Castle of Lilies

Chapter 24

Lillia's PoV

I twist my hair on top of my head into a delicate bun before curling the bits of hair that don't quite reach. I apply simple makeup before turning to my dress for the day. A short sleeved, shin length black dress that has a full neck. With it I pair black stilettos that have two straps across the ankle. Before leaving my room I take my mothers ring that she instructed me to wear to any funeral and slip it onto my finger. It has a black band with small rubies encrusted throughout it.
Leaving my rooms I head straight for the main hall, knowing that's probably where everyone will be. Entering I find the hall completely empty and silent. I walk through it my heels echoing too loudly on the floor so I slip them off my feet before padding barefoot to the balcony. I stand in the breeze gazing over the gardens when I hear someone's voice behind me "Lillia?"
I turn to see Lola stood in a black floor length dress with capped sleeves and an open neckline exposing her collarbone. She's wearing dainty flat pumps and tights.
"The car is here."
I nod slipping my shoes back on and following her out to the car.
The car ride to Bamberall is silent, no one knowing what to say or how to go about saying it. I simply stare out of the window, looking at the scenery passing by but not really paying attention to it. Instead I'm wondering about the kiss that Soraya initiated a few weeks ago. And how nice it felt and how right it felt. I also think about how she's doing, and how she's holding up. I wonder if she'll say anything at today's funeral. I wonder if I'll even get to speak to her because all the Princes coming will no doubt be throwing themselves at her hoping she'll break in her grief. But I hope I do so I can give her a hug and ask if she's ok or at least if she's better than before because I remember when mum died I hated being asked if I was "okay". Like of course I'm not okay my mother just died, would you be okay if you're mother just died?
Suddenly the car skids to a halt and we're all lurched forward. The driver starts shouting about something and because I'm bored I climb out to take a look. Stood in front of the car is a midnight black wolf the size of the car. It has fur that shines in the midday sunlight, its blood red eyes staring straight at me. It's tail swishes from side to side as though trying to decide something. The driver gets out and starts attempting to shoo it away by screaming at it but it just growls in response, baring large white fangs. The driver gets even more angry shouting that we're going to be late with lots of swearing in between. I look at it carefully to see a drop of blood fall to the road. I rush up to it to the cries of "Lillia no!" from behind me. It watches me approach as someone grabs my arms, trying to pull me away from the beast.
"It's just wounded." I yell struggling against them. I get loose and go back to the animal. It allows me close but as the other person comes close again it snarls. I gently feel the beasts body, trying to find the source of the blood. On its neck, surrounded by blood matted fur is a gaping wound that looks like it came from a knife or axe.
"Lillia, whatever you do don't touch its blood or saliva. It's poisonous okay? It's an Anoka Wolf, they are extremely dangerous."
Smiling I hum a tune before saying back "No they're not. They're only dangerous to people not of their kind."
I go back to the car and take the first aid kit from the glove compartment before quickly taking out the bandage and gently cleaning the wound. I feel a gentle knock on my mind and I let it in knowing it's the beast.
Why aren't you using your powers?
They don't know about me.
They do now you've been allowed near me.
Yeah I suppose but now's not really the right time to tell them because we're on our way to a funeral.
I'm sorry for interrupting but I felt your presence and knew you'd help me.
It's alright, what's your name?
Shade.
Well Shade it's lovely to meet you and your all good. I used a little bit of my power to stitch the wound up and heal it over quicker. I also cleaned the fur around it for you.
Thank you. Forgive me for asking so soon but may I be your Altro?
I smile I would be honoured Shade.
I'll follow you to your destination and then may we perform the ritual?
I think that is a wonderful idea. Now you'd better go to the edge of the woods before one of them shoots you or something horrible like that.
Shade pads off to the edge of the forest, as I turn around and climb back into the car telling the driver to drive quickly.
We arrive at the funeral in the nick of time, taking our seats in the pews as the music starts. Looking around I spot Soraya and her family sat on the front row, all dressed in black, except Soraya. Soraya is dressed in an elegant leaf green jumpsuit that stands out like a sore thumb in amongst the rows of black.