Chapter 4

AURORA

A noise from the overhead entrance snapped me back to reality. I quickly shut the journal and shoved it back where I’d found it. I didn’t want to risk Rin getting mad at me for snooping.

The entrance opened and Rin dropped into the den. It was only then that I realized I hadn’t kept the blanket over me. I quickly tried to cover myself with my arms.

He didn’t seem to notice. He walked over and said, “There you are. I was worried you’d decided to take a nap.”

I shook my head, gesturing at the books. “Ah, I see. You were reading. That’s good.” Rin smiled at me. “But for now, I’ve brought a friend who’ll help you with your clothing problem. I promise, she won’t hurt you.”

I gave him a doubtful look, but let him help me up. As I did, I heard clicking sounds outside the entrance. Then a large figure slid down on what looked like a string.

No, it was a web!

The creature that slid into the den was the most incredible and terrifying thing I’d ever seen. Her upper half was human, with long black hair that covered her breasts and eyes with deep black irises. Her hair had streaks of red that stood out vividly, and she had two sets of arms.

But the most shocking part was her lower half. It was a spider’s body, with a large black abdomen and eight long, thin legs. A red marking swirled around her abdomen, matching the red in her hair.

I moved a little behind Rin, gripping his arm. “It’s okay. I told you she wouldn’t hurt you. This is my friend Anika. She’s a spider, but she’s peaceful. She’s also a master at making things like clothes and bedding,” he reassured me.

Anika stepped forward, giving a polite bow. “It’s nice to meet you, my lady. I was surprised when I heard Master Rin had chosen a beta, but pleasantly so. You’re quite lovely,” she greeted me.

I stepped out a little more, keeping one arm over my breasts, and nodded at her. I wanted to be polite, even though I was still startled.

“I’m still trying to figure out how to restore Aurora’s voice, but I’m sure you can work around her silence,” Rin added.

“Of course. I don’t blame her for it. She can’t help how she is,” Anika replied. She held out a hand to me, her fingers incredibly long. “Come over here. We need plenty of room for me to measure you.”

I hesitantly did as she asked, and Anika led me to an open area of the room. She had me stand still while she took out a small notepad and measuring tape from a bag she’d brought. I tried to relax as she measured different parts of my body, writing down each measurement with her free hands.

Rin pulled a chair over to sit near us, watching silently. He didn’t seem worried about Anika being around me, more like interested in what she was doing.

Once Anika finished measuring me, she started sewing a dress for me with the material she’d brought in her bag. I grabbed my blanket and wrapped it around me before sitting in a chair next to Rin. Even though Anika seemed harmless, I was still nervous about being too far from him.

Anika was talking to Rin as she sewed my dress, sitting on her legs and looking content. “I heard that Rayne was asking about you again,” she said.

~Rayne~, I thought. That was Rin’s twin brother.

Rin shrugged, not looking worried. “It doesn’t surprise me, but very few of you know I’m here, so I’m not worried. None of you would talk,” he told her.

“I know it’s not my place, but you should at least send a message to your family, especially your mother. I’m sure she’s worried about you,” Anika suggested.

“Maybe, but they know how strong and capable I am. They don’t need to worry,” Rin dismissed her.

I wished I could speak. I would’ve told him that it didn’t matter if he was okay out here. If his parents and siblings were worried, it meant they cared about him, and he should let them know he was okay.

“Yes, I understand. But you should know that Rayne won’t give up easily, and I doubt your father has either. I’m surprised he hasn’t had Emelio find you,” Anika continued.

Rin scowled a little. “I imagine he’s too busy to worry about one rogue fox. But let’s drop this. I’d rather focus on my beautiful new beta. Are you almost done?”

“I am. Just a few more stitches,” Anika promised.

Rin nodded, dropping the subject and turning his attention to me. “Once this is done, I think we should go to the elves. They’re masters of many spells and make many magical items. They might be our best bet for getting your voice back.”

Elves? They had them here too?

Anika finished the dress and stood up, holding it in front of her. It was beautiful, made of white fabric that looked like satin. I slowly got up and walked over to her, letting her help me put it on.

It felt both strange and wonderful to see myself in the long mirror wearing this dress. It was not only comfortable, but also beautiful. I felt like a princess in this dress.

Anika looked at me, a satisfied smile on her face. “You look lovely. This color is perfect for you. As Master Rin’s beta, you should have more dresses like this.”

Rin, who had been sitting next to me, stood up. “She should indeed. I trust you’ll have more made for her soon?”

Anika nodded. “I’ll get right on it.”

Rin turned to me, his fingers gently playing with my hair. “This is much better. Now I can take you outside with me, show you more of this world. Would you like that?”

I nodded, a smile spreading across my face. Everything I’d seen so far was so different, so incredible, and a little bit scary. But I wanted to know more. I wanted to stay close to him.

Rin looked surprised when I smiled, as if he hadn’t expected it. I tilted my head, confused. I’d been smiling at him since I got here, hadn’t I?

“Anyway,” Rin said, quickly regaining his composure. “Anika, you can finish your work now. I’m going to take Aurora out to meet the elves before it gets too late.”

Anika nodded. “I’ll bring the finished dresses by tomorrow evening.” She gathered her things and left the room.

I looked down at my dress, twisting from side to side, playing with the skirt. I’d never felt so pretty before. The fabric was soft and comfortable, and I loved the way the sleeves draped over my arms. It was so elegant.

Rin stayed next to me, rubbing the back of his head. His ears lay flat against his head, a sign that he was uneasy about something. But he didn’t say anything about it, instead focusing on our plans.

“Let’s get going. It’s not safe to be out in the forest after dark, and I don’t know how long the elves will take.”

I nodded, still smiling at him. I was starting to feel more comfortable with him. Despite his sometimes superior attitude, I was beginning to like Rin. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Maybe everything that had happened before was leading me to him.