Chapter 32

Celia

As soon as I step foot through the hospital doors, Lily grabs me and pulls me in the direction of my grandmother’s room. The closer we get, the faster and faster we run down the white hallways. As soon as we reach the door, I rush inside and take my spot at my grandmother’s side, shocked laughter leaving my lips.

“Grandmother! You’re awake!” I exclaim, hearing the hospital room’s door click behind me. I mentally thank Lily for the privacy and pull up a chair, taking one of my grandmother’s hands in my own.

“Celia, my darling granddaughter,” my grandmother’s voice is tired yet energetic at the same time. A small smile spreads across her face and she pats my hands, quietly chuckling to herself.

“Are you okay? How are you feeling? Is there anything I can do for you to help you feel more comfortable?” The questions pour out of my mouth before I can stop them, rushing to her aid without a second thought.

“Celia! My dear! Slow down!” She exclaims, falling back into the bed with a sigh. “I just woke up…let me adjust.”

“Oh! Right!” I chuckle with a hint of embarrassment in my laugh. “I’m sorry, grandmother, I am just so excited to see you.”

“I feel the same way with you, my dear,” she smiles at me. She even looks more energetic, like she has a purpose she must fulfill, while she rests in the hospital bed. “Sit down and relax, okay? You should not exert too much energy before you shift.”

I obey her command and sit, pushing the car as close to the hospital bed as I can. I am practically leaning over the edge, taking up a spot in my grandmother’s lap at this point, and smile at her. Ease and reassurance flood throughout my body, relaxing any leftover tension that has been trapped inside my body.

My grandmother’s room used to be a place where I would come and wallow in my sorrows, a place where I would hold her hand and sob out my frustrations. The room used to feel so sad and depressing. The low hum of the air conditioner unit in the window always drive me insane but now it is a welcoming embrace for my ears to listen to.

“I heard you speak to me while I was asleep,” my grandmother breaks the comfortable silence that fills the room. “You have gone through so much. I am so sorry you had to go through it alone.”

“It’s okay,” I smile at her and take her hand in mine once again, “I am just so happy that you are awake again and that you are back with me. That is all that matters.”

“I have the answers that you are looking for,” her words make me go silent. I blink at her, unable to form a coherent sentence or thought. “I heard what you and Healer Anderson were talking about…with your identity as the missing Lycan princess. I am so happy that you were able to figure it out on your own. I knew you could do it.”

“Grandmother,” I breathe out, unable to fully comprehend her confirming that I am the missing Lycan princess.

“Your parents…they deserved everything good in the world. Your father loved your mother so much, my dear. He would have given her the world if she asked,” my grandmother chuckles, shaking her head as she recalls the fond memories. “He had enemies in the Lycan pack, though, as the prince. There are many greedy people in there who only want power.”

My grandmother’s expression turns sour. She looks into the nothingness of the room, sparing me from her sharp glare. I swallow the lump that forms in my throat, unable to look away from her story.

“You see, his royal lineage has a special trait that only his descendants will be able to carry. Your mother helped him harness his ability. They worked so well together…”

I reach out and take my grandmother’s hands in my own, consoling her.

“Your wolf has special healing abilities. other wolves are able to find you, though, and catch onto the scent. That’s why your mother and father taught you from a very young age to conceal it. It’s why she has been hidden away within you for so long,” my grandmother turns her attention back to me. I hang onto every word she says, unable to look away.

“Your mother developed a blend of herbs that the Lycan’s stole for theirselves. It holds the same properties as your wolf’s healing ability but isn’t as strong or potent.”

Oh, so that’s why Bianca thinks she is special. The scent from the herbs helps heal people, not her own skills or abilities.

“Your mother, despite not being a Werewolf or Lycan, was a very special woman. Her healing skills were nothing short of amazing. You carry that trait inside of you, Celia, all you have to do is reach for it,” my grandmother squeezes my hand, “only you can save the Alpha King.”

“Do you really think so?” I ask, disbelief prominent in every word. She nods.

A sense of purpose washes over me. I have to go tell Soren. If I can save him, I have to do it, his life depends on it!

I stand from the chair but my grandmother pulls me right back down. Turning and looking at her, my grandmother shakes her head, a small sigh escaping her lips.

“Not now, dear, your time will come. Be patient,” she says with an all knowing look and head nod.

Her words relax my body but I still can’t help but feel like I must spring into action for Soren. My mind runs a mile a minute, already playing through every possibility that can happen within the next few days.

“Your identity as the princess must remain a secret, Celia,” my grandmother interrupts my thoughts, “it is for your safety. Wait until the banquet to reveal your status. There will be people there who knew your parents. They will be sure to help you.”

“Grandmother…” I trail off, unable to fully articulate just how thankful I am for her and the help she gives to me. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“I would do anything for you, Celia, you know this. I love you,” my grandmother’s words bring tears to my eyes.

I turn my face away, unable to contain my overwhelming emotions. She leans forward and turns my face back around to look at her. She wears a small smile on her face, one that is filled with nothing but love and goodwill.

Unlike others, my grandmother holds no underlying motive that will rip me to shreds. She does not wish for me to crash and burn just because she does not like me or because she feels like it. She has a kind soul, one that only comes to life once every hundred years, and harnesses the ability to make the world become more vibrant from all around her.

My grandmother begins to wipe my tears away. She quietly coos kind words to me, reassuring me that everything will be okay and that I will get out of this mess unscathed with no everlasting scars.