Music recommendation: Road Less Traveled by Fringe Element on Spotify.
"So, Leo, planning to introduce her to the High Council, or are you just rescuing damsels for fun now?" Viktor teased; his playful banter starkly contrasted Leo's glare. Viktor pondered if that man ever smiled genuinely. The two comrades stood far from the camp, prepared from Viktor's pack. They traveled for days and would reach the pack house by noon the next day. Lyra was snuggled in fur pelts by the fire, sleeping soundly while Leo brought Viktor out to discuss in private.
Leo's response was a stoic silence. He planted himself leaning against the tree. Viktor could only sigh, seated on a snow-covered log wearing a pair of trousers and a loose tunic. Unbothered by the cold as he stared at the shimmering stars, Viktor spoke.
"I just returned from the main capital in Eden, and tensions are running high, Leo," Viktor claimed, his tone turned serious.
"My pack is spread thin, trying to keep Evrax in order, and the damn demons caused a lot of damage, and I had it up to here with the celestial fuckers playing mute," viktor motioned his hand at the level of his brow.
Leo looked over to his friend, Viktor, who was always annoyingly jovial and now looked exhausted and troubled. He crossed his arms and straightened his back as he decided to speak to Viktor.
"The demons have recovered the Vessel," Leo revealed.
Viktor's eyes widened at the revelation as he turned to Leo, his muscles tensed at the discovery. "You mean the prophecy those bastards spent centuries looking. Do you realize what this means?!"
"I do, Viktor, and I stole that from them,"
"You what?!" Viktor exclaimed, finally some good news. "That's splendid news, we should celebrate! Where is it? Can I see it?"
Leo didn't answer as his expression hardened the longer Viktor's banter continued.
"The High Council will be pleased with your efforts…" Viktor said, noting the tension Leo gave and puzzled.
"Why don't you look happy about this? I know you changed a lot since I last saw you… Wait—" as though the pieces finally clicked. Looking back at the fire.
"Lyra doesn't know, does she, Leo?" Viktor murmured; he blinked, meeting Leo's eyes as confirmation.
Leo's gaze remained unwavering as he nodded, confirming Viktor's suspicion. He recounted the recent events, from spying on the demon raids to Lyra's explosive entrance at the fortress of Ozend and having no recollection of her actions. She seemed human in appearance, and that made Leo more apprehensive about her. He didn't want to disclose the information to Lyra without scaring her and causing a reaction that might bring out the ominous abilities.
Viktor listened attentively. His expression grew more troubled as Leo spoke. The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air, Viktor's playful demeanor into a more solemn one.
"Damn it, Leo! You brought her here without telling her?" Viktor scolded, his brows furrowed in disapproval.
"I had my reasons," Leo responded, his tone low and resolute. "She's the vessel, whether she likes it or not."
Leo's crimson orbs bore into Viktor. "I'll tell her when the time is right. Right now, our priority is keeping her safe."
Viktor didn't look convinced, but he relented, knowing Leo wouldn't be easily swayed once his mind was made up. The two men lapsed into contemplative silence.
After a moment, Viktor spoke again, his voice softer. "You care about her, don't you?"
"She's a means to an end, nothing more." Leo's expression remained unreadable, but there was a subtle shift in the air.
Viktor raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "I've known you my whole life, Leo. Don't pretend you're not affected by this,"
Leo didn't respond, his gaze fixed on Lyra in the distance. She turned over to the side before she settled. The old version of him would've thought differently. He couldn't deny Viktor that. It was simple, he thought. He would hand her over and reclaim his life from exile. Clean, cut, and painless.
"I'm not the man I once was," Leo pointed, ending the conversation. He left Viktor and walked over to the sleeping woman by the fire. He glanced over her pale face as her brows furrowed as if she was disturbed. During the nights he watched over, he noticed how troubled her sleeps were and pondered what nightmares she dreamt of. He knelt over to brush a stray hair from her face but halted when she stirred again. Her head shifted subconsciously, and her plump pink lips brushed against his fingers. He froze on the spot. When she settled once again, he moved away from her.
Viktor witnessed the interaction as he made his way back to the camp and nearly choked at the sight. Was that a faint blush he saw on Leo's cheeks? Leo sensed Viktor's lingering gaze and glowered at the Alpha. You could suggest the grumpy lion was infuriated at the grinning wolf. He didn't want there to be any misunderstanding. Lyra is merely someone to deliver and nothing more.
Viktor raised his hands in denial, gestured he saw nothing, and took his leave to his tent. Leo remained where he was and knelt by the fire—brooding over the ordeal. He reminded himself to stay focused as he stared at the flames.
The remaining wolf-shifters, still awake, felt a shiver as the brooding man stifled the calm atmosphere. Surprisingly, Lyra didn't stir and relaxed even more in Leo's presence. Her breathing was steady, and her expression was etched in bliss.
At the crack of dawn, they broke camp and resumed their journey. Lyra sat on his horse in front of Leo and couldn't help but feel his eyes staring at the back of her head. She glanced over her shoulder and saw his piercing red eyes scowling at her. She furrowed in response to his cold expression. What did she do now? She agreed to follow him reluctantly.
"What?" Lyra questioned.
Leo's gaze remained unyielding, his crimson eyes locking on Lyra's. The frigid air between them intensified, and Lyra felt a chill run down her spine. She couldn't discern the emotions concealed behind his stoic, handsome face, but a sense of caution tinged her words.
"Why are you staring at me?" she asked, her tone a mixture of curiosity and mild defiance.
"Don't get too comfortable. This isn't a pleasure ride," Leo responded, his tone was a low, clipped voice.
Huffing in response, Lyra felt irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm well aware of that. You don't have to remind me every second." She was not too comfortable around him but had grown accustomed to his brooding nature. She flitted her lashes as she turned away to look at nothing in particular.
Leo's jaw clenched, and he turned back to the path ahead. The forest enveloped them in an eerie silence, broken by the rhythmic beat of hooves against the snow-covered ground.
Viktor led the pack ahead in his majestic wolf form at a steady pace, where their horse could keep up. His fur shimmering as he ran through the blanket of snow. Lyra wondered if he was a mixed breed of a golden retriever from his playful personality; she chuckled at the thought. Compared to the glacier of the man she was riding with, she couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that Leo harbored more than annoyance. His cryptic remarks and the enigma surrounding his existence left her with many unanswered questions. She stole occasional glances at him, trying to decipher the unreadable expressions that flitted across his face.
The journey ended as they neared a clearing out of the dense forest. Lyra couldn't help but marvel at the sight. If Alpha Viktor were a king, this place would be his kingdom. The town was vast, filled with homes and buildings three stories high. Well-paved roads decorated the path leading up to his packhouse at the center of the settlement.
Many citizens started approaching Alpha Viktor in reverence, welcoming him back. Leo flitted his hood to conceal his face, not wanting to draw attention. Lyra was amazed by the beauty of the people and the place she was welcomed to. There were a few curious stares from the people, but Lyra didn't mind. She was just glad to see civilization.
Once the couple arrived at Viktor's abode. The massive doors swung open, revealing a breathtaking sight. The grand foyer was adorned with polished marble flooring that stretched beneath their feet. A glittering crystal chandelier dangled from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow beneath the red rug. The grandness of it all made Lyra dazed.
Venturing further into the mansion, Viktor broke away to get dressed and mind-linked his butler, Lexus, to lead the couple to their rooms. Lexus formally introduced himself.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Lyra. My name is Lexus Stone. If you both may kindly follow me while I show you to your rooms," Lexus bowed before ushering them forward. Lyra was taken aback by how polite the shifter was and that he knew her name without introduction. Could he read her mind?
Leo could read her expression easily by her dazed look and scoffed.
"Viktor mind-linked Lexus on your introduction. He's not a mind reader,"
Lyra looked back at Leo before she frowned. 'And you're not?' She thought in her mind. Leo merely chuckled and followed Lexus, leaving her behind even more puzzled.
Led upstairs, they walked down the long corridor decorated with paintings of Viktor and his lineage. Lyra was captivated by how regal figure looked in the portrait. His face was a masterpiece of masculine beauty, with commanding silver eyes peering from beneath arched eyebrows. A chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, and a straight nose added allure to his countenance. Cascading waves of blonde hair framed his features and seemed to amplify the enchantment of his silver gaze. Any she wolf would go weak in the knees from the irresistible charm.
"What are you gawking at?"
Lyra was pulled out of her daze by Leo, who was standing behind her. She turned to look at him and ignored him, her cheeks slightly tinted from her dawdle as she walked over to where Lexus stood. Leo's façade was indifferent as he watched over her, but there was a hint of annoyance before it vanished.
Lexus opened the elegant door for Lyra as she gaped at the elegance. The four-poster bed was adorned with white silk canopies and luxurious items. The intricately carved wooden furniture exuded charm, complimented by heavy maroon curtains framing the windows. The air was imbued with a delicate scent of dried lavender arranged in porcelain vases. Lyra grazed her hand over the delicate flowers, admiring the smell that calmed her nerves. She was more than pleased by Viktor's hospitality.
Never in her entire life has she ever glimpse, let alone, set foot in such grandeur. She would rather sleep in the maids quarters to be at ease. She didn't deserve such hospitality.
Leo strode into the room and examined the interior while Lyra was puzzled at what he was doing. He took off his cloak and draped it over the plush couch before sitting lazily. His long legs crossed over the other as he placed his feet on the armrest like he owned the place. Before she could enquire, Lexus stepped in and spoke formally, but his face was nervous.
"Sir Leo, we have accommodated another room for you. If you could fol—"
"Not happening," Leo deadpanned.
"Pardon?" Lexus asked. Could he be mistaken of the couple of being more intimate in such a short time? His eyes darted to Lyra, wondering if he should escort Lyra to another room. He was fearful of Leo and wasn't an idiot to cross him.
"Exactly as I said." Leo reaffirmed his answer.
"Lexus, if there's another room, I don't mind going there," Lyra stepped in, placating towards the nervous butler. Leo's crimson orbs zeroed in on Lyra at her remark.
"That won't be necessary, Lexus. You may leave us," Leo declared, glaring at the poor butler. Obeying his command, he bowed and shut the door, leaving the two alone in the room.
"What is wrong with you?" Lyra probed, crossing her arms as she frowned at him.
Leo leaned back against the plush cushions, unbothered by her frustration. She strode over to face him, their eyes locked in a glaring contest. He sighed before responding to Lyra's question.
"You're staying here," Leo stated with a firm voice.
Lyra blinked, momentarily taken aback. "What? Why can't I have another room?"
The intensity of Leo's gaze boring into hers made her pulse quicken. "I'm responsible for your safety. You're not wandering off in some unfamiliar place. It wouldn't be the first time you rested in my presence."
Lyra couldn't help but blush. They were out in the wilderness with his cloak and their bodies were close enough to keep each other warm in the cold winter night. She denied the fact there were no sensual feelings involved but merely basic need for survival.
"I'm not a child. I can take care of myself," Lyra scowled, her frustration evident.
A wry smirk played on his lips. "I'm sure you can, but I'm not taking any chances,"
Lyra huffed, feeling annoyed by his demanding presence. "You don't trust me, do you?" The sense of caution was evident from him like she was a monster waiting to break out and wreak havoc.
Leo's gaze flickered, a subtle shift in his face. He stood abruptly, towering over Lyra. She panicked and started backing away to distance herself from him. However, his long and powerful strides ended with her back pressed against the wall by the window. Her heart raced by his hands placed against the wall beside her head, trapping her in place.
"I trusted someone once, and that got me burned in the end…Trust is hard to come by," Leo stated cryptically; he leaned in, leveling Lyra's aquamarine eyes.
Blinking her long lashes, Lyra was hurt by the light jab but quickly defended herself, "I'm not your prisoner, Leo. I am a woman who is not married, and this is inappropriate."
"I concur, this is rather an inappropriate setting but that doesn't change anything."
The closeness of Leo's handsome face to Lyra made her heart skip a beat. She didn't know how to respond to that. The double meaning behind his words left her confused. He turned away and headed towards the door.
"I need to speak with Viktor. Stay in the room," He spoke with a final glance at her before shutting the door, leaving her in the luxurious yet confining space. Lyra let out an exasperated breath before she turned to face the windows. It had been an exhausting day, and her body ached everywhere.
Lyra rubbed her scabbed wrists where the shackles once bound them and winced as it was a constant reminder of that dreadful place. No matter how far they ventured away from Ozend, she still felt a tinge of fear that she would one day wake up locked in the damp cell with stained blood all around the floor. Her body shuddered at the thought. Any person's mind would shatter under the sheer force and torture she endured. It surprised her that she remained sane after all this time.
'You're alive and that is all that matters,' she reminded herself. She closed her eyes, breathing in the crisp air as the aroma of flowers quelled her dark thoughts.