My hands trembled as I sat on the side of my bed. The sun had to started to shine, but it didn't reduce the pressure I felt in my chest. I had not slept at all.
My thoughts were focused on one dreadful truth: I was pregnant, and the father was Avalor, the Lycan King. My parents were allegedly murdered by the man who had been my pack's nemesis.
I knew I needed to keep this hidden from him. If Avalor found out, I had no idea what he would do. My gut turned at the prospect of him killing me or my child in the same way that he killed my parents.
Despite feeling weak and unstable, I forced myself to stand up. I pressed my palm to my stomach, trying to ease the panic I am feeling.
A sudden tap on the door shocked me, and I jumped. The maid entered and bowed gently. "The King wants to see you in the Great Hall."
My heart skipped a beat.
Avalor want to see me? Now?
I nodded, despite the tightness in my throat. I took a deep breath and followed the maid down the castle's big halls.
When I entered into the Great Hall, Avalor was standing at the window, peering out at something I couldn't see. His towering, broad-shouldered form appeared more intimidating than ever, and fear gripped my insides. I attempted to gulp it down.
"You wanted to see me?" My voice was quiet. I despised how weak I sounded.
Avalor turned around, his piercing blue eyes locked on me. He stared at me with a serious gaze. "Yes, Melissa, I wanted to talk to you."
I pushed myself to keep my expression cool, not to show him my dread.
"I feel like you're hiding something from me," Avalor said, taking a step forward. "The bond between us is stronger now. Why is that?"
Fear overcame me. He could sense the tie between us, which was becoming stronger. It had to be due to the baby. But I couldn't tell him.
"I don't know," I said, attempting to maintain my voice control. "Maybe it's because of the night we spent together."
Avalor narrowed his eyes and studied me. I felt as if he could see straight through me, but he returned his gaze to the window.
"Maybe," he said hesitantly. "But know this... I will find out the truth, Melissa."
My stomach turned. "What do you mean?"
"I can feel something different," Avalor said. "It isn't only the bond. There's more...am I lying?
I tried to remain calm. "I don't understand."
Avalor's gaze turned dark. "Our night together seemed odd. Something changed."
"Nothing really...changed," I lied.
"Don't try lying to me," Avalor said sharply. "I can tell when you're not honest."
"I'm not lying," I immediately said. "I just don't know what you're sensing."
Avalor's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something, Melissa. And I will find out what it is."
"I swear, there's nothing to hide," I said, fear oozing through my voice.
Avalor said nothing for a minute. Then he said in a hushed voice. "You are anxious. Why?"
"I'm just… anxious about everything."
"Everything?" Avalor asked, lifting an eyebrow. "What especially?"
"Everything," I replied. "The castle, the people, the… the future."
Avalor examined me intently. "You are terrified. But what exactly are you terrified of?"
I gave no reply.
Avalor's stare softened somewhat. "Melissa, if you are hiding something from me, please tell me now. It would be terrible if I found out later."
"I'm not hiding anything," I stated clearly. "I promise."
Avalor gave me a long look before sighing. "Alright. But be aware that I will be watching you."
"I understand," I said.
Avalor went back to the window. "You can go."
I nodded and headed toward the door. As I approached the door, Avalor spoke again. "Melissa."
I turned to face him. "Yes?"
"Be honest with me," Avalor whispered gently. "I want to trust you."
"I am," I answered. "I'm being honest."
Avalor nodded slowly. "Very good. But remember, I'll find out if you're not."
I exited the Great Hall, walking fast. I needed to find a means to keep the secret. I couldn't have Avalor find out about the baby.
As I strolled through the castle hallways, I felt a bit of relief. I had convinced Avalor, but for how long? The fear of being found remained constant.
I entered my room and closed the door behind me. I fell into bed, my hands shaking. I needed a plan to protect Avalor from discovering the truth.
My thoughts were interrupted by a quiet knock on the door. I opened it to see a different maid standing there. She carried a little envelope.
"This just arrived for you," she explained, handing it to me.
I took the envelope and thanked her. She exited, and I shut the door, curious about the message. I cautiously opened the envelope and took out a folded note.
The letter read, "Melissa, meet me tonight at the old oak tree in the garden. We need to discuss. - X"
I gazed at the message, confused. Who was X? What did they want to discuss?
Should I go? What if this was a trap?
I folded the note and placed it in my pocket. I needed to find out who sent it and what they intended. If it would help me protect the baby, I had to go.
I looked at the clock on the wall. It was still early, but I needed to get ready. I needed to be careful.
I took a deep breath and attempted to calm my anxieties. I had to be strong. For me and my child.
As the day progressed, my thoughts turned to the message and what it may imply. I had to exercise caution and not let my guard down. Whatever happened I needed to keep my secret secure.
The castle was oddly silent, and an eerie chill hung in the air.
As I sneaked out of my room, I heard distant footsteps echoing along the halls. My nervousness increased, so I hastened my pace. Every squeak in the floors sounded louder than usual.
I approached the garden's edge, the old oak tree towering in the moonlight. The shadows around it were deep and frightening. I paused; my breath caught in my throat. Who is X, and what do they want? I looked about for any sign of danger.
The night was strangely peaceful, with the only sound being my own heartbeat beating in my ears. I took a deep breath and moved ahead, the crunch of leaves beneath deafening. The shadows appeared to move, and I sensed a cold air.
I approached the tree, studying the darkness.
"Melissa?" A person appeared from the darkness, hidden and faceless. I tightened. The person raised a hand, encouraging me to approach.