Dark Prisoner ✔

Chapter 24: Freed

Mia was bursting with joy for her brother who finally put away the past and was moving forward. She watched how the light returned to his eyes while he was with Alec and the pain had completely vanished. Her brother was free and he wasn't a prisoner any longer to his tormented vows. He could live his life his own way and not under some pretence that he had to save this family.

With everyone busy working to find Giovanni Romano who was the reason behind Alec's injuries, she left the house and wandered outside into the garden in her own little world, that reminded her of their hometown in Italy. The sun shined over the garden and she found its warmth seeping into her body through her dress.

Kade had Alec now. They were bonded together. So, now she could finally tell her brother about her own bond with Vadik. She was sure Kade would accept them without any hesitation. She'd tell him tomorrow and she couldn't wait. Unless, she was being too optimistic and her brother would explode with anger. Why did that seem more likely to happen? she thought dreadfully.

Mia made it to the small stream that ran between a valley of trees. She stared at the clear water that had many round rocks at the bottom and moss all over the edges. The cool water called to her, but she knew that she couldn't go in, since she could slip on the rocks with her limp. Although... she didn't need to worry about that now, her limp was practically healed and she could use both her legs to balance herself. She took off her flats and put her feet into the crisp, cool stream that only reached above her ankles. The water engulfed her feet and she smiled down at her reflection in the water.

She could walk on her own, stand in this stream and do what she thought was impossible. However, a disconcerting thought appeared in her head. She wondered if she would be able to shift into her wolf form after years without being able to do so. Mia walked along the lake through the arching trees around her pondering if she should try to summon her wolf now or not. She didn't want to risk an injury or give in to this pipe dream that could only hurt her heart. Years have gone by since she has shifted. She didn't want to be hopeful only to be disappointed.

Nonetheless, the ache in her heart pulsed, she could feel her wolf trying to break free and run in the garden. Would she be able to do it? Mia hesitated as she stood in the stream with a heavy heart.

Suddenly, something shifted behind her through the branches. She looked over her shoulder and saw a massive black wolf appear through the trees, she instinctively moved back. Mia didn't recognize this wolf as anyone in her family, so it had to be a rogue, but the guards around the house knew not to enter this garden in their wolf form. Who could this be? she alarmed.

A familiar scent carried through the air, it cut through the heavy scent of flowers and grass. Mia focused on the wolf's eyes when she recognized the blue and green gaze. This wolf was Vadik and the scent was his own too.

Mia carefully turned on her feet that were still submerged in water. The wolf circled around, his mismatched eyes focused on her as she stood defencelessly in front of him. She couldn't run back to the house even if she tried. He'd catch her. A dark side in her didn't want to run though. She stayed right where she was, in the water, alone for him.

The wolf approached the edge of the lake, his thick black coat of fur shined under the sun, it mesmerized her. He emitted power and authority as his towering build made her feel so small. The raw power that clung to him was pure muscle and strength, he was a trained wolf in any combat. She could see that this wolf had fought many times from the scars dusting his face. His eyes stayed focused on her like he drank in the sight of her in the water. She wasn't entirely sure if it was safe approaching him, but she trusted Vadik and was sure he'd hold his wolf under his control. And it didn't help that she wanted to touch him and run her fingers through his fur.