"What's troubling you? Since this morning, you've been acting quite differently," I inquired, my thoughts laced with concern, as I mindlink Selena.
"I can't quite put my finger on it. I just have this nagging feeling that something significant is about to unfold," she replied through our mindlink, her thoughts tinged with anxiety.
"Nothing is going to happen. You just need to take a deep breath and relax. How about we go for a run? It might help clear your mind," I suggested, hoping to dispel her worries.
"yes, I'd really love that," she responded, her eagerness flickering through our bond.
With that, I exited the grand palace, where twilight had already cloaked the sky in deep indigo, studded with shimmering stars. I wandered toward the secluded back, shedding my clothes to shift into my wolf form under the cover of the night, feeling the cool night air brush against my fur, invigorating my spirit. The forest invited me to run through it, a familiar forest surrounding the palace.
In my wolf form, as we bounded through the forest, I felt exhilarated as I sprinted through the underbrush, the rustle of leaves and soft whisper of the breeze of nature enveloping us like a protective shroud. After a while we reached Amelia's favorite spot—a serene clearing where a shimmering small pond glimmered under the silver glow of the moonlight, surrounded by lush greenery that danced softly in the breeze.
Once there, I shifted back into my human form and hastily dressed. I settled beside the pond, dipping my legs into the soothing water that sparkled like diamonds under the night sky. Letting my worries wash away as I stirred the surface, creating delicate ripples that expanded outward.
"How was the run? Are you feeling any better now?" I asked Selena through our bond.
"Not exactly, but don't fret about it," she responded, her unease still palpable within our link.
"Alright," I replied, though a persistent knot of dread remained in my heart. Perhaps it stemmed from the recurring nightmare I'd been having might be behind her distress, And I resolved to consult the seer for guidance once we returned from our journey to the Lycan empire.
With tomorrow marking our departure to the lycan empire, I had spent the morning meticulously packing my belongings, ensuring I was ready for whatever lay ahead. After indulging in a moment of solitude by the water, I finally stood up and made my way back to the palace, ready to get some rest before the impending journey.
The following dawn broke with an electrifying energy—a mix of excitement and trepidation thrummed in the air. Yet, beneath it all was an inexplicable feeling, as if something was calling to me from the depths of the unknown.
Once I dressed and prepared for the day, I stepped outside to find Amelia waiting, her face alight with anticipation. "Hey, are you ready for our adventure?" I asked, trying to match her enthusiasm.
"Yes! I can hardly contain myself! I'm so eager to see the empire and all its wonders!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling like the morning dew with excitement.
"You're not alone in your excitement; I believe everyone feels the same way," I responded, hoping to ground her exhilaration.
"Well, I can only speak for myself; I'm just focused on my own excitement. I want to get going! Let's head to the parking lot!" she urged, and we made our way there together.
Upon arriving, I noticed the dedicated omegas had already loaded our luggage into the sleek, polished car, its surface gleaming under the sunshine, but a flicker of anxiety crept into my thoughts.
"Davina, just so you know, you'll be sitting next to Jayden during the entire ride," she said, a teasing smirk with an eyebrows raised playfully.
"I'm really not looking forward to that," I admitted, a wave of reluctance washing over me.
"You'd better go have a word with him about it," she nudged me, a smirk on her lips.
"I'll try," I murmured, my heart sinking at the thought.
Upon reaching our destination, I spotted Jayden waiting for us. His presence was commanding, exuding warmth and confidence. "Good morning, Jayden," we greeted in unison, a combination of excitement and nervousness evident in my voice.
"Good morning! How did you sleep?" he replied, his tone warm and inviting.
"It was good. But Jayden, could I please sit with Amelia throughout the journey? We have so much to talk about," I implored, hoping for a positive outcome.
"You two have always been together. What more is there to discuss? You're riding with me. I want us to grow closer on this journey," he stated firmly, authoritative as always.
"Please, I'd really like to sit with Amelia" I pleaded softly, desperation creeping into my words.
"No, that's not happening," he replied, his expression resolute.
Just then, Amelia chimed in, "How about I sit with Davina in the car, but then switch to sit with you once we're to board the plane?"
"Okay, that works for me," he relented, his demeanor softening at her suggestion.
"Thank you!" I exclaimed, relief flooding through me.
Before long, the king and high-ranking members of the court, including my parents and their loyal attendants, arrived in a grand procession. We all climbed into the luxurious vehicles designated for our journey, their interiors plush and inviting.
"I haven't even mated with him yet, and already I'm feeling like my life is being dictated by commands—first my parents, now him. It's all a bit overwhelming" I confided my frustration to Amelia.
"You need to remember, he isn't trying to control you. He genuinely wishes to spend time with you and he deeply cares about your happiness. I'm not saying this just because he's my cousin; I've seen how he treats others, and he's truly good," she reassured me, her confidence in him stabilizing my swirling emotions.
"I know, I just need time to adjust" I admitted softly, my heart heavy with uncertainty.
Once we arrived at the king's private airport, we boarded the luxurious plane, where Jayden took a seat beside me. We settled into the elegant cabin designed just for him, adorned with rich woods and plush upholstery that invited relaxation.
As soon as we were inside, he shifted his focus to his laptop, tapping away methodically. "Why do you keep avoiding me? Since I chose you as my mate, I've noticed you pulling away," he remarked, his eyes never leaving the screen, though a hint of concern colored his voice.
"It's not like that. I'm not intentionally distancing myself," I replied, wishing desperately that I could articulate my feelings about our bond.
"Are you truly okay with us being mates? I should've asked sooner; I assumed it was what you wanted," he looked up at me, genuine concern etched on his face.
"Yes, I'm fine with it," I assured him, a hint of uncertainty in my voice.
"If that's what you say, then please don't distance yourself. If something is bothering you, share it with me. And don't worry about your parents; once we mate, they'll no longer dictate your choices. You'll be free to pursue what brings you happiness," he promised, his sincerity evident.
How did he know that I felt burdened? I suspected it was Amelia who had shared my feelings with him. After that, he returned to his work, leaving me to stew in my racing thoughts.
The nagging sense of unease lingered, deepening as Selena remained unusually quiet. Soon, exhaustion overtook me, and I longed for the plush bed inside the cabin, a cocoon of comfort amidst the chaos. "Davina, wake up. We'll be landing in 20 minutes" a gentle voice stirred me from my slumber.
As I blinked awake, yawning and rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I sat up, smoothing my outfit while contemplating the mysteries awaiting us in the Lycan empire and the unpredictable future that stretched ahead.