The Dominant Heir

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Camila

An evident blush rose to my cheeks. The unexpected comment had me flustered. I chose to not talk further in avoiding the awkwardness that would arise eventually.

His arms wrapped around my neck loosely, backhugging me as we strolled deeper into the forest. We didn't venture as far as going passed his border but secluded enough for us to be alone, peacefully.

Feeling a hand run down my chest, I smacked it off out of instinct, "Hands off!" Leo's hand retracted in an instant but still hung over my collarbone.

I wondered where our relationship would take us. Mates. And odd connection.

Love wasn't my thing, even if I had read so many romance novels. But I had longed for this moment, so I would make it last; I just hoped the feeling was mutual.

The forest hums with life all around me, I gazed up at the tweeting birds that perched on the branches that stuck out like tangled hair. Birdsongs heard from afar in lulls and harmony, improvisation or not, it planted a small smile on my face. The forest was like a second home to me, each breath inhaled freshly aromatic. Trudging on the minty patches of grass, I took in the towering sight of the trees who's roots hugged the earth tightly. Regardless of the stripping bark and outgrown moss, it rendered them more fascinating.

In the meantime, the sun that was grinning its white pearls shone beams relentlessly. The daughter of the sky, shimmering onto every leaf and cloud, I wondered how it would feel to be the sun. Pure joy, elated to produce such fine art where it radiated tenderness and affection.

We had been walking for about an hour. As I was daydreaming about the beautiful scenery, we had finally come to a halt. I hadn't necessarily been paying attention to where we were headed and let my feet take control of my navigation settings.

We were now looking at a wooden triangular-roofed cabin [picture on the side]. Welcomed with a campfire that hadn't been lit yet, "Can you believe it still looks decent?" Lynn asked walking over to the pile of sticks in the corner, starting up a fire.

"I mean, we did a pretty good job." Luca said cockily. I was still staring at it in awe, the fire crackles now being heard. The ball of fire was now dipping under the horizon. The fire that was now lit cast shadows all around, lighting up the site with its prancing and dancing.

"Do you like it?" Leo whispered in my ear from behind me, taking hold of my right hand. I nodded.

"It's beautiful."

"Just like you..." He cleared his throat, masking what he said. We all stepped inside, Alex turning on the lights. It was just as brilliant as the exterior. It looked cosy with all the beanbags and the cushions placed delicately.

"There's 3 rooms upstairs, we go via mates." Alex stated before walking into the open kitchen-diner.

"How convenient."

"We haven't got clothes though?" I asked.

"We put some in beforehand." I nodded.

"I'm not cooking so we're just going to have instant noodles." Alex said.

"I'll do it." I immediately looked at Luca, smirking. He met my eyes and rolled them.

Boiling some water in the kettle, I poured a decent amount into the bowls. I added the noodles, not breaking it and left it to cook for a couple minutes. I added the flavour packet and the small case of sesame oil. Leaving it to cook for another few minutes, I stirred it and put it on a tray ready to serve. (Cooking with Cam 101 😌)

We all began eating, "Luca's turning into a cannibal." I grimaced.

***

I was wrestling with the night. The dark was glowering at me. There was a haze of sleep somewhere in the back of my mind but it was too far to reach. Pulling up the duvet me and Leo shared, I squeezed my eyes shut.

To get to sleep, you had to fake it first, right?

I tried; it didn't work. There was something rumbling in my stomach, it wouldn't allow me to have a peaceful night, discomfort making it all the more impossible. The room was torturing me, I needed some fresh air. Hearing the rhythmical breaths of Leo, I pushed the duvet over me, I stood upright and went downstairs for a glass of water, careful to avoid any creaks in the floorboards.

Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I sipped on it slowly.

Outside.

What's up?

Something's not right, check.

I knew to trust Artemis' primal instincts. Striding out the door, I surveyed the forest. In the corner of my eye I spotted a dark figure running from tree to tree. My stance turned defensive, "Show yourself." I looked around again, not seeing any signs of surrender.

"What's going on?" I flinched. Dana. Turning to her, I put my finger on my lips signalling her to be quiet. She rubbed her eyes tired, but complied.

"I saw show yourself!" I declared but with more force. Dana was now beside me. Once I saw the unknown figure step out, they held a bow and arrow, ready to fire. Just as I was about to lunge they changed aim and went for Dana, letting go of the arrow and running off.

"No!" I swiftly moved in front of her taking the hit, I grunted in pain. The arrow had been shot between my shoulder and collarbone.

They turned on their heel and ran off, I caught a glimpse of a logo, a symbol almost: a golden wolf curled up into a ball.

But in the end, they got away.

"Camila!" She shrieked, "I'm so sorry! Quick! Get inside." She pushed me urgently. "LYNN GET DOWN HERE ASAP!"

Seconds later, I heard footsteps scurrying down the spiral stairs. "What's wro—" Her eyes widened at my wound. I shifted my arm to avoid the throbbing pain but made it worse resulting me hissing in pain. The boys had come not long after, their reactions the same as Lynn.

"I'm kind of dying here, some help would be nice." I verbalised. Lynn ran off, presumably to get a first aid kit.

Leo opened his mouth to talk but I stopped him, "I'll tell you later."

"We need to take that out. It'll get infected." Lynn pointed out after getting the medical box. She wrapped her trembling fingers around the arrow.

"Leave it, I'll do it." I gave a rigid smile before pulling it out harshly, Lynn hastily put the clean cloth over the wound putting pressure on it after it began bleeding profusely.

She cleaned the wound and did some medical voodoo magic and I was now bandaged up with soreness to accompany it. Exactly how I like to spent my days at 2am in the morning.

"So, what happened?" Leo inquired, his foot tapping the ground impatiently.

"Went downstairs for a drink, Artemis sensed something wrong, went outside and saw what looked like a guy – his build said it all – running around the trees in all black clothes, he showed himself and went for Dana, I took the hit and he ran off." I gave them my abbreviated version of what happened, satisfied.

"Anything else?"

I paused to think, "Oh there was something. A symbol: a gold wolf curling up into a ball. It was imprinted on his right back pocket. Looked really pretty..." I trailed off. I noticed the confused looks on their faces "What's wrong?"

"Camila, that's the royal crest."

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[not edited]

My English teacher would be so proud of me.

But guys I'm so sorry for not updating in over a week, I just thought it'd be nice to catch up with some work since I'm such a procrastinating bitch.

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-Love, Ashley x