The Monster's Rose

5

Roseanna POV

I looked down at my hands which seemed like they were dipped in paint containers. I exhaled deeply, my gaze shifted towards the painting which stood alive in front of me.

My breath hitch slightly as I gazed at the couple, it took me nearly five hours to finish this piece of art. I wanted to finish it as soon as possible as I feared that I would forget the details of the couple. There was sorrow in me as I stared at the painting. 

It's like I knew them, it's like I was there, it felt so surreal at the same time I know it's just a dream. Something in my heart says it isn't just a dream. The couple I painted aren't just a couple, they have a story that I want to know.

Everything about the painting is very clear and raw. I didn't make any adjustments, I just painted whatever I remembered. I left the painting knowing no one would enter my studio. I want the paint to dry. I stepped out of the studio and started walking towards my room.

My steps halted as I remembered leaving my phone in the studio. "Why do I keep forgetting my phone."

 Groaning to myself I turned around once again and went back to the studio. Ayren and Hayes going to scold me for sure. They wanted me to be there for the pack meeting but I was so caught up with the painting that I forgot about the world.

I slightly opened one door and padded inside. My eyes widen, a sudden fear took over my body looking at the owl outside my window. Shaking my head I looked around for my phone. It's a bird which is very common, I just got startled seeing an owl.

Taking my phone I turned towards the window where the owl is, the owl is staring at me which is odd. I brushed off the vibes I'm getting and rushed out as I need to clean up.

I ran and washed my hands. My jeans were okay, I don't have time to change clothes. I threw a hoodie on before running out of the castle. It's a tough task I say

I was out of breath when I reached the packhouse. I know I'm very late as everyone was already present, Ayren and Allen were speaking about something. I stayed back in the corner looking at the people.

Everyone stood stiff, the tension is in the air. My eyebrows frowned as I don't know what's happening. Why everyone is so scared? Even Ayren seemed serious about something. I tried to find Kyra and Caspian.

"All we say is be alert whenever you are outside the territory. We need to be extra cautious about everything we do as the king and queen aren't here. The border guards are high in number. Everyone needs to take the permission if you want to cross the territory, you won't be allowed to cross until unless your permission is granted." Allen said.

We aren't allowed to cross borders? What's happening?

"From tomorrow onwards training hours are going to extend. No matter what everyone must be present at the grounds according to their schedules which will be given now. No stay outs and night outs for a few months, if you break the rule the punishment will be drastic," Ayren announced looking at young pups. Even Caspian who likes to break rules seemed serious at this moment.

"You are requested to carry a weapon. Go with a person wherever you go, even if it's in the territory border itself. All the orders are from His Grace and His lady. I hope no rule-breaking on these matters," Allen said as everyone nodded their heads and yelled positively.

"Where were you?" I jumped in fright as the person held my arm.

"Kyra... It gives me a heart attack if you scare me like that." I hissed at her as she spoke from behind scaring the crap out of me.

"Sorry, you know how important this meeting is and you weren't there. Ayren is so angry, he already asked about you like thrice."

"Oh, I was painting and forgot about this," I said sheepishly.

"You could've painted later after the meeting. You missed so many things, now come on let's go and meet Aiyna, Allen, Lilly and Kreo," she said dragging me to where everyone is.

I gave a smile to Hayes who threw a glare in my way for being late.

"Hello, Allen, Aiyna, Lilly and Kreo," I said.

"Hi, Rose."

"Hey."

"Hi."

"Hello there," they said while Ayren narrowed his eyes on me.

"Where were you rose? We didn't see you," Lilly asked taking the water glass from Allen.

"I was standing in the back," I reply.

"You were late little rose, I saw you sneaking in," Allen said.

"Sorry," I said smiling.

"At least you heard the last orders which are very important. The rest of the orders will be said Kyra or Hayes," he said while I nodded my head.

"Which means our little rose won't be going to college," Aiyna said.

"Huh? Caspian will be there. I need to attend college as I have exams."

"We will leave this topic to your siblings," Kreo said.

"You four stay here, we need to go and talk with others," Allen spoke. Ayren and Caspian nodded their heads.  The four walked towards where others are. I looked at my siblings.

"Rose... Caspian won't be going to college as he needs to be there to train the young pups," Ayren said fixing his gaze on me.

"But Ayren why all of sudden? I mean did something happened?" I asked him worriedly.

"No rose nothing happened but papa informed us that something bad may happen if we aren't cautious. It isn't safe to be out." Caspian explained.

"Like?" I ask him seriously.

"We don't know rose, even we asked the same question but papa and mamma didn't answer our questions as they don't want to say yet. It's better to listen to them." Hayes said.

"Hmm," I said nodding my head.

"Don't ever be late when pack meetings happen Rose. I want all of us to be under one roof, what were you doing all alone in the castle?"

"Alone? Milla was there and even guards were there."

"Milla was here and guards? Did you see any guard today, Rose? Everyone gathered here," Ayren said.

"I'm sorry, the meeting matter just slipped my mind."

"You need to remember the pack meetings. If you don't attend the meetings it means you indirectly disrespecting the pack and us. you know about this and how can you be irresponsible?" Ayren spoke.

 I keep my head down knowing Ayren is furious and when he is furious it's better to be quiet. Ayren is a calm person but when he gets angry, it means you are dead.

"And Hayes I told you to be with her and bring her here," Ayren said turning towards Hayes.

"Ugh? She wanted to paint and you know she doesn't like someone being in the same room as her when she paints." Hayes replied.

"From now on Rose don't do that. Remember or else Papa won't be happy knowing that you didn't listen to him." Ayren scolded.

"I won't repeat."

"Good, Kyra and you, go and eat something from the kitchen. Milla didn't prepare any food as she was here," Caspian said. Hearing food my stomach growled loudly, I didn't eat anything from the evening.

"Come on Kyra I'm hungry. My stomach is making sounds." I said rubbing my stomach.

"Even I'm hungry," she said holding my hand. We walked to the kitchen where the warriors are having their dinner. They stood up seeing Kyra and me in respect.

"Please continue your dinner," I said softly. They returned to their seats and continued eating while I looked at the buffet.

"They made rice and chicken curry," I said.

"My favourite and even yours," Kyra said passing me a plate. I filled my plate before sitting down on the high stool. Kyra sat beside me on one of the stool.

"Is it about those witches? Did they put on a spell on us?" I asked Kyra.

"Nah, they can't keep a spell on us when we didn't harm them. I'm not sure about the cause but we have to be cautious. My senses say something happened somewhere and if we aren't alert bad can happen."

I exhale as an unknown cold shiver ran throughout my body. We have heard missing cases, unknown deaths without a reason, demolition of property unknowingly and witches passing by. 

"Rose, don't think much. We are here to protect you and everyone. We got each other back, this will pass. We have to be cautious only for a few days. So chill, don't stress yourself," Kyra said patting my back.

"When did you become my elder sister?" I ask her. She gives me her slay smile.

"Since the day I turned ten." I laugh hearing that while she proudly smiles.