Well Beyond

14

Warm light streamed in from the window, gently coaxing me from sleep. The glow of the morning sun hurt my eyes slightly, forcing me to squint before rubbing them with the heels of my hands. I drew in a long breath, savoring the quiet morning air, before sitting up and leaning against the headboard. The bed was so comfortable, I could have stayed there forever.

After a few moments of basking in the stillness, I reluctantly pulled myself from the bed. I moved slowly, allowing myself to savor the rare feeling of not being in a rush. For the first time in over two years, I wasn't in a hurry or looking over my shoulder. There was no way Erik could show up unannounced here, unlike any other pack he had alliances with. The kingdom had always been strict about who graced its lands, a policy I was sure had endured beyond the last ruler.

I made my way to the bathroom, splashing cool water on my face to fully wake up. As I brushed my teeth and ran a comb through my hair, I took in the luxurious surroundings. The bathroom was spacious, with marble countertops and gleaming fixtures. It felt like a different world compared to the constant fear and chaos I had left behind.

After freshening up, I wandered back into the bedroom and opened the closet. The clothes Jasper had provided were beautiful and high-quality. I selected a soft, comfortable outfit—a loose shirt and a pair of fitted shorts. The fabric felt wonderful against my skin, and I appreciated the thoughtful gesture even more. These were way better than the handful of clothes I had on the run.

Dressed and ready, I returned to the window, looking out at the kingdom. The morning sun cast a golden hue over everything, making the scenery look almost magical. I could see the castle grounds bustling with activity as people went about their daily routines. It was a stark contrast to the life I had been living, and I felt a strange mix of hope and uncertainty.

Deciding it was time to explore, I slipped on a pair of shoes and left the room. The castle was a maze of corridors and grand halls, each one more impressive than the last. I wandered aimlessly, taking in the opulent decor and the rich history that seemed to seep from every stone. The tapestries and paintings told stories of the kingdom's past, and I found myself captivated by them. Most of the paintings I knew had been replaced by, assumingely, portraits of the Alaric bloodline. 

Eventually, I found my way to a balcony overlooking the gardens. The sight took my breath away—manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and neatly trimmed hedges stretched out before me. It was a place of peace and beauty, so different from the places I had fled.

As I stood there, basking in the morning sun, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to hope. Maybe this kingdom could be a fresh start, a place where I could rebuild and find a semblance of peace. I turned around, moving back into the Castle. 

My eyes locked on the kitchen, a smile spreading across my face as an idea formed. I began searching through the kitchen, marveling at how incredibly well-stocked it was for being so private. My heart almost leaped with joy at the sight of fresh peaches on the counter. I carefully selected a few and started slicing them, savoring their sweet, fragrant aroma.

Once done, I hunted for a saucepan under the counter and found a gleaming stainless steel pot. Placing it on the stove, I clicked on the gas burner and preheated the oven. I slid the peach slices off the cutting board and into the pan, their soft sound against the metal satisfying. Adding a touch of sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a hint of ginger, I finished with a splash of water to help them simmer.

Turning my attention to the dry ingredients, I found a mixing bowl and added a few scoops of flour, baking powder, sugar, a pinch of salt, and some spices. I stirred the mixture together absentmindedly, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as the rhythm of baking took over. Next, I poured in a cup of milk, mixing until the batter was smooth and ready.