Chapter 4: Chapter 4: The Wolf
The estate's halls gleamed with wealth—ornate gold frames encased grand paintings, delicate vases sat atop polished pedestals, and chandeliers bathed the corridors in warm, flickering light. Every step Rose took echoed softly against the marble floors as she carried Fenrir through the vast home, her voice brimming with excitement as she pointed out different rooms.
Fenrir's ears twitched, his sharp eyes scanning the sheer scale of it all. Room after room stretched endlessly, each more lavish than the last. The scent of polished wood and fresh linen filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of burning candles.
They finally reached a door, and with a gentle push, Rose stepped inside.
Fenrir's eyes widened. Pink. So much pink. The walls, the curtains, the rugs—everything was coated in a soft, rosy hue. Even the towering bed, large enough to swallow him whole, was draped in fluffy pink blankets and an army of plush pillows.
Fenrir's tail flicked nervously as Rose suddenly lifted him into the air, turning him to face her bright blue eyes.
"Now, Fenris," she said with a playful smile, "you need a bath!"
Wait—no! My dignity! He wanted to protest, to bark out his disapproval, but hesitation held him back. What if they decided to experiment on him just because he could talk? Best to stay quiet—for now.
He watched as she carried him toward a grand, gilded tub filled with crystal-clear water. The surface shimmered under the soft glow of the room's candles. Then, with a graceful motion, she extended her hand over the water, her lips moving as she uttered, "Aqua Calefacta."
A faint glow pulsed from her fingertips before fading just as quickly. The water beneath them rippled, and warmth filled the air.
Magic. Fenrir's ears perked up, his eyes widening. She just used magic! Oh, hell yes!
But his excitement dulled as Rose gently lowered him into the water, her hands working through his fur with practiced ease. Warmth seeped into his small body, the soothing sensation melting away his tension.
Okay… this isn't too bad.
Soon, Rose lifted him out of the water, holding him securely as she extended her hand once more.
"Exsicca Omnia," she murmured.
A gentle warmth enveloped Fenrir as an invisible force swept over his damp fur. Within moments, every drop of water vanished, leaving him perfectly dry and surprisingly fluffy. He blinked, wiggling his paws as he marveled at the effortless magic.
Oh, I definitely need to learn how to do that. A small grin tugged at his lips as he imagined the possibilities.
Afterward, Rose gently placed Fenrir on her bed and sank into the plush mattress beside him.
"Fenris, I'm so happy you're here," she murmured, stroking his fur. But then, her smile faltered. "Father is forcing me to marry the duke's son… and I don't want to. I want to fall in love on my own." Her voice wavered, and before Fenrir could react, she wrapped her arms around him, her small frame trembling as she buried her face in his fur.
What kind of father forces an arranged marriage? That's just cruel.
Fenrir's ears flattened as he gazed up at her. He wasn't sure what to do, but instinct took over. He gently nuzzled her, offering what little comfort he could.
But as he did, something stirred deep within him. A memory—distant yet vivid—surfaced.
His sister.
Her bright smile, her laughter, the way she never let her frail body hold her back. She had been born with a weak heart, but she had lived each day with unshaken joy. She never let it slow her down. Until, at twelve years old, it finally did.
A dull ache settled in his chest. He wanted to cry, to grieve, but no tears came. Not at first. Then, something inside him cracked, and emotion rushed in like a flood. Before he knew it, warm tears slipped down his furred cheeks.
"Oh, don't cry, Fenris," Rose whispered, pulling him close. "It'll be okay."
She wiped her own tears and suddenly lifted him into the air with a small, wobbly smile. "See? No more crying. You don't have to cry either."
Fenrir blinked as his tears slowed, and for the first time since his rebirth, emotions began to rise within him, raw and untamed.
But before he could process it, a sharp bark shattered the moment.
His ears perked up, and he turned toward the sound. Standing at the edge of the bed was a massive white wolf with piercing blue eyes.
"Oh, Luna! Look, I got you a friend!" Rose beamed, turning Fenrir in her arms and holding him out to the white wolf, proudly showing him off.
Fenrir stiffened, his tears halting. That's Luna? His gaze swept over the towering wolf—she stood as tall as a grown man. Damn, she's huge.
Luna sniffed him once, then again. For a tense moment, Fenrir braced himself.
Then her tail wagged.
Master… Master…
Fenrir's ears twitched. The voice wasn't spoken aloud—it echoed in his mind. His fur bristled. Wait… I can hear her thoughts?
He turned to Luna, who stared at him with unwavering devotion.
Why is she calling me Master?
"Master is strong… stronger even than I," she thought, her voice laced with certainty.
His eyes widened. Wait—can you hear my thoughts?
"Yes, Master," she barked.
Fenrir's tail stiffened. Well… this is awkward. And just so we're clear, I am not mating with you.
Luna's ears flattened slightly. "I am not worthy of Master."