Chapter XVI

Ellean could feel something tugging at her mind. Struggling to grasp the thought, she grits her teeth. She had felt the tug from time to time and never figured out what it was. Nevertheless, it annoyed her that something was tugging at her bond.

Taking a deep breath, Ellean is stilled waiting for the tug again. When it comes, she grasps at the pull, surprised to find herself standing in a meadow.

Ellean's eyes widen at the beauty of the meadow, sun shining brightly, white fluffy clouds in the deep blue sky, flowers of all kinds blooming.

"Do you like it?"

Ellean turns around in surprise, rubs her ears, not sure she heard right. Wait, she could hear the voice. What was going on?

"Yes, you can hear in here, but I can't fix your physical body."

Ellean's mouth falls open when a giant wolf strolls towards her. She had never seen such a black-furred wolf before. Her fur shimmered in the sun as her bright blue eyes beam at Ellean.

"Who are you? And just where am I? And. Wait, I can hear myself talk!"

Ellean laughs loudly as she spins around in a circle. She could hear. How wonderful.

"You are in your subconscious; that is why you can hear. Also, I am your wolf."

Ellean looks puzzled. "But I thought I didn't have a wolf. So how did I end up with one?"

The wolf smiles. "I've always been with you. But since you didn't believe that you had a wolf, I couldn't bond with you."

"Oh"

Ellean nods before tilting her head. "What is your name?"

"I don't have a name because you haven't given me one."

Ellean chews on her finger, thinking hard. What kind of name does she give such a majestic wolf?

Ellean's eyes light up for a moment. "I know what I'll call you! How about Dawn?"

Dawn nods her head. "I like it; I will be Dawn from now on."

Ellean smiles before reaching out to pet Dawn's head. She had a wolf! She couldn't keep from squealing in happiness. And here she could hear. It was so exciting that Ellean's eyes welled with tears. It was more than she could ever hope for.

Dawn looked at Ellean, her voice soft "You need to go back; Xavier is worried about you. You've been out for almost a week now. It's time to face yourself and grow strong. I can't promise that things will heal overnight, no can I promise that you'll ever be able to walk normally, shift into me, or even hear. But I can promise you will heal."

Ellean nods reluctantly, not wanting to leave Dawn. It was so peaceful here; nothing could bother her. But she knew that she also had to face the real world.

She was saying goodby to Dawn after getting a promise that she wouldn't shut herself off from Ellean. Ellean feels herself drift along in the darkness before feeling a warm body curling against her. At first, she was frightened before remembering that Xavier was in the room with her. Ellean guessed that he got tired and laid down beside her. Opening her eyes slowly, Ellean sees Xavier's tired face sleeping beside her. Lifting a hand, she gently touches his chin, causing Xavier to stir. Then, quickly pulling her hand down watches him awaken. Xavier's blue eyes light up when he sees Ellean's grey orbs staring at him.

"You're awake! Are you hungry? Can I get you something to eat?"

Ellean shakes her head. "I'm not hungry; I am a little thirsty, though. May I please have some water?"

Xavier nods, standing up to fetch a glass of water for his little mate, excited that she's finally awake. Coming back to the bed, Xavier lifts Ellean so she can take sips of the water.

Ellean swallows the water eagerly as her mouth feels parched. The cool water wets her dry and chapped lips, making her smile.

After getting Ellean to drink some water, Xavier calls the Doctor to come to check on her. After checking on her, the Doctor seems pleased with her progress, turns to Xavier.

"Your Highness, she needs to rest some more; make sure she eats enough as well. Plenty of fluids."

Xavier nods, making notes of what the Doctor wants to be done. He wasn't going to mess this up for either one of them. He wanted Ellean to be happy and healthy.

After the Doctor leaves, Xavier decides to take Ellean out on the balcony to get fresh air. Wrapping her up in a blanket, he sweeps her up in a princess-style hold, carrying her out to a soft chair. Settling Ellean down, he makes sure the blankets are secure around her before leaving her to sit in the sunshine. Then, Xavier goes back inside to work on the work he's fallen behind on, keeping a watch on Ellean if she gets tired and wants to come back inside.