Flutter

Flutter: Dix-Huit (2)

Evidently, she must've dozed off. Nora figured it was high time she returned back to Gillans. She began her trek back home. The night was still and quiet - as quiet as it can be for a wolf. Creatures hooted, howled, and chirped, but other than that nothing was out of the usual. Regardless, Nora hurried through the woods, which were darker and more intimidating than they were in the bright of day. Nora was not very scared though and her night vision was seemingly improved, which helped her avoid unnecessary trips or collisions. 

Finally, she ended up back on the flat grounds and she could see Gillans. She went through the patio doors, turned to lock them and pulled the curtains. Once done, Nora decided that she would go to her room perhaps, hoping to relax the troubles away. 

She heard heavy footfall coming her way and Nora did not have to assume who it was that was approaching her.  Nervousness began to grow within her - every footstep causing her to step farther and farther back into the room.

Quinton finally appeared in the doorway and the look in his eye made Nora regret ever having come back. The expression on his face was one Nora had never seen before on Quinton. His dark eyes were pitch black and his expression menacing. He stood before her, domineering in height and stature, glowering at her with such fierceness that Nora was quite certain she would combust. She did not make a peep, hoping to keep the dam from breaking for as long as possible. Seconds ticked by and Nora began to tremble from the stress.

"Where were you?" Quinton all but whispered.

Nora opened her mouth to speak but could not form the words.

"I will not ask you again." 

"I-I was outside -" Was all Nora managed to get out before Quinton stepped towards her.

"Outside where?"

"By the lake." Nora said, exasperatedly.

"If you presume that you can lie to me, then you are gravely mistaken."

Nora's eyes widened, caught off guard by the interrogation.

"I am not lying! This afternoon, I went for a walk outside and ended up by the lake. I fell asleep, and woke up and came straight here."

Quinton's eyes narrowed and he advanced.

"So you mean to say that I had all my attendants searching all over this house for you and the grounds. I was going to send out a team to find you. Your scent is barely around the house. You must've been out longer than that." 

Nora thought about how far she'd gone off the property. 

"Do not insult my intelligence Nora. Where were you?"

He grunted, moving closer, and Nora broke.

"I went out - not far. I just needed to clear my head. It wasn't my intention to cause an uproar." Nora pleaded.

"I just turned this estate upside down. Everyone was worried sick about your disappearance. I sent Blaine to scour the town and was even going to send him to Wicks. And for what? Because you frankly disobeyed." 

Quinton snarled.

"I-I'm sorry."

"Sorry! Sorry! Have I not told you before that you are not to leave the premises without consulting me. You think that was for my health! You were completely defenseless out there. Were some rouge wolf prowling about, you would have been taken without a thought. Do you know how valuable an asset you are to the people who are seeking to tear down this institution?"

Her own anger began to bubble.

"So, you're not worried about me. Just about your precious kingdom crumbling."