Chapter Fourteen

Gwyneth awoke the next morning, her body enveloped by Kiran’s strong arm, only a blanket covering her nakedness. She smiled, relishing the feeling of being cocooned by him. Though things had gotten out of control the day before, she had no regrets. Kiran stirred behind her, drawing her even closer as he nuzzled her neck and planted tender kisses.

“Morning,” he whispered.

“Morning.”

Gwyneth’s smile widened as he continued to lavish her neck with kisses, sending warmth coursing through her body.

“We spent half a day in bed yesterday.” She chuckled.

“Then let’s do better and spend the entire day here.”

“Aren’t you the king?” she teased.

Kiran groaned and shifted, hovering above her. He had fully recovered from the previous day’s exertions. Gwyneth felt impressed by his natural healing abilities. He didn’t even fall ill like humans, but what about pregnancy? Luckily, Gwyneth had her three-month birth control injection for protection. A child was not on her agenda right now.

“I am,” he sighed.

“Can a king spend an entire day in bed?”

“No…”

Gwyneth playfully reached out to stroke his cheek, feeling the roughness of his short beard. “Shouldn’t we get up then?”

“Probably,” he conceded, but leaned in to kiss her, his lips capturing hers. “But should we really?”

Gwyneth continued to laugh, but their intimate moment was interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by the entrance of servants. They reluctantly disengaged, Kiran groaning in protest, and Gwyneth, while disappointed, understood the demands of her responsibilities that couldn’t be put off.

***

Gwyneth descended into the dark dungeons. She traversed a long, dimly lit corridor lined with iron doors. At the end of the hallway, two guards stood watch, making it obvious where The Dark Wolf was being held.

“Open the door,” she instructed.

One of the guards complied, and Gwyneth entered the chamber. Inside, she found a naked man shackled against a stone wall by thick iron chains. The man raised his head, revealing how young he was. His eyes began to emit a fiery red glow, causing Gwyneth to gulp as she recalled her earlier encounter with this unsettling phenomenon. She refrained from approaching closely, opting to stay near the entrance.

“Can you tell me your name?” she ventured.

The young man responded with a menacing growl that reverberated throughout the confined space.

“How about where you come from?”

His red eyes glowed stronger, followed by the unsettling sound of bones snapping. Before her eyes, the man transformed, yet the iron chains remained, preventing him from advancing. He snarled and strained against his restraints, making Gwyneth stumble backward, but the vigilant guards quickly urged her to exit.

Gwyneth muttered a low curse as she left the chamber and allowing the guards to secure the door once more. The encounter left her feeling disheartened, though she resolved to return and try again later.

Yet a feeling of frustration washed over her. If she couldn’t find a way to talk to the man, did that mean she would never uncover the answers she sought?