Sophia felt warm for a moment after her eyes closed in the forest. Arguing with the wolfman was probably not a smart thing to do, but she felt nothing that evening and enjoyed his company even if he planned to kill her. So laying against the tree was a daring move, but she couldn't resist.
But the comfort she felt was short lived when she woke up in her bed surrounded by the emptiness of the room. She frowned realizing that she must have dreamed the whole event. Something in her actually wanted to go back in the woods and find the golden eyed wolf. Even if he killed her on the spot, just hearing his voice could maybe bring her comfort.
'But it seemed so real..' She thought as she looked over to the window seeing it was closed tightly as though never opened the night before. It was silly to think so deeply about something that didn't happen. Maybe even the voice she thought belonged to the creature was imagined.
"You're awake?" Martha asked standing next to the doorway dressed in her cloak holding something in her hands that Sophia couldn't see. Immediately the dark hair girl hopped out of bed knowing she needed to greet the villager who actually took time to take care of her.
"Good morning." Sophia said lifting her back to see her mother's friend looking at her with concern.
"I'm afraid I need to get back to town. My cats are going to be wondering where their food is. But I did make you some breakfast!" Martha said with a loving smile.
"Thank you." Sophia mumbled not knowing how to show her gratitude for how Martha spent the night with her.
"Of course!" Martha sighed glancing around the room before eyeing the girl once again. "I will come check on you later my dear. I know you should rest, but I think it would be best if you got ready for the day. Doing your normal routine is healthy at this time."
Sophia didn't say anything as Martha left her in her room. Quickly, the girl splashed some water from a bowl on her face while looking for a decent dress in her very small wardrobe. She then quickly combed her hair deciding to let it flow down her shoulders freely since she knew it was what her mother liked the most.
Sophia's heart sank at the thought of her mother. But the girl shook her head clasping the last button on her plain gray dress.
Sophia left her room noticing Martha at the doorway holding something in her hands wrapped in a shawl.
"Don't you at least want to stay for the breakfast you made?" Sophia asked as Martha's hand touched the doorknob.
"I'm sorry dear, but I don't have time." Martha said giving her a small smile. "I really have a lot to do today. The earlier I start, the sooner I can come back to check on you. Just promise me to keep yourself occupied till then."
Sophia gave her a nod as Martha left through the front door leaving Sophia alone in a silent house. But the scent of eggs filled the air making Sophia's stomach grumble.
Walking over to the table, Sophia was about to sit-
'BANG. BANG. BANG.'
Sophia hesitated not wanting to answer the door that was being constantly knocked upon, but eventually she took a deep breathe opening the door to a familiar face making her subtlety frown.
"Sophia." A deep voice greeted her making her internally frown wishing she could hear someone else's deep voice instead…
Sophia raised her eyebrow at the handsome councilman who continued to show up at random times in her life. Although most women would love for him to come to their doors, Sophia did not enjoy the man's company in the slightest.
"Councilman Randel?" Sophia couldn't hide the surprise in her voice. Why would he be here today?
"May I come inside? There's something we should discuss." Randel inquired glancing behind the girl.
"Actually, I don't feel well enough for guests. If you'll excuse-"
Sophia began to shut the door in the man's face not wanting to waste any more time discussing the weather with the insufferable man. Although it was certainly rude, she thought she could get away with it since she was still mourning the recent loss of her mother.
But Randel placed his hand against the door stopping Sophia from shutting it on his face. Usually such disrespect would infuriate him, but his had more patience toward this girl finding her little reluctant ways exciting. In a way, it only made him want to spend more time with her.
"Don't be embarrassed about not being presentable. I will only take a moment of your time. There's no need to be scared of me." He chuckled trying to charm her. But his words only made her frown.
Sophia was presentable with what was available with her financial situation.
Sophia licked her lips trying to think of something quickly. She knew allowing him in her home was not a safe idea for her reputation, even if she were to die anyway.
"Could we speak outside?" She asked wearily already sensing that he was getting rather annoyed with her distant self.
Randel chuckled at the hopeful look this beauty glanced toward him. He was not going to put her in an uncomfortable position, so allowing her request was not a problem. And it was showing her that she had to be available to him regardless of anything going on in her life.
"Of course." He smiled letting go of the door. Sophia then stepped out of her residence after grabbing a cloak hiding her body from the lingering eyes of the man before her. Even though she had gotten ready for the day, Sophia had noticed the way his eyes traveled down her body.
Randel watched the timid girl looking anywhere but toward him avoiding him in the best way she could. He enjoyed the scene in front of him as her long silk black hair roamed freely around her well defined features.
He had done serious damage control yesterday in the village forming the story that he rushed out of his home when he heard a loud thump outside. When he ran out of his home, he saw Ruby lying on the ground in pain.
Of course, the story the village now knew was how brave Randel was. Not caring for his appearance, Randel spent the time trying to revive the woman not wanting to see a villager suffer such a sad death.
Many in the village started to praise the councilman once again saying how heroic his was were. Some woman had sent him letters of admiration which didn't bother him in the slightest.
Although some of the women sending letters were married which somewhat surprised Randel making him laugh at how easy it was to take anything he wanted from any villager. Yet, all he actually wanted stood in front of him with her arms hugging her shoulders avoiding his eyes.
"Sophia there's a council meeting tonight concerning the seer and the hunt."
"Why?" Sophia asked as her eyes went wide. She looked at him for the first time curious on why he was so intent on making every growing day more intense.
"There are some issues we have come across. In fact, if you could, there are some questions we have for you individually. We would appreciate if you came by."
"I don't understand." Sophia said narrowing her eyes at Randel suspicious. Sophia was growing annoyed now.
Not only had this man robbed time with her mother, but his persistence to continue the matter of her being chosen was finally starting to frustrate her.
"What issues would you have with Madam Clarice? What has she ever done to you?!"