Chapter 4

I stepped into the bathroom, and washed away the whole stress of the day. My mind wandered back to Lucas, I couldn't help it. We would have completed the ceremony now, and gone to his chambers. I won't have had to be alone.

My face darkened, imagining him with Manda. I was feeling uneasy, I'm sure they're together.

The betrayal of Mira came back to me, she made me bring down my guard. I should have been more careful. The signs were there, how she kept fishing for information from me, the one time I caught her going through my things. I should have asked her to explain, than to just accept the flimsy excuse she gave. Well the deed has already been done. I'll have to move on.

I showered and stepped out, I went to the wardrobe and selected a flowery gown that looked comfortable.

I let my hair down, and stepped out of my new room.

Agatha had told me that Aurelia's room was a few doors away from mine, I went to look for her.

It wasn't difficult locating her room.

The door was slightly ajar.

I knocked softly before pushing it open.

My breath caught.

The room was beautiful.

Moonlight streamed through tall windows draped with lavender curtains. A large canopy bed stood in the center of the room, its white curtains tied back with silver ribbons. Shelves lined one wall, filled with storybooks, stuffed wolves, and dolls dressed in tiny gowns.

A small table sat near the window, covered in crayons, colored pencils, and sheets of paper.

Everything looked perfect.

Yet something about the room made my chest ache.

Perhaps it was the drawings pinned neatly to a board above the desk.

Most of them were of Aurelia and Kael.

In one, they stood beneath a full moon holding hands.

In another, Kael carried her on his shoulders.

I found myself smiling.

Then my gaze drifted to a different drawing.

A family portrait.

Aurelia had drawn herself.

She had drawn Kael.

And standing beside them was a woman with long yellow hair and a smiling face.

My smile faded.

The woman had been drawn again and again in different pictures.

Sometimes she stood between them.

Sometimes she held Aurelia's hand.

Sometimes she was surrounded by hearts.

Aurelia had never met her mother.

Yet she had imagined her a hundred different ways.

My heart squeezed painfully.

For all the luxury surrounding her, she was still just a little girl wishing for something she didn't have.

"Aria!"

I turned to find Aurelia sitting on the floor beside her bed, a huge white wolf plushie clutched in her arms.

"I've been waiting for you."

"Really? I asked

"I'm here now".

"I hope you like your room? Will you like to redecorate it or repaint it?" She asked.

"No Aurelia, it's perfect" I said meaning it. Also I had no intention of staying long, this was just temporary. I was going out tomorrow to find what I'll do concerning where to leave, I can't stay here with Aurelia and Kael, I can't impose myself on anyone, no matter how much Aria wants me to stay. I've been rejected enough, I need something permanent and staying here could only be temporary.

I didn't tell Aurelia any of these, I didn't need to bother the little kid with any of my troubles.

"Aria, can you help me draw now? I hope you're not tired. Aurelia asked me so sweetly.

"Yes sweetheart, I can help you. I'm not tired". I replied her, when if I was I would have still agreed to help her. I can't just explain it but although I've only know Aurelia for such a short period I deeply adore her. It's like our soul connects in a way.

She brought out her pencils, crayon and drawing board. And spread it out on the floor.

I sat down beside her, and she stared drawing, asking my opinion so often on colours to use, pencil and everything. I didn't even realise how much time I spent with her drawing.

I heard the door open, Kael stepped in, he noticed me and his gaze got a bit intense, before he looked away.

He spoke to Aurelia, "Moonbeam it's time to sleep, you'll continue drawing tomorrow".

I quickly stood up, Aurelia I'll see you tomorrow, sleep well I said giving her a kiss on her forehead. Goodnight Alpha Kael. I said to Kael, trying to head out.

Aurelia held onto my hands, "Wait Aria, you'll tuck me in with dad" she said.

I looked at Kael, I didn't think he liked that. But he didn't refuse. I've noticed he does anything that makes Aurelia happy, he might be a cold Alpha to everyone, but he really loves his daughter.

So I followed Kael and Aurelia to her bed. She lay on her bed, and Kael put a blanket over her.

She then asked " Daddy, won't you read the Wolf's Princess tale for me, I hope you remember where we stopped the last time".

I was surprised, so Alpha Kael reads bedtime stories to his daughter.

Kael picked up the book from the shelf and began reading.

Halfway through, I caught him glance in my direction.

His expression didn't change.

Yet somehow, I had the uncomfortable feeling he was aware of every second I spent in the room.

Before long Aurelia fell asleep.

We both stood up, I quickly apologized " I'm so sorry Alpha Kael, I know I'm intruding, I'll try not to do so again". I said.

He just nodded, without sparing me a glance.

"I'll be gone soon," I said.

"I'm going to look for a place to stay tomorrow."

Kael was silent for a moment.

Then he said,

"And where exactly do you plan to go?"

I blinked.

"I'll figure something out."

His expression remained unreadable.

"I see."

The words sounded almost dismissive

"Be ready to give an explanation to Aurelia that she'll understand" he added, and walked away.

I was certain finding a place to stay will be difficult, but explaining things to Aurelia couldn't be that hard.

At least, that's what I thought.