Chapter Fourteen - What is That Sound? - Maya's POV

The first thing I notice as soon as my eyes open is my neck. It's so stiff that I can hardly move. Then I realize that I'm also cold. As I sit up, I realize how tilted my head has been, and at such an awkward angle. A dull ache pulses at the base of my skull from the movement. I shift in the chair and sit up, though my body protests every single movement. It's painful, and a small groan escapes my lips. I finally remember where I am and look wildly around, dismissing the aches in my body. The room is bathed in the soft, pale light of early morning as the sun's rays gently stream through the window. I frown, trying to remember why I didn't head back to the bed. Then all the memories of last night flood back. I remember the visit with Evelyn, Damian, and the weird howls. I must have been too restless to even make it to bed. Sighing, I stretch out my legs, wincing as the pins and needles in my feet make themselves known. The blanket draped over me slips slightly, and I freeze. I never grabbed a blanket. My eyes dart to the bed, and the neatly folded covers tell me I haven't disturbed it. Which means someone has grabbed this for me and laid it over me. I glance down at the blanket again, my fingers brushing over the soft fabric. It isn't mine. A chill runs through me, and my heart starts to race. Has Damian come into the room while I've been asleep? The thought makes my stomach twist. It might have been Evelyn, but I never woke up, so I don't know who it was. I stand abruptly, letting the blanket fall to the chair. My body is still stiff from sleeping in such an awkward position, but the sudden rush of adrenaline makes it easier to push through the discomfort. Crossing the room, I stop by the window and press my hands against the cool glass, staring out at the sprawling estate grounds. The forest stretches endlessly in every direction, the sunlight catching on the treetops in a way that would have been beautiful if I didn't feel so trapped. The events of the past day weigh on me like a heavy stone, and the unanswered questions swirl in my mind. What is Damian planning? Why am I here? And why can't I stop thinking about the way he looked at me, as if I were both a burden and something precious? At least, that's how I think he has looked at me. Maybe I've got it all wrong. I clench my fists, trying to push the thought away. Whatever his reasons, I can't let myself be distracted by him. I turn away from the window and grab the blanket from the chair, folding it neatly and placing it back where I found it. If Damian has come in during the night, I don't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing it rattled me. A soft knock at the door startles me, and I spin around, my heart leaping into my throat. 'Miss Maya?" Evelyn's voice calls through the door, gentle but firm. 'Are you awake, dear? Breakfast is ready." I let out a shaky breath, relieved that it isn't Damian. 'Yes," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. 'I'll be down in a minute." 'Take your time," Evelyn replies, her footsteps retreating down the hallway. 'In case you were wondering, I am the one who covered you up. No one bothered you last night." I breathe out another sigh of relief. 'Oh, thank you. I wondered where that came from." 'See you at breakfast," she says before walking away. I glance at the chair one last time, then make my way to the small dresser. If I'm going to face whatever this day has in store for me, I might as well start by looking like I'm not falling apart. Even if I am. I pull on a clean blouse and a pair of jeans from the closet. Breakfast. I don't feel hungry, but Evelyn's knock has made it clear that skipping it isn't an option. I'd better show up or someone might come looking for me. With that thought, I brush my fingers through my hair to straighten it out. It doesn't look too bad, so I'm just going to wait to fix it. Opening the door, I step into the hallway, the quiet stillness wrapping around me like a heavy blanket. The faint light filtering through the windows doesn't do much to chase away the shadows lingering in the corners, and the mansion feels as cold and imposing as it did the night before. As I start walking, the soft tap of my footsteps against the hardwood floors echoes in the silence. That's when I hear it. A faint sound, barely audible over the creaks and groans of the old house. It's soft, high-pitched, and fleeting, as if an animal is whining. I freeze, my ears straining to catch it again. For a moment, there's nothing but silence, and I wonder if I imagined it. But then it comes again, a low, mournful whimper that sends a shiver down my spine. It's close. I glance around, my pulse quickening. The sound seems to be coming from down the hallway, past the grand staircase that leads to the main floor. 'Hello?" I call softly, immediately regretting it when my voice echoes. No response. Curiosity battles with common sense, but before I can stop myself, my feet are already moving toward the sound. The hallway grows dimmer the further I go, the light from the windows fading as the path narrows. The whine comes again, this time louder, more insistent. It sounds like whatever is making the noise is in pain. My stomach twists as I reach a corner, and I hesitate before peeking around it. The hallway ahead is empty, but the sound is louder now, coming from behind one of the closed doors. I approach cautiously, my heart hammering in my chest as I reach out to touch the doorknob. I hesitate, glancing back down the hallway. No one is there. Turning back to the door, I steel myself and push it open. The room beyond is dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn tightly shut. It's smaller than the other rooms I've seen, with simple furniture and a worn rug covering the floor. And in the corner, huddled near a low sofa, is a wolf. My breath catches in my throat.