Nekio

I wonder back to my bedroom taking far longer to find my room than I would like to admit. I catch a whiff of Deaken and it's the only thing guiding me back to it. I would never tell him that though. He has been a breath of fresh air in this house, a friend I needed far more than I thought I would. I wasn’t paying attention when I bumped right into him. He grabbed my shoulders and held me steady.

“Are you doing okay there Lime?” His husky voice helped ground my thoughts.

That isn’t the first time he has called me that. “Why do you call me Lime?”

He chuckeled, “Is it not obvious?” I shook my head no, “When I think about your name my mind says Carol-lime. That and you are a bit sour but tastes delicious in the right conditions.” He licked his lips in a suggestive manor.

I lightly punched his chest, “I am married Deaken,” I said with a playful giggle.

“Speaking of the lord where is he?” He looked around expecting to find him. “He was supposed to be training with you today.”

I surged my shoulders, “I am not sure. We had been working on my magic abilities, but he walked away when we found out I didn’t have any.” I couldn’t hide the hurt in my voice.

He gave me a lop-sided grin, “would you like to hang out with me this evening?” He paused for a breath, “that is unless you have other plans.”

I could use some time out of my room for a bit. I need to forget about Damon too. “That would be lovely, what do you have in mind?”

A shy look crossed his face, “If I am being honest. You are my mate, and my wolf is clawing at my insides to come out and meet you.”

“Is he different from you?” I know next to nothing about werewolves other than what I have seen in books and who knows if any of that is true.

He tilted his head, “Yes. We are two souls in the same body. One beast, one man.”

His eyes changed to a bright green. “I have a name,” a gruff growl followed.

Deaken shook his head while he held the side of his face, “I am sorry sometimes he takes control by force.”

I started at him bewildered, “That was him?” It seems crazy to have another person in your head. I can barely keep my thoughts together as it is.

“Mmm...” He admitted, “His name is Nikeo. He would very much like to officially meet you.”

The thought of meeting his wolf made me feel giddy inside, “I can’t wait to meet him either.”

He gave me a pantie dropping smile, “Good I'll pick you up this evening then. It is easier to turn outside. Since you can’t go in the sun we can do it tonight.”

“Sounds perfect!” I jump up giving him a peck on the check. “I’ll see you tonight Neiko.” I turned and walked into my room, but I could have sworn he purred at me using his wolf’s name.

I haven’t been outside since the day of my wedding; well, I think it was a wedding. Although the lord calls it a binding ceremony. I wonder what the difference between the two is. I know the ceremony itself was very different from a traditional wedding, but I wonder if there is more to it than that. I would ask Damon if he would speak to me for more than five minutes. The black crystal glowed when he touched it, he said if I had a black ability his father would want me. I wonder if his father has used him for that same thing.

As the evening approached, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of spending time with Deaken. However, before I could dwell on those thoughts, a firm knock on my door startled me. It was Damon, his expression stern and his eyes filled with an intensity I hadn’t seen before.

“Lady Caroline,” he began, his voice low and urgent, “I need to speak with you about Deaken.” He paused, as if weighing his words carefully. “I know he has been a friend to you in this place, but you must be cautious.”

I could sense an unspoken tension in the air, a hidden warning in his tone. “Why?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. I wonder if he knows what Deaken is to me, it’s not like I have told him. It also doesn’t seem like they are on the best of terms either. “What’s wrong with Deaken?”

Damon stepped closer, his protective stance sending a clear message. “He’s not who he seems,” he said cryptically. “Just… be careful around him. Remember, you are bound to me, and there are things at play here that you do not yet understand.” He placed the small velvet box he got from May earlier in my hand. “I had this made for you and it’s finally ready. Be sure you wear it.”

With that, he left as abruptly as he had arrived, leaving me with a whirlwind of thoughts. What did Damon know about Deaken that I didn’t? And why did the idea of being warned away from him only make the anticipation of our evening together grow stronger?

I flipped open the lid to the small box and inside was a beautiful ring. The ring is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring an intricate design that seems to weave the very essence of magic into its form. At its center lies a lustrous gem that glows softly, reminiscent of the moon’s gentle light on a clear night. Engraved with symbols that hint at the union of two souls, the ring’s band tells a story of a bond that transcends the ordinary. It exudes a mystical aura, as if it were not merely a piece of jewelry. I slipped it onto my ring finger, it was a perfect fit.