Restore It To Its Former Glory

Chapter 15

Nalani knew that Karyan was traveling, but his absence brought its own complications.

Karina, who had always been a shadow, was now circulating around her relentlessly, and this made Nalani uneasy.

She suspected that Karyan had assigned Karina to keep an eye on her.

Throughout the day, she strolled the grounds of the magnificent castle, enjoying the view.

Karina followed close behind, making sure Nalani was always aware of her presence.

Little did Karina know, Nalani was secretly mapping out the layout of the castle in her mind.

Although annoyed, Nalani couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the Karyan’s castle.

It was even more magnificent than Kabar’s palace.

The building resembled a magnificent castle, surrounded by strong brick walls built for defense.

The walls of the castle were coated with mud and lime, giving it a solid, yet smooth appearance.

The stone floor was gleaming, very clean and almost reflecting the light.

Lost in her thoughts, Nalani found herself back in a forgotten garden. The place held a strange fascination for her, a neglected sanctuary amidst the splendor of the castle.

She stepped inside the garden, her fingers brushed the lush foliage.
“What are you doing here again?” Karina’s voice broke the silence, sharp and unwelcome.

Nalani turned to see Karina standing at the edge of the garden, her expression was stern. “Just taking a walk,” Nalani replied, her tone flat and calm. “Why is that important to you?”

Karina stepped closer, her eyes narrowed. “This garden is off limits. It’s a place of memories, not for people like you to wander around.”

Nalani felt more irritated than ever.

“Memories? Whose memories? Karyan’s?”

Karina’s face hardened. “Yes, his memories. This garden belonged to someone very dear to him. It’s not your place to intrude.”

Nalani’s curiosity flared. “Who was she?”
But before Karina could answer, a voice cut in. “Karina, that’s enough.”

Both women turned to see a guard approaching.

He bowed slightly to Nalani, then spoke to Karina. “Lady Nalani is permitted to go wherever she wishes within the castle grounds.”

Karina frowned. “Since when?”

The guard was not willing to answer. His face was flat and cold.

“Very well,” she said, her voice tight. “But she should know there are some places that are better left undisturbed.”

With that, Karina turned and strode away, leaving Nalani alone with the guard.

“Thank you,” Nalani said quietly.

The guard nodded. “I was just following orders. Is there anything else you need?”

Nalani shook her head, “No, thank you. I’ll only be here for a moment.”

As the guard left, Nalani walked deeper into the garden, in her mind, she had many unanswered questions.

Who was this woman who had tended the garden? And why did her memory evoke such a strong reaction from Karina?

The questions were in the air like visible white clouds in the bright blue sky, but one thing was clear: this garden held a secret that was inextricably linked to Karyan’s past.

Nalani knelt by a patch of wildflowers, her fingers tracing the delicate petals. She would find out more about this mysterious woman, and perhaps in doing so, she would learn more about who Karyan really was.

***
That afternoon, Nalani stood by the window, gazing out over the vast castle grounds.

The sunlight was beginning to soften, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Suddenly, she saw two horsemen approaching.

She immediately recognized Karyan, his black hair tangled in the wind.

Beside him was a tall, burly man she didn’t recognize.

Their horses moved gracefully, strong muscles rippling beneath sleek black coats.

When they passed right under her window, Karyan looked up.

For a moment, their eyes met. Nalani’s breath caught in her throat at the intensity of Karyan’s gaze.

There was something unreadable in his expression. Then, just as quickly, she looked away, and the moment passed.

That night, Nalani was just sitting in her room when there was a knock on the door. A guard stood there, bowing slightly. “Lady Nalani,” he said respectfully, “Alpha requests your presence for dinner.”

Nalani’s first instinct was to refuse. The idea of sharing a meal with Karyan, after all that had happened, made her reluctant.

But the guard’s expectant gaze and the unspoken command in his message left her with little choice. With a resigned sigh, she nodded. “Very well.”

She dressed carefully, choosing a simple dress. When she arrived in the dining room, Karyan was already seated at the end of the long oak table.

He stood up as Nalani entered, his eyes looking at her. “Nalani,” he greeted. “Please, join me.”

He took the seat opposite her, the distance between them both comfortable and prohibitive.

The table was laden with dishes, but Nalani’s appetite was non-existent.
Karyan watched her intently as she sat. “How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice very soft, but stiff.

Like someone who wasn’t used to being gentle.
Nalani looked up at him, searching for any sign of the man she had glimpsed through the window. “Better,” she replied carefully. “Thank you for your concern.”
Karyan nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Your recovery was... unexpected.”

Nalani raised her eyebrows, unable to keep the bitterness out of her voice.

“Unexpected? You mean, miraculous?”

He did not flinch at his tone. “Yes,” he said simply.“Miraculous.”

For a moment, an awkward silence fell over them. Then Karyan leaned forward, his eyes serious. “Nalani, I know I have not treated you well. But your survival – your return from the dead – made me realize that there is more about you that I cannot understand.”

Nalani’s heart beat faster, filled with anger and confusion swirling inside her. “Why do you care now, Karyan? After all you’ve done, why does it matter to you?”

He looked away, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “I can’t explain it. But I don’t like losing something that’s already mine.”

“I understand...” Nalani smiled bitterly. “I was given to you.”

“There is no need to be discouraged, Nalani. I have a good side after all. I allow you to ask for whatever you want while I am able to give it.”

“Oh? Very good.” Nalani suddenly got an idea and did not want to lose her chance.

“Then I’d like to ask you for something. That little abandoned garden back there, Karyan. Can I restore it to its former beauty?”