Chapter 87: Chapter 87: A Gift in the Darkness
SONIA’S POV
By the time I was done cleaning, the entire house was sparkling clean. The wooden floors gleamed under the afternoon light, free of dust and dirt. I had scrubbed every surface until my arms ached, wiping down the tables, shelves, and even the small windows until they shone.
The air smelled fresher now, like lemon and fresh wood, a far cry from the stale scent it had carried before. I looked around and nodded with pride. I had done it! It wasn’t that difficult after all. A small smile tugged at my lips as I took in the neat space. For the first time in a long while, the house felt like a home.
Closing the doors, I sat on the floor in the living room to catch my breath after such strenuous work. My back rested against the cool wall, and my legs stretched out in front of me. The yellow dress clung slightly to my skin from sweat, but the simple act of cleaning had brought a strange sense of peace. My muscles burned pleasantly, a reminder that I had accomplished something with my own hands.
It was in that position I found myself when I woke up a few hours later. My eyes fluttered open slowly, heavy with sleep. I looked out the windows first and discovered it was already dark. The sky outside had turned deep indigo, dotted with the first faint stars. The room was bathed in shadows, the only light coming from the pale moon filtering through the glass.
As I rose to my feet, my stomach rumbled loudly. I placed my hand on the empty surface and pouted. I had not eaten anything the entire day. I was extremely hungry, with no hopes of food. Last time I checked, there wasn’t anything to eat in the house. The thought made my stomach twist again, sharper this time. The only way to help myself was some fruits. Which meant I had to go out.
I looked through the windows a second time. It was still dark. I was going to have to strain to get the fruits. The forest around the house would be full of shadows now, the trees whispering in the night breeze.
As I took a step towards the door, an electric charge sizzled all over my body, and I fell to my knees. The sensation was sharp and sudden, like fire racing under my skin. I held my head for a few seconds, breathing through the wave of heat that followed. It passed away slowly, leaving me trembling.
"Oh no," I said, feeling myself grow even weaker. My legs felt shaky as I pushed myself up. I had forgotten the full moon was fast approaching. It brought with it different symptoms.
It wasn’t unusual back in my pack for Freya to call me so I could go heal someone who had suffered under the effect of the full moon. Sometimes they just needed a good rest. Other times, they needed a balm. But everyone loved the full moon. Especially lovers.
That was what Freya said. She even gave me books to understand why. I may have understood a little in practice. My eyes went to my chest, and blush crept up my face. I had never heard of what he did to me before. That these tiny buds could produce such massive relief when sucked on was a discovery I absolutely loved. The memory made my skin tingle again, warm and confusing.
Closing my eyes with my hand, I laughed softly. But when my stomach grumbled again, louder this time, I had to crawl my way to the door. My knees scraped against the clean floor, but I didn’t care. With the help of its hinges, I was finally able to rise to my feet. My legs still felt unsteady, but they held me.
I opened the door, and there was someone standing there with a plate in their hand. It was the Omega, Daniel. His face was neutral, almost bored, as he stood in the moonlight. I closed the door quickly, thinking he would have left when I opened it. But as I did, he was still standing there, holding the plate steady.
"Blane owes me big for this. I should be responding to the alpha’s orders, but he has me delivering food to you. At least, you’re okay," he said, eyeing me from head to toe. His gaze was quick and assessing, but not unkind.
"Blane asked you to bring me food?" Surprise lifted my voice.
"Yeah, all the way from the cell the alpha threw him in. That’s why he couldn’t bring it himself." Daniel’s tone was casual, like this was normal.
I gasped. "He’s in a cell? Is he going to be alright?"
He looked alarmed that I would ask a question as stupid as that. His eyebrows rose, and he shook his head slightly.
"It’s just a cell. It could have been worse. Technically, it’s all your fault. What is it about you that stirs pity in people’s hearts?" His gaze narrowed suspiciously on me, as if I was hiding something.
"I– I do-nt know," I stuttered. My cheeks felt hot under his stare.
"Hmmm. Maybe it’s because you’re pretty. Pretty women usually find favour in everyone’s eyes. Anyway, here’s your food. Eat wisely, because I may not return tomorrow to feed you." He handed me the plate, the warmth from it seeping into my hands.
"Than—" In the midst of showing my gratitude, he turned away the second I collected the tray and walked away. His footsteps faded quickly into the night.
"Wow," I blurted, staring after him.
Turning around, I walked into the house and shut the door. The click sounded loud in the quiet space. Daniel was different. He was nonchalant, but in an amusing way. I was learning more and more about the people closest to the alpha.
So far, Ivy was still my favourite. Although, I didn’t know the relationship she had with Ramon for him to care so much about her. The thought made my chest tighten again, but I pushed it aside.
I placed the food on the table and opened it. My mouth remained open, and my eyes widened when it fell on lots and lots of food. There were slices of roasted meat, fresh bread, fruits, and even a small bowl of stew that still steamed faintly. I definitely didn’t need him to bring me anything tomorrow. This would last me the entire week. The smell made my stomach rumble louder, begging me to eat.
"Just need to take a bath, and I’ll be right back," I whispered, as I dashed into my room. It was the only place in the house I didn’t really clean, because when I came in, it had surprisingly looked tidy. The bed was made, the floor swept, and a faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.
I took just a step forward when my eyes caught an object on the bed. I moved closer, and saw it was paper. My heart began to hit a little harder against my chest as I picked up what I realised was a letter. The paper felt smooth under my fingers, slightly creased from being folded.
On the body, it read: "From Alpha Daisy."
I smiled subconsciously. Without any hesitation, I slipped to the ground beside the bed and almost tore the letter open. The handwriting was neat and flowing, familiar and kind.
"Dear Sonia. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay until I saw you first. But because of Ramon’s anger, I had to leave to track down Alpha Liam. I said I was going to tell you about your mother, but unfortunately, I couldn’t give you as many details as I would have loved. That’s why I found a gift I think you would really really like. It’s in your closet. I will come find you very soon. Love, Daisy."
I closed the letter and placed it on my chest. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t here now, she had thought of me. That alone was enough. She even left a gift. For all the sufferings I had to endure in Ramon’s hands, I was glad there were people by my side. I wasn’t entirely alone. The thought warmed me from the inside, chasing away some of the cold that had settled in my bones.
Rising to my feet, my tummy fluttered with anxiety, and not just hunger, as I approached my closet. I didn’t know what the gift possibly was, but I was ready to find out. My fingers trembled slightly as I reached for the handle.
I opened the closet, and my eyes found something wrapped. Picking it up, I began to undo the wrap. It had been so long since I received a present, hence my excitement. The paper crinkled under my fingers, revealing layers of soft cloth underneath. I finally undid the wrap, and beneath it was a book.
The covers had my attention, but it was the first words on it that kept it. It simply read, "SONIA."
