Midnight Mate

Promise

Falcon POV

A strange, unsettling feeling washed over me as I entered the room. It was as if Katya was physically distant, yet her lingering scent filled the air. It was difficult to put into words, but something was definitely amiss. Without hesitation, I forcefully broke down the bathroom door, only to discover Katya submerged in the bathtub, motionless.

Reacting fast, I yanked her out of the water, causing it to splash all over me due to my hurried movements. As I cradled her in my arms, I couldn't shake off the peculiar sensation. Her body was still warm, but it felt almost empty, like a mere shell. "She's not breathing, and I can't feel her heartbeat," Ash exclaimed, his voice filled with confusion and concern. "But our bond is intact. It would shatter if she were dead."

Clutching onto her tightly, I pleaded, "Katya, please, you have to wake up." The circumstances were perplexing. Did she fall asleep and slip beneath the water, or had she intentionally done this to herself? And if so, why? I knew she had been unhappy in her own realm, I had overheard her questioning the purpose of life. But could she still feel that way now?

"Our mate would never abandon us," Ash reassured me. As I held her close, her fragile, motionless body filled me with fear. She was so lifeless in that moment.

Eventually, I managed to detect a faint heartbeat, like a whisper. "Katya, please," I whispered against her, desperate for her to respond.

Time dragged on, but there was no change in her condition. Though Ash and I could still sense her life through our bond, we worried that she was slipping away. Then, suddenly, her eyes shot open. Overwhelmed with relief, I held her even tighter against me. My own heartbeat raced, a tempest of emotions. I had feared the worst.

"Did you intentionally drown yourself?" I questioned her, needing to understand. For a moment, she remained silent, and my voice cracked as I pressed for an answer. "Katya, I felt it. I felt you struggling to breathe through our bond, and then I found you underwater. I need to know if you did this on purpose. Were you trying to harm yourself?"

"I-I didn't mean to worry you. I promise, I wasn't trying to harm myself," she finally responded, her voice filled with sincerity. Hearing her words, I loosened my grip, attempting to calm myself.

"What happened? I know you need space right now, but I need to know. I felt like I was losing you, a feeling I never want to experience again," I confessed.

"I wanted to find a way to help you. I remembered that in the past, when I felt upset, I would dive underwater and stay there until it became difficult to breathe. In those moments, I felt as if I could hear my dad. So, I wanted to try it here, to see if maybe I could communicate with him," she admitted.

"It's too dangerous, Katya, please don't risk yourself like that," I pleaded with her, my voice filled with worry.

"Falcon, it worked." She whispered, catching me off guard.

"My dad, you were right, he is not gone. I got to see him," she cried, her arms wrapping tightly around my neck. As I lifted us off the ground.

"I-I'm naked," Katya stammered, her voice trembling. "You can't hold me right now," she whispered, her words like a fragile breeze.

Confused, I gently set her down, not wanting to upset her further. I looked at her, and her face seemed flushed, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

"I promise I'll tell you everything, Falcon, but do you think I can get dressed alone?" she requested, her voice filled with vulnerability.

"Yes, that's fine. I'll wait in the bedroom," I assured her, reluctantly stepping away. I didn't want to leave her side, but I also didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

Standing in the bedroom, I anxiously waited. It didn't take her long to emerge, dressed again, her wet hair flowing gracefully down her back. "Thanks for giving me a moment," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

I nodded, understanding her need for privacy.

"I really didn't mean to scare you, Falcon. I just wanted to try anything I could think of to help. And when you said my dad was alive, I wanted to try and get answers. I'm scared for you and angry that I was used to create something that can harm you and your kind. I've lost everyone who matters to me. Yes, maybe my dad is alive, but still, it's clear he can't be here with me like you are. I refuse to let anything happen to you," she confessed, her words filled with determination and love.

"I understand. Can you tell me what happened?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

She took a deep breath and began, "I went to my dad. Apparently, I can take myself to the realm of the dead. I was able to talk with him. He said I'm the only cure, Falcon. There is no other cure." Her words hung in the air, a heavy realization settling upon us.

"I'm sure he then also told you how it would harm you," I said.

"Yes, he did," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "But he said I would not die easily. Look, Falcon, I'll keep my word. I won't try right now. He said that we possibly made things to stall it, so hopefully in the Kingdom, you'll find that. I need to get stronger, and I know I can."

I could feel the warmth of her hand in mine as I interlaced our fingers. "I can't have you risking your life," I said, my voice filled with concern.

She looked into my eyes, her gaze steady and determined. "If I get stronger, and these powers I now have evolve, I can handle it, Falcon. So, I ask of you to trust me and trust that when I am ready, I can handle this. You must allow me to be your cure, for I also can't let you risk your life."

Her words resonated with me, and I nodded in agreement. "That is fair, Katya. I trust you. Although you scared the hell out of me, I am happy you were able to connect with your father. I won't stop you from doing so moving forward, but please, just give me a heads up and be safe. I will only ever stop you from doing something if it will put you in danger."

She nodded, her expression serious. "I won't do it unless needed. He said it was dangerous, that doing so allows others to sense me," she admitted softly. "He was just as I remembered."

Her words hung in the air, and I could sense the mixture of emotions within her. "When you said he was Death, a reaper, I thought of darkness and cruelty. Yet he was still my dad, the one who made me laugh, made me smile, and made me feel safe. It's hard to believe he is not human," she whispered.

"He has to claim human souls, so he is accustomed to human ways, making it easy for him to pass as one. And in many ways, from what I've read, he is dark and dangerous. But in no way evil. You are his daughter, and I am sure he will show a side of himself to you that no one else can see, for he loves you."

"I hate to even imagine him as dangerous. But then again, it's the same with you. I mean, I've seen what you can do, but still, the Falcon I always see is the one standing in front of me right now," she admitted.

A sense of relief washed over me, knowing that she didn't fear me. "I'm glad, for I never want you to fear me. I fight only to protect. I take no joy in bloodshed," I admitted sincerely.

"When do you leave?" she asked, her voice soft.

I looked into her eyes and replied, "In a few hours, I give you my word I won't be gone long."

"I believe you," she said, her voice reassuring. "And you don't have to worry about me. I will stay here and won't give anyone trouble. Just focus on yourself and stay safe." Her words put me at ease.

"Until I leave, can we spend time together?" I asked, hoping she would agree. She smiled, her expression filled with warmth.

"Yes," she responded, making my heart leap with joy. I didn't want to smother her, even though my instincts as a wolf urged me to be constantly close to her.

"Tell me more about yourself," she said, her voice curious. I settled down on the bed next to her, feeling its softness beneath me.

"What would you like to know?" I asked.

"Hmm," she pondered. "Well, is there a reason you were named Falcon? I mean, isn't that a bird and you're a wolf?"

Her question made me chuckle. "My parents wanted me to have a strong name that represented the speed and power I would possess when I gained my wolf form. Falcon symbolizes both, and I've lived up to it. I am the fastest in my kingdom.”

"Do you know what your name means?" I asked her. She shook her head, her hair falling gently around her face.

"No," she admitted.

"Pure," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "And it fits you perfectly." Her eyes sparkled with gratitude.

"Did you study names?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

I nodded. "A little, but I looked yours up once we arrived in the kingdom, after I learned about the mark on your neck."

"Was it hard growing up as a prince? You must have had a lot of attention on you," she inquired.

Memories flooded my mind, the weight of responsibility I carried as a prince. "At times, yes. Much was expected of me. I spent most of my time studying and training. Fun for me was attending public pack events, but even then, I had to maintain an appearance. As a pup, it was harder since I longed to have fun and play with the others. But as I grew older, I understood the importance of becoming a strong Alpha and leader, especially after I started fighting alongside the pack warriors."

"I gained a reputation quickly for my skills, but also for the lives of enemies I took," I continued, my voice tinged with a hint of remorse. "Being called a monster on the battlefield made enemies fear me, but it also made me question my own humanity. For a long time, I stopped feeling many emotions and became the leader and warrior that was needed. It wasn't until I heard your call for help, Katya, that I started to feel again. It was as if your plea broke me free, reigniting the fire in my heart." I confessed, my voice filled with vulnerability.

"You made me feel alive again as well," she confessed.

"Tell me, Katya," I whispered. "What was your future dream?"

"I wanted to own my own business, like the place I worked at, but something uniquely mine," she admitted. "I dreamed of going to school to learn better management skills and opening up a small Cafe at the border of the forest, a place where people could relax and feel welcome."

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "Would this cafe serve pizza?" I asked playfully, eliciting a melodic laughter from her.

"Maybe gourmet personal pizzas," she responded, her voice filled with amusement.

"Katya, I promise you that in the future, I will help you open this Cafe here, at the border of the forest," I declared. "We have schools here, they may be different from the ones in your world, but I will help you get into management classes so we can make your dream come true."

"Really?" she asked, surprise evident in her eyes.

"Really," I reassured her, my voice steady. "So, although we may be facing dangerous challenges right now, whenever you feel overwhelmed, I want you to focus on our future and know that I will never break that promise. We have a future to look forward to, okay?"

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "And what is it you dream for?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.

"A future with you, Katya. One where you are truly happy. A future where we can start a family and help lead the kingdom," I replied, my voice filled with conviction. "It's a future I will fight for, and I will not rest until we achieve it.”