Chapter 8: Shelter and pain

Zyra POV

I sat still in the room and waited for Marcus return. While waiting, I took the opportunity to look around the room.

The room was adorned with beautiful portraits hanging on the wall, books in shelves and a small wine cellar.

A smile graced my lips as I released a low sigh, I sat alone in this room, wrapped snugly in a soft bathrobe. It feels comforting against my weary body, but my mind is still troubled by the events that led me here. I was injured, lost, and alone until Marcus, the powerful Lycan King, stumbled upon me.

Marcus... He has a heart of gold; I can tell he is a nice person. When he found me injured and vulnerable, he couldn't bear to leave me behind, I honestly imagined him to diss me and leave. He brought me to his home, providing shelter and care. Such kindness is rare, especially coming from someone with as much power and responsibility as he holds.

I wait patiently in the room, contemplating my own thoughts, when a familiar rumbling sound catches my attention. It's Marcus returning with food. The gentle aroma of freshly cooked meals fills the air, causing my stomach to grumble in response. I eagerly await his arrival, grateful for his constant consideration and generosity.

The door creaks open, revealing Marcus with a tray of delicious food in his hands. Just seeing him brings a sense of comfort, as if his mere presence can chase away all my worries.

“Someone’s hungry already?” he smiled at me as he walked into the room.

“Don’t worry, I am gonna feed you.” He added with a low chuckled and I laughed lowly.

His reassuring smile conveys both strength and compassion, assuring me that I am safe and cared for. He sets the tray down on a nearby table before walking towards me, concern etched in his eyes.

"How are you feeling, Zyra?" he asks gently, his voice filled with genuine care. "I wanted to make sure you have something to eat. It's important to regain your strength."

His words touch me deeply. Despite his royal responsibilities, he is her, taking timeto tend to my needs. It's as if I matter more than anything else to him, and that feeling warms my heart.

"Thank you, Marcus," I reply, my voice filled with gratitude. "You've been so kind to me. I don't know how to repay you."

Marcus waves off my gratitude, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "You owe me nothing, Zyra. All I want is to see you on the path to recovery. You're a strong and resilient person, and I believe in your ability to heal."

“You really don’t know me that well, Marcus. You should not say all these.” I replied lowly

“With the little I know, I think I know something.” he chuckled lowly and I sighed.

His belief in me moves me to smile faintly. His faith in my strength fuels my determination to overcome the obstacles I face. If he, the mighty Lycan King, sees potential in me, then surely I can find the strength within myself as well.

As I savor the tasty meal Marcus has prepared, we engage in light conversation. Marcus spoke to me about his kingdom and some challenges he faces as a leader but staring at him, I could tell there are a few more things he is not telling me and I do not want to pressure him about it, after all… I told him nothing deep about myself or the way Cade treated me.

More like I trust no one yet.

Marcus stared at me for sometime before he spoke up again, “I should probably get you something to wear and you would not sleep in bathrobes would you?” he chuckled and I shrugged

“You have women dress here?” I replied with a low laugh and he winks at me before he stood up from the sofa.

“Unisex shirts just wait. I’d be back soon, need to go check something out too” he replied as he turned is back to leave while I smiled.

Minutes later,

Marcus POV

I made my way back to my room and straight away opened my wardrobe, selecting a white shirt and a comfortable pair of pajama pants. "This should suit her," I whispered to myself as I exited the room and returned to where I had left Zyra.

"You want more food or are you filled?" I asked, but there was no response. I called out her name again, realizing that her head had fallen to her left side, deep in sleep on the sofa. Seeing her peacefully resting stirred a mix of emotions within me. "You must really be tired," I sighed softly, unable to resist the impulse to check on her.

Crouching down to her level, I couldn't help but smile at her innocent and angelic face. "Looking so young, I wonder what your age truly is," I mused, clicking my tongue lightly. Standing up once again, I gently lifted Zyra into my arms, her hands instinctively wrapping around my neck.

As I carried her in a bridal style, my gaze remained fixated on her face. She looked so vulnerable, and in that moment, I felt an overwhelming desire to protect her from any harm. The weight of her words in the woods still lingered in my mind, causing a sharp pain in my heart. "Cade has no right to treat you this way, and I am truly sorry for everything," I whispered softly, hoping somehow she might hear my words even in her slumber.

Arriving in her room, I carefully laid her down on the bed, taking care not to disturb her peaceful rest. With gentle caresses, my fingers traced the contours of her face, cherishing the softness of her skin. It was in these quiet moments that I realized just how much I cared for her well-being.

“No, I just met you…”

Reluctantly, I pulled myself away from her, knowing that I couldn't stay by her side forever, it might just be for tonight.

As I walked towards the door, a sudden sharp pain pierced through my head, causing me to lose balance and fall to the ground, groaning in agony. However, Zyra's deep slumber shielded her from my distress, allowing her the rest she so desperately needed.

Clutching my head, gritting my teeth against the pain, I forced myself to regain composure. I would not want Zyra to hear me or see me this way.

“Oh, fuck ! I hate my life” I groaned lowly as I pulled myself out of her room.