CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
ROXANNE
Sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of my bedroom, casting soft, golden rays across the room. The light danced on the wooden floor, creating patterns that shifted with the breeze. It was as if the sun itself was gently coaxing me awake, wrapping me in its tender embrace.
Birds were chirping outside, their songs filling the air with a happy melody. The rustling leaves outside my window added a soothing sound, like a gentle lullaby. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of earth and flowers. It flowed through the cracked window, making the curtains move softly. I shivered slightly under the thin covers, feeling the breeze on my skin.
I lay there for a moment, soaking in the peacefulness of the morning. Everything felt more vivid, more alive.
Turning my head, I looked out the window. The light framed the edges like a halo. A bird landed on the windowsill, its feathers ruffled by the breeze. It chirped once, tilting its head as if to greet me before flying off into the sky. The moment felt almost magical, a special connection between me and the world outside.
Closing my eyes again, I thought about the events of the previous night. Fear, desire, and relief all mixed in my mind. I was grateful for Ryker’s understanding, but a part of me also felt a sense of loss, as if I had turned away something precious.
Taking a deep breath, I filled my lungs with fresh air. I could hear the distant sounds of the pack starting to wake up, life slowly stirring around me. But in this moment, it was just me and the gentle morning.
With a sigh, I stretched my arms above my head, shaking off the last bits of sleep. I got out of bed, my bare feet touching the cool floor. I walked to the window and opened it wider, letting more fresh air into the room. I looked out at the trees swaying in the breeze and the sunlight filtering through the leaves. I felt a sense of hope and determination.
I was going to step out and do something. I would force my tired legs. I was done hiding away from the world.
***
After having my bath and shampooing my hair, I stood in front of the mirror, combing out the tangles. It had been a while since I took the time to care for it properly. The warm, scented oil felt soothing as I massaged it into my scalp, moisturising each strand.
I looked at my reflection and saw my scars. They were part of me now, reminders of what I had been through. But I remembered Ryker's words, his soft voice telling me I was beautiful. As I recalled the feel of his lips on my skin, I couldn’t help but smile.
With a deep sigh, I reached for the giant pair of scissors. My hair was damaged at the ends but still healthy at the roots. I had neglected it since waking from the coma. The doctors said my hair had been found scorched, with traces of burns still visible.
Inhaling deeply, I positioned the scissors and chopped off a long length of hair. The strands fell to the floor, leaving my hair resting just on my shoulders. To grow well again, the damaged parts had to go.
I thought about pulling my hair back into a ponytail, but when my fingers brushed the scar on my neck, I stopped. Instead, I straightened my hair with a hot iron comb, smoothing it down until it shone.
I slipped into a black high-neck dress with long sleeves, the hem grazing my ankles. I completed the look with black boots. Staring at my reflection, I felt a surge of determination. I was ready.
Walking to the Pack's training ground, I found them deep in their exercises. They all glanced my way, then quickly looked away. Ever since I had beaten the girl who had taunted me, no one dared misbehave around me. I was fed up with watching martial arts practice, so I walked past them and the sword fighters.
My eyes were drawn to the archers at the far end of the field. Their focus and precision intrigued me. I watched as they nocked arrows, drew their bows, and released in fluid, practised motions. The sound of arrows slicing through the air and hitting targets was hypnotic.
I made my way over to the archery range, watching the archers closely. The grace and control they displayed were captivating. Each archer had their own style, but all shared the same intense concentration.
A girl with bright eyes and a fierce look in her stance caught my attention. She stood tall, her bow steady, her eyes fixed on the target. She released the arrow, and it flew true, hitting the centre of the target with a satisfying thud.
As I got closer, she looked at me and smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes.
She dropped her bow and ran towards me, her face lighting up with joy.
I was taken aback when she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. When I looked up, we were both surprised. "Kara?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"Roxanne, you're alive! You're on your feet! You're healed!" Kara exclaimed, stepping back to look at me.
"Yes, I'm fine," I said, still in shock. "But it's been a while since I saw you. How have you been? I've been asking about you, but no one would tell me anything.”
Kara sighed deeply. "I've been fine," she replied, her voice softening. “I still can't believe this is you. I never heard you awoke.”
“They hardly let anyone on, right?” I inquired.
She chuckled lightly. “Yeah yeah. Anything that has to do with you, the Alpha ensures no one finds out about it.”
That part made me feel relieved. I liked how Ryker didn't really let anyone around here know things about me. It made me feel protected.
“It's hot outside, don't you feel it? The whole black theme makes you look fierce and it's perfect but in a weather like this, I could almost die in black,” Kara said.
I shrugged, not wanting to let anyone learn about my scars. “It's comfortable, the material is soft and light.”
She nodded at me, “If you say so.”
My eyes flickered to the bow in her hand.“So you're an archer. You're multi-talented. The way you were I was like damn who is this girl. Turns out it's my long friend.”
“Yeah I'm a couple of things, thank you,” she said and bowed.
I grinned. “I'm proud of you.”
Kara returned my smile and hugged me again. I dud the same. She was my friend– one of the people who never saw me as a crazy being. Then it occurred to me that I had always wanted to know one reason why she left and never came back.
"Why were you stopped from making my tea?" I asked, remembering the last time I saw her when I was very sick.
Kara's eyes darkened a bit. "I had some things to take care of, so I couldn't keep that position. It would have been a handful so they had to replace me.”
I nodded slowly, trying to process her words. "Okay. It’s nice seeing you again. I missed you a lot. We should catch up sometime.”
"Definitely," she said, smiling."Want to give it a try?" she asked, holding out a spare bow.
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure. It wouldn't hurt.”
She handed me the bow and an arrow. "Stand like this," she instructed, demonstrating the correct stance. "Draw back slowly, keep your eyes on the target.”
I mimicked her posture, feeling the tension of the bowstring under my fingers. As I drew back, my muscles strained slightly.
"If you don't focus properly, you won't hit your target," Kara whispered from behind me, her hands gently guiding mine to the correct position. Her touch was steady, calming my nerves.
I aimed at the target, trying to focus as she had done.
Just then, a sudden glitch in my mind made me freeze. I started to remember running in the woods, someone chasing me. The image of an arrow piercing my leg flashed vividly in my memory. I felt the pain and heard the laughter of my attacker.
"Finally, my archery skills came to life. I've always dreamed of doing this. And you were my board, all along," the voice from my memory taunted.
I released the arrow, and it flew towards the target, landing just outside the centre, bringing me back to the present. My heart pounded loudly, and my breathing was shallow.
"Not bad," she said with a grin. "A little more practice and you'll get the hang of it.”
Kara paused as she observed my face.
"Are you okay?" She asked, concern etched on her face.
I nodded, trying to calm myself. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said, though my heart was still racing.
Kara smiled at me, then took off the cap she was wearing. Strands of white hair fell out, glistening in the sunlight. A wave of recognition washed over me.
Kara never had white hair. Or was I mixing things up?
I remembered a handful of white hair falling out of my attacker's helmet, brushing against my face.
My knees buckled as the memory overwhelmed me. I felt myself falling, my mind swirling with fear and confusion. The last thing I saw was Kara's worried face before everything went black.