Chapter Six: An Imposing Figure

Avery's POV 

Gaius looked down immediately and I wondered if perhaps he was speechless or just didn't feel the need to reply to me. Either way, I knew my opinion of Alpha red was not wrong. 

He had shown me his true nature. A beast and a selfish monster that took pleasure in inflicting pain to me and before I could stop my thoughts from remembering my encounter with him yesterday, I saw those green orbs staring down at me like I was nothing but an insignificant piece.

My heart was racing like a runaway train, my breath catching in my throat as I thought about Alpha Red's hands closing around my neck like a vice. I could still feel the pressure, the weight of his fingers digging into my skin, squeezing the life out of me. The memory was etched into my mind like a scar, a constant reminder of the terror I had faced.

As I sat in the dimly lit room, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had been building up inside me. What if he comes for me again? What if he tries to hurt me again? The thought sent a wave of panic crashing over me, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

I felt like I was drowning in my own fear, unable to catch my breath or calm my racing heart. But just as I was about to give in to my terror, Gaius's calm voice cut through the chaos in my mind. "Relax, Avery," he said, his tone soothing. "You're safe here."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, as Gaius continued to speak. "You're in the infirmary," he explained. "You can stay here for a while before going back to the palace."

Instantly, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, like a cool breeze on a sweltering summer day. I didn't have to go back to the palace, and didn't have to face Alpha Red again. At least, not yet. The thought of being able to hide away from him, even if it was just for a little while, was a comforting one.

I let out a shaky breath, feeling my heart rate slow down, my fear slowly receding. I was safe, for now. And that was all that mattered. I closed my eyes, letting the relief wash over me, and let out a silent prayer that I would never have to face Alpha Red's wrath again.

"You can breathe properly here and don't worry everyone here is friendly," he added when I remained quiet. Everything was too much to process right now. 

I just needed some peace and quiet time but I feared I could no longer have those as the memories of yesterday's encounter were still freshly etched on my mind. I feared his return more than anything in this world.

For the first time in a long time, I didn't want to be left alone. So I replied with a curt nod.  

Gaius' face lit up with a smile. "Great! Would you like a stroll around? Your wounds are still healing but I'm sure you can take a small stroll. I'll call Celeste to help you," he said before standing up to go Celeste.

I watched as the door shut behind him and for a terrifying minute that felt like an hour, the door was pushed open and someone-a tall lady with long black hair-stepped in. 

Her skin was tanned and her blue eyes reminded me of a warm summer sky. As she stepped closer, I noticed the beauty mark at the corner of her mouth. She was beautiful and she smelled like honey. 

"Good day. I'm Celeste, how are you feeling today?" Her tone was soothing and friendly.

"Fine, thank you," I replied in barely a whisper. 

"Would you like a tour around?" She asked even though I was certain Gaius called her for the same reason.

I didn't want to be nice. Damnit, I hated this place but I couldn't help but nod briefly at her words. She was making it harder for me to be mean, for me to show my dislike. 

Refusing her help, I got out of the bed carefully and then followed her out of the room. I released a breath of relief once we got out of the room. The suffocating feeling was gone and I could finally breathe.

"This place houses a lot of people. Children and older people who are in dire need of help. I don't know if you'll like it but I bet you wouldn't dislike it either." She said while I looked around. 

As I stepped into the infirmary, I was immediately enveloped in a sense of serenity. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of birds. The walls, painted a soothing shade of pale blue, seemed to glow with a warm, gentle light.

Everywhere I looked, I saw children laughing and playing, their faces alight with joy. They ran around, their tiny feet pattering against the floor, as they chased each other through the winding corridors. The sound of their laughter was infectious, and I found myself smiling, feeling a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Celeste walked beside me, her eyes shining with warmth as she explained the history and purpose of the infirmary. "This is a place of healing," she said, her voice low and soothing. "A place where the wounded and the weary can come to find peace and restoration."

As we walked, the sound of the children's laughter grew fainter, and we found ourselves standing beneath the branches of a magnificent tree. Its trunk was sturdy and strong, its leaves a vibrant green that seemed to glow in the soft light. The air around us was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and I could feel the cool, gentle breeze rustling my hair.

I closed my eyes, feeling the stress and tension melt away as I breathed in the peaceful atmosphere. The cool breath of the tree washed over me, carrying with it the scent of earth and leaves. I felt my heart rate slow, my mind quiet, as I let the tranquility of the infirmary wash over me.

For a moment, I forgot about everything else. I forgot about Alpha Red, about the palace, about all the fears and worries that had been plaguing me. All I could feel was the peace of this beautiful place. And as I stood there, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, I felt my heart begin to heal, just a little.

I turned to make my way back to my room, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. The stroll around the infirmary had been just what I needed, a chance to clear my head and calm my nerves. Everywhere I looked, I saw genuine smiles, people laughing and chatting with each other. It was a far cry from the cold, calculating world of the palace, and I felt my heart lift with hope.

But as I walked, lost in thought, I didn't notice the person rushing towards me. Before I could react, they bumped into me, sending me tumbling to the ground. I groaned in pain as my head hit a stone, a sharp jolt of agony shooting through my skull.

Everything went dark, and I felt myself being pulled down into a deep, black abyss. I tried to cry out, but my voice was silenced by the darkness. I was aware of nothing but the pain, the sensation of falling, and then... nothing.

I blanked out, my mind shutting down as my body succumbed to the shock. The last thing I remembered was the feeling of weightlessness, of floating in mid-air, before everything went black.