Chapter 9 - Safe At Home

Eloise’s POV



I suddenly jolted awake as sweat ran down my forehead. This wasn’t the first time I had experienced nightmares about the prophecy but as time went on, they became more frequent.



It was as if I was constantly being reminded about how little time I had left. My life and those I held dear were on a balance—and it was tipping in favor of Death.



I sat up and rubbed the back of my neck as my mind swam with thoughts.



About a month ago, my mother always nagged me about studying magic and becoming more powerful. One day, I figured that I had enough of it and took off to go spend some time with my grandmother. She was always so understanding.



During my stay, I began to explore my grandmother’s home. It was then I stumbled upon a mirror while rummaging through the various boxes in the spare room.



As I brought my fingers to the mirror, it began to glow. Before I knew it, I found myself inside of it. It was then that I met the spirit inside; she introduced herself as Mona.



Mona would go on to tell me how the peculiar object came to be known as the “Mirror of Prophecies.” Because I was the one who recently touched it, Mona would go on to show my future.



“Only by killing the Alpha Lord known as Xavier, will you save yourself and your family from bloodshed,” Mona spoke.



The rest was history in the making. Or at least, future in the saving.



I shook my head and came to focus on the surroundings of the room I was in. It was my room in Normand. When did I get back?



I lifted the blankets off of my body and slowly got myself out of bed. My body was still feeling so weak.



“Lady Eloise,” a familiar voice exclaimed. “You’re finally awake! I was starting to get worried…”



I turned my head to see Nora had rushed to my side. It looked like she hadn’t slept in a few days with how red her eyes were. Or maybe she had been crying.



I placed my hand on Nora’s shoulder and smiled as I backed myself onto the bed again. “Nora, it’s so good to see you. Please don’t worry about me, I’m fine. How did I get back here anyways?”



Nora’s smile widened. “Lord Xavier assembled a regiment of soldiers to come to your rescue, my Lady. He truly does care about you!”



“Xavier rescued me?”



Nora nodded her head. “Yes, my Lady.”





My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Are you sure we’re talking about the same Xavier?”



Nora smiled before going on to explain. “I heard it all from Adrian. The vampire's castle was already up in flames when they bursted in. Alpha Xavier ran straight into the castle and demanded everyone to search every square inch of the castle for you.



But my lady, you were nowhere to be found. The soldiers were exhausted after the fight but Alpha Xavier didn’t want to give up. He rechecked each of the rooms before leaving the castle and searching the nearby forest.



Adrian said that he had no idea HOW Lord Xavier ended up finding you. However, we all know that he is extremely smart and wise. Perhaps he caught wind of your scent, or maybe recognized footprints you left in the dirt.” Nora rambled on.



Then Nora gave me a hug. “Regardless, we’re all just happy you’re back at the castle and safe, Lady Eloise. Lord Xavier ensured your safety by carrying you the entire way here. You should’ve seen the looks on people’s faces when he strode into town with you in his arms… I thought I was going to have to clean the jaws that had fallen on the floor!” She giggled.



I tapped my finger against my cheek. “But why…?”



He didn’t like me. His actions towards me have been so hostile the past few days. Now all of a sudden he went out of his way to rescue me, and then allowed me to stay in his city?



Nora interrupted my thoughts. “Lady Eloise… please. You’ve had such a long few days. A hot bath has been prepared for you. I think you should go take one before coming back to bed and resting.”



I simply nodded my head and allowed Nora to escort me to the bathroom. Once I was left alone to my thoughts, I slipped into the steaming water and allowed my body to relax. It was finally nice to get clean and to wash away the events of yesterday.



I still couldn’t believe that it was Xavier that rescued me himself. At the very most, he could’ve just sent someone else to go find me. And the cave I was hiding in, it was so hard to find.



How long had he been searching for me? I sunk my head lower into the water as my thoughts clashed. What kind of person is Lord Xavier really?



The warmth of the comfortable water was enough to lull me to sleep.



“Where is Eloise?” A man’s voice boomed outside the door.



“Lady Eloise is taking a bath, my Lord. Perhaps you can wait until she’s finished if that would suit—”



“I must see her right now!”



“My Lord, please! You can’t go in there just yet!”



My eyes fluttered back open, though my vision was too blurry as the steam had filled the bathroom. For a moment, I thought I was just imagining things and hearing voices.



A tall, broad outline of a man suddenly appeared in the bathroom just a few feet from me. The shock pumped adrenaline into me and it caused me to become aware of my surroundings.



It was Xavier.



And he was not happy.



“Why didn’t you tell me you were engaged?” He growled.