Warrior Wolf (Complete)

39 Messenger

Rose slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry as she adjusted to the dim light of the room. The familiar scent of herbs and the soft rustle of fabric alerted her that she was in the healer’s quarters. Her gaze shifted to the figure sitting beside her—Chris, his face drawn with exhaustion but filled with relief the moment their eyes met.

"Water," she croaked, her throat dry and aching. Without a word, Chris reached for the glass on the bedside table, gently helping her drink. The cool liquid soothed her parched throat, and after a moment, she exhaled, feeling slightly better.

"How long was I out?" she asked, her voice still weak.

"Two days," Chris replied softly, his eyes never leaving hers. "The medicinal tonic you drank was laced with poison. Our healer identified it just in time and gave you the antidote. You’re lucky to be alive, Rose."

Before Rose could respond, the healer entered the room, checking her pulse and looking over her with a practiced eye. "It’s good to see you awake," the healer said with a small smile. "Chris hasn’t left your bedside this entire time."

Rose glanced at him, her heart heavy with emotions she wasn’t ready to face just yet.

As the healer continued her examination, Chris added, "There’s something else you should know. The royal oracle spoke today morning. Her words have already spread."

Rose furrowed her brows, intrigued. "What did she say?"

Chris recited the oracle’s prophecy in a solemn tone:

"Beneath the moon's eternal light, 
A warrior born from darkest night, 
Blessed by the goddess, bold and wise, 
She rises fierce, where shadows lie. 
Three times she’ll save the kingdom’s heart, 
A savior born to play her part."

Rose’s eyes widened slightly as she absorbed the meaning. The prophecy was about her.

"The council met right after," Chris continued. "They couldn’t ignore it. You’ve already saved the kingdom once by stopping Drake. They know now they can’t harm you. You’re needed for two more times."

Rose let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. "So, they won't try to kill me again... for now."

"Word has spread about the attempt on your life and the oracle’s prophecy," Chris said gravely. "The people are talking, and many see you as more than just a warrior now. They believe you are destined for something greater."

Rose stared at the ceiling, chris did what she asked for. She was doubtful if royal oracle could be bribed but they managed to get the prophesy out.

The weeks following the failed assassination attempt were a whirlwind for Rose. Though it was blamed on a rogue vampire, everyone knew better. The attempt on her life was proof enough that her growing influence had unsettled the council. But her speech—raw, powerful, and honest—had made her beloved among the people. She stood tall before the crowd, recounting Drake’s manipulation, how he tried to bind her with a dark oath, and how she fought for her king and her kind. She praised the Wolf King for his wisdom and kindness, speaking with such conviction that even the most skeptical were swayed.

Alpha Chris stood beside her during the speech, speaking of her strategic brilliance that turned the tide of battle. He told the crowd of her unwavering loyalty, how, despite everything, Rose had saved their kingdom from enslavement. The cheers that followed were deafening, and the King, in a grand display of honor, gifted her gold coins and a villa—a rare reward in their world.

But the greatest shock came when the King asked her to take up the position of Chief of the Council. Rose was speechless, stunned by the offer. It was a powerful position, one that would place her above many who had once looked down on her. A woman who had fought her way up from being cast aside to now standing at the pinnacle of influence.

Later that night, Chris approached her, his demeanor more relaxed, but there was excitement in his eyes. "Come with me," he said quietly, "I want to show you something."

They shifted into their wolf forms and ran, side by side, through the moonlit forest. The air was crisp, the earth soft beneath their paws. The silence between them was filled with sweet comfort. When they reached the lake—the same lake where they had once met—they shifted back into human form.

The moonlight danced across the water, casting a silver glow over the scene. Rose turned to Chris, who was already watching her intently, the tension between them palpable.

“Chris,” Rose said.

"Christopher," he said softly, taking a step closer, his voice rich with emotion. "Call me Christopher."

Her heart quickened at the sound of his name on his own lips, something so intimate in the request. Then, without breaking eye contact, he pulled something from his pocket—an emerald ring. Its dark green stone shimmered under the moonlight.

He held it up, his expression vulnerable in a way she had never seen before. "Rose... I don’t want to just fight beside you. I want more. Do you want to be in a relationship with me?"

Her breath caught, emotions swirling inside her. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could answer, a sound broke through the night—a messenger, breathless and wide-eyed, appeared from the edge of the clearing.

"The King," the messenger said quickly, bowing. "He wishes to meet with you, Rose. It’s urgent."

Rose looked back at Chris, their moment interrupted. He gave her a small smile, tinged with disappointment but understanding. "Go," he said softly. "We'll talk later."

Rose nodded, still reeling from the intensity of the moment, and followed the messenger into the night.