Until I Return

A triumphant smile graced Fiona's lips—a fleeting moment of victory—before the world around her blurred. Darkness surged forward, swallowing her whole as she collapsed.

In that instant, she had tapped into a power she never knew existed. And though her body gave in, the hope she had ignited burned brightly in the hearts of those around her.

Yet, the storm loomed closer.

Roxanne gripped a sturdy branch, her breath steady as she charged toward the rustling bush. Heavy footsteps echoed around her, the unseen presence sending a chill down her spine.

Then—out of the shadows—a wounded white wolf staggered into view. Blood matted its pristine fur, each labored breath rattling in its chest.

Before her eyes, the beast shifted.

Bones cracked, fur receded, and in mere moments, the wolf was gone—replaced by a battered man who collapsed at her feet.

Roxanne's pulse quickened. She hesitated for only a second before rushing to his side.

Minutes passed in tense silence. Then, with a sharp inhale, Cassius' eyes fluttered opened.

"Don't move—you're wounded," Roxanne cautioned, her voice firm yet laced with concern.

Cassius let out a sharp breath, his jaw tightening as he shifted slightly. "Shit," he muttered, wincing. Then, forcing a smirk, he added, "I'll heal quickly."

Roxanne wasn't convinced. Her gaze lingered on the deep gash along his ribcage, her mind racing with questions.

"Where did you go?" she asked, her voice softer now, searching for answers.

A low chuckle rumbled in Cassius' chest, though it quickly turned into a grimace. "To feast on two hundred people," he admitted, amusement flickering in his eyes. "But apparently, their avengers weren't too thrilled about it. They jumped me like death itself was being put behind bars."

His attempt at humor didn't erase the exhaustion in his tone, nor the fresh wounds that told a story of their own.

"I only knew of two white wolves—myself and Phoenix," Cassius muttered, his voice edged with both frustration and intrigue. "But now, there's a third. If that reckless king hadn't called her away, I'd be dead right now."

His fingers dug into the dirt as he exhaled sharply, his wounds aching with each breath. "Her skills… they remind me of Phoenix." The admission was quiet, almost grudging, as if he hated to acknowledge it.

Roxanne remained silent, absorbing his words. The weight of the revelation settled over her like a storm cloud. A new white wolf—one powerful enough to challenge Chase—wasn't just unexpected.

It was dangerous.

Fiona stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as if emerging from a deep, endless slumber. The sterile white ceiling above her blurred into focus, the faint hum of distant voices grounding her back to reality.

A gentle touch brushed her hair back, warm and familiar. Vangelis.

His face hovered above hers, a storm of relief and lingering fear reflected in his eyes. His breath hitched as he took her in, as if reassuring himself she was truly awake.

"She's awake," he called out, his voice trembling slightly with unspoken fears.

The nurse stepped back, giving them space, but Vangelis couldn't hold back. He leaned in, his fingers tracing the delicate contours of her face, his touch both reverent and desperate.

"Fiona, my love… I was terrified," he murmured, his voice raw with emotion. "I can't bear the thought of losing you."

His grip tightened ever so slightly, as if anchoring himself to her presence. "No more missions," he vowed. "I'll keep you safe… always.

"But I'm your wife, Vangelis. We have to stand by each other," Fiona insisted, her voice soft yet unyielding. Even in her fragile state, determination radiated from her.

She reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek—a gentle touch that anchored him, pulling him from the storm of fear and guilt swirling within.

Vangelis closed his eyes for a brief moment, leaning into her warmth before exhaling sharply. When he opened them again, his gaze burned with fierce resolve.

"Never again will I send you into danger," he vowed, his voice low, firm—absolute.

There was no room for argument, no space for compromise. It was a promise carved from love and fear, sealed by the weight of nearly losing her.

"I can't let you go alone," Fiona whispered, her voice steady but laced with unspoken fear. "Promise me… promise me you'll be safe."

Her piercing gaze locked onto his, a mixture of love and desperation shimmering beneath the surface.

Vangelis exhaled, his resolve wavering under the weight of her concern. He cupped her face gently, his thumb tracing slow circles against her skin.

"I know, Sapphire," he murmured, his tone softer now, regret threading through his words. "But I have to leave tonight. Another community needs me—I need to handle our business stocks."

The unspoken truth lingered between them. No matter how much he wanted to stay, duty always called.

"A week? It feels like a lifetime," Fiona murmured, the weight of his absence pressing down on her. Still, she forced a small smile, masking the worry that lingered beneath. "Just promise me… promise me you'll come back to me."

Vangelis's gaze softened, his hands cupping her face with a warmth that sent shivers down her spine. "I always will," he vowed, his voice steady, reassuring.

He pressed his forehead against hers, breathing her in. "I was waiting for my lucky charm to wake up before I left".

As Fiona gazed around their home, the walls seemed to breathe with memories—whispers of laughter, stolen kisses, and the quiet kind of love that made a place feel like forever. Perched high above the sprawling valley, their sanctuary pulsed with magic, the very air tingling with its presence.

"This place…" she sighed, running her fingers over the polished wood. "It feels like a dream."

A warmth swelled in her chest, a deep, abiding affection for the life they had built.

"Everything here is beautiful," a voice interrupted, smooth and teasing. "Including you."

Fiona turned sharply, her pulse quickening.

Phoenix stood in the doorway, his presence commanding yet playful. A slow smirk curved his lips.

"Let's see how far you can go with me keeping you the best of company."