A little girl sat on the floor while a human whose face was hidden braided her hair. The little girl's soft voice called out, "Mama."
The woman looked down at her and replied gently, "Yes, Odesse."
"Mama," the little girl asked, her eyes wide, "Why do people not like my hair? They always say weird things, like I am a ghost, and that white hairs are only for old people. The other kids, they are always so mean to me."
Her mother smiled warmly and placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Darling, that is because you are different from them. My little girl, your hair signifies your heritage. Take pride in it. If anyone insults you, forget it. But never forget this, your destiny is tied to greatness. You will be greater than all, my child."
Young Odesse's eyes sparkled. "Yes, Mama! I will be so great! I will make all these humans and wolves bow before me!"
Just then, the doors opened, and a man stepped in. Young Odesse ran to him, her small arms wrapping around his waist. "Papa! You're home!" she cried.
The man smiled gently as the woman stood. "Welcome back, my dear," she said softly. The man's smile widened, but before they could exchange more words, everything went black.
Young Odesse screamed, crying out "Mama! Papa!" as she struggled against unseen hands. Shadows of fire flickered across her face, casting a terrifying glow. "No! Mama! Papa! No!" she shouted.
Suddenly, she awoke with a start, sitting upright in her bed, tears streaming down her face. "Mama! Papa!" she cried once more, her voice trembling. She wiped her tears away and looked around, confused. "Where am I? This isn't my room."
Voices echoed faintly from the doorway. Odesse tried to get down from the bed, but dizziness overcame her, and she staggered. "Ugh, my head," she muttered, nearly collapsing. A firm hand caught her, steadying her.
She looked up, blinking through the fog in her mind, and saw him. "Master Valex... it's you," she whispered weakly. He gently assisted her back onto the bed.
A man entered the room. "She should not leave the bed yet," he instructed. "She should eat plenty, but not too much at once."
Valex nodded sharply. "Yes, doctor."
Kael escorted the doctor out. Valex remained, sitting beside Odesse, softly rubbing her forehead.
Odesse's voice was weak. "Master Valex... what are you doing here in my room? I am sick, you might catch it too. When did you get back?"
Valex chuckled softly, a faint warmth in his eyes. "You love to talk, do you not? I returned a week ago."
Odesse's eyes widened. "A week ago? What do you mean?"
"You were unconscious, Odesse. You have been out for an entire week," Valex explained quietly.
"What? How is that possible? I was in my room," she whispered, disbelief lacing her voice.
"I heard that you did not eat anything that day," Valex said.
Odesse lowered her head, cheeks burning. "I was sick," she murmured.
Valex looked at her intently. "Really?"
Her eyes met his, crimson tinting her face. "Yes, I was. And I still am."
"The doctor says you are alright," he reassured her.
Odesse blinked, unsure, then murmured, "Oh, really... um... but..."
"You have to eat," Valex said firmly.
"No, I don't. I am not hungry," she replied. Her stomach growled, betraying her words. She glanced at Valex, who laughed softly at her expression. She pouted, cheeks coloring further.
"You look really cute right now," he said quietly.
Just then, Miss Faye entered the room, accompanied by two other girls, each carrying trays laden with food. As Miss Faye carefully rolled the food trolley forward, Odesse's eyes widened.
"Goodness, Odesse," Miss Faye said warmly, "how are you feeling?"
Odesse smiled faintly. "I am okay. Thank you, Miss Faye."
Miss Faye smiled in return. "That's good to hear, take care, OK," she said, turning to leave with the other two girls. One of the girls glanced back with a spiteful expression. Look at her, smiling like she's the queen. I hope she chokes on that food, she thought. Then the three exited, and the door closed.
Odesse looked at the food before her. "This is so much... Master Valex, I told you I am not hungry," she murmured.
Valex stood, taking a plate of food and settling beside her on the bed. "Come on," he said gently.
"What are you doing?" she asked, startled.
"I am going to feed you," he replied simply.
Odesse's eyes widened in shock. "What?!" she exclaimed, her mind racing. Why is he doing this? Has he forgotten that night? What is going on?
"I think I can eat by myself," she said, reaching for the plate.
"Okay," Valex said softly.
She began eating, her hands trembling slightly. Valex watched her, a small, appreciative smile on his lips. "You look beautiful, you know that?" he said quietly.
Odesse choked on a bite and coughed, stammering, "W-water... water..."
Valex quickly retrieved a glass for her, holding it as she drank. Their eyes met, and Odesse's face flushed bright red.
A knock sounded at the door. Kael entered. "Sir," he said, pausing respectfully.
Valex nodded, letting go of the cup and gently brushing Odesse's hair from her face. "I will be back," he said softly, then followed Kael out.
Alone, Odesse whispered to herself, Did anything happen while I was unconscious? Why does this familiarity feel... so strong? I do not understand, but I must eat first. I am so hungry. She thought again, recalling Valex's words. He said I am beautiful... She blushed and shook her head.
Meanwhile, in Valex's study, he turned to Kael. "Any information?"
Kael hesitated. "Sir, I discovered something while investigating. Her mother... she was not ordinary."
Valex raised an eyebrow. "Explain."
Kael continued, "I disguised myself and went to the Silverclaw Pack, asking about the wife of Jarek, the royal show cleaner. At the mention of her name, people became fearful. I dug further and discovered she was connected to the royal family."
Valex's eyes widened slightly, a smirk playing at his lips. "As a servant?"
"No, sir. As a royal," Kael clarified.
"Continue searching," Valex said, his voice calm yet commanding. "I need to get back to Odesse."
Kael stopped him. "Sire..."
Valex turned sharply. "Yes?"
Kael hesitated. "Have you... developed feelings for this human girl?"
Valex's smirk deepened. "That is what I am trying to discover myself," he said, walking swiftly from the room. Kael remained, concern etched across his face.
Valex returned to Odesse's room to find the plates empty, and she had fallen asleep, her face still showing faint traces of food stains. A soft smile spread across his face.
"I wonder what kind of spell you have cast on me," he murmured quietly, leaning closer. "I do not want it to wear off."