Chapter 25: Shadows in Her Blood
Rosa's POV
I couldn't sleep again.
The palace, for all its grandeur and shining halls, felt colder than usual. The silence was loud, and my thoughts were noisier. I sat near the window of my chambers, curled beneath a silk robe, staring into the night.
Edward's words wouldn't leave my mind.
"Don't fall in love with Bryant… he only married you to save his throne."
He knew who I was. That was what scared me most. Not just that he knew… but that he used it like a threat, laced behind a soft voice and a smiling face.
I hugged myself tighter.
The Red Blossom Pack.
Once royalty, now a forgotten name… a destroyed home. A memory I barely speak about. I still remember the smoke, the screams, the way my mother held me and whispered, "Run."
Now here I was—dressed like a queen, yet running all over again… from my past, my feelings, even from myself.
"Your Majesty," Paige's voice interrupted my thoughts as she stepped into the room gently. "Would you like some tea? Or a book to help you sleep?"
I gave her a small smile. "No, thank you. Just sit with me a little… please."
She looked surprised, then quickly came to my side. "Of course."
We sat in silence for a while. I don't know why, but just having her beside me brought a bit of peace.
"I miss them," I said suddenly, my voice trembling.
"Your family?"
I nodded. "My mother's voice, my father's laugh, even the smell of home… It was once so full of life. And now—gone."
She placed her hand over mine. "I believe the Moon Goddess watches over them. And maybe… she's guiding you still."
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
I stood up a few minutes later and walked toward the mirror. My hair was messy, my face tired, but in the reflection—I wasn't alone.
Laura.
My wolf.
She stood there, calm and proud, her white fur glowing faintly in the moonlight.
"Seems like you're having another sleepless night," she said softly.
"I am," I whispered. "It's Edward. He's not just anyone… and he's dangerous. I feel it. I don't trust him."
Laura's silver eyes locked onto mine.
"You must stay away from him, Rosa. His aura is unstable. And I'm still weak… if something happens again, I may not be able to protect you."
I nodded slowly, biting my lip. "And Bryant?"
She tilted her head.
"He's our chosen mate. You feel it. I feel it. But he hasn't marked us… why?"
I swallowed hard. "I don't know. Maybe… he doesn't want to. Maybe he still sees me as just a duty."
Laura narrowed her eyes.
"Then why does his scent calm your nightmares? Why does your body respond to only him?"
I didn't answer. Tears brimmed in my eyes.
"I want to believe… I really do. But what if this is all fake? What if I'm just a tool in another man's war?"
"You're stronger than that," she said firmly. "But you need to start acting like it."
I wiped my tears.
She was right.
I've been surviving long enough. Maybe it's time I start living—even in this palace of rivalry, secrets, and shadows.
And tomorrow… I'll start by asking the palace historian about the night my Pack was attacked.
Because no matter what happens with Bryant, with Edward… I deserve to know the truth.