The Lycan King's POV
The night was thick with darkness, and the storm raged violently. Amidst the chaos, a little girl's cries pierced through the howling wind. Fear gripped her voice as she called out my name. I sprinted through the forest, desperate to find her. But no matter how frantically I searched, I couldn't reach her in time. She vanished, leaving me alone in the woods. I lost my child that night.
I jolted awake, drenched in sweat. The nightmare had returned, as it did every night. Each time I closed my eyes, I was transported back to that dreadful moment, hearing her cries and feeling my helplessness.
The door creaked open, and I quickly wiped the sweat from my brow.
"Your Highness," Malia said, bowing respectfully.
"I'm fine," I reassured her, though my voice betrayed my unease. "Just the same nightmare... I lost her again."
I didn't want to dwell on it. The pain of not knowing what happened to my daughter gnawed at me constantly. I longed for answers, for any sign that she might still be out there.
"Perhaps some fresh air would help," Malia suggested gently.
I didn't respond, my gaze drifting to a family portrait. We were all smiling then, truly happy. How I missed those days. When would I see my child again?
"I'll call if I need anything," I said quietly. Malia nodded and left the room.
I approached the painting, touching the face of my lost daughter. She had her mother's beauty, but she was gone because of me. I couldn't forgive myself until I found her and knew she was safe.
"One day, my princess, we will be reunited," I whispered, clinging to hope.
I felt an urge to clear my head, so I stepped outside. The sun was bright, the sky clear—a stark contrast to the darkness in my heart. I wandered aimlessly until I reached a tranquil lake.
I often sought solace here, praying the wind would guide me to my child. I closed my eyes, letting the sounds of nature calm me. The birds' songs, the rustle of leaves, the gentle lapping of water—all of it soothed my soul. Then, a familiar scent caught my attention.
My eyes snapped open. The scent was unmistakable. I followed it and saw a girl lying on a large rock, her presence almost ethereal. Her scent, like orchids, was undeniably familiar.
My heart pounded as I knelt beside her. Could it be? Her face... it was so much like hers.
I smiled, unable to contain my joy. Though she was unconscious, she was alive. I lifted her gently and hurried back to the palace. As we arrived, Malia met us, confusion etched on her face.
"What happened?" she asked, staring at the girl in my arms.
"I found her," I said simply.
"Found who?" she asked, clearly puzzled.
Ignoring her question, I laid the girl on a soft bed and summoned the servants to tend to her.
"Where did you find this young lady? Is she alright?" Malia inspected the girl, still not understanding.
"I found my princess," I declared.
Silence enveloped the room.
"What? Could you repeat that?" Malia asked, incredulous.
"She is my daughter. The long-lost princess."
Malia's skepticism was palpable. "Are you sure? How can you be certain?"
"I feel it," I said with conviction.
"But what if she's just an accident victim? Are you sure this isn't just wishful thinking?" She left the question hanging.
"Just do as I said. Inform me when she wakes up."
Leaving the room, I was overwhelmed by the familiar scent of orchids. It confirmed my belief—she was my daughter. Relief and happiness flooded through me. I had found her, and I would never lose her again. I would do whatever it took to keep her safe.
Jolyn West's POV
My whole body ached. Raising my right hand, I supported my head as I opened my eyes. To my astonishment, I was still alive. How could this miracle happen? I had jumped off a cliff so high, it seemed impossible to survive.
The room around me was unfamiliar. It wasn't my room, nor my mother's. This place was entirely new to me.
It was a grand, opulent room, fit for someone from a wealthy or royal background. Flowers adorned the space, and beautiful paintings lined the walls. The bed I lay in was far too exquisite for someone like me.
"Where am I?" I wondered aloud.
As I sat up, memories flooded back. Ryner's cruel words and the pain they caused. Somehow, I had survived, but I felt no relief. Maybe some kind strangers had saved me, but they didn't need to. No one needed me. Still, I was curious about my whereabouts.
The door opened, interrupting my thoughts. A woman entered with a tray, followed by several others.
"Your Highness!" they exclaimed. More people quickly filled the room. I stared blankly at them, recognizing no one. Were these the people who saved me?
"Are you alright?" a girl with long hair asked.
I didn't respond. Was this some sort of prank? Where were Alice, my mother, or Damien? None of these faces were familiar.
"What are you feeling right now, princess?" the girl asked again. Her voice was soft yet melodic, and her eyes—one blue, one emerald green—were captivating. She seemed kind, perhaps even the one who had tended to my wounds.
"Uhmm... may I know who you guys are? Did my friend Alice set this up? May I speak to her, please?"
I suspected Alice might have orchestrated this to cheer me up, despite my requests for her not to.
"We don't know any Alice. You are in your palace."
"Am I dead? Is this heaven, like my mother said?" I covered my mouth in shock.
They laughed gently at my question.
"No, darling. This is your palace. You are the lost princess." The lady's explanation was surreal. How could I, a mere human, be a long-lost princess? It made no sense.
"The Lycan King will see you soon. Rest for now. We brought you food. Let us know if you need anything."
"Wait... is this true?" I asked, disbelief evident in my voice. The lady repeated her claim, but it was too incredible to comprehend. I was just a weak, unloved human. How could I suddenly be a princess?
"Yes, princess. Everything we've told you is true. Just let us know if you need anything." They all bowed and left the room.
My lips parted in amazement. How could this be? Ryner had always told me I was worthless. How could I now be a princess?
Left alone, I lay back down and stared at the ceiling. I slapped my face lightly, trying to wake up from what I assumed must be a dream. But no, this was real.
"Princess? How could it be possible? I'm just a human, adopted by my family. How could the Lycan King's lost child be me?"
I didn't want to accept it, but I found myself starting to believe. I sat up again, whispering to myself. "A weak human, the long-lost daughter of the Lycan King."