Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Sierra pov.
The room was incredibly small, and the only source of light was the faint illumination from the window. I surveyed the space, taking in the sights, smells, sounds, and textures around me.
The air was musty, and the room reeked of dampness and mold. I could feel the roughness of the walls against my fingertips, and the floorboards creaked with every step I took. The room was so small that I could hear every breath my companions took, and the tension in the air was palpable.
Alex and Nora's faces were etched with fear, and they drew closer to me, seeking comfort and protection. Nora spoke with a tremble in her voice, her fear palpable. "Do you think this is a great idea? We still have a chance to get away from here, guys."
I turned to Nora, whose face revealed that she was on the verge of a panic attack. I pulled her close to me, trying to calm her down. Meanwhile, my eyes scanned the room, taking in the clutter of items and furniture. I felt a sense of confusion as I wondered why the beast had such a room and if he was hiding something.
As I continued to explore the room, I realized that there was no sign of the beast. Alex's voice shattered the silence, and I turned to her, seeing the fear in her eyes. "Sierra, I think it's time we take you home. Don't you see the beast is making a fool out of you?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but Alex lifted her hands to stop me. Instead, she moved closer to me and spoke, her voice trembling with fear.
"What's wrong with you?" she yelled as she stared at me, her eyes filled with concern. "Ever since that monster of an Alpha who had been caused came to you, you've been acting differently. Right from school, I saw how you looked at him. Aren't you scared he might kill you or even go after the people you love? Listen, Sierra, he's a beast, and no she-wolf would want a mate like him. Let's go back home. Your mom is worried. She's the only one who ever worries for you. Please, Sierra, don't let this beast kill you. Just look around. We've searched every castle, and yet there's no sign of the beast, and now you still want to look for him."
Her voice was filled with anger and sadness. I knew everyone was scared of the beast, but how could they be sure he was not kind and good? I didn't think he was evil. I looked over at Alex and then back at Nora, who just stood there looking at the two of us.
"I know this is hard to believe," I whispered as I locked eyes with both of them, "but I love the beast. I know you might think I'm crazy, but this is my mate we're talking about here. I have a feeling that something is wrong, and I have a connection that he's somewhere around this room."
Just saying that word, Alex moved closer to me, only for Nora to stop her and move closer to me instead.
"Sierra, you have to listen to us. You're going crazy, and it's creeping me out. Please, why don't we go back home and forget this ever happened? Maybe you might see your real mate."
I wanted to say something, but I kept quiet because I didn't know what to say. Nora moved closer to me as she placed her hands on my shoulder.
"I know you're scared, Sierra, and we both understand, but please, just come back. Remember, you were the first one who said there might be a mix-up somewhere, that maybe the beast wasn't meant for you, and we both will always stand by that word. Just come back, okay?"
Just as I was about to reply to her, Alex moved forward, pushing Nora away from me.
"Don't force yourself on her, Nora. The Sierra we once knew isn't her anymore. She is different. And if we just keep talking, she won't listen to us," she said, her voice tinged with concern.
As they turned to walk away, I observed their tired expressions and felt a pang of sadness in my heart. "Please, guys. I know this is hard, but you have to trust me. Why don't we just talk about this later? Then, after that, you can punish me whenever you want. But right now, I need your help. The beast needs me. Please, help me out."
They stared at each other for a moment, then nodded in agreement. I immediately hugged them, relieved that they were willing to help.
We continued our search for the beast as the sky grew darker. We had no clues, and frustration was starting to set in. I closed my eyes, feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. "Please, Goddess, help me," I whispered.
Suddenly, I felt something strange inside of me. When I opened my eyes, I noticed they had turned blue. Confused and disoriented, I stood up and turned to Alex and Nora, who were looking at me with concern. "Are you okay?" Alex asked.
Ignoring her, I looked around the room until my gaze landed on a wall. Walking closer to it, I placed my hands on the surface, feeling for any irregularities. I soon came across something strange, a button or lever, hidden in the wall. I pressed it, and before I knew it, the wall moved and opened, revealing a secret passageway.
My eyes turned back to their normal color as I looked at Alex and Nora, who looked surprised. I let out a laugh, as I couldn't believe there was another entrance in the same room.
As I looked around, my eyes took in the sight before me. The passageway led us into a garden that seemed kind of dark. The air was filled with the scent of dead flowers, except for one signal flower standing tall.
I looked around and that was when I saw the beast laying on the floor, as if he was dead. I ran towards him, my heart beating fast, as I held him in my hands, calling out his name, begging him to stay with me.
Alex and Nora walked towards me, trying to pull me away from him, but I refused to step back. Soon, the beast started moving, his eyes opening slowly. I smiled and called his name.
"Beast, beast, please stay with me," I cried, tears streaming down my face.
I could feel the texture of his fur, soft and warm, under my fingers. As I held onto him, I could feel his weak breaths against my face.
"I love you," I heard him say, and before I knew what was happening, his eyes closed.