Chapter 04

The Palace Nightfall 

Kale POV 

“I just informed you she’s not even from any of the packs that belongs to the Southern wing,” Cassian replied as he stood hands akimbo by the window, watching nothing in particular. “No one has been identified to smell like that.”

I ignored him completely and turned my attention back to the woman lying in the middle of the royal infirmary bed. By now, her breathing has steadied and somehow calm, but still, her body was wrapped in bandages. Her skin was badly bruised, arms bloodied, and yet… even at the state, there seems to be something divine about her.

“Do you think this happened to her because she was chasing death?” Cassian asked. “For someone to charge straight into those rogues like that without thinking?”

“She did that to save my life,” I replied, unable to raise my voice.“Who the hell gathers such courage in the Forbidden Lands?”

Cassian scoffed like it meant nothing. “Someone very desperate to meet death, and worst of all , very foolish.”

“I don’t think she’s either of those things you are saying.”

“For all I know, she could be a spy.”

“I said I don’t think you should her, as she may not be either.” I snapped suddenly, my voice sharper and surprising me. He raised his brows at the sudden outburst and stepped back.

“She’s finally waking up.”

My gaze returned back to her. Her lashes slightly fluttering, her brows somewhat furrowed. And then, suddenly,...

“Ah!” she winced in pain, carefully clutching her side.

“Be careful, please” I murmured, leaning to her level immediately, ready to do anything to relieve the pain. “You were badly hurt back there. You lost a whole lot of blood.”

Her eyes darted to and fro in a panicked manner around the room. “Where...where exactly am I?”

“You’re very safe,” I assured her gently. “You’re in the capital of the Obsidian Lycan Empire.”

She stilled at the mention of Lycan. “You’re one of the Lycans?”

I nodded in affirmation. “Kale Vyron.”

“The heir to the throne?” she whispered, though almost not heard by anyone other than herself.

“Yeah,” I said, and added a soft chuckle to lighten the mood. “That’s me in flesh.”

She made an effort to sit up, but I immediately placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t force yourself. All you need now is rest.”

She hesitated, but later gave in. She lay her head on the soft pillows, her dark hair scattered all around. I could see through those beautiful eyes, to tell they were haunted, like she had experienced too many bad days.

“I need to leave to continue my journey,” she said suddenly, and I wondered where she got such thoughts from.

“That’s not happening under my watch.”

Her gaze narrowed, maybe surprised at my tone. “I don’t even know you.”

“And yet, you risked your life to save me. Never hesitated in taking down three rogues for a stranger you barely know.”

She looked away, totally caught guilty. “Those things I did weren't about you.”

“Then, this is your chane to make me understand what it was about?”

There was silence, as she wasn't ready to talk and share her life experience.

She didn’t make any effort to answer, and I didn’t push it either.

“Why brought you to the Forbidden Lands?”

Her jaw tightened the moment I asked that question. “I was just casually passing through.”

“No one ever dares passes through cursed land without a death wish.”

Her eyes flickered. “I didn’t have a choice at that time.”

I leaned my head to the left to hold her gaze. “Everyone has been given choices.”

She exhaled, but when I thought she would burst out ranting, she said nothing.

“You were running when we met,” I murmured. “But from what exactly?”

She flinched on hearing that. 

I stepped closer, this time, my knees closer to the bed. “Listen well. I don’t have any idea what you’ve been through, but I can feel it was very heavy. It’s more of displaying your pain, letting it scream out loud even when you’re silent. So… whoever might have done this to you…”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Her voice was unsteady. 

“It does more than you can imagine to me.”

Her eyes met my gaze, and all I could see through those pretty eyes was years of abuse, of heartbreak, abuse and cruel betrayal.

“Why exactly?” she asked, voice slightly shaking. “Why does this matter so much to you?”

I opened my mouth, but I didn't find the right word to use. I closed my mouth, unable to explain.

“My wolf,” I finally found my voice. “He won’t stay calm.”

She blinked in confusion.

“That very moment you collapsed beside me, everything went still, he also went still. Like he knew something hidden I didn’t. And ever since then, he keeps whispering to me; don’t let her go.”

She swallowed hard after listening to me. “You think there's a great chance we might be mates?”

“I don’t have any idea what I think, but I do know what I feel."

There was a pause to let everything sink in.

Then she let out a bitter laugh. “Well, I think you should tell your wolf he’s very confused. It's no news that I’m no one’s mate. I don’t even belong anywhere.”

I frowned at that display . “That’s a terrible lie.”

“You don’t even know anything about me.”

“I want to know”

She stared at me, totally stunned at how sincere my voice had come out.

“You didn't think twice, you risked your life for me,” I said softly. “That alone should mean something. You’re not allowed to leave until I find out who you are. Why are you badly hurt? And why despite everything we've tried, your scent…”

I trailed off on hearing that.

“My scent, how?” she asked very wary

“It’s…somewhat haunting,” I admitted. “Like a forgotten memory I’ve never had my entire life before.”

She looked away, it seemed I hit her hard.

“Tell me your name,” I pressed on to get more familiarity.

“I can’t do that.”

“You won’t.”

She didn’t answer, neither did she make any effort to.

"I don't trust Lycans." She finally said after a long silence.