Chapter 7
~ Lucian's POV
As I looked at her lying there, my heart ached with an intensity I hadn't expected. The sight of her so vulnerable and hurt struck me deeply. I had seen many faces in my life, but there was something about hers that struck me deeply. It felt like a punch to the gut, intense and sudden. Her delicate features, the way her hair fell around her face, the pain in her eyes, everything about her captivated me.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. Each moment felt like it was drawing me closer, and my heart pounded with a fierce protectiveness. I traced the outline of her face with my gaze, absorbing every detail. Her clothes were tattered and stained, a huge difference from the elegant surroundings of my palace. It broke my heart to see her in such a state.
I couldn't just stand there while she suffered. I needed to do something. I stood up abruptly, my heart racing with a mix of urgency and determination. "Get in here!" I called out to my maids, trying to keep my voice steady. "I need the best clothes and shoes for her—something elegant and comfortable. She deserves only the best."
The maids rushed in, their expressions shifting from surprise to quick action. I turned to the headmaid, trying to keep my voice calm despite the anxiety swirling inside me. "Prepare a feast for her. She needs something hearty and comforting. Spare no expense. Make it special."
The head maid nodded and hurried off, her footsteps echoing with purpose. I couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness. Here I was, finally finding my mate, and all I could do was watch as she lay there, hurting.
I returned to her side, taking her hand gently. Her skin felt warm against mine, and it was oddly comforting. "You don't need to worry about anything right now," I said softly, my voice trembling with emotion. "Just focus on resting. We'll take care of everything."
Every time she shifted or sighed, my heart clenched. I hoped that as she rested and recovered.
I watched her as she lay there, my mind racing with worry and a fierce protectiveness. I must have drifted off to sleep in the chair beside her, my head resting on my hand. I was suddenly jolted awake by the sound of movement.
I raised my head groggily and saw Isabella sitting up, her eyes looking around with a mix of confusion and relief. The sight of her upright brought a rush of warmth to my chest.
"How are you feeling?" I asked gently, trying to keep my voice soothing.
She nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Better," she murmured, though her voice was still soft and tired.
Just then, a loud grumble broke the silence. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she looked down at her stomach. I couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Sounds like someone's stomach is not happy," I teased, a smile stretching across my face.
She looked up at me, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and hunger. I stood and moved to the side table, where a lavish feast had been prepared by my maids. The sight of the spread, a beautiful array of dishes was mouthwatering.
"Don't worry," I said, trying to keep the mood light.
"The maids have prepared a feast for you. You must be starving after everything." I gestured to the table, where platters of delicious food were waiting.
Isabella's eyes widened as she took in the spread. Her stomach grumbled again, this time louder, and she laughed softly, her previous embarrassment melting away.
I smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction at being able to provide her with something she needed.
"Why don't you dig in? You deserve it," I said, helping her to the table. "And don't worry about anything else right now. Just focus on eating and getting better."
She nodded gratefully and moved to the table, her hunger evident. I watched her with a mix of affection and relief. As she began to eat, I realized how much I wanted to make her life better, to protect her from the pain she had been through.
As Isabella settled into her meal, I couldn't hold back my concern any longer. I needed to understand her story, to know what had brought her to that dangerous road.
"Isabella," I asked gently, trying to keep my voice calm despite the surge of emotions I was feeling. "Where were you coming from?"
She hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to her lap. Her fingers twisted nervously around the edge of her napkin. Finally, she spoke, her voice trembling. "I—I don't have a place I'm coming from. I've just been... living around. I was chased by some men who wanted to rape me."
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. The thought of her being pursued and threatened made my blood boil. Anger surged through me, my fists clenching at my sides. "Do you remember what these men looked like? Anything about them?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rage building inside me.
Isabella looked down, her eyes filling with tears. "They were wearing masks," she said quietly. "I couldn't see their faces."
My anger only intensified. The idea of those men getting away with what they had done to her was unacceptable. "I want to find them," I said, my voice hardening. "I want to make sure they pay for what they did. I won't let them get away with this."
Isabella's eyes widened, a flicker of fear crossing her face. "Please, don't," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want any more trouble. I just... I just want to be safe."
Seeing the fear in her eyes, I forced myself to take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. I could see that she was already dealing with so much, and the last thing she needed was more violence or retribution.
"I understand," I said softly, my anger subsiding into a determined resolve. "For now, just focus on healing and resting. I'll handle things here. You're safe now, and I'll make sure nothing else happens to you."