5: New Beginning

I woke up because of some smell. I think someone is cooking.

My eyes widened when I realized where I was. Is that all real? I really am alive, still? If yes, I don't know where I am right now. All the memories from yesterday began to go back, I can still feel the pain. 

I sat on the wooden bed where I was lying down earlier and searched the place using my eyes. I am really here. I feel so hot right now and my head is aching, maybe because I was soaking wet last night. 

I think that person helped me. 

"You are awake." I was out of words when I saw a topless man standing in front of me, and he was just wearing a towel on his bottom. I immediately averted my gaze into that innocent table, and what bothers me the most is when I saw what I was wearing last night there. That's when I realized I have different clothes right now.

"W-Why? Who are you?" I asked him. I didn't mean to sound suspicious but I can't control myself. 

I was too stunned when he slowly walked towards me, he did not even break his gaze. I know he was too handsome to do such a thing to me but I am still a woman. I need to protect what's mine. 

"I was the one who supposed to ask that question." I can smell his mint breath right here, he was too close. "Don't you remember what happened last night?" He asks before looking at me from head to toe.

What is he saying? D-Did he? 

"W-What happened?" I asked nervously. I can't properly breathe, his face was just an inch away. 

I was literally helpless yesterday but now I am here in this situation. 

"You trespassed in my territory, and you even bother me to take care of you." I don't know but hearing those words from him made me calm. I thought there was something more than that, but what? What am I thinking? "What? You think something happened between us?" He asked. He was coldly staring at me but his voice was playful.

I don't know what he was thinking.

"N-No, I… I" I am so embarrassed to be in this situation that I can't even speak. His stare was so overwhelming that I can't think of anything. 

"You what?" He asked, crossing his arms. I finally breathed the air I was holding when he stood up straight. I am now looking above. 

I guess he's not like what I was thinking. He helped me.

"I am hungry." I just said it and closed my eyes, biting my lips while looking down. 

I almost hit my head when I saw him go outside. "What's with you, Analisse?!" I whispered to myself. This feeling is so embarrassing and I can still feel the horse running inside me. 

It didn't take 5 minutes and he's back, carrying a tray with bread and soup on it. I feel like I was now salivating just by the smell of that soup. 

"Eat." He told me and put the tray on the table. I nodded my head and waited for him to go outside before eating what he prepared for me, and I am sure this is the best soup I ate.

After my not so long breakfast, I went outside the hut and found him cutting some woods using an ax. 

"Where are you from?" I made sure I was silent but he still felt my presence.

"I was just… I was just camping but got lost."

"You even waste those words for a lie." He stood up and faced me, the sweat was all over his body. I don't know why but it's just making him more attractive. He looked intently at me as if he was seeing through my soul. "I can smell you, you're a she-wolf. So tell me, what's a wolf doing in here?"

I did not know how to react after that. He simply knew I was a wolf.

"A rogue." I corrected him. He frowned after hearing that. The cold eyes were now filled with curiosity. Does he think I am a villain just because I am now a homeless wolf? Well, that's what the pack thought about me too.

"A rogue, where are you headed?" He asked. I know he will ask too many questions, and I think I owe him those.

"I… I really don't know." I said. "But, how did you know I am a wolf?" I am curious, I don't think he is one of us. He may have encountered someone like me in the past. 

"I just know it," he said before sitting down again, continuing what's his doing. "You can stay here for a little longer. I won't mind."

My eyes widened hearing that, I was smiling but it faded as soon as I realized this will be my life from now on. It's official and I can't do anything about it anymore.

I stare at his back. I don't know him at all but I felt like I was somehow connected with this man. 

"Can I help with something?" I asked, but he seemed not to hear me so I went near him to check if he was doing something.

But then I saw his face getting red, he was holding his chest like he was in grave pain. He's not making any sound. He doesn't want me to know, I guess.

I tried touching him but he stopped me. "No!" He shouted. I immediately obeyed him. I don't know what's happening, but I want to help him.

"What's happening? What do I need to do?" I asked him. He is hardly breathing right now.

"Just… stay there. Don't move." I nodded my head but I am still worried about him. I can see the pain in his whole face. 

I was just trying to figure out what to do when a powerful force hit me, making me stumble on the ground. I looked above and saw that it was a woman who did that.

She glared at me, held my neck tight until I couldn't breathe. I was still on the ground, her on top of me. It was just so fast and she was so strong, I can't do anything right now. I was out of strength. 

"What did you do to our prince?!" She asked.

Prince? What prince was she talking about?

"I-I d-don't know…"

"Stop it, Diane."

I looked at that man and saw his red eyes, he is now standing like nothing happened to him. That's when I finally realized he was the prince she's pertaining to. 

She kneels down after hearing him.

"Greetings, Prince Sebastian." 

W-What really are you?