Elara sat on the large stone by the pond , staring at it , lost in her own thoughts while she admired the scenery before her . The pond is a striking shade of blue, its surface gleaming under the sunlight like polished sapphire. It stretched out wide and round, its edges gently framed by the slopes of towering mountains that loomed in the distance, their peaks hidden by a veil of mist. The water seemed to shimmer with a deep, tranquil allure, inviting peace and stillness. Surrounding the pond was a thick ring of trees, their leaves a mosaic of greens, the branches swaying gently in the breeze.
Large, slippery stones protruded from the water, perfect for sitting or dipping one's feet into the coolness. They were smooth to the touch, their surfaces worn down by time and the flow of water. The stones created a natural path that led deeper into the serene landscape, allowing one to explore its hidden corners.
A stunning waterfall cascaded down the side of the pond, its waters tumbling over rocks with a rhythmic rush, creating a soothing, almost hypnotic sound that filled the air. The mist from the waterfall drifted across the area, adding an ethereal touch to the already enchanting scene, making it feel as though time had slowed down in this peaceful haven.
"I'll be taking him in," Leroy said, his voice steady as he moved toward the pond. Elara turned to watch him and Given, who was wrapped securely in a rope. Leroy had explained that the pull of the pond would cleanse people, but he hadn't elaborated much on the process, nor had Elara asked. All she cared about was that Given would regain his power and strength. Leroy had reassured her that once the cleansing was complete, all of that would come back to him.
"You can't give her that," Elara heard Volkov's voice break through her thoughts. She turned in time to see Darius walking toward her, a light brown rabbit cradled carefully in his hands. The poor thing looked frightened, its small body trembling in his grasp.
As Darius approached, Lucas, the man who had accompanied him, kept his gaze fixed on his Alpha with a curious intensity, an amused smile tugging at his lips as he watched the unfolding scene. Their usually stoic, cold-hearted Alpha, who found the rabbit the most delicious meat on the planet, was now carrying it gently in his hands—about to gift it to the Queen of Lunareth. Wow.
"How did he manage to catch that? Isn't it in his nature to eat it? I heard it's considered a great meal," Nancy, the Queen's handmaid, asked the lycan man standing beside her, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of amusement.
Lucas paused, his smile faltering for a moment, before he responded, "It's the Queen's favorite animal. He won't bite it." His smile returned to its easy charm as he moved toward his horse, his eyes lingering on the exchange between Darius and Elara.
Elara stood there, speechless, her eyes fixed on the rabbit. The man before her, eager to please, held it out, silently urging her to take it. She wiped her hands on her cloak to remove the leaves and twigs before stepping closer to take the frightened animal into her arms. It still shied away from her touch, but she made sure to handle it gently, easing it into her embrace. But a new thought struck her—how would they ride with this fragile creature?
Darius, finally free from holding the rabbit, let out a breath of relief. He still couldn't understand Elara's strange affection for these creatures. To him, they were just food; to her, they were like small children in need of care.
"You do know I won't be able to ride with this on your horse," Elara said, halting him with a soft but firm voice. Darius turned his head sharply at her words, his neck cracking from the motion. If it weren't for his strong, sturdy build, he was sure his head would've dislocated from the force.
"Why not?" he asked, his voice calm, though there was a hint of urgency in his tone.
Elara smiled, her lips curling in a way that left Darius utterly undone. Her eyes twinkled, and for a moment, he thought he might fall in love all over again. "I'll have to ride in the carriage so I can hold it," she replied, her smile bright , as though she had just found a way of riding with Darius.
Darius's expression shifted, his smirk barely visible, though it was laced with a mix of fondness and frustration. "No. You can ride with it on the horse, and I'll show you how. Or," he added with a faint, playful smirk, "you can give it to your handmaid to ride with it in the carriage. Your choice, but remember, I am your guard."
With that, he turned to leave, but not without lingering a moment longer. As he walked away, the faint scent of her happiness clung to him, and he sighed softly to himself. "Oh God," he thought, "she will be the death of me."
Meanwhile Volkov shook his head at how the most feared man could be so soft when it came to the Queen of Lunareth .