Chapter 6: Stranger

Cercei’s POV

“Please, I begged you, find it in your heart to forgive me,” I sobbed, tears streaming down my face. Suddenly her eyes turned into a sinister shade of yellow, her hands transformed into savage paws covered with razor-sharp claws.

Instinctively, I raised my hands to shield my face as she lunged at me, attacking with the strength of a wild beast. Desperate and in pain, I cried out, gravely attempting to avoid her vicious strikes.

“You are nothing but a lowly servant! Never forget your place!” she growled, continuing in her ruthless attacks. Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to dodge her dagger-like nails.

“Please, I beg you, stop!” I yelled and begged, my voice sounded like a desperate plea in the middle of her continuing attacks. My cries carried into the air, blending with the sound of my own suffering.

“Vienna!” Monsieur’s commanding voice shattered through the horrible scene, its deep was demanding attention and obedience.

“Release her,” the commanding voice of the Alpha echoed through the air.

Vienna emitted a low growl but reluctantly let go of me, allowing me to crumble to the ground, trembling and soaked in tears. Monsieur Remus swiftly approached, and concern appeared across his face.

“Return to the gathering, Vienna,” Monsieur spoke icily to his daughter, his tone brooking no argument.

Vienna shifted to her human form, composed herself, and departed, leaving me in the aftermath of her aggression.

“Are you alright, Cercei?” Monsieur inquired softly, offering me his coat to cover my tear-streaked and bloodied form. Tenderly, he helped me to my feet, his touch surprisingly gentle given our lack of interaction throughout my life.

“Please, Monsieur, it was an unintended mistake. I never meant for any of this to happen. I beg for your forgiveness,” I pleaded, my voice quivering with remorse.

“Hush now. You should return to your room and tend to your wounds,” he replied, his voice a mixture of compassion and command. His genuine concern surprised me, and our closeness felt like a new and unfamiliar event I never anticipated. 

“Monsieur, your presence is requested…” My father’s voice trailed off as he caught sight of me. His eyes locked onto my face, then fell to the blood staining my hands.

“Cercei,” he uttered, worry appeared across his features. Hastily, he wiped away the tears from my eyes and examined my injuries. Monsieur Remus cleared his throat, discreetly receding to allow my father to tend to me.

Overwhelmed by emotions, I broke down into uncontrollable sobs, clutching onto my father for comfort. He attempted to comfort me, his presence acting like a healing touch for my broken spirit. However, the tears continued to flow, streaming down my cheeks without stopping.

“I never intended to offend Lord Adolphus, Papà. He was touching me, and I was frightened, and...” My words trailed off as my father pulled me closer into an embrace, holding me tightly.

“Hush,” he comforted me, his presence a source of ease during my turmoil. 

Out of nowhere, I spotted our Alpha’s form a short distance away. I stole a fleeting glance at Monsieur Remus, who stood before us with an impassive expression, a mysterious presence in the unfolding drama.

“Let us return inside, Hènri,” Monsieur Remus declared, his tone devoid of warmth.

“Monsieur, may I stay with my daughter? She is injured and distraught,” my father pleaded, his voice tinged with concern.

“I require your presence inside. I will summon Cecè to attend to her,” Monsieur Remus responded, his words conveying a cold detachment.

“I will be fine, Papà. Please go now,” I assured him, offering a smile filled with reassurance. Despite his worry and hesitation, he reluctantly rose and followed Monsieur Remus back into the mansion.

“Cercei...” he gently called my name.

“Go!” I insisted, my voice firm. He continued to cast anxious glances in my direction as he walked away. I knew he did not want to leave me, but I could not bear the thought of him facing any repercussions on my behalf.

I lifted my gaze to the lonely sky, its darkness, and emptiness mirroring the anguish in my heart. Only the lone moon offered companionship, its pale glow a silent witness to my inner turmoil. I yearned to release my pent-up anger, to scream and spill them out until I felt relieved. It seemed that every time I found a semblance of happiness, fate intervened, often to shatter my fleeting happiness.

Consumed by a vortex of rage and despair, I gave in to the raw anger consuming my fragile sanity. My body contorted and shifted, bones cracking and reforming as I transformed into a fearsome wolf. Ripping through my clothes, my form grew larger, my once green eyes turning a fiery red. My hands shifted into paws, each tip ending in razor-sharp claws. Then, letting out a powerful howl, I welcomed my new animal instinct, transforming into a stunning wolf with rich brown fur and burning red eyes.

Racing into the heart of the forest, driven by an overpowering urge to run away briefly, I sprinted with powerful moves. The cold wind stung my dense fur, sweeping away the chaos of my troubled mind. I didn’t care about the direction, for my sole objective was to put distance between myself and the torment that had overwhelmed my existence.

Halting abruptly, I discovered a secluded rock cave hidden inside the heart of the woods. Even from a distance, I could hear the gentle trickle of water inside the cave. Guided by an unseen force, I entered cautiously, returning to my human form as slowly as possible, and soon the transformation faded away.

Inside the cave, a comforting hot spring was unveiled, its inviting waters calling out to me. Gradually, I moved closer to the water’s edge, feeling its warmth wrap around me, providing comfort to the fragments of my wounded body. As I immersed myself, the water’s healing touch cleared away my wounds, alleviating the pain that had gripped me earlier.

In that peaceful moment, an unusual smell drifted in the air, awakening something inside me. It was both familiar and strange, igniting my senses. I looked around, trying to find where this mysterious scent was coming from, but unfortunately, all I could see were rocks.

Shaking my head, I brushed it off as something my mind had conjured. I immersed myself completely in the water, finding comfort in breathing in fresh air when I came up again. However, when I opened my eyes, I was taken aback—an enormous and splendid wolf stood right in front of me, leaving me breathless.

Covered in fur as pure as newly fallen snow and with eyes as red as spilled blood, it had a captivating and mysterious presence. Surprised and anxious, I reacted quickly, changing back into my wolf form. A wordless interaction followed our gazes meeting, shaping a deep connection that went beyond words.

The scent had awakened a hidden feeling deep inside my heart, unleashing a part of myself that I hadn’t explored before, a raw and unrestrained wildness. Overcome by indescribable feelings, I sprinted immediately, distancing myself from the mysterious wolf. The echoes of its pursuit remained in my ears, yet the forest was my safe haven, and I was familiar with its trails.

After what felt like an endless run, I eventually lost sight of the majestic wolf. My head pounded heavily, as if it might explode any moment, the weight of the day’s happenings pressing down on me. Unclear emotions churned inside, leaving me both exhausted and empty. With every step, it was as though I walked on air, detached from the real world as I neared the imposing gates of my own personal hell, the Crescent mansion.

Gazing up at the massive gate, it appeared to be inviting me back to the mansion, a grand estate of chaos and suffering, a clear reminder of the darkness that consumed my life for eighteen years.