NIKOLAS POV ( He's back)
I snuggled closer to the warm embrace that I was in, I felt safe, protected, and cherished in the embrace unaware of who held me or where I was. All I knew was the comfort and security of the embrace.
Slowly I opened my eyes and groggily take in my surroundings, my gaze fell to my waist and I felt a jolt of surprise. There were arms wrapped around me holding me close. I quickly turned my head to see who it was and I was met with a familiar face. King Alexander's peaceful expression greeted me his eyes is closed in slumber and I felt a mix of emotions shock, confusion, and a hint of warmth.
Shocked because how did I end up here and Confused because he was supposed to be in Asia.
I tried to process what was happening. How did I end up in the king's arms? The last thing I remembered was being flogged OH SHIT I was flogged , I still remember the lash biting into my skin, the pain spreading through my body. But now, I felt...nothing. No pain, no discomfort. Just a strange unsettling feeling of numbness.
I tried to stand up determined to check my back to see the damage that had been done.
"let me go, " I whispered, trying not to wake alexander but he didn't stir, his arms remaining tight around me.
I gently tried to remove myself not wanting to wake him.But his arms tightened again holding me close.
"Alexander," I whispered again, this time a little louder.
Alexander's grip on me relaxed as he opens his eyes.
Quickly I jumped out of the bed and bowed low composing myself.
"Your Majesty," I said hiding my confusion.
But Alexander's response was not what I expected. "No, no, my love," he said, his voice low and husky.
I froze with my head still bowed. "Huh?" I muttered, unsure of what to say. What did he mean by "my love"? We were just...whatever that was, that day I was in his arms.
I slowly raised my head meeting his gaze. His eyes were soft, filled with a warmth that made my heart skip a beat.
Alexander smiled "Nikolas, come here," he said, his voice calm.
"No" I said " Why am I in your room And how is my back not in pain?" I continue my voice rising.
Alexander's expression turned concerned. "Nikolas, calm down," he said standing up from the bed.
But I was beyond calm. Panic was setting in, my heart racing. "Tell me what's going on!" I exclaimed, my voice echoing off the walls.
" You healed, Nikolas" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Healed!!" I shouted shaking my head to clear up the cobwebs " How , how can I be healed when it was yesterday I was flogged"
Alexander took another step closer. " It was four days ago, that you were flogged, you were unconscious throughout" he said
I felt like I was drowning, unable to catch my breath. FOUR DAYS but wait if it was four day I won't have been completely healed I would have still be in pain but why am I not , I needed answers,
" How am I still healed in four days," I muttered, backing away from him. "That can't happen ."
" We don't know how it happened but your body healed itself" he said." just calm down and let me explain, Okay"
I nodded still trying to process what was happening, but I didn't move. I remained standing, my feet rooted to the spot.
"Come sit down," Alexander said, gesturing to a nearby chair.
But I shook my head. "I prefer standing," I said, my voice firm.
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself then," he said his tone neutral.
I took a deep breath and said "Explain."
Alexander sighed and rubbed his temples his eyes closing as if he is frustrated ." I lied when I said I haven't found my fated mate, Nikolas"
I felt like I had been punched in the gut. "What do you mean you lied?" I asked.
Alexander's eyes opened, and he looked at me again "I don't even know why I didn't tell you in the first place, but...Nikolas, you are my fated mate," he said.
I stumbled backward "But...but I am human," I stammered. "How can I be a mate to a supernatural? I thought you said only supernaturals have mates?"
Alexander nodded, "There have been some rare cases where a supernatural is mated to a human but it's not common."
"So you mean this is also a rare case and you think I like it " I said
Alexander took a step closer "I mean you are the one for me, Nikolas. My fated mate. And I will do everything in my power to protect you, to keep you safe."
I shook my head, "But...but this can't be happening," I muttered. "I'm just a human. I don't belong in your world."
Alexander's face softened, his eyes filled with compassion. "You belong with me, Nikolas. And I belong to you "
"But what does this have to do with me healing in four days?" I asked again my voice laced with confusion.
Alexander's expression turned thoughtful. "That, I don't know," he admitted. "But Doctor Sooj is investigating what might have happened and how you healed so fast."
I frowned "What do you mean, What could have caused it?"
Alexander shrugged. "We are not sure yet. But Doctor Sooj thinks it might have something to do with your connection to me or you might not be who you think you are ."
I raised an eyebrow. "My connection to you or I might not be human, I think I need space to process my thoughts."
Alexander's face softened. "I know it sounds crazy, Nikolas. But I have seen some strange things in my world. And his could be one of them."
" But don't worry I will Leave you for now , for you to think everything out" Alexander said before going out of the room leaving me with my thoughts.
****
Mean while , In a dimly lit chamber a throne stood at the head of the room, its presence commanding attention Yet, it remains unoccupied as if waiting for the rightful owner to claim it.
Five figures in black attires stood in a semi circle their faces hidden by the hood they wore .
The aura they emits are that of a mystical energy. Each individual radiated a distinct aura show casing the extraordinary abilities they possessed.
The first figure has a presence that exudes an aura of raw power and strength.
Next to it stood a slender agile form, its own aura is filled with electric intensity of dark magic.
On the opposite side of the circle another figure filled with an aura of darkness that seems to absorb the light around it. The aura is a void of emptiness that draws in the surrounding energy.
The fourth figure, standing at the center is filled with a warm golden light. Its aura was soothing like a gentle breeze on a summer's day and it seems to bring balance to the different energies surrounding it.
The final figure standing at the far right radiated an aura of icy calm, its presence seeming to chill the air around it. The energy emanating from it was calculated, precise and a mastery of ancient arts.
"The time is approaching," the central figure said its voice like a gentle melody.
"He's body is still healing,"
The figure at the left nodded in agreement. "Yes, he is. And when the time comes, he will be back to take his rightful place."
"But His bond with the vampire king will be crucial in the days to come."the figure filled with darkness said.
The slender figure says "I have been monitoring their progress. The connection between them has not grown but it has started."
The figure radiating an aura of icy calm, speaks up "We must ensure that their bond is broken before he heals completely or the consequences would be catastrophic."
The others nodded in agreement and they continued they plan.