Chapter Six

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I was not exactly sure how long I slept but I woke up with the fire returning to my body. I was so unbelievably hot. I threw the blanket away from me and squirmed trying to get out of the bed. It did absolutely nothing to help, and I could see Leo's body was still tightly wrapped around me, which I knew did nothing to help my situation either. My school uniform was still on my body, and I felt like it was on fire as it touched my skin. The leggings underneath my skirt made it almost unbearable to wear them.

Leo began to shuffle behind me, sensing that I was uncomfortable. I felt his hand reach under my skirt and grab the hem of my leggings. I put my hands over his and mumbled incoherent nothings to him.

"Just take it off baby, you're burning up. I promise I won't do anything; you just have to take it off," he said reassuringly.

I was hot, and extremely tired. All I wanted to do was nuzzle back into his chest, so I grabbed the hem of my skirt and leggings and pulled both down. I unbuttoned my shirt and flung it to the ground next to the bed. The cold air danced across my skin, giving me the relief, I was searching for. I laid back down next to him and he brought my near naked body to his. I hooked my leg around his and nuzzled my face against his neck. I could hear a low growl in his chest, as his hands roamed my bare skin, but it was not sexual.

The last thing I thought about was the sparks that danced across my skin, making it impossible to stay awake.

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My eyes fluttered open, realizing that I wasn’t in my own bedroom. I also wasn’t wearing enough clothes to be considered decent which made me feel nauseous until I remembered the events of last night. Nothing looked familiar here, except the lingering scent of rain with cinnamon. It was faint, so he must have been here a short time ago making a small blush form on my cheeks. I got out of the bed and walked to the window as the panic began settling in my stomach as I looked upon the castle grounds.

I was no where that I recognized, and the bile in my stomach immedietaly rushed to my throat. I charged for the bathroom as the contents, or lack thereof made its appearance. Once I finished, I splashed cold water on my face and brushed my teeth to rid myself of the awful taste of bile.

Staring back at my reflection, I could see that I was almost glowing. My once pale skin had a nice warm color to it, and my dark brown eyes almost looked deeper. My long loose curls almost looked healthier too. What was happening to me?

My anxiety was finding new heights as I turned back to the bedroom. It was extremely quiet in the castle, so decided to try and explore. I tried the doorknob, but it was locked. No surprise.

I turned around quickly to see a tray of food sitting near on my bedstand, so I quickly drank the water and ate the breakfast as I tried to plan my escape.

Succumbing to my anxiety and curiousity, I began picking my way through the boxes that lined the walls. This room was huge, so I had decided to explore every knook and cranny for the entire day. The boxes that lined the walls that were filled with clothes, shoes, and dancing gear. There was one particular box that had piqued my interest, and that was one of books and a journal.

The journal in particular caught my interest. The cover was a thick leather, with etchings of the Tri-Moon carved into the front. There was a leather tie that circled around it, making it feel very ancient. I opened it, cracking open the first page where I saw a beautifully handwritten note,

“In all of our world, there is no love for me like yours,

In all our world, there is no love for you like mine.

My dearest Charlie,

You were made for me.

-L”

My eyes lingered on the handwriting as I traced every line and curve. So many thoughts went through my head as I stared down at the dips and curves of the letters. I finally pulled my attention away from the journal as I threw it on my desk and made it over to the window.

The windows of the room were locked, and even if I could get them open it was too high up to jump. I craved the fresh air that they would provide, suddenly feeling like the room had become overheated. I even tried to break one with the chair from the desk, but it was no use. The windows were strong. I almost felt silly  for trying.

Once I had tired myself out, the adrenaline leaving my body, the despair and sadness began creeping it’s way into my mind. This situation was beginning to feel familiar.

This lonely room was my new prison, and what made it even more gut wrenching, was that I hadn’t even commited a crime. This is because of the Moon Goddess. How could she pair me with someone like Leo? I let out a deep sigh, and straightened the chair that I once threw at the window. I sat down, bringing my knees to my chest, holding myself tightly.

Night began to fall and I hadn’t had one visitor to my new cell. No Leo. No Oliver. No one. It sounded as if I was left alone in this gigantic castle, and left to rot. I wanted so badly to venture outside, to feel the moonlight caress my skin. To feel the gentle breeze against my long black curls. To feel anything but the lonliness that this deafning solitude was beginning to bring.

The moon looked to be at it’s highest as it shone in my dark room. I hadn’t even bothered to turn the lights on as I stared out into the sky. Although this room was huge, I felt smothered inside of it. Staring at the moon had made me feel as if it was only a little bigger. I tried to find peace inside of that moon, but the what if’s began creeping inside of me.

What if I hadn’t met Oliver?

What if I had ran from Leo?

What if I never see my mother again?

What if… What if… What if…?

I could feel my eyes begin to itch as I realized that I must have sat there all night as the colors of a sunrise began to form over the sky. My body was aching from perching in the chair for so long but I didn’t move. The hours seemed to pass so quickly, as I stayed motionless on that chair. This was my curse, and I had to face it.

Knocks at the door didn’t even stir me. A small women would enter, carrying trays and plates of food as she placed it on the desk in front of me. My eyes never strayed from the window, until she began to leave. She was a women in her late 50’s, her graying short hair styled in a low bun at the back of her head. She had a soft face, with green eyes. She said her name but I didn’t hear it.

I didn’t acknowledge the women, even when she began to ask me questions. Even when she told me that the King had mind-linked her to bring food here. I didn’t acknowledge her when she told me that the King would be unhappy that I hadn’t slept, or eaten.

A stray tear had fallen from my eye, and I could feel the frustration building from this women as I completely ignored her. I felt as if my body had turned to stone. I was in pain, an aching pain that sucked all the energy out of my body. It wasn’t physical like the heat, but so emotional that I was drained of all life.

What was going to happen to me? Would I be stuck here forever?

The daunting thoughts had consumed me as night began to fall again. The once light room, was now enveloped in darkness again.

“Charlie,” a voice said.

Again, I didn’t acknowledge it but it did feel closer then anyone before.

“Charlie,” it said again, “Please.”

My eyes lifted from the window, and I looked around the room. I was met with emptiness. There was no one here.

“Charlie? Snap out of it!” the voice sounded angry, disappointed even.

“Who are you?” my dry cracked lips spoke in a dull whisper.

“I’m Faleece, your wolf, and you’ll never be alone ever again.”

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