Chapter 3 My companion

The days bled into nights as Rachel lay on the cold stone floor of the room where Lucien had imprisoned her. The windows were barred, allowing only a sliver of moonlight to slip through, casting shadows on the walls that felt more like a cage than a sanctuary. Her body still ached from the rough treatment she had received, but it was the emotional toll that weighed the heaviest.

Every night, when the palace was quiet and the hallways were void of life, Rachel's sobs echoed in the silence. She cried not just for her situation, but for the life she had lost, the freedom she once took for granted. She was a prisoner now-Lucien's mate, yet trapped, ignored, and isolated.

But there was someone who heard her.

Mike, Lucien's beta and closest confidant, had a room near hers. At first, he had ignored the muffled sounds of her crying, dismissing it as the weakness Lucien had described. But night after night, the sound began to gnaw at him. She wasn't just a random prisoner-she was the alpha's mate. Whether Lucien wanted to admit it or not, she held significance in their world.

On the fifth night, Mike could take it no longer. He paced in his room, his brow furrowed in concern. Rachel's crying had become more than just a noise; it was a constant reminder of the cruelty she was enduring. Despite Lucien's orders to leave her alone, Mike felt compelled to check on her.

*She's terrified of him,* Mike thought. *Of all of us, probably.*

With a deep sigh, he made his decision. He slipped out of his room and walked quietly down the hallway toward Rachel's door. He hesitated for a moment, knowing that Lucien would disapprove of this, but pushed the thought aside. This wasn't about Lucien. It was about Rachel.

He knocked softly. When no response came, he gently pushed the door open.

Rachel was sitting in the corner of the room, her knees pulled up to her chest, her arms wrapped around them in a feeble attempt to feel safe. Her head snapped up at the sound of the door creaking, and her eyes widened with fear when she saw Mike standing in the doorway.

"Please," she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying. "Don't hurt me."

Mike's heart clenched. She looked so small, so fragile. *This is the alpha's mate?* he wondered, shaking his head slightly. He took a step into the room, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he said softly, his voice gentle. "I heard you crying... I just wanted to see if you were okay."

Rachel stared at him, her eyes full of distrust. She knew who he was-Lucien's beta, his most loyal follower. She had heard stories of Mike's strength, his ruthlessness in battle. How could she trust someone like him?

"I don't need your pity," she replied, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound brave. "Just leave me alone."

Mike paused, feeling a pang of guilt. He didn't know how to reassure her that he wasn't here to harm her. "I'm not here because I pity you," he said quietly. "I just... I can't ignore it anymore. You don't deserve this."

Rachel looked away, her tears threatening to spill over once more. "You don't know what I deserve," she whispered.

Mike sat down on the floor, a respectful distance away from her. He didn't press any further, just sat there, giving her the space she needed. They sat in silence for what felt like hours, neither saying a word. Eventually, Rachel's breathing began to calm, and the tension in the room slowly lifted.

After that night, Mike began visiting her more often. At first, Rachel remained wary of him. Each time he entered her room, she would tense, her body rigid with fear. But Mike was patient, never forcing conversation, never pushing her to open up. He simply stayed with her, offering quiet comfort in a world that seemed determined to break her.

Slowly, Rachel began to trust him.

Weeks passed, and Rachel's initial fear of Mike softened into something else-something unexpected. He was kind to her, in a way she hadn't known since she had been taken to the palace. Every night, Mike would sit with her, sometimes talking, sometimes just listening as she poured out her heart about everything she had lost. He didn't judge her for her weakness, and in his company, she found a sense of peace she hadn't thought possible.

One night, as Mike was about to leave, Rachel stopped him.

"Mike?" she called softly.

He turned, looking at her with that same patient expression he always wore. "Yes?"

"I... I just wanted to say thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "For... everything. I don't know how I would have gotten through these days without you."

Mike smiled faintly. "You don't have to thank me, Rachel. I'm just doing what feels right."

Rachel looked down, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn't realized how much his presence meant to her until now. He had been her only source of comfort in this cold, cruel place.

Without thinking, she stood up and took a step toward him. Mike tensed slightly, surprised by the sudden closeness, but he didn't move away. Rachel reached out, placing a hand on his arm, her fingers trembling.

"You're the first person who's ever made me feel... safe," she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Mike's eyes softened. He reached up, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "You are safe with me," he whispered.

Rachel's heart raced as she leaned closer, her body acting on instinct. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wasn't afraid. Mike's warmth enveloped her, and before she knew it, their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss.

It started slow, cautious. But as the days turned into nights, their connection grew deeper, and they began to seek each other out for more than just comfort. What had begun as stolen moments of tenderness soon evolved into passionate embraces. Rachel had fallen for Mike-hard. He was the first person who had ever truly cared for her, and she was willing to risk everything to be with him.

But their growing closeness didn't go unnoticed.

Lucien, though still cold and distant, had begun to change ever so slightly. After imprisoning Rachel in his chambers, he had kept his distance, torn between his duty and his anger at the moon goddess for saddling him with such a weak mate. But as time passed, something in him shifted.

He still didn't visit Rachel, but he ordered his servants to provide her with better food and clean clothes. He even allowed her small freedoms, like being able to walk the palace halls under strict supervision. Though he never admitted it to anyone, even Mike, he couldn't ignore the bond between them. It gnawed at him, softening the edges of his anger.

One evening, as Lucien passed Rachel's room, he overheard her laughing softly. He paused, his hand hovering over the doorknob, surprised by the sound. She had always been so silent, so withdrawn. But now, her voice was filled with something he hadn't heard before-happiness.

He didn't enter the room, but his curiosity piqued. Was this bond pulling him toward her despite his reservations?

Later that night, Mike slipped into Rachel's room as usual. They talked for a while before falling into a comfortable silence. Rachel lay beside him, her head resting on his shoulder, her heart full of conflicting emotions.

"I don't know how much longer we can keep this up," Rachel whispered, her fingers tracing small patterns on Mike's arm.

Mike sighed, his brow furrowing. "I know. Lucien... he'll notice eventually."

Rachel turned to look at him, her eyes filled with both love and fear. "I don't care anymore," she said softly. "I love you, Mike. I'm willing to risk everything to be with you."

Mike's heart ached at her words, but he knew the danger they faced. Lucien was unpredictable, and if he found out about their secret meetings, the consequences would be dire.

"I love you too," Mike replied, brushing his lips against her forehead. "But we have to be careful, Rachel. I won't let anything happen to you."

Rachel nodded, but deep down, she knew their time together was running out. The bond she shared with Lucien was undeniable, and sooner or later, it would force them all to confront the truth.