BLOOD BOUNDED - THE MOONLIGHT - Eng - Castlevania Lords of Shadow (fanfic) PIII

Chapter 68

"Welcome back."

It was the soft greeting she heard when Marie opened her eyes. And she had the most beautiful sight of Gabriel and Ponvi lying on the side of her bed. Both the wolf and the young warrior were smiling at her. The first one came closer and put his muzzle close to her face. She stroked his fur, aware of the sweet look her knight was giving them.

"Are you better?" he asked her cautiously.

She just nodded in response and her cheeks flushed again, realizing that he hadn't moved from her side in all this time, just as she begged.

He leaned down to wipe her sweaty forehead with a damp blanket:

"I'm glad," he told her, although his voice was affected.

"Sorry for worrying you, Gabriel."

"Oh, yes" he snorted "I was quite worried, but seeing how strong you are, I think there's nothing to apologize for."

Strong, she? Hadn't he just witnessed her to tear herself up in tears over something all women celebrate?"

"No... I'm not strong..."

"I don't recommend that you discuss that with me, beautiful Marie" he rubbed the feminine fingers with his thumb "I've seen hard men with broken bones, you know?"

"This change is supposed to be a good thing..."

"It is what only you dictate it to be, and you will learn to deal with it, I attest to that."

"It is shameful..."

He backed down at that:

"None of that should be..."

Suddenly he jumped up:

"Someone's coming."

Almost a minute later, the bedroom door opened.

"Oh, sweet Marie" said the old man dressed in the robes of the Elders of the Brotherhood "how gratifying it is to find you awake and with a better countenance."

"Uncle! She struggled to sit on her bed and look presentable."

"Oh, please, I just came to check on your status, I won't stay long, so you can rest."

"Thank you, dear uncle," she said politely, fingers laced nervously in front of her.

"You can't imagine the joy I felt when I heard the news of your maturation" he walked around the room until he stood at the foot of her bed."

Marie didn't want to look up at the high rafters where Gabriel had scuttled off, and she peeked her face out from time to time. Under her bed, Ponvi had occupied his hiding place as well.

"Look at you, you've grown so much!" exclaimed the old man "sometimes I forget how treacherous the passage of time is. Your parents would be so proud of the virtuous young woman you have become!"

Those words, which should be a compliment, brought chills to her body.

"I feel honored, dear uncle."

"I've only heard compliments from your teachers in recent seasons, although of course, you're still somewhat rebellious, according to certain rumors..."

Rumors? Her heart sank.

"But those characteristics, most of the good candidates find it charming, so I don't consider it a drawback."

"Candi... candidates?" she stammered, her gaze unconsciously flicking to where Gabriel was.

"Oh, I apologize to be so direct, I thought your teachers had told you" he waved his hand casually and took out a package from his tunic "but it doesn't matter, I have to be the one to give you the good news."