Lila's POV:
I woke up with a start, feeling disoriented and confused. As I opened my eyes, I realized I was in my room, lying on my bed. I sat up and looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The first thing I noticed was the small specks of light shining through the tiny holes on my heavily barricaded windows. I could tell it was morning, but I couldn't remember how I ended up in my bed. I turned to look at the wall clock on my bedside table and saw that it was 7:30am. But that wasn't the only thing that caught my attention. On my wrist was an infusion of blood, connected to a needle that was inserted into my veins. My heart started to race as I tried to recall what had happened. I slowly removed the needle, wincing as the sharp sensation of the needle being pulled from my skin. I quickly held my wrist, trying to stop the blood from dripping. My mind was starting to piece together the events of the night before.
I slowly got out of bed, feeling weak and light-headed. I stumbled towards the bathroom to wash my face and get some water. As I looked at my pale reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel ashamed, remembering that I had lost the Royal parcel which I was sent to collect. No matter how hard I tried to explain myself to the council, it wasn't going to justify the fact that I failed my given task.
I heard my door flung open, causing me to jump in surprise. Quickly, I dried my hands on a towel and stepped out of the bathroom, only to find the council members standing inside my room. Rufus, Greg, and Rebekah all had concerned expressions on their faces.
Rebekah, being the motherly figure, quickly moved towards me and held my hand, leading me to sit on my bed. 'Oh my lovely,' she said, using her usual term of endearment for me. 'Are you alright?' I forced a smile and nodded, even though I knew they could see right through it. I was far from alright, but I didn't want to burden them with my problems. 'How did I get home?' I asked, my mind still fuzzy from whatever had happened earlier. Rufus responded with a stern face. 'That's not important right now,' he said firmly. I cocked my head in confusion, not understanding why he was being so serious. Before I could ask any further, he cut me off. 'Where is the parcel?' My heart dropped at the mention of the parcel.
'I don't have it,' I said, my voice shaking. Their expressions turned cold, and I could tell they were having a hard time believing me. 'What do you mean by "you don't have it"?' Rufus blurted out. I could feel the tension rising between us as I sat in front of them. 'Cut the young lady some slack,' Greg interfered. 'Let her tell us what happened.' I took a deep breath and braced myself for their reactions as I explained how rogue vampires had attacked me on my way to the coven. How I had to run for my life, losing the package in the process of trying to save myself. Rufus scoffed at my explanation. 'You expect us to believe that a group of rogue vampires just happened to stumble upon you and conveniently climb off with our package? There aren't any other vampire in Grimswood besides this family'. 'Are you trying to insinuate that members of this family attacked you?' 'It's the truth,' I insisted, my voice shaking with both fear and anger. 'I didn't have time to fight them off and retrieve the package. I had to save myself, and I'm not sure they're with the package. I think it's still at wolf territory and if so, it's safe. I can go back and retrieve it' I said.
Greg's face softened as he listened to my explanation. 'She has a point, Rufus. We can't blame her for prioritizing her own safety.' Rufus reluctantly agreed, but I could see the disappointment in his eyes. I knew how important this package was to our family and the consequences we would face for me failing to deliver it. 'I'll go back and retrieve it,' I repeated, determination filling my voice. Rebekah looked at them and nodded, then Rufus and Greg exchanged a look before nodding in agreement. 'Very well,' Rufus said. 'But be careful. We can't afford to lose the parcel for good. You know how dangerous it is to go into wolf territory. If you're trespassing, you'll need reinforcements. My son Liam, and Greg's Son Andre would accompany you to go search for the missing parcel tonight.' 'Alright sire, I'll be ready' I said. The three council members nodded in agreement, then walked out of the room.
As soon as the three of them left the room, I let out a sigh of relief. It had been a long and eventful night, and I needed a moment to process everything that had happened. As I sat on the edge of the bed, I couldn't help but think back to the mysterious werewolf I had encountered in the woods.
Just the thought of him sent shivers down my spine. He was unlike any werewolf I imagined - strong and powerful, yet somehow calm and controlled. His eyes had a hint of affection behind them, and I couldn't help but wonder what his gesture towards me meant. But the biggest question remained - who was the good looking werewolf I saw in the woods? And why didn't he hurt me? My heart raced as I tried to remember any details about him. His kind and gentle eyes, his muscular frame, and the way he seemed to be protecting me.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear when my cousin Kara entered the room. She stood there for a few moments, smiling at me until I finally noticed her presence. 'Hey, what's up?' I asked, snapping out of my thoughts. Kara's smile only grew wider. 'I've been knocking for a while, but you seemed lost in your own world. So, I just decided to come in.' I let out a small chuckle. 'Sorry, I didn't even hear you. I was just lost in my thoughts.' Kara raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling mischievously. 'I can tell. Were you thinking about the prince charming that saved you last night?' My cheeks flushed as I looked away, trying to hide my embarrassment. 'What? No, I wasn't.'
Kara laughed and plopped on my bed beside me. 'Come on, don't be shy. It's okay to have a little crush on someone who saved your life.'
I rolled my eyes and playfully shoved her. 'It's not like that. He just happened to be there at the right time.' Kara gave me a knowing look. 'Sure, sure. But let's be real, he was pretty dreamy. I heard he's a wolf' I couldn't help but smile, remembering his handsome features and kind, courageous actions. 'Yeah, he was.'
Kara nudged me playfully. 'So, what's his name?' I hesitated for a moment before replying, 'His name is prince charming. He lives on the other side of the woods. He's really sweet and always willing to help others.' Kara's face lit up with excitement. 'Ooh, sounds like my new crush. I need to meet this prince.' I laughed at her enthusiasm. 'You'll have to wait in line. I might have a small crush on him too.'
Kara gasped dramatically. 'What? Our family's future queen, crushing on a mysterious werewolf? This has to be some kind of record!'
I rolled my eyes, but a smile stayed on my lips. I was grateful to have Kara as my cousin, always there to lighten up the mood and make me laugh. She is the youngest daughter of my uncle Greg.
As we talked and joked about the events of last night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Prince Charming and his bravery. And who knows, maybe he'll show up in the woods tonight while I go in search of the missing parcel, and our paths will cross once more. Until then, I'll just enjoy the memory and the excitement of having a little crush on my own personal hero.