Moon of Misfortunes

22

"Let's get out of this room," I whispered to Rubio, my voice barely audible but filled with a need to escape the dark confines that had held me.

"I have a room upstairs we can go to," he said, taking my hand with a reassuring squeeze.

He opened the door, holding it open for me. Walking out of this room on my own free will felt surreal, almost like a dream. As we stepped into the hallway, he interlocked our fingers, leading me through the familiar yet now strangely foreign palace corridors. We passed several guards I recognized, their eyes following us with curiosity.

We stopped by a familiar blond guard. "Matt," Rubio nodded at him.

Matt grinned back, clapping a hand on Rubio's shoulder. "Good to see you, man. Whatever you decide to do, we are with you."

Rubio nodded, his expression one of gratitude. "I appreciate that."

"Of course, Alpha. We'll be here when you need us. We're helping Rosia's people transition in the meantime," Matt replied. He turned his gaze to me, his eyes warm. "I'm happy to finally meet you, Adaline. I better let you guys go."

Rubio offered him a smile before we continued across the palace. The journey felt like a blur until we arrived at a door. Rubio pushed it open, revealing a room that was immaculate, almost untouched. The sheets on the bed were crisply made, and the room exuded a sense of calm.

He let go of my hand, allowing me to walk to the bed. I plopped down on it lazily, feeling the day's exhaustion settle into my bones. "I'm exhausted," I huffed out, closing my eyes for a moment.

"It's late. You should sleep," Rubio said, kicking off his shoes and climbing under the covers.

He held the blanket open for me, and I slipped under, snuggling up to his chest. His warmth was comforting, lulling me towards sleep.

* * *

A knock echoed against the door. Rubio groaned, and I felt the bed shift as he got up. The light from the hallway pierced through my eyelids, forcing them into a squint as I stirred awake. I heard Rosia's voice filtering through the opening.

"I have business to attend to. I'm leaving now," she said, prompting me to sit up in bed. "You will be safe here until you figure out your next move. Thank you for your help."

I got up, walking to the door where Rubio stood tensely, looking over his shoulder at me. He pulled the door open further, revealing Rosia. I placed my hand on his mid-back, peeking around his body. Rosia stood with her arms crossed, her expression softening as she saw me.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"A couple of members of the Royal family and High Council have disappeared. We have to hunt them down," she stated simply. I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"Plus, I have to oversee the revival of the Kingdom and the integration of new leadership. It's complicated," she sighed. I reached out, holding her arm with my hand. Her expression softened further.

"I never thanked you. I know you had your own motivations, but I still appreciate your help," I offered. She smiled fully for the first time.

"It's no problem, really. We are family," she said.

"Rosia, we are leaving now. They found Elder Jackson," a voice rang out from down the hall.

"That's my cue. Stay safe," she said before turning to leave. Rubio shut the door behind her.

"Sorry that woke you up," he frowned, looking down at me.

"It's okay," I said, brushing off his concern. "Do you want to shower? I have a shirt you can borrow."