "I'm leaving," she replied, her voice frigid.
Then she disappeared. A silver blur that vanishes inside the pack house. leaving a path of destruction behind her.