The southern wall

Chapter 5

Carmilla

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The next morning, silence filled the room like a mist. I sat down by the edge of the bed, my fingers stroking the soft hem of the blanket. I still had shivers from last night's dinner. Above all, their whispers clung to me like vines around my throat.

I knew something would go wrong the moment I stepped into the dinning hall. The side glances, jaw clenching, the little side laughters each time I uttered a word. It was all to make me smaller and inferior. And it worked.

I sighed and stood up as I padded towards the dresser. My hands trembled as I brushed my tangled hair. For a moment I considered skipping breakfast. But if I did, it was going to satisfy their ego. I quickly fixed my bangs and took a few glances of myself before I got up from the chair.

After dressing in a plaited peach sweater and light blue jorts, I made my way downstairs. The scent of meat and eggs filled the air. No one batted an eye as I made my way to my seat. Fine by me. 

I quietly sat down at the end of the long table. I scanned around then realized that Evans hadn't arrived yet. 

Just as I was about to reach for a slice of bread, one of the pack members shifted the tray and my hand was left hanging in the air. I pulled back and took a glance at her. It was one of the warriors from last night – Bella. She slowly smirked at me before murmuring something.

“Eat while you can” Her tone wasn't exactly kind and it wasn't cruel either … something neutral. 

How was I supposed to do so when she purposely shifted the tray? I didn’t even know if she was mocking me.

The atmosphere changed the moment Evans walked in. Eyes turned to him like magnets, but he hardly acknowledged anyone's presence. His eyes darted across the room, landing on me for a brief second before turning away. 

My hand clenched.

He took the seat near the head of the table, surrounded by his inner circles. They talked and laughed in low tunes. Then Layla sat beside him, too close to him which in a way made me feel uncomfortable. Layla threw a quick glance at my direction and smirked at me. 

“Morning,” Evans said flatly.

It wasn't directed to me, but I responded anyway.

“Good morning, Alpha” I said, my voice smooth.

He didn't respond. 

I swallowed my bread slowly as my stomach formed a knot. 

The awkward moment ceased when Beta Dominic came in with a brown file. 

“Alpha, we have an issue with the western patrol.” 

He took the file, carefully studying it. “Rogues again?” 

“One was captured. One claimed to be passing by.He kept on saying he didn't know he was in the Reeds territory.”.He replied.

“They always say that.” Evans chuckled darkly.

“I'll handle that.” He said, then stood up.

He started walking,but paused briefly when he got to my chair. His steps slowed for some seconds, and I could swear that I felt his gaze brush against my cheek but he didn't speak. He continued walking.

As soon as he was out of eyesight, Layla leaned towards the others.

“Maybe the rogues came sniffing around when he heard our Alpha married some weakling they call our Luna.” She whispered.

Laughter echoed in the room.

I gripped my cup tightly till my knuckles turned white.

I stood up slowly and walked out, hoping I didn't give them the satisfaction they wanted. 

I contemplated either returning to the room or head towards the garden behind the estate, then I decided to stay in the garden for a while. The cold wind brushed against my skin as I reached for the blue lily. My mother's favourite flower. Something about this place felt quiet. 

Safe.

It felt as if my mother was nearby. 

I crouched and brushed my hand against one of the lilies. “What do you think of all this?” She whispered.

I stayed in that position for some minutes until I was distracted by a loud cry that pierced the air.

It came from the southern wall.

Another cry.

It sounded young…. A child. 

Without hesitating, I sprinted towards the direction of the sound. I walked past the training field until I came across a boy who sat on the floor with his thumb sticking out.

I crouched beside him. “Hey it's okay, let me help.” 

I bit my lips each time I tried to remove the thorn in his thumb. After several attempts, it came off.  

“Thank you.” He sniffled.

I smiled softly while patting his head gently. “What's your name?”  

“Martins” 

“Martins, you shouldn't be wondering this far.” 

He nodded, wiping off the tears in his eyes. “I just wanted to see the tulips, it's one of my favourites.” 

“Oh my, what a coincidence. It's one of my favourites too.” 

I gently took his hand. “Let's get you back so you can get your clothes changed. You are covered in dirt.” 

As we talked towards the main house, I noticed Evans at a distance, his eyes squinting as he watched us approaching.

He didn't speak. For once he wore a different expression other than irritation.  

I turned away from him and looked around.

Martins looked up to me. “You are nice, I don't get why people hate you.” 

My heart clenched, but I smiled. “Well they don't know me yet.” 

Evans was still watching. 

But I didn't turn away this time.