The Fallen Wolf

Uninvited Guest

“Prince Kai!” The door swung open, and Kai immediately covered me with his body, his movements quick and protective. His gaze was fierce as he glared at the intruder, yet his touch on me remained tender, his body shielding me with a fierce resolve. My heart skipped a beat at his unexpected protectiveness. No one had ever been so committed to guarding me before, and it was both thrilling and comforting. I wondered if I was being rash in my trust, but deep down, I wanted to believe in him. I hoped I wasn’t being foolish.

“Leave!” Kai’s voice was a low growl of anger. How dare Ron interrupt at such a moment? It had to be something of utmost urgency.

“Apologies,” Ron said, quickly turning to leave but pausing at the threshold.

“It better be important,” Kai grumbled, his irritation palpable. I shared his frustration; the timing felt like an abrupt end to a cherished moment. Still, I understood the need for urgency.

“Crowned Prince Adam is here,” Ron announced, causing both Kai and me to bristle with anger. Why was Adam here? Hadn’t he just married?

“Why isn’t he with his bride on his wedding night?” I hissed, my voice tinged with jealousy before I could even process it. Realizing the sharpness of my tone, I added more softly, “I’m just upset he interrupted us.” Kai’s chuckle softened the tension a bit.

“I’ll be back,” he said with a reassuring smile, his eyes leaving a lasting impact on me.

“Ron, tell Adam to wait outside. I’ll be there shortly,” Kai ordered. Ron nodded and left to relay the message.

“Let me help you get dressed and to the wheelchair. Do you want me to accompany you?” I asked, reaching for our clothes. It was then I noticed Kai moving his legs easily on the bed.

“You— you’re faking it!” I almost accused him of deception, but seeing him standing on his own legs was like witnessing a miracle. I stared at him, stunned. “You lied!” I whispered in disbelief.

“We’ll discuss it later. My clothes, please,” he extended his hand with a gentle smile. There was a new understanding between us, a shift in our relationship that was undeniable.

“Will you regret this later?” Kai asked as he settled into his wheelchair, his voice tinged with fear. He knew he could never go back from this moment. Having revealed his deepest secret to me, he was left with no choice but to trust me. Despite the uncertainty, he felt a growing trust in me, seeing how I had fought for him after our marriage. Still, he couldn’t shake the worry that things might change between us now that he had been so vulnerable. He had never imagined that I could be his fated mate, and the desire he felt for me was intense and undeniable.

“Don’t worry,” I said, forcing a reassuring smile as I held his hand. He had shared his biggest secret with me without hesitation. Could I do the same? I dismissed the treacherous thoughts swirling in my mind. I needed to forget my past life and focus on the present. The only thing I could do for the original owner of this body was to seek justice for her.

Once he left, I knew I had to follow. Why would Adam leave his bride on their wedding night to come here? There had to be something serious going on. I quickly searched for a fresh pair of clothes to change into. As I dressed, my mind replayed the earlier moments between us, making me blush and feel awkward. The prince was enigmatic and mysterious, but he also cared about me. It was an unfamiliar feeling, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.

“You’re fine!” Adam’s voice was filled with disbelief as he glared at the physician. He debated whether he was being manipulated or if the situation was a mere display of jealousy.

“Of course! It’s my wedding night. Things would have gone better if you weren’t here,” Kai smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing Adam.

“The physician said you were sick,” Adam blurted out, frustration evident in his tone.

“I appreciate your concern, brother, but as you can see, I am perfectly fine,” Kai said, his smile unwavering.

“But, Prince Kai, when I treated you, you were gravely ill! How could you be well now?” The physician begged, clearly distressed. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay after Lady Eva took over from me.”

“Clearly, you didn’t do your job properly. He’s fine now. Can’t you see?” I interjected, my tone dripping with disdain for the ineffectual physician. If he hadn’t figured out that Kai was not actually crippled, it proved his incompetence. I relished the fact that Kai’s pretense was supported by this man’s failure.

“Miss, I am merely a well-wisher of the prince. You cannot disparage me like this!” The physician bowed deeply, seeking Kai’s intervention. When Kai remained silent, the physician’s frustration grew. “I’ve treated you for so long. How can you disregard me because of her?” His pride was wounded, and he seemed on the verge of a breakdown.

“She is my legitimate wife! Apologize!” Kai’s voice was thunderous, causing the physician to tremble in fear. The man had clearly underestimated Kai’s temper, and I stood tall, feeling victorious.

“Apologies, brother. If not for the incompetent physician, I wouldn’t have come here,” Adam said abruptly, turning his back on the spy he had planted in Kai’s residence for years. The spy was left confused and devastated. “You fool! You’ll be stripped of your title for disrupting me when Kai is perfectly healthy!” Adam’s anger was palpable as he kicked the physician, who fell to his knees begging for mercy.

I was taken aback by the display of such ruthless power. “I’m sure you had good intentions, but Kai is fine. You can leave now,” I said, surprising myself with my own compassion. Kai raised an eyebrow but chose to accept my gesture, perhaps seeing it as a sign of my benevolence.

“Thank you, Lady Eva. I always knew you were the most generous!” The physician hurriedly left, relieved to escape further humiliation.

“Why save someone like him? You’re always excessively kind,” Adam remarked, scrutinizing me with an unsettling gaze. I felt exposed under his scrutiny, wanting to retreat. Thankfully, Kai stepped in.

“Why are you here, brother? Is your wife not able to satisfy you?” Kai’s words were a sharp jab aimed at Adam’s wounded pride, shifting all attention to him.

“How dare you!” Adam snarled.

“I want you to leave, brother. I was having a pleasant time with my wife before you interrupted!” Kai asserted, holding my hand firmly to emphasize his point. He then looked at me with affection before turning his stern gaze back to Adam.

Adam’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening in jealousy. Seeing me with Kai, so happy and close, ignited a fierce anger in him. He struggled to find any pretense of deceit, realizing that I was genuinely happy with Kai and content.

“If you have no other business, I suggest you leave. The night is still young for a newly married couple,” Kai’s words were deliberately chosen to provoke Adam. Agitated and vengeful, Adam left without a word, his anger palpable.

Kai, known for his kindness, had shown a side of himself I hadn’t seen before. Was he standing up for me? My heart raced with a mix of emotions. I was glad I had placed my trust in him.

“I will heal you,” I promised, feeling a renewed determination.