Chapter 83: Hopelessly and helplessly

Pandora returned to the mansion later that night, a bright smile on her face after spending the day with a few friends from the academy.

She pushed through the front door, humming softly to herself. Anthony and Alec were sitting in the living room, and the moment her gaze locked with Anthony’s, her breath caught.

Ever since the day he subtly revealed his feelings for her, something had shifted between them. Their casual friendship had deepened into something far more intimate.

"You’re back," Anthony said, rising to meet her with his arms outstretched.

"Looks like someone missed me," she laughed, trying to act casual as his arms wrapped around her in a warm hug.

From the couch, Alec rolled his eyes. "Get a room, you two."

"Very funny, Alec," Anthony retorted dryly. He gently released Pandora and smiled. "Did you have a good time?"

"It was fun," she answered brightly. "Nice to step out of the mansion for once. Any news from Dorian and Alyssa?"

"They’re back."

Her eyes widened. "They are? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"

She shoved her purse into his hands and sprinted up the stairs, her boots tapping sharply against the tile. She had missed Alyssa terribly.

Reaching the bedroom, she raised her hand to push the door open, but caught herself at the last second and knocked instead.

"Come in," Dorian’s deep voice called out.

She pushed the door open and stepped inside. Alyssa was sitting on the edge of the bed, both hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea. Dorian was crouched before her, gently massaging her foot.

Pandora realized that she had just interrupted a private moment.

Alyssa looked up, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Pandora!"

"Hi, Alyssa," Pandora beamed. "I can leave and come back if I’m interrupting..."

"Don’t be ridiculous, Pandora," Dorian muttered. He turned and offered her a soft smile, one of those rare, genuine smiles he had only begun showing since Alyssa came into his life. "Where have you been?"

"A few friends from the academy came to visit," she explained. "We went out for coffee."

Dorian carefully lowered Alyssa’s foot and stood up. Then he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

"Why don’t you catch up with Pandora?" he murmured softly against her mouth. "I know you missed her. I’ll be in the study if you need me."

Alyssa nodded eagerly. "Okay. Can we have dinner together later?"

Dorian’s expression softened further. "Of course we can." He kissed her again, lingering longer this time, completely ignoring Pandora’s presence.

When he finally pulled back and turned around, Pandora was busy pretending to examine the ceiling. He chuckled, reached out to ruffle her hair, and pulled her into a hug.

"I think I like this version of you much better," she said, looking up at him. "He’s warmer and friendlier. More like the brother I grew up with."

"Don’t get used to it," Dorian muttered, but his tone was fond. He brushed a hand over her cheek before slipping out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Once he was gone, Pandora turned her full attention to Alyssa. "Someone is definitely glowing after their honeymoon."

Alyssa laughed shyly, patting the mattress beside her. "Oh, Pandora, I have so much to tell you. Ashgard is beautiful."

Pandora sat down beside her, and the two of them fell into easy conversation. Alyssa recounted the dance arena, riding on Shadow, and the confrontation with Genevieve at Cole’s estate. But through it all, she carefully omitted the terrifying incidents with the shattered glass and mirrors.

When she finished, Pandora sighed.

"We heard about the rogue attack," she said, her voice dropping with genuine concern. "Is it true a sorceress saved you?"

Alyssa knew it wasn’t the sorceress who saved them. It was Wren, the woman claiming to be her mother. But she simply nodded.

"Yes. She saved Cade and me right as the villa collapsed. It was horrifying."

Pandora reached out and gently took her hands. "I can’t even imagine how terrified you must have been. Rogue attacks are always so bloody and brutal. I’m just so glad you’re safe."

"Me too," Alyssa said softly. She deliberately held back the rest of the truth from Pandora, about Wren and what she said. She wanted to tell Dorian first before anyone else.

"So," Pandora smiled with a teasing wink, steering the mood back toward lighter ground. "How was the rest of the honeymoon?"

Alyssa lowered her head, a deep blush creeping up her neck. "It was... intense. But something else happened, and I think you’re the only person who would understand."

Pandora leaned in closer, a worried frown knitting her brows. "What’s wrong?"

Alyssa hesitated for a moment, biting her bottom lip. "I think... I think I’m in love with Dorian."

Pandora’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping. That wasn’t what she had expected to hear.

"And I told him," Alyssa added quietly. "Right after we... made love."

"Oh my goddess," Pandora gasped, fanning her face dramatically. "I feel like I’m sitting inside a Chapter of a dark romance novel!"

She expected Alyssa to giggle with her, but seeing the genuine sadness in the latter’s eyes, she immediately sobered up.

"What’s wrong, Alyssa? Why do you look so upset?"

​Alyssa let out a sigh and lifted her head. Her blue eyes glistened with tears. "I don’t know if I made a mistake falling for him. I tried so hard not to, but he’s been so kind and sweet to me. My heart couldn’t resist."

"But you made no mistake," Pandora argued gently. "Why do you sound like you’ve done something wrong?"

"Morgana and Sage told me Dorian’s heart would never belong to me. They said a Lycan only gives his heart once, and that his will always belong to Elvira. I don’t think he will ever love me back."

"No, don’t say that," Pandora said softly, pulling Alyssa close and slipping an arm around her shoulder. "Have you seen the way Dorian looks at you? The way he treats you? That man is hopelessly in love with you."

"You’re just saying that to make me feel better," Alyssa murmured, nervously wringing her fingers. "Besides, he didn’t say anything back. He probably thinks I don’t even remember saying it because I fell asleep right after."

"Listen to me, Alyssa," Pandora said, her tone firm and reassuring. "I know my brother. I grew up with him. Believe me when I say Dorian is in love with you, hopelessly and helplessly. He just hasn’t realized it yet."

"But Sage and Morgana said..."

"Forget those old ladies," Pandora cut in with a small wave of her hand. "They’re ancient and traditional. They wouldn’t recognize real love if it slapped them in the face."

A soft laugh escaped Alyssa. She adored Sage and Morgana, but she had to admit Pandora had a point.

"Don’t torture yourself over it, okay?" Pandora offered a comforting smile. "Dorian loves you. I see it in every single thing he does for you. It might take time for him to say it out loud, or show it, because he’s still carrying the trauma of Elvira’s death and betrayal even after a whole century. But he will come around. I know he will."

Alyssa felt an immense weight lift off her chest. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Pandora.

"I knew I could talk to you," she whispered. "Thank you, Pandora."

"Always. You can always come to me when you’re bothered about anything. We’re besties now, and besties look out for each other."

Alyssa giggled. "Yeah, we are. But please, keep this between us. Don’t tell anyone, especially not Dorian."

"Of course not. My lips are sealed."

"That includes Anthony," Alyssa added playfully. "I know he’s usually your one exception."

Pandora threw her head back and laughed. "Fine, fine. I promise, this stays our little girly secret."

Unknown to them, right outside the door and hidden in the shadows of the dimly lit hallway, Pilate stood silently eavesdropping.

Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps down the hall, he melted back into the darkness and slipped into an empty room undetected.