Prince Derek's pov
As I lay on the forest floor, thinking about Ariel, the hooting of the owl disrupted my thoughts from time to time. Ariel doesn't look like she could have such immense power, but then she does - a far more dangerous one at that. I whispered to myself in the dark forest. I couldn't shake off the feeling that meeting Ariel was no coincidence; it was all planned out! Her scars, her pitiful face told me a story of a weak girl rejected by her pack. I want to know more about her, but she seems uptight, keeping to herself.
I folded my hands underneath my head to get a good view of the blue moon. Something wasn't right; all this wasn't supposed to be happening. I jerked my head forward suddenly, remembering that Ariel was with Father and Lalia in the pack's dining hall. I quickly stood up, looking around for my clothes. Oh right, they were torn to pieces from my transformation. Guess I have to go in naked now. I smiled to myself, picturing the surprise on Father's face.
I strode down the forest, pushing back thorns and wild tree branches as I made my way back to the pack house. The unusual silence of the forest heightened my senses; I could neither see nor hear the hooting of the owl. At a distance, I saw a reflection of a shadowy figure just a few steps away from our pack. I neared the reflection as it stood still, not moving. "Who are you?" I yelled, clenching my fists.
"You don't need to know who I am, Prince Derek. Only my message," the voice whispered back, sending shivers down my spine. "What business do you have here?" I asked. "I have come for the one you hold shelter within your pack," the shadow replied, not moving an inch. "I don't understand what you're saying," I asked curiously, watching its every move.
"You do, Prince Derek. And you know she's special - nothing like any werewolf you've ever encountered. You should flee before I release my beast." I tapped my hand on my chest. The shadow grumbled, laughing wildly; the air echoed its laughter around the forest. "I am not afraid of your monster, but I am of hers. Bring her to me, and I will show you how to control your beast." The shadow laughed cruelly, disappearing into nothingness.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I hurried down the dark secret tunnel, its secrets embracing me as I navigated towards the hall. I entered my room, wore my clothes, and walked down to the dining room. By this time, the spell was no longer effective. I found Father and Lalia watching her in awe, unaware of my presence. "Father, I hope this is enough for the night. I'm taking Ariel back to her room." He simply nodded, still looking at her fallen frame across the window.
I rushed to her side, gently carrying her tiny frame in my large arms. She looked at me with worry, her eyes feeling a bit sleepy. "Lalia, what did you do to her?" I queried, staring at her. "I did nothing but bring out her real powers," he responded without any regret. "I thought I told you to stay the hell away from her," I yelled, anger coursing through my veins.
"It had to be done for her to learn how to control her powers," Lalia replied. I turned to Father, who had already recovered from whatever shock he had just experienced. "I left her in your care, Father!" I roared, looking at him for some sort of explanation. "I did what I had to do to protect this pack, young man. Don't you dare use that tone on me."
"The same reason I was given birth to protect your pack," I responded hotly, carrying Ariel on my arms back to her room.
I laid her down on her bed and unzipped her clothes a little to allow her to breathe properly. The allure of her body drew me in, making me want to explore more about this dangerous beauty. I shook my head, removing her shoes carefully while tucking her into bed. The thoughts of what the shadow figure said clouded my mind.
As I placed her head on the pillow, I looked at her, "Something so small, yet so dangerous. What kind of person are you, Ariel?"
I pushed the hair on her forehead, watching her sleep. I sat close to her on her bed, her long lashes battling her eyelids as she clenched the bedsheets. She was definitely having a nightmare. Her voice came in murmurs, barely audible, apart from the word "Louis." Which I knew was definitely a man's name. Jealousy shot through me like a wildfire. I had to call upon the urge to lay next to her.
I held her hand, calming her down. Her hands dropped from...the bedsheets, and her breathing sounds returned to normal. I stood up from her bedside to head to my room when I heard her voice. "Please stay." I turned back to see her eyes still tight shut. Was she awake? I thought to myself, staring back at her.
I went back to the bed, sitting close to her. I held her tender hands, making sure she was safe and warm. I watched her for a few seconds before I fell asleep, her hands still in mine.
The bed creaked, the clock ticked, and the night was silent.
I felt a burning sensation on my palm, disturbing my sleep . This strange power was soothing, but at the same time, it made my bond with her even closer than before. I could clearly hear her heartbeat as she slept peacefully, and I could easily read her emotions.
Suddenly, the flower vase fell from the door, and her room door creaked slightly, but there was no one there. I knew someone was watching us, but who?