What About Now?

Chapter 22 - Incomplete

I stare out the window and watch the rain descend harshly against the castle walls. The winds speed escalates with each passing minute. Trees shake violently and windows rattle loudly. I shiver silently as I hug my white sweater closer to myself.

Each individual raindrop splatters wildly across the windowpane. But it's not just any ordinary coincidence that it's been raining continuously for the past two days; no, this is the work of a much greater force. This is the work of the water, warning me that a looming threat is steadily approaching. It appears to be the only logical explanation as each pounding raindrop incessantly taps against the window both day and night.

Funny thing is I can feel it; the waters fear. It almost feels like it's crying, as if I'm staring at millions of teardrops descending the sky, and I can't help but reciprocate those feelings as I grow increasingly despondent by each passing second; knowing that my mother is in the hands of a sadistic alpha.

Her image keeps haunting me. 

With every raindrop that splatters across the windowpane comes the reflection of her frightful eyes. I haven't seen that look in a long time, only perhaps when I was a child. She isn't scared for herself. No, my mother is stronger then that, she proved it when she took on Alpha Merrick. She looked at me in a way that demand I run as far as possible, even into the depths of the sea if I have to, somewhere he won't ever be able to find me.

The realization is almost far-fetched, but eventually, I come to terms that she isn't scared for her own well being, but for mine. But what's changed? Suddenly she's taken on the roll of a loving mother. For years she constantly treated me like a stranger, giving me the cold shoulder and having me hold my own against rogues. She never once bothered to come to my rescue, so why protect me now?

"Princess." 

I don't need to turn around to know it's Diana or that she's frowning at my uneaten lunch left on the trolley.

I continue to watch the lightning bolts illuminate every so often in the clouds, choosing yet again to ignore her presence. 

"You haven't touched your food princess." The clinking of silverware becomes audible as she picks up copious amounts of leftover plates, doing it somewhat slowly, probably waiting for my response. However, I remain silent, refusing to look at her, let alone converse with her. Therefore, I don't dare acknowledge her presence as I keep my eyes concentrated on the swaying trees. 

I pull my knees closer to my body and run my fingers over my dark wash jeans, hoping she'll just leave me alone.

"Princess, he's doing the best he can. He even had the seamstress make you an original pair of jeans, just for your comfort," she quickly adds. 

From the windows brief reflection I watch Diana retreat towards the door. She rolls the trolley filled with food and sighs when she finally reaches it. She gazes at my form once more before looking downwards in defeat and closing the door behind her.

I know I should feel terrible for shutting her out, but I don't. I don't want to look at any of them, especially Levi.

Ever since the incident at school I've been held prisoner inside my room.

I admit, Levi was angry with me for refusing to answer his questions. I tried to brush it off, but he was relentless; never ceasing the onslaught of questions about the events that transpired near the lake. However, when I refused to respond he decided to retaliate. I only realized it too late when I tried leaving my room. Apparently, my guards are under strict orders to "detain me."

I was beyond furious. I banged against the door repeatedly, demanding to be let out, but to no avail. Those idiots! They can't do this to me! I mean they can, they're like twenty times my size, but still, they can't do this!