Chapter 11: Deep Within The Cave
Lucian’s POV
I decided to take a few days off work after the scene I caused at the meeting. I simply lacked the energy and patience to face their concerned expressions and answer their probing questions.
“Your Highness, your plane is ready,” Frank informed me, and I just nodded.
Opting to head west for the Moon Ball, as per my obligatory invitation, I entrusted the company and the pack to my mother during my absence.
Upon my arrival at the MoonStone mansion, a strange, delicate fragrance wafted into my nostrils. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply, allowing it to envelop me. It was an unfamiliar scent, yet oddly familiar. It awakened a profound hunger inside me, one I had painstakingly tried to suppress.
“Lord Lucian Red, a pleasure to have you here,” Lord Remus greeted me.
“The pleasure is entirely mine, My Lord,” I replied, clasping his outstretched hand.
“You should meet my daughter; she is eagerly anticipating your arrival,” he chuckled, leading me inside.
As I stepped into his wealthy mansion, the scent intensified. Lord Remus attempted to introduce me to his daughter, but other guests swiftly interrupted our conversation.
“The King in the North, a pleasure to see you here, My Lord. I am Lady Lyanna Frey of the Lotus pack,” she offered her hand, and I accepted it.
“A pleasure to meet you too, My Lady,” I responded briefly.
Numerous other lords and ladies approached me, eager to introduce themselves, yet my attention remained fixed on the scent. Finally, escaping their grasp, I explored through the rooms, attempting to trace the source of the intoxicating scent.
However, this turned out to be a poorly thought-out strategy, as I was consistently stopped and approached at every corner, hindering my attempt to find the source of the scent.
After a series of conversations, I looked for some relief outside. The entire grand mansion seemed to carry the scent, which I believed belonged to my destined mate. When a wolf turns 18, they emit a unique scent that only their destined mates can detect.
I knew without a doubt that the scent belonged to her, it pierced through me, triggering an onslaught of emotions I had buried deep inside. As I strolled casually through the garden, I found myself at the back of the mansion, where an apple tree stood, and the familiar scent suddenly floated in the air, indicating her presence.
In a moment of overwhelming intensity, I dropped my drink, the scent stirring uncontrollable reactions inside me. Falling to my knees, I fought against the rising tide of transformation, biting my tongue to stifle the pain and suppress the screams that threatened to escape.
Agony coursed through me as every bone in my body shattered, my hand contorting into paws. The grip on my form slipped away, and I surrendered to the consuming power of the transformation. Now, at the back of the bustling gathering, I wriggled beneath the brilliance of the full moon, bones breaking and reshaping.
After my transformation, I bolted away with all the speed my wolf form could muster, desperate to remain hidden from prying eyes. Without my knowledge, I had wandered far into the unfamiliar woods, aimlessly moving around as I tried to find my way back.
While exploring, I stumbled on a stone cave nestled inside the forest’s heart. A strange scent drifted from within, creating an intriguing sensation. Drawn by its oddly familiar yet captivating scent, I went deeper into the cave, the fragrance growing stronger with every step. The soft melody of flowing water echoed through the air.
The scent led me to a hidden, hot spring nestled inside the depths of the cave. There, I saw a woman with her back turned to me. Her luscious brown hair danced with each movement, and my attention fixated on the blood trickling down her arm as she strived to cleanse it with the water. I observed her from a distance, studying her intently, imprinting every aspect of her and her actions into my mind. As I observed her from behind, I could sense that she was beautiful.
Gracefully, she submerged herself in the water, her entire form vanishing beneath its surface. With precise steps, I approached the water’s edge. A full minute elapsed before she resurfaced, gasping for breath. It was then that our eyes locked, the deepest connection formed between us. I stared into her captivating siren-like green eyes as if gazing into the depths of her soul, and she returned my gaze. In a captivating moment, her green eyes transformed into vibrant crimson as she regained her composure.
After a minute of locking our eyes, a wave of realisation crossed her face, and the eerie and terrifying nature of our encounter seemed to hit her. Hastily, she hurried out of the water, her heart racing with panic and fear. Standing before me, she mustered every ounce of her strength. I, too, was taken aback and momentarily captivated, to the point that it took me a while to notice her transformation into a wolf and her quick retreat into the depths of the forest before I could fully see her face.
Wanting to clarify the situation and introduce myself, I tried to chase after her. Unfortunately, she was swift and well-acquainted with the intricate forest paths, effortlessly avoiding my attempts to catch up. I was left standing there, overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions that I found difficult to understand, much like a bewildered wolf.
Minutes ticked by as I stood there alone, lost in a haze of confusion. Eventually, I retraced my steps back to the mansion, mindful of the impending dawn. I reached the apple tree, my clothes in ruins, standing naked in the aftermath of my transformation. I picked up my phone, which I had likely dropped during my transformation, and I dialled my butler, immediately asking him to pick me up. Remembering the spare clothes in my car, I felt thankful for having them.
Frank arrived, carrying a bag containing my clothes. After donning the fresh garments, I bid farewell to Lord Remus and expressed my gratitude. With a smile on my lips, I departed from the mansion that night.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
Glancing at Frank’s reflection in the rearview mirror, I could see his constant gaze fixed on me.
“Keep your eyes on the road, Frank. We wouldn’t want to meet with an unfortunate accident, especially when I have just encountered my mate,” I advised, eliciting a wide-eyed response from him.
“You’ve found her, Sire?” he inquired.
“Deep inside the cave, in the heart of the forest,” I chuckled, enjoying the unsudden nature of the encounter. I knew deep in my heart that I felt happy, causing a wide smile at the corner of my lips to merely fade.
A smile filled Frank’s face as he observed me from behind, joining in my happiness, though perhaps questioning my sanity.
It seemed that I would have to prolong my break from work, as there were pressing matters that demanded my immediate attention.