Zoe needed answers, and she knew Celine would provide them. However, she had been waiting in the Garden of Eve for hours, and Celine hadn't appeared. She began questioning everything – was this just a figment of her imagination? Could she really be a witch? Her mind swirled with countless questions, none of which had answers. She called out Celine's name repeatedly, but silence was her only response. Even the black wolf, usually a constant presence, was nowhere to be seen tonight. Still, she found peace in this solitary moment, embracing the tranquility around her.
As she strolled along the riverbank toward the waterfall, something caught her eye – a mysterious shimmer dancing on the rocks at the waterfall's base. Intrigued, she moved closer to investigate the peculiar sight. The image gradually became clearer as she approached. Before she stood a magnificent ground house, towering thirteen stories high. At the top of its grand staircase, two massive pillars stood guard, each adorned with intricate wolf carvings. Bewildered by this vision and unsure of its meaning, she reached out to touch the wall. Shocked, she fell straight through it, landing hard on a gravel driveway. The reality of what had just occurred left her stunned, the mystery of the King's domain deepening.
Disoriented and utterly confused about her sudden change of surroundings, she barely had time to process her situation before strong hands seized her. Her screams and struggles proved futile as the grip only tightened, and she was forcefully led into the house. The interior was breathtaking – twin grand staircases flanked on either side, while exquisite artwork adorned the walls. A centerpiece of fresh flowers graced a table in the entry hall. Pulling along, she glimpsed a sitting room and a hallway.
Her captor dragged her through the entry hall, beyond the stairs, and down another corridor into a different room. He suddenly stopped and announced, "King, I found a trespasser." Her heart stopped – did he say, King? They stood in an enormous dining room filled with people enjoying their meal. All eyes turned to them as the brute threw her to the floor. A fierce growl echoed through the hall, and her captor immediately dropped to his knee, repeatedly apologizing, "I'm sorry, Alpha, I didn't know." Strong arms lifted her up before she could make sense of the situation, the King's authority palpable in the air.
The man before her was captivating – easily 6'5" with an impressive build, his muscular frame evident through his clothing. His jet-black hair framed piercing blue eyes. He caught her staring and chuckled, "Finished admiring the view?" She blushed furiously, embarrassed at being caught. His imposing figure and the way he interacted with her left a lasting impression.
Setting her down outside, he asked, "Little wolf, how did you find your way here?" Sheepishly, she pointed to where she had fallen through. He laughed softly, realizing he had left the portal to the Garden of Eve open.
Had he really left it open?
"Was he there too?" she whispered, her thoughts racing with endless possibilities.
"When did he visit?" she wondered aloud, her voice quivering uncertainly.
He seemed to perceive the whirlwind of questions forming in her mind.
He lifted her chin with gentle authority, directing her gaze to meet his, his eyes penetrating and all-knowing.
"Though I cherish your presence, little angel, you cannot remain here now. I lost track of time and failed to notice your entry into the Garden. The portal should have been sealed. You must return immediately." His tone was gentle yet resolute as he guided her back to the portal's location, the urgency of his words echoing in her mind.
"Why must I leave?" she implored.
"Celine awaits you, Angel. There is still much for you to learn," he explained patiently.
"Your moment here will arrive soon enough, Angel."
"Follow your present course. Tomorrow, you'll discover a clearing. Within it lies a gateway to my realm. Those possessing supernatural abilities can detect its presence. Tell Jason to use it – inform him it's Jakson's command."
"Could he be Jackson?" she pondered silently.
"Did Jason know their King?" The questions multiplied in her thoughts.
Before she could voice her inquiries, he gently guided her through the portal.
She awakened abruptly in her sleeping bag rather than returning to the Garden of Eden. As dawn approached, confusion clouded her mind regarding the night's events. Had it all been a dream, or had she truly encountered the King and visited his domain?
He had spoken of a clearing containing a portal they would discover today. If this wasn't merely a dream, she needed to alert everyone. Her primary concern was consulting Azria; perhaps it was just a dream, but she needed certainty. She didn't want to nurture false hope if it was all imagination. She made her way to the campfire and settled down.
Eric and Dave, one of Jason's men, maintained their watch by the fire, completing their patrol shift. Eric greeted her and offered water. She yearned for coffee – one of many luxuries she missed from home.
The King dominated her thoughts—the sensation of his presence, how his eyes sparkled at her blush, and even his distinct scent remained vivid in her memory. Azria's arrival brought relief. She needed to cease fixating on the King's attractiveness.
"Really, Zoe!" she scolded herself internally. "As if the King would ever notice you – you're acting like a teenager infatuated with the star quarterback."
"Earth to Zoe," Azria's voice interrupted her thoughts.
She hadn't realized how absorbed she'd been in her contemplation until Azria mentioned she'd greeted her twice. Taking a seat beside her, Azria inquired about her distraction. "Bad dream?" she asked with concern.
"Actually, it was quite pleasant," she replied. Azria arched an eyebrow questioningly and said, "Do tell."
She shared details about the Garden and the mystical portal leading to the King's domain, including his instructions.
Azria leaped up with unbridled enthusiasm, exclaiming, "Quick, we must inform Tyler and Jason!"
As Azria yanked her upright, anxiety began creeping in.
"What if it was a dream?" she asked.
The thought of being perceived as delusional by others terrified her.
When they reached the guys, Azria wasted no time relaying her experience.
Surprisingly, Jason was familiar with the Garden of Eve, while Tyler questioned her silence about it until now.
"How are you aware of the Garden's existence?" she inquired of Jason.
Instead of answering, he immediately asked her to describe the King's appearance.
She described his towering stature, dark hair, and striking blue eyes.
Jason's expression transformed into one of absolute shock, his mouth agape.
"What other information did he share?" Jason pressed eagerly.
"His message for you," she continued, "was to utilize the portal."
Jason immediately began issuing commands to his men. Though Tyler and she were puzzled, they grasped the situation's gravity.
Finally addressing them both, Jason instructed, "Pack up your camps immediately; we must move swiftly." He assured them they'd reach the King's territory by nightfall.
Turning to her specifically, he stated, "Our destination is a clearing to the west."
"So this wasn't merely a dream?" she sought confirmation.
He shook his head definitively. "No, it wasn't."
Excitement coursed through her at the prospect of entering the King's domain and the possibility of seeing him again.
They all began their westward journey, filled with anticipation for what lay ahead and the promise of safety by nightfall. Though uncertain about the clearing's distance, she trusted the King's assurance that they would reach it today.