As Declan and Allegra make their way to the stables, anticipation fills the air. The sun casts a warm glow over the lush greenery surrounding them, adding to the serene atmosphere. Upon reaching the stables, a sense of tranquility washes over them as they take in the sight of the majestic horses.
Declan's eyes light up as he approaches a beautiful blond horse named Penelope. Her coat gleams in the sunlight, and her gentle eyes convey a sense of calmness and grace. Allegra's gaze, however, is drawn to a striking black horse standing nearby. As dark as the night sky, the horse exudes an air of mystery and strength.
"This one's a bit untamed," Declan remarks, gesturing towards the black horse.
"West," Allegra murmurs softly, reaching out to the horse. To their surprise, the horse responds with a low, rumbling neigh, as if acknowledging her presence.
Declan raises a curious brow, watching as Allegra approaches the horse with ease. She runs her hand along its mane, and the horse leans into her touch, its eyes softening.
"I think he likes you," Declan observes, a hint of admiration in his voice as he joins Allegra, riding alongside her as they embark on their adventure.
—
As Allegra bravely opens up to Declan about her past, a heavy silence settles between them, punctuated only by the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. His expression shifts from amusement to genuine concern as he listens intently to her story.
"Why is your father so… angry with your brother?" she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity and empathy.
Declan's gaze momentarily grows distant, as if he's lost in thought, before he refocuses on Allegra. "I don't know," he admits with a hint of sadness in his tone. "He has always been hard on Donovan."
Turning the conversation to Allegra's family, Declan's smile fades as he listens to her reveal the painful truth about her past. Shocked by her revelation, he bursts out laughing, unable to comprehend such cruelty. But as he notices the tears glistening in her eyes, his laughter fades, replaced by a profound sense of empathy.
"You're serious?" he asks, his voice softening with compassion. "Damn, why though?"
Allegra's voice trembles as she recounts the privileges she once enjoyed and the darkness that lurked beneath her affluent upbringing."I'm from an elite family. I have.. had everything from the finest jewelry to the fanciest dresses, best friends, rich parents, servants at my beck and call.." she pauses."The one thing I lacked was a good character," she confesses, her words heavy with remorse. "I used to bully people to make myself feel good. I hurt so many people and killed…" Her voice trails off, choked with emotion, as tears stream down her cheeks.
Moved by her vulnerability, Declan reaches out to gently wipe away her tears, his heart aching for the pain she carries. "This is my punishment," she concludes, her voice barely above a whisper, as she grapples with the weight of her past actions.
Allegra's tear-filled laughter echoes through the tranquil surroundings, a haunting juxtaposition to the picturesque scene. Her words resonate with self-condemnation as she grapples with the weight of her past actions.
"And I wanted to take revenge… I wanted to punish them for punishing me?" she cries, her voice laced with bitter irony. "I deserve every bit of suffering I endured in that slave establishment."
As her anguished scream pierces the air, Declan's heart clenches with empathy. Without hesitation, he dismounts from his horse and gathers Allegra into his arms, cradling her petite frame against his chest. His embrace offers solace in the midst of her torment, a silent reassurance that she is not alone in her pain.
"I'm so stupid!" She cries.
"No, you're not," Declan reassures her, his voice soft yet firm, holding her tightly in his embrace.
"You're not stupid, Allegra," Declan murmurs, his breath warm against her ear as he continues to hold her close. "You made mistakes, yes, but you're learning and growing from them. That's what matters."
She raises her head. "Yes," she sniffs "You are right, I want to change… I really do." She stares at his fascinating blue grey eyes. "I don't want to hurt people anymore."
Declan smiles gently, his thumb brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. "Then you will change, Allegra. I believe in you," he says softly. "And I'll be here to support you every step of the way."
She nods her head and he wipes away her tears.
"Let's just walk.." he says. She nods and they walk together with the horse reins in their hands.
"My initial plan was to make you fall in love with me then I become famous and take revenge on my family." She says. "Such a stupid plan."
Declan chuckles lightly. "Well, sometimes our plans don't turn out the way we expect them to. But maybe this was meant to happen for a reason. Maybe you were meant to meet me and find a different path," he says, his voice gentle and reassuring. "And as for your family, well, they don't define you. You're your own person now, Allegra. You can forge your own destiny."
"You are too nice.. why is that?" She asks.
"Doesn't hurt to be nice." He flashes his charming dimpled smile.
"I believed that being nice makes people know your weaknesses, that's why I'm usually cold." She says. The breeze whispers through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of pine needles and wildflowers. It brushes gently against their skin, its cool touch offering a comforting embrace amidst the emotional conversation. The leaves rustle softly in its wake, adding a serene melody to the tranquil atmosphere of the countryside setting.
Declan nods, understanding her perspective. "True, being nice doesn't mean you're weak. It's about finding the right balance between kindness and strength," he replies thoughtfully. "And everyone has their vulnerabilities, whether they choose to acknowledge them or not. It's what makes us human." He pauses, then adds with a smile, "But don't worry, your secrets are safe with me."
"Tell me about your family," Allegra says, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Declan glances at her, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Well, there's Dante, my older brother. He's always been the responsible one, looking out for the pack and our family's interests. Then there's Donovan, the youngest. He's a bit of a mystery, keeps to himself mostly."
"What about your parents?" Allegra presses gently.
"Our parents are both strong leaders," Declan replies, a mix of admiration and respect evident in his tone. "My father, Alpha Victor, is a traditionalist, strict but fair. And my mother, Ophelia, she's the heart of our family, always guiding us with her wisdom."
As they walk, the sun begins its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. Allegra's curiosity piques, prompting her to inquire about Declan's age and his brothers'.
"A little over fifty." He looks at her. "I'm fifty three."
"You brothers?" She asked.
"Dante is sixty nine. Donovan is thirty eight." He says.
She nods. With each step, their conversation flows effortlessly, weaving through the fabric of their shared experiences and newfound connection. Allegra listens intently, absorbing every word. She's starting to see a different side of Declan, beyond the charming facade he presents to the world.
"Tell me about your family." Declan says.
Allegra pauses, "my family was distant. My father, my mother, my sister and me. My dad adored me. My mother hated me and my sister she tried to form a relationship with me but I was too distant for that. I didn't trust her."
Declan listens intently, his expression thoughtful as Allegra shares her family dynamics. "It sounds like it was a challenging environment to grow up in," he remarks sympathetically.
Allegra nods, a somber expression crossing her features. "It was," she admits softly. "But I've learned to find strength in my own resilience."
Declan nods in understanding. "Sometimes, it's the challenges we face that shape us into who we are," he says, offering words of encouragement. "And it seems like you've come a long way from where you started."
Allegra manages a small smile, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you," she says sincerely. "It means a lot to have someone who understands."
Declan smiles back, his eyes warm with genuine care. "Anytime," he says, squeezing her hand gently.