Chapter 24 : Arrival at the Ren's House

Elena’s Point of View

The car rumbled quietly as it made its way deeper into the woods, the winding roads shrouded in darkness. The headlights cast eerie shadows across the trees, their gnarled branches stretching toward the sky like skeletal hands.

Elena leaned her head against the window, her breath fogging the glass as she tried to calm her racing thoughts. The events of the night replayed in her mind like a disjointed dream - massive wolves terrorizing the town, Ren appearing out of nowhere to save her, and now this : leaving everything behind to stay at his home, wherever that was.

She stole a glance at him. Ren’s hands gripped the wheel with a steady confidence, his expression unreadable in the dim light. His shirtless torso was still bare, the faint scratches on his chest a stark reminder of the battle he’d fought to protect her.

Her eyes lingered for a moment longer than she intended. Despite everything - the fear, the confusion - there was something about him that made her feel safe.

“You’re quiet,” Ren said, his deep voice breaking the silence.

Elena blinked, startled. “Just… thinking,” she admitted.

“About what?”

“Everything,” she said with a sigh, running a hand through her hair. “The wolves, the attacks… you. It’s all a lot to process.”

Ren’s jaw tightened, and he nodded. “I’ll explain everything. I promise. But not tonight. Tonight, I just need to get you somewhere safe.”

Elena nodded, though a dozen questions still burned on her tongue. She decided to let them wait - for now.

They drove for what felt like hours, the road narrowing until it was little more than a dirt path. The forest grew denser, the air cooler and filled with the faint scent of pine and earth.

Finally, the car emerged into a clearing, and Elena’s breath caught as she took in the sight before her.

The house - or rather, the estate - was massive, its stone facade illuminated by soft, golden lights. It was nestled among the trees like something out of a fairy tale, its tall windows and peaked roof giving it an air of both grandeur and warmth.

Ren parked the car and turned to her. “We’re here.”

Elena opened her door, stepping out onto the gravel driveway. The cool night air wrapped around her, and she hugged her arms to her chest as she looked up at the imposing structure.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

Ren came around the car, grabbing her bag from the backseat. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

The interior of the house was just as stunning as the exterior. The entryway opened into a grand foyer with high ceilings and a sweeping staircase. A large stone fireplace dominated one wall, its flames casting a warm glow across the polished wooden floors.

Elena followed Ren through the house, her footsteps echoing softly as she took in the space. It was elegant yet inviting, with plush furniture and carefully chosen decor that spoke of history and care.

“Wow,” she said, her voice filled with awe. “This is… incredible.”

Ren glanced back at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’m glad you like it.”

He led her up the staircase and down a long hallway, stopping in front of a set of double doors. Pushing them open, he gestured for her to step inside.

“This will be your room,” he said.

Elena stepped into the room, her breath catching again. It was spacious and beautifully decorated, with a large four-poster bed, a sitting area by the window, and an en suite bathroom. The far wall was dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the forest, the moonlight spilling across the room like liquid silver.

“Ren, this is too much,” she said, turning to him.

“It’s not,” he said simply, setting her bag down by the bed. “You deserve to be comfortable. And safe.”

Elena’s cheeks warmed at his words, and she nodded. “Thank you.”

Ren hesitated by the door, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. “If you need anything, my room is just down the hall. I’ll be up for a while, so don’t hesitate to knock.”

Elena nodded, her chest tightening at the thought of him being so close. “Okay.”

He turned to leave, but before he stepped out, she called after him. “Ren?”

He paused, looking back at her.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “For everything.”

Ren’s lips curved into a faint smile, and he nodded. “Goodnight, Elena.”

“Goodnight.”

As the door closed behind him, Elena let out a shaky breath. She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric of the comforter as her mind raced.

The house was quiet now, the only sounds the crackle of the distant fireplace and the faint rustle of the wind through the trees.

Despite the chaos of the night, she felt a strange sense of peace - a sense that, somehow, she was exactly where she was meant to be.

And yet, as she looked out the window at the dark forest beyond, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much larger.