[ The next day at the Bloodfang pack ]
The scent of eggs, grilled tomatoes, and brewed coffee was trying its best to rouse the Bloodfang pack from their post party haze.
It was already 11:30 in the morning, but the halls were only now beginning to stir with sluggish footsteps and muffled yawns.
The feast last night had gone on well past the designated time, leaving even their strongest warriors walking like sleep deprived zombies.But that’s ok.That’s what a Bloodfang party was expected to do... in the least.
The large oak table in the center of the dining hall was set. One by one, the royals arrived...first, Alpha Velor in a simple black tunic, rubbing his temples.
His three wives trailed behind...Mara in her pajamas,Niva and Serra in their silk gowns, their hair still tousled from sleep.
No one said a word at first.
The scraping of chairs against the stone floor and the gentle clinking of cutlery were the only sounds that filled the air as the maids quickly brought out their usual favourites.
Soft poached eggs for Mara, toast slathered in honey for Serra, spicy sausages for Niva, and a bowl of fruit with chilled cream for Velor.
Velor picked up his spoon to stir his coffee, but paused.
His brows furrowed, and he glanced towards the grand staircase that curled up to the private chambers.
Then he looked at the clock on the far wall.
"Has Autumn already eaten?" he asked, frowning. "She is not joining us?"
One of the maids stepped forward. "She is still asleep, my Alpha. She hasn’t had breakfast yet."
Velor set his spoon down. His brows drew together. "Is she unwell? She didn’t drink last night...she shouldn’t be this tired."
Niva sighed, rubbing her temple again before speaking. "Something happened to her last night.Close to dawn.I would have told you after breakfast..."
Velor’s gaze sharpened. "What do you mean?"
Niva hesitated, then leaned back in her chair, her voice lowering as she slipped into the memory.
( Start of Niva’s flashback)
She had woken on the couch, her mouth dry, her head pounding. The fireplace had burned down to embers, and the room was bathed in the dim blue light of early morning.She looked around and found the room was empty and she was the last one there. The others had left.
A glance at the clock told her it was 3:30 AM. Groaning, she pushed herself up, swaying slightly before steadying herself on the armrest. She needed water. And her bed.
As she trudged towards the stairs, something caught her eye... Autumn’s door.
It was left wide open. That wasn’t right. Niva frowned, stepping closer.A prickle of unease ran down her spine.
When she went inside, she saw that the bed was untouched. She checked the bathroom and found her red dress all soaked and wet. Then there was the mirror...shattered.And there also were faded bloodied footprints stepping out of the shower. She searched the adjacent room as well, now getting a little frantic.
"Autumn?" she called softly. No answer.
She moved faster now, her fatigue forgotten.
She looked all around the room once again, even under the bed... you know, just in case...but no sign of Autumn at all so Niva rushed out, really scared and worried at this point.
She rushed down the stairs and crossed the hall. It was all empty and quiet, except for the whisper of her own bare feet against the marble.
She crossed over to the balcony and looked outside and it was at this point that she saw some movement.
But towards the other end. She rushed to check through the windows.
Through the tall glasses overlooking the garden,she saw a figure walking steadily towards the tree line.
Niva’s breath hitched. "Autumn!" she called. No response.
" AUTUMN!", louder this time.
The figure did not turn. Did not pause. Just kept walking straight ahead. And the road led straight towards the border. She wasn’t even wearing her nightdress properly. It was hanging half way down her shoulder.Her hair was dripping wet and she had no shoes on.
Niva knew something was definitely not right. She didn’t think...she ran.
She felt the chill of the night air against her skin as she flung open the garden doors.
A pair of guards, stationed nearby, were startled at her sudden appearance. "Follow me!" she snapped, not waiting to see if they obeyed.
Autumn was already far ahead, her steps eerily steady. "Autumn!" Niva shouted again, her voice rang loud through the stillness. Nothing.
The guards caught up, their expressions turned tense as well. Niva sped up. She reached Autumn just as her foot touched the first line of trees.
Niva grabbed her shoulder and spun her around forcibly...
Autumn’s eyes were open, but they were not really seeing her. They were glassy, distant, fixed on something far beyond the forest. Her lips parted, and a single word slipped out, so quiet it was almost lost to the wind.
Then her hand drifted to her stomach. Her eyelids fluttered. And she collapsed into Niva’s arms.
Niva was barely able to catch her in time. "Autumn? Autumn!" She shook her gently, but there was no response. The guards rushed forward, one of them scooping Autumn up without hesitation.
"Take her back to her room," Niva ordered, her voice tight.
She followed, her mind racing.
Two maids were stationed outside Autumn’s door by the time Niva left, her final instruction was very clear. "Watch her closely. If she wakes, send for me immediately."
( end of Niva’s flashback)
" I did not call the healer immediately. I thought it was better to wait until she woke up. I didn’t want to disturb her or...worse...scare her."
Velor ran both hands through his hair. "And she still hasn’t woken up?"
"No," the maid confirmed again from the corner. "Not yet."
The air was thick with tension as Mara and Serra looked at each other as well.
Velor’s jaw was clenched, his fingers gripping the edge of the table. "She was sleepwalking?"
Niva shook her head slowly. "It wasn’t just sleepwalking. I don’t think so. It was like...she wasn’t... there."
Serra fingers tightened around her glass. "And she said Alpha Kieran’s name?"
A heavy silence settled over them.
Velor stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I am going to check on her."
"No!" Niva grabbed Velor’s arm and pulled him back in his seat. "First finish your food. I will go with you when we are done eating!You heard she is still sleeping right? "
Mara and Serra exchanged a glance before digging into their breakfast too.
This chapter is updated by freew(e)bnovel.(c)om