The Gate of Shadows

When my eyes flew open the following day, I was alone in bed. Fenris was nowhere to be seen, even though his warmth radiated from my skin. Shade was in her usual spot on the tower while part of me wondered if everything that occurred was a dream.

I quickly realized it wasn't when I moved. The soreness of my body was enough to tell me what I experienced, which was very much like I had been through a thorough workout.

Ow, any movement makes me want to crash back down.

Not only that, but it felt weird and sticky down there, and I urgently needed a wash. Glancing at my side of the bed, I saw the assignment I was supposed to do yesterday was on the floor.

Crap, Tania is going to scold me again.

Releasing a sigh, I rose from the bed and met the floor as my legs gave out. My fall startled Shade, who jumped from her tower towards me.

Lily… Are you okay? She asked, rubbing herself on my arm.

"I'm alright," I reassured her with a smile, realizing I was utterly bare.

Dark kiss marks on my chest, abdomen, and thighs allowed memories of yesterday to rush through my mind. Fenris left me with little doubt about what he had done to me and made sure there was no way I could believe my moments with him were a dream.

Why did you…

However, the moment I glanced at the clock to check the time was all the motivation I needed to endure my body's soreness. I was late for my lesson with Tania, triggering shivers to run down my spine upon noticing how late I was.

Rushing to the bathroom to shower, I dressed quicker than I had ever done so. Tania never hurt me physically, but her glare made me crumble where I stood, especially since her silent treatments were the worst.

Shade jumped on my shoulder before I rushed out of the room. In my hurry, I stumbled onto an unknown white-haired female Lycan accompanied by Amelia, who instantly scowled at me and accompanied her.

Ah… I really didn’t want to bump into you today.

"Woah, are you alright?" the girl grabbed onto my shoulder, worried I had hurt myself when I crashed into her.

She was a brick wall that barely moved because of the collision. For a moment, our gaze met, only for hers to shift towards the door.

"Wait a minute, isn't this Fenris's room?" She asked, turning to Amelia.

"Yes, it is. Layla, that's his charge," The older sister informed, glaring at me.

If it were up to her, she would've me locked up in a basement. Upon hearing those words, Layla’s eyes widened, shaking her head.

"A charge is living with him. For how long?" The white wolf queried.

"For the rest of their life. Whichever ends first." The elder sister answered blankly.

Layla's eyes twitched, "Ah... I see. How long has it been like this?"

Her hands denied me the passage to leave, gripping me tighter. I didn't feel welcomed, and my desire to leave grew faster than I realized. It was best to go before anything else happened.

"Five years." Amelia continued to inform her.

Even though I wanted to run away, part of me also wanted to know why she was looking for the silver wolf who had held me so warmly the previous night.

"I was never told about this," Layla complained, seemingly shocked by the news.

Amelia shrugged. "Ben thinks it's better if fewer people know about their situation."

Layla nodded, "I see.” Her gaze quickly found me, “So, you're a high-risk target to be under my future husband's protection for life. Well, I hope we can get along." she smiled gently, shattering my heart where I stood.

Future husband...? What...?

The bracelet, however, prevented me from having a meltdown. It shimmered and drained me of all negative emotions. Shade tried in vain to push her hands away from my shoulder. Her words reminded me of something Fenris said last night when he held me in his arms.

"Lilith, no one can know about this." He whispered into my ear before he swiftly made me forget his love.

Was it love, or was it lust? There's no reason to lust for me with the body I have. Why would you do this, Fenris? Ah... Is it to control me? Is that why you didn't let me tell you I loved you?

It had to be.

No… Lily. Grrrr! Let go of her already! Shade pushed with all her might, but with my bracelets, she was only an average cat.

I tried my best not to let the tears run down my cheeks, even though I wanted to weep, wanting to hide from everyone, or perhaps it would've been better if I disappeared. It should've hurt, but all I felt was hollow inside.

I had to act like nothing was wrong, for Fenris's sake. I couldn't feel anything about Layla's announcement. Yet...

I'm such a fool… Of course, you can never love me.

This Lycan girl was ignorant about who I was when she reached for Shade, thinking she was a typical cat.

"Aw, who's that little kitty witty?" Layla squeaked.

It triggered Shade to hiss at her, only for Amelia to yank her back from me, screaming.

"Get away from that monster!" the elder sister screeched, her voice echoing throughout the hall, bringing unwanted attention to me.

Layla stood there with hands on her chest, utterly bewildered at her companion’s meltdown. Freed from her grip, I tried to escape, but I could only freeze when Fenris came running from the opposite corner along with Liam.

I hadn't seen that brown-haired wolf in a while. Following my gaze, Layla finally caught a glance at Fenris, and that was all she needed. She rushed to his side and hugged him where he stood.

"Fenris!" Layla shouted, breaming.

My legs refused to move as the scene continued playing out before me.

"Layla?! What are you doing here?!" he questioned, pulling away from her.

Liam greeted the white wolf with a smile before gazing at me. Instantly, my eyes met the floor, and I avoided his glance.

"Didn’t Ryker tell you I was coming?" she pushed past, snuggling into Fenris's chest.

He tried to tug away from her again.

Lily... I… am sorry. Shade caressed my cheek with her head.

My world crumbled, realizing he would never be mine.

Last night… was only a dream, nothing else…

"Yes, but not today," Fenris growled, trying to pull away from Layla, who seemed to be glued to him.

"I guess he wanted to surprise you!" The white wolf smiled at him, ignoring his demeanor.

I wished I could smile at him as she did.

"I guess Ryker succeeded in surprising me. Excuse me, I need to speak with my sister." Fenris's mood soured, finally tugging her off himself.

Taking a quick gaze at me, he turned to Amelia, ignoring that I was there. It was always like that. The reason was to prevent unwanted attention from going onto me. Jealous employees already targeted me for my special treatment, but this time, it hurt more than ever.

Funny, this was what I wanted before yesterday. But now… after having felt you.

I felt hollow.

Your kindness will never be for me.

My chest felt heavy, even though I was utterly hollow inside. Regaining my legs somewhat, I turned away from them, heading towards where Tania was waiting for me.