Chapter 25

LUXURIA.

I had scanned through every single page of the book, but the part I was interested in was nowhere to be found.

I was going insane with worry.

I do not have anyone to talk to about this. I felt so alone in this world. If only my mother were alive...

I wiped off a tear from my eye.

Whatever it was that happened to my mother was unfair to me. I was raised to suffer alone in this wicked world where no one cared.

My hands trembled. I had to get hold of myself in order not to snap. I don't know what would happen if I truly allowed the full extent of this strange illness to take over me.

I know I am just sick. Nothing more. I just had to find a solution to it. I only chose to call it a curse because it has tormented me even more than I could bear.

I am sick. That's all it is. I had to remind myself every day.

I wouldn't want to see what happens the day I let myself snap and reach the peak of whatever feeling this illness always tries to push me to.

It was getting late already, and I knew I should be retiring to bed already but I couldn't. I needed closure.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and the glow was in my eyes. Red. Blinding.

I swallowed.

Knock. Knock.

The sound on the door almost made me jump out of my skin. I panicked.

Who could that be? It shouldn't be Zendaya. She doesn't have any other reason to be here tonight.

I hesitated, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves down, willing for the glow to disappear.

Knock. Knock.

The knock sounded more persistent this time around, and thankfully, the glow disappeared, and I hurried to the door.

It was Beta Tervan.

My heart thundered.

It was no secret that he harbored a deep-seated disdain for me for reasons best known only to him. I hadn't had the luxury of time to ponder over his disdain for me. I suppose I had more pressing concerns than adding one more face to the ever-growing line of those who hate me.

He gazed at me with a very readable expression - anger.

"Greetings, Beta Tervan." I cleared my throat and broke the silence between us.

"Luxuria." He called, his eyes scanning my petite frame as if looking for something. "Are you alright?" He asked. One would think he cared.

"Yes, I am, Beta. Is there something you need?" I asked, trying to push the conversation faster. I needed to be alone.

He hesitated, and I was tempted to slam the door shut in his face and return to what I was doing.

"Yes. The Alpha has asked to see you," He said, and I felt the air leaving my lungs.

I couldn't see the Alpha. Not tonight. He might discover my secret. Seeing him in the day would be way better.

"Oh. Kindly tell the Alpha that I'd see him by morning. I am unwell and can't..." I was saying when he rudely interrupted me.

"You've got some nerves to turn down Alpha Parthe's order? Who exactly do you think you are, little girl? It is an order, not a request!" He snapped.

I was fed up with him and Parthe constantly referring to me as 'little.'

I may be nine years younger than them, but... They mustn't rub it on my face every time they have had the opportunity to.

I clenched my fists by my side. "I am sorry, Beta. I'll be there in a moment."

I said, and thankfully, he was gone. I hurriedly took a quick shower with cold water. It usually helps with the anxiety. It would keep me calm in the Alpha's presence. Long enough to hear what he has to say for me to leave his presence.

I walked down the corridor of the fortress. It was quite a long walk since the fortress was so big, and my room was at the tail end of it.

My nerves prickled, tension creeping through my spine as I approached Alpha Parthe's door.

Finally, I reached the door. The imposing wooden frame stood before me, daring me to knock.

I hesitated, my hand hovering just inches away, fingers trembling. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I had to appear calm, composed—no matter how fast my pulse raced beneath my skin.

Knock. Knock.

I waited. Seconds stretched into an eternity, my stomach twisting with dread. There was no response.

Maybe he wasn't here? Maybe he'd changed his mind?

Then I heard his voice, deep and chilling. "Come in."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry, and slowly pushed open the door. As I stepped inside, my breath caught in my throat.

Alpha Parthe stood in the dimly lit room, his broad back to me, wearing only a pair of simple briefs that clung to his form.

My chest tightened, heat rising in my cheeks. He was handsome, intimidatingly so. And though I knew so little about intimacy, having him as my first and not knowing any other man, I still felt a pull, a fascination that stirred something deep within me.

I wanted to feel those strong arms wrapped around me while trapped under his muscular frame.

But... No. I shouldn't feel this way for him. Not when he sees me as nothing more than a mere little girl.

My wolf fought for dominance, but I tried my best to tame her; otherwise, she'd put us both in trouble.

"Luxuria... He is our mate. He won't reject us if we make a move." Xurie said painfully in my head.

"Xurie, I am sorry, but this isn't the time. We have to keep our heads straight. This isn't a man to toy with." I retorted in frustration.

"Please, Luxuria. We need our mate. His wolf likes us, too." Xurie pleaded. I could feel her frustration. I understood. We both felt the same way, but the difference was that I had control over my emotions. She should learn to do so.

"The mate bond is so strong. No one can fight it. Not even me." Xurie said, her anger rising a notch, but I ignored her.

He turned slowly, his gaze locking with mine, his face as unreadable as ever. That familiar, stoic expression that made my knees weak. His eyes—dark and piercing—searched mine, and I felt my stomach flutter under the intensity of his scrutiny.

"Sit," he said, his voice cold but not unkind.

I hesitated for only a moment before moving toward the bed. My legs felt shaky as I sat down at the edge, my fingers fidgeting in my lap.

I couldn't control the nervous energy bubbling inside me. I felt so small under his gaze, so vulnerable, and it made my skin crawl with unease.

Alpha Parthe stood there for a moment longer, watching me with a gaze that was impossible to decipher. Then, without a word, he began to walk toward me, his presence filling the room with a suffocating weight. I gripped the edge of the bed, my heart racing as he drew nearer.

When he stopped in front of me, towering over where I sat, I dared to look up into his eyes. There was something there, something hidden beneath the coldness—a flicker of emotion I couldn't quite place. But whatever it was, it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"Luxuria," he said, his voice low. "I need you to listen carefully."

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak, as I waited for whatever came next.