Is there a carnival?.

Chapter 6

Calla couldn't think straight, her leg froze she thought to herself

“Why are Dominic's people here?”

She had thought he wasn't going to come since she didn't see him follow her earlier. 

Her heart was pounding as if she had just run an eight hundred meter race.

Her smile and beaming face she had earlier on has vanished.  Her feet felt they were on ice as if it was snowing. 

A different emotion came, she couldn't place it. The tender softness of heart mixed with fear of the unknown engulfed her.

After a few seconds of thought processing,  she could finally move.

Reaching out for all the courage in her like a shortbread trying to save itself from being soaked in tea, she went to her room. 

“Is there a festival? Or has your Alpha come to say his vows?”

She said as they parted ways for her to get into her room. 

She saw Dominic sitting on her bed and beside him was a beautiful flowery dress.

He was shining through the light in the room. Calla was seeing sparkles and her heart fluttered. 

Her heart had a soft whisper and she couldn't believe what was happening to her.

“Am I developing a soft spot for him?”

She thought to herself. 

She got in and closed the door behind her.

“What's the occasion? The Great Dominic showing up after a while with a dress for what? Are you here to appease the gods?”

Dominic stared into her eyes for a while. The gaze was as if he could see her soul from the eyes.

“I'm sure you could be deafened. I will have nothing to say. When you are done staring, you can take your leave.”

Calla said while trying to figure out what his gaze could mean. She could see pain, regret and calm in one stare.

Not to overthink, she said defensively,

“Leaving will not be a bad idea. Since you are always mute. You can take your dress along. I don't need it in this prison.”

“This… this isn't prison.” 

Dominic said, frowning.

“What do you call it? A place where everyone is grumpy.  Some are scared of others not biting them. Can't talk even when there's something to discuss, what do you call such a place?” 

Calla asked, looking directly into Dominic's eyes.

For a first, Dominic looked away from her. He couldn't bear the pain she carried in those eyes.

Calla noticed this and wondered what there was. She decided to press further. 

“You kidnapped me in the form of marriage, switched my groom and my wedding night was filled with disdainful glares. And my groom? He was snarling around. This is a prison.”

Dominic switched his glare. They were filled with rage and anger. 

“Did I get him wrong? Maybe he is not feeling anything soft.”

She thought. 

Dominic was looking like he could attack soon. Not minding him, Calla made forward as if to say something. 

Not thinking twice, Dominic held her shoulder so tight that it was almost bruised.

“I am a man of few words. I don't fight with my mouth, I do with my hand. If you want to be fierce,  you have to pick the right tool.”

Dominic said without looking at her.

“There is a Pack function tomorrow. Get ready in this dress. I will be introducing you as the Pack's Luna.”

“I thought so too, you are making me wear this to look good as a figurehead.”

“Calla, you are whatever you call yourself. Get dressed by tomorrow and find your way to the hall for council meetings.  Don't be late and work on your tongue.”

Calla looked at him with disgust,

“If you are here to convince me to keep shut, that must be a mistake. I am sure you know that by now.”

“You dare me in ways no one has done before. I really don't know what exactly it is that makes you feel so audacious.”

Dominic said.

“Do you want me to answer that? Let me save you some thinking stress. I am not like everyone here. You wolves might be taught silence in prison but as for me, silence is something I choose to do, not what is enforced on me.”

Without looking back, Dominic heads out not uttering a word.

“You are most likely a coward with a fierce look. I'm sure you are doing all these to hide your weakness.”

Calla, expecting Dominic's reaction, got nothing.

Frustrated  at how long she has to be silent for. Not being able to talk to anyone. 

She stamped her foot to the ground several times.

Looking to her bedside table, she saw a well arranged tray of food with a note,

“Eat so you don't look unfed”

She was happy he was thoughtful enough to send her food however, the written note shows it wasn't done out of sincerity.

Maybe it was. He came to her wing with a dress and food. He might be thoughtful after all.

After the stunt she pulled at the dining, she was hungry and needed it.

Deceiving herself she said out loud to the food.

“Not eating you is equivalent to waste. My mum taught me not to waste food.”

Taking one bite at a time, she couldn't help but praise the food. 

“Not that you are better than what we had back home, but they did justice to you.”

“I didn't believe cranky and grumpy cooks could make better meals.” She continued as she devoured the meal like she had been starving for days.

She forgot about Theo totally while eating. That is a good one coming from who was clamoring about being imprisoned. 

A knock came on her door just right after she was done eating and she couldn't help but imagine who could be there?

“Could Dominic be back?” That's most likely not it… maybe it is.

She can't know except when the door is opened.

Calla opened the door. A beautiful maid was standing by her door.

They looked at one another for a few seconds before Calla spoke.

“How may I be of help”

She said trying to maintain her composure. 

“Good evening, my Luna,” She said.

Calla’s cheek turned red. She grinned softly. 

“I  was with the other maids earlier when you came to the laundry space. I believe in your capability and I'm willing to be loyal to you.”

Calla's face brightened up. She was joyous like a child who had just bought her favourite toy.

Not to sound too desperate, she had to feign a cold tone.

“Pledging loyalty to me is like saying you will not see anything bad in my decision and will always stand with me.”

The maid said, “My Luna, I will be loyal to you however, I will be there to check the decision you want to make and advise you against it with my little knowledge. However, if things turn sour, I will be by your side.”

“Are you trying to say I'm daft?”

“My Luna, I was taught to understand that no one knows it all. My words may not be of a wise man but I'm sure when it makes some sense you will know because you are a well of knowledge and wisdom.”

She must really know how to flatter. Calla couldn't control her smile. 

The butterfly she felt was more than when Harper flattered her.

“Are you here to flatter or make fun of me?”

“My Luna, you might be a weak human to others but I see strength in you.” She said falling to the ground to take a bow.

The happiness Calla felt couldn't be concealed anymore. Aside from Dominic, no one has addressed her directly as Luna.

“What's your name?” Calla asked while the maid still had her face to the ground. 

“I'm Theresa.” She responded. 

“Rise!” Calla commanded.

“You will have to prove your loyalty beyond doubt. I don't need you to be lukewarm around me. You are either for me or against me.”

“I understand very well, my Luna.” she said.

“I see you have just finished eating, shall I take out the plates?” Theresa asked with her gaze lowered. 

“Yes, you can. Thank you.”

Theresa was out the door and Calla couldn't keep her joy within. 

She laughed so loud that she had to cover her mouth and check if Theresa had left.

“I think being yourself actually worked. Not bad playing a freewill teenager with her own voice. She seems sincere.” Maybe she is not. Who knows?

Her loud laughter came to a halt when she noticed a paper left on the floor.

She opened and saw “sincerely, Theresa”