The Delta's Daughter Chapter 215

MORGAN

I came to know the impeccably dressed slender man with blond hair and pale eyes – the one whose carriage we rode in and was in fact a werecat! As Tristan ScarClaw. I had never met a werecat before and was intrigued. I had only read about them. And really what a name! – Like, just wow. His name reminded me of a strong male character from a romance series I was reading. Rich, powerful, handsome, and saving the damsel in distress.

I could tell he was wealthy by the way his home was lavishly decorated. Margarita always brought me magazines that showcased the latest trends in the city and on the market. From clothing to furniture and jewelry. I wasn’t allowed to read the local paper. My father didn’t want me to know what was going on in the outside world, but Margarita and Gregorio would always tell me the latest gossip or what was being said about King Orion. 

“So, what’s it like being a werecat?” I ask Tristan stupidly.

He chuckles at my idiocy “What it’s like being a witch?”

“Touché.” I say, heat rising on my cheeks “I’m sorry, I could count on one hand the number of people I have met and interacted with. Not including the guards who weren’t allowed to speak to me.”

Shock registers on his face before his brows unfurrow and his features relax, understanding and realizing that I had been locked away from the realm since – well forever. “I’m sorry young Princess, please forgive an old man. It has been a long day and we are only into the early evening. I will have my head maid draw you a bath and find some cleaner clothing for you.”

“Thank you,” I say sincerely. My body ached and I felt drained, and he was right I did want to get out of these shit-up clothes. Things had happened so fast today, and I was still trying to catch up on exactly how I ended up here with a werewolf and a werecat.

My shoulders slump. Margarita was dead. Dead because of me and I had no idea where or how Gregorio was. Was he worried about me? Did he know Margarita was dead – they weren’t mates, and I didn’t know if they had imprinted on each other or not.

“Come down when you are ready Morgan, we will have dinner and maybe we can all answer some questions. I’m sure there are things you would like to know. Just as much as there are things, we need to ask you.” He smiled kindly; no malicious intent was detected at all.

I looked over to Hunji. My body shivered at his name; I didn’t like how it rolled off my tongue - it just didn’t feel right. He was looking at me with a blank expression while his eyes roamed over me like he was trying to solve a puzzle. He didn’t know what to make of me. He either loathed me or knew what I was - and I scared him. I gave him a weak grin and followed Tristan’s housemaid through the house and up the stairs.

Slinking down into the hot water, my muscles began to relax. I winced when the water hit my knees – they were indeed scraped up from my original clumsy fall. My wrist throbbed and had begun to bruise and turn purple. I didn’t dare look at my face, only imagining what kind of mess it was. The housemaid had put some scented herbs in the tub, and I breathed the scent of lavender in. The flower’s essence doing its job – helping my body relax. Unfortunately, it wasn’t doing much for my mind.

I closed my eyes and tried to center myself – clear my mind. So much had happened today and the day wasn’t even over. Margarita’s face forms behind my eyelids and the sorrow begins to fill me up. If it hadn’t been for her and Gregorio, I don’t know what I would have become. They loved me and cared for me the best they could, this I know. Gregorio had taken pity on me, at least that is how it started and then he brought Margarita to care for me; She had fallen in love with me. The daughter, the moon goddess denied her, is what she would sometimes call me. She wanted nothing more than take me away so I could live a normal happy life.

That all sounded beautiful, something I had wished for, yet I was anything but normal. An anomaly is more like it. And if shifters, ranked or otherwise, could sense I had a powerful gift I would never be safe. If what Hunji said was true and Margarita was really dead – It was a tough pill to swallow - then I prayed her soul and spirit animal would be received by the gods and she would find peace amongst the stars. I also prayed that Gregorio was ok, and I would see him again.

They had become my surrogate family – Aunty and Uncle, another thing I never had.

I still couldn’t believe I was out! My eyes flew open at the thought, and I began to panic. It was so silent in this room. “Anna?” I called out to the housemaid. Suddenly afraid of being alone. “Anna” I called a little louder, my voice cracking. No answer. I stood from the bath on my trembling legs and the rest of my body began to shake too. My breathing became labored and the only thought I could muster was I alone.

My worst fear was coming true. I was truly alone. Locked in a room and left to rot. My head began to buzz, and my mind became cloudy. Pressure began to build behind my eyes and a vision started to push through. I scrambled from the tub and reached for a towel, quickly wrapping it around myself and sinking to the tiled floor.

I let the vision form: I was running, I could see Hunji in front of me, the air felt dry and thick “Kian” I called to Hunji, I don’t know why. “Kian!” I called him again, but he didn’t wait. He shifted and ran from my sight. The vision changed and I saw an oasis in a desert. Hunji was bathing and before I could see more the vision changed once again. This time it didn’t feel rushed, and I was able to determine we were in a great hall, decorated in beautiful golds and whites. It was bright and felt warm and full of goodness. ‘Child’, a voice spoke to me, I whirled around looking for the owner. ‘Child’ your destiny lies in the mountains of Mint’. I tried to speak, but like so many other times I was mute in my visions. I was a guest looking in at future echoes.

I began to gasp for air and the vision ended with the feel of strong and warm arms wrapping around me and lifting me up. I blinked once, twice and when I focused; I was face to face with Hunji. He was carrying me in his arms. He set me down on the bed and knelt before me. “How do you know the name Kian?” He asked. Not ‘hey are you okay?’ or anything remotely showing concern for my wellbeing.

My eyes narrowed and searched his, there was only one reason I could think of that my vision would have me calling for him with a different name “Your name is not Hunji. You lied to me.” I accused him.

“I did not lie to you.” He stood up, giving me his back “I have no reason to lie to you.”

“In my vision, I called you Kian.” His head snapped around and his eyes looked feral – deeper and darker if that was possible. “And thanks for asking, but I’m ok.” I couldn’t help but throw out his obvious lack of concern for me. Not that it did any good, not even sure why I wanted him to care, because the look on his face terrified me.

“Kian is a name you will never speak again. Do you understand little witch?” He spat the words out, a fire blazing in his eyes, and his face contorted with disgust. If looks could kill – I was sure this wolfman was going tare me up and eat me alive.

“O-Okay. I will not mention your name again.” My heart pounded and fluttered with fear at seeing him so heated, he scowled at me and proceeded to the door.

“There are fresh clothes for you on the dresser. Come down for dinner when you have dressed, there is much to discuss.” The door closed quietly behind him and a woosh of breath left me. I didn’t even realize I had been holding it until he was no longer in my sight.

Ever the curious girl, I wanted to know why he hated that name. There was a story there and I knew, I would want to know more but I wasn’t prepared to push his buttons. Especially after the look he just gave me. The man was like a volcano, ready to pop off and blow up any second. He frightened me and I had no father or door to protect me anymore.

I wore the off-white laced dress that had been provided for me and shoved my feet back into my boots. The dress was a little tight, but it would do – grateful I didn’t have to put back on my blood-covered dress. I looked in the mirror before I left the room, inspecting my face. My lip was still swollen, and the left side was turning a bluish hue as the bruising had started to form. “Great,” I said to myself.

My knees were already scuffed up and my wrist hurt so much it was making me woozy. I was going to tell Kian – Hunji, about it but his clear lack of empathy for me had me keeping it to myself. Maybe Tristan would be a little more sympathetic to my needs. I wasn’t a shifter; my body didn’t heal like theirs and without any herbs, it would take a few weeks for my wrist to heal. Maybe the same for my face.

I put my face closer to the mirror and parted my lips, showing my teeth, the movement of stretching my lips made me wince. Well, at least my teeth were intact and all there. A knock came on the door and the Maid, Anna opened it. “Pardon me, princess, if you do not require any help, they are waiting on you for dinner.”

“Thank you.” I tried to give her a smile, but it just hurt too much.

I followed Anna back downstairs into the formal dining room where Tristan sat at the head of the table, Ki – Hunji on his right. Gods, his name just didn’t feel right thinking it, never mind if I have to say it. Now I knew his real name, a name that rolled off my tongue like sweet caramel, it was all I could see him being called.

“Morgan, please, come sit with us I am sure you must be starving. Let’s get to know one another.” Tristan stood and his hand gestured to the seat on his left. I walked around the table ignoring my wolfman and sat down. Tristan picked up my plate from my place setting and began to load it with the delectable spread in front of us. Once finished he held the plate out for me to take from him and not thinking what hand to use, I reached out and took it. The weight of the plate immediately sent a searing pain through my wrist and up my arm. I dropped the plate letting out a hiss and whimper.

Hunji stood up from his chair and came around the table, grabbing my arm he started to inspect my hand. “Did you injure yourself? Or did someone do this to you?” He asked, furrowing his brows and gesturing to my face with his other hand.

Now he shows concern? I almost laughed out loud. I snatched my hand away from him. “I fell when I was running, and my face hit the floor. I obviously tried to catch myself and hurt my wrist in the process.” Telling Tristan and avoiding Hunji’s glaring stare that was making me feel uneasy. The man was a complete ass – but what a sexy ass it is. 

Tristan abruptly left the table, returning a few minutes later with a small black bag. The whole time Hunji kept hold of my wrist, looming over me. His closeness was starting to make me feel uncomfortable. Tristan sat back down and pulled out some gauze, when he went to take my hand, the warning growl from Hunji startled not just Tristan and me but when we looked at him, we could tell it took him by surprise as well.

“I will do it,” Hunji said snatching the gauze from Tristan. He then sat down in the vacant chair next to me and gently wrapped my wrist snuggly. “You can ice this after we eat.” He said, never once looking at me. When he finished, he went back to his seat, picked up his fork, and began eating.

A hearty laugh came from Tristan, his pale eyes lightening up in amusement “I forgot how protective your wolf can be old friend.” His comment was aimed at Hunji who side-eyed him with a stoic look.

“My friend who was leading me out, Margarita, her husband was waiting for us outside the Megaron. His name is Gregorio, I would like to find him.” I asked, the silence too much and too awkward for my liking. 

“I will see what I can find out tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” I replied to Tristan.

“No need. We will be leaving tomorrow. The quicker I get Morgan back to her brother and the Queen, the faster I can return to my home.” I scowled across the table at Kian – Hunji, my grip on my fork tightening. He didn’t even bother to look up from his plate when he spoke.

“No. I’m not leaving until I have seen Gregorio…”

The sound of his cutlery crashing on his plate had me jumping in my seat. His head lifted and his heated gaze met my defiant glare. “I don’t think you quite get the position you are in princess.” His jaw clenched and the latter word hissed with annoyance. “I was sent here to do a job. After I have done my job and delivered you to your brother – Only then, you can do whatever the fuck you want because you won’t be my problem after that.”

I flinched at his harsh tone but refused to submit to his dominance. I stood up throwing my napkin on my plate with a huff “I don’t know who you think you are, but you have a shit-ass attitude. I am grateful for you getting me out of there and fighting for me, but you don’t own me! You don’t get to dictate what I do and don’t do now I have found freedom!” My voice had risen, and I couldn’t care less if I was being rude to my host, this man was insufferable.

I was so angry and hurt. Had I traded one prison for another? Of course, I wanted to be reunited with my brother again. It had been so long since I had seen him, the only other person I shared blood with that I could say loved me - aside from my mother. My father’s protection over me was only to suit himself, pure selfishness is the only reason he kept me alive. And not to forget the guilt.

“Morgan, Hunji is just on high alert. King Panja’s son and his soldiers will find you and it will be sooner rather than later, I’m afraid. They will track your scent and it will lead them here. The sooner you are out of the city – The better.” I looked at Tristan, his face was soft and understanding as was his tone.

I felt the tears gather in my eyes. I refused so hard to let them fall, but it was futile. The first drop ran down my cheek and I swiped at it furiously – embarrassed that I was showing weakness. But by the goddess Tiamat, I was so overwhelmed. Too much had happened today, and I didn’t know how to process… anything. I sat back down slumping in my chair and swiping down my face. It was the wrong move as the action pulled at my lip and I winced at the sting. “Maybe I could get some ice for… this too” I chuckled, sniffing and pointing a finger at my swollen mouth.

“Of course, whatever you need, Morgan,” Tristan said. He was so kind and his disposition so gentle, unlike his friend.

I stole a look at Hunji from under my lashes, his face a mask of indifference but his onyx eyes were trained on me. After dinner we retired to Tristan's study and his maid brought me ice packs for my battered and bruised body. Over the next few hours, Tristan asked me questions and I answered them to the best of my knowledge. In turn, I asked him questions that he answered without hesitation.

I found out from Kian – Hunji, exactly what had happened to my brother, Finnegan, and why he wasn’t here himself. It was to my understanding he had been locked up for his part in our father’s attempts to steal the throne of Riocht, but Queen Lamia had him released under house arrest. Hunji had found out that I was still here from reading the diary of my father’s late mistress Shayna. Whose half-sister apparently is mated to the Wolf King.

“Morgan,” I looked up at Hunji who leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees and hands clasped. “It is not our right to ask, nor do you have to answer. It is our understanding that you have a powerful gift – a gift that King Panja wants to exploit and use… and maybe others. Your brother did not tell us what that gift was but if am to bring you back to our home safely, I need to know what I am dealing with.”

“And how do I know you will not try to use me like every other ranking shifter wants to?” I didn’t mean for it to come out as cold as it did, but I was feeling defensive. I may feel a sense of comfort and trust around Hunji, but I didn’t know how far that trust should go. Could I rely on him to help me and keep my secret? The man was like a brick wall. Tall strong and impenetrable. Every now and then you could see a crack but just as surely, he would repair it and his barrier would be up again, he gave away nothing. And that included showing his feelings. 

He smirks “Because I have no use for your gift of sight nor any other great gift the gods have bestowed upon you.” He leans back, his knuckles brushing against the dark stubble on his solid jaw.

At this moment he looked so relaxed, unlike at the dinner table. His dark-skinned face was handsome, and his eyes were at peace. You would never know the horrors that lie under his clothes if I hadn’t seen them for myself. His thick muscular legs stretched out before him; his scars hidden by a pair of dark cotton pants. His shirt was tight across his chest hiding his angry past. Sometimes I wish I could control my visions. maybe that way I could see his story and not have a million and one questions bouncing through my brain right now.

I felt at ease at this moment as I took in my wolfman. Earlier he infuriated me but now, I wanted nothing more than his wide arms to comfort me. To hear him whisper everything was going to be ok. Because I truly did not know if anything would be ok. The excitement I felt about leaving my prison earlier this morning had diminished. It was still there, just hidden way, way down underneath all the uncertainty and fear of the unknown. I needed someone to tell me it was ok - I was ok.