Chapter 10: Ovelia's Awakening and the Complexities of Love (+18)

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi Fantasians! This chapter contains a graphic depiction of non-consensual sexual violence. Reader discretion is strongly advised. If you are a survivor of sexual assault, please be aware that the following scene may be triggering. If you're uncomfortable with this, please scroll down and begin reading at [START].]

[Next Day: Morning]

Ovelia's POV

The forest surrounded me again, its towering trees casting long shadows that danced in the dim light. Five shadowy figures emerged from the mist, their forms vague but familiar. I realized I was dreaming again. This was the continuation of my previous dream, which left me with more questions than answers.

'What is the risk, Lady Firera?" Oliver's voice echoed through the trees, his tone laced with concern.

Lady Firera's voice was calm but carried an edge of warning. "If she releases me without control, her soul will be destroyed, and mine will take over her body. It means she will die if she accidentally releases me."

Viana's voice cut in, firm and unwavering. "I'm sure my daughter can control your power. I believe she will grow strong enough to handle it."

Lady Firera's form shifted, dissolving into a red, glowing orb that floated in the air, pulsating with otherworldly energy. The sight was both mesmerizing and unsettling

I stirred awake as sunlight streamed through the window, warming my face. The dream no longer frightened me; I had grown accustomed to its recurring presence. But the sharp twinge in my left arm and the dull ache in my back brought me fully back to reality. I turned my head, my eyes falling on the bandages wrapped tightly around my left arm. Memories of the previous day flooded back—the attack, the pain, Ace and Ann saved me. Relief and anxiety warred within me as I processed it all.

Next to my bedside, Ace was fast asleep, his head resting against the edge of the bed. His usually sharp features were softened in slumber, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. For a moment, I allowed myself to admire him, his presence both comforting and confusing. He was the reason I was in pain, yet he was also the reason I was alive. My emotions tangled, a knot of gratitude and resentment.

Without thinking, I reached out and lightly ran my fingers through his hair. Part of me wanted to yank it, to wake him up and demand answers, but another part of me hesitated, captivated by his peaceful expression.

"Hmmm," he murmured, easing awake with his eyes barely open. Then, his eyes sparkled with mischief, and his lips curled into a playful grin. "Finally, you're awake. Ovelia, have sex with me right now,"

I hadn't said a word yet, but Ace suddenly stood up from his seat, climbed onto the bed, and sat on my lap. He leaned in, his face inching closer to mine as if he was about to kiss me.

"Ace, stop it!" I exclaimed, averting my gaze and pushing against his chest with my right hand. My heart raced, a mix of panic and confusion swirling within me.

But Ace didn't back down. "I can't stop," he replied, his voice husky and filled with a playful intensity. "This is what my wolf wants."

I locked eyes with him, my voice trembling as I asked, "Why are you doing this? Are you just using me for your pleasure?" Tears threatened to spill, but I held them back, my pride refusing to let him see me break. "You told me to find a way for you to fall for me, but how can I do that when your heart belongs to someone else?"

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. I hadn't meant to say them, but they spilled out before I could stop them. Was I really that upset that he loved someone else?

Ace's expression shifted, his playful demeanor fading as he asked, "Ovelia, do you love me?"

The question caught me off guard, and my heart constricted painfully. I didn't know how to answer. Love was a foreign concept to me, something I had never truly experienced. My non-biological parents had shown me nothing but neglect, and the villagers in Timberline had treated me with scorn. I didn't even know what love felt like.

Ace smiled faintly, his thumb brushing against my cheek. "I take that as a no. I'm already your husband, and I know it's unfair to expect you to make me fall for you when you don't even love me yet."

Before I could respond, he pulled away the blanket, leaving me exposed in only my bra and panties. I gasped, my cheeks burning as he smirked at me. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle," he said, his voice dripping with playful confidence.

As he began to undress, I couldn't help but notice his well-defined muscles and the way his body moved with a predatory grace. My breath hitched as he leaned in, his intentions clear. Panic surged through me, and I blurted out, "Ace, wait! I'm not ready for this. It's still dirty down there, and I haven't even showered."

The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and I immediately regretted them. Ace chuckled softly, his smile warm yet mischievous. Ignoring my protest, he leaned in, his tongue tracing a tantalizing path over my most intimate part. A soft moan escaped my lips despite the whirlwind of emotions I felt.

"You taste so sweet down here," Ace murmured, his voice a mix of playfulness and intimacy.

However, just as I began to succumb to the moment, he suddenly stopped; he transformed into his werewolf form. His powerful presence was both awe-inspiring and frightening.

"Are you afraid to see me like this? Do you feel traumatized by what that black werewolf did to you?" Ace asked, concern lacing his voice as he studied my reaction.

"No," I replied softly, trying to mask the tremor in my voice. I didn't want him to see the fear lurking beneath my brave facade.

He transformed back into his human form, and with a gentle touch, he slowly buried himself inside me. I wrapped my right arm around him tightly, surrendering to the sensations as he began to move slowly.

"I want to try different positions," he said, his voice thick with desire, "but your left arm is injured, so let's skip that for now."

I loosened my grip on him, and in a swift movement, he grasped my breast, his mouth finding it with a teasing hunger. As he suckled gently and bit down softly, I found myself tangling my fingers in his hair, overwhelmed by the pleasure he was igniting within me.

"You're so tight," he murmured, connecting his lips with mine as his rhythm quickened. With each thrust, the world outside melted away; it was just us, lost in each other, the sensations building like a wave. I couldn't help but moan a little louder, feeling the intensity of the moment swell until I reached my climax. As I felt that heightened rush, I could sense him approaching his peak as well, ultimately spilling his warmth outside, our bodies entwined in a moment of pure bliss.

He kissed me softly on the lips again, then effortlessly lifted me and carried me into the bathroom. As we stepped inside, he carefully removed the bandages from my body, and we washed away the remnants of our earlier passion together. The warm water enveloped us, drawing us closer as we surrendered to the moment.

Once we were dressed, we emerged from the bathroom to find Ann finishing up her cleaning in the room. I hadn't even realized she had been there the whole time; her presence had gone unnoticed until now.

"Ann?" I called out, my voice laced with surprise.

She turned and smiled, her eyes lighting up as she dropped the cleaning supplies and rushed towards me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. I felt a brief sting as her body brushed against my still-healing bruise, but I chose to ignore it.

"Lady Ovelia, I'm so relieved to see you awake! I was so worried about you!" Ann exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"I'm sorry for making you worry," I replied, feeling a mix of guilt and gratitude.

"Ehem!" Ace cleared his throat, his playful tone cutting through the tension in the room.

Ann and I turned to look at him, and she immediately released me from the hug, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

"I almost forgot to mention, Sir Ace and Lady Ovelia, breakfast is ready. But first, I need to change your bandage, lady Ovelia, and tend to your wound," Ann said, her voice filled with a gentle urgency.

I sat on the bed as Ann began to clean my injury carefully. Ace was nearby, watching intently, his brow furrowed with concern. I bit back the urge to speak, even though the sting in my arm was relentless as she applied fresh bandages. Ann gently slipped off my shirt, avoiding jostling the bruises, and pressed an ice pack against them, her touch soothing yet clinical.

When she finished bandaging my back, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, though discomfort lingered.

We made our way to the dining area together with Ace.

•Dining area•

The aroma of freshly cooked dishes filled the air as we entered the dining area. Eliana sat at the table, her bright smile illuminated by the morning sun. My heart sank as I remembered she was Ace's girlfriend.

"Eliana?!" Ace exclaimed, surprise edging his tone.

"Oh, good morning, Ace!" Eliana replied cheerfully, her eyes sparkling.

Ace's face softened as he walked over to sit beside her, leaving me to settle into a seat across from them. The pang of sadness that shot through me was unexpected but undeniable.

Eliana smiled warmly as she glanced at me. I forced a smile in return, though it felt hollow.

As we began to eat, Eliana turned to Ace, her voice sweet and inviting. "Ace, it's unusual for you to eat breakfast. Please try this," she said, offering him a bite from her plate.

Ace accepted the food with a slight smile, but the moment felt strained. It was as if I didn't exist, as if they were in their own little world.

I glanced at Ann, who was standing nearby. She gave me a small fist pump and whispered, "Fighting," her eyes filled with encouragement.

Summoning my courage, I turned to Eliana, my voice low but firm. "Eliana, Ace is my husband. Can you please stop that?"

Her smile faltered, and her tone turned sharp. "Why should I? Sure, he's your husband, but I'm the one he loves."

"Eliana?!" Ace's voice boomed, filled with anger.

I felt frozen, as Eliana's words sank in. It rang painfully true. I wondered why I was hurting like this.

The dining room door swung open, and Ray stepped in.

"Eliana, what are you doing here? Anyway, Ace, Alpha King Raymond wants to see you," Ray said, his tone brisk.

Ace and Eliana stood up, clearly about to leave the dining room. Ray looked at me, his expression softening. "I'm glad you're awake, Ovelia."

I offered a weak smile, and he returned it. Ace walked out without another word, his back turned to me, a chilly silence lingering in the air. Before Eliana followed, she shot me a glance, her smirk teasing, almost taunting.

I instinctively clutched my chest, feeling as if I'd been pierced through the heart. Then I smiled faintly remembering that the pain I felt now was nothing compared to what I had endured at the hands of my non-biological parents. 

•Palace Hallway•

Ace's POV

I had a sinking feeling about why Father wanted to see me. Ray must have told him what happened with Ovelia.

As Ray and Eliana stood with me at the throne room entrance, tension filled the air.

"Eliana, I'm sorry, but you can't come in; King Raymond only wants to speak with Ace," Ray said, his tone firm yet apologetic.

"It's alright, Ray. I'll just wait in Ace's office," Eliana replied, her voice steady, though I could sense the disappointment behind it.

"Me too, Ace. I'll wait for you in your office," Ray said, turning his back on Eliana without waiting for a response. 

Eliana glanced at me, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. I returned the gesture weakly as she started walking toward my office.

I still couldn't understand why Ray and Eliana never seemed to get along. 

I knocked on the throne room door, and it creaked open. My father sat on his throne, the weight of kingship evident in his posture. The room felt eerily empty; the guards were nowhere to be seen. 

I stepped inside and knelt before him, bowing my head. 

"Why did you call for me, Your Highness?" I asked, my voice steady despite my unease.

"Raise your head.Today, I speak as your father, not your king," he replied, his voice commanding yet softening at the edges.

I looked up, meeting his gaze.

"Ace, Ray informed me that something unfortunate happened to Ovelia due to your negligence. Instead of punishing you, I want you to open your heart to Ovelia, even just a little," my father said, concern etched on his face.

A wave of guilt washed over me as my thoughts drifted to Eliana. I knew that opening my heart to Ovelia would hurt her.

"But, Father—" I began, my voice trembling with the weight of my emotions. Before I could finish, he interrupted me, his tone firm and resolute.

"I know you love Eliana, but Ovelia is your wife. Your wolf chose her as your mate. You must forget Eliana; she is not your destiny. You must set her free." My father said, his words hit me like a cold gust of wind, chilling my bones.

I couldn't argue with him. Ovelia was one of the humans who symbolized the peace between humans and werewolves. The future Alpha Kings of each werewolf kingdom needed to marry a human to maintain that peace. If one of us failed to do so, the fragile peace we held would shatter.

"Yes father," I answered, my head bowed in submission. The weight on my shoulders felt unbearable. To achieve my dream, I had to let Eliana go, even though it hurt.

"You may leave," he commanded, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.

I stood slowly, each step feeling heavier than the last. As I exited the throne room, the shadows in the hallway seemed to mirror the unresolved feelings in my heart-a constant, gnawing ache that I couldn't escape.