Chapter 5

Killian's Point Of View

Whenever I see Eleanor, I feel a slight sympathy for her. Even though she did something despicable to my father, I wouldn't deny how sad I feel to see her in that condition in the dungeon. Now I have the chance to finally reject her especially since my dad is dead but why don't I have the courage to do it? She did something awful that does not merit forgiveness, but why do I get so confused when I attempt to wrap my head around everything? Was she set up? Can she actually kill my father?

Taylor's sobs snatched me out of my daydream and I crouched beside her to kiss her on the forehead.

“My child, Killian!! I can't believe my child is dead,” She cried, her breath labored as her body shook with anguished sobs.

“I'm so sorry this happened, Taylor. Only the Moon goddess understands,”

Gathering her in my arms, I brushed her cheeks with my kisses, my eyes radiating with comfort. Shaking her head, she wiped her tears and found her way out of my hold. 

She shifted her gaze at me with her bloodshot eyes. “Only the Moon goddess understands?!” She scoffed, her lips twitching as she rolled her eyes.

“Why would she take my child and bless Eleanor with twins? Why does she hate me this much? Eleanor didn't feed well during her pregnancy… she did all sorts of manual jobs as a slave.. She even drank wolfsbane just to end her life and that of her unborn kids but she still survived with her kids. I was cared for. I was given adequate love and attention during my pregnancy. I know how much I strained those maids, and you know how much tension you endured just so I could deliver safely. What did I get at the end? A deceased child!!!”

Taylor sobbed, her voice thick with emotions. My breath caught in my throat at her hanging words and I watched as those choky sobs escaped her lips, resonating through the quiet room. 

“I'm so sorry, Taylor…” I soothed but she pushed me gently away from her, hugging her arms and bringing her knees closer to her chest. 

Since we buried her child, she has been completely devastated and furious. I understand how she feels at the moment but what hurts me was that she wasn't getting any better from the soothing and comforts I gave her.

The cry of the baby in the crib pierced the silence. It was one of Eleanor's twins– The one the midwives claimed to be healthy. 

Walking over to her crib, my hands trembled as I carried her with utmost care.

Her cry increased continuously – The cry of a baby demanding for its mother.

I held her at the crook of my arm, swaying her gently and pestering kisses on her forehead. She has every one of Eleanor's features. Her long lashes, her bluish eyes and her milky flawless skin.

That reminds me of Eleanor.. How is she? What is the condition of the other twin with her?

I've been so engulfed with other things that I've completely forgotten about her. I had to tell Agnes to bring one of her twins since I was too preoccupied with settling Taylor and dealing with some issues in my pack.

The door sprang wide, displaying the startled expression of my personal guard. He trotted towards me, bowing from the waist. 

"I'm sorry to barge in without knocking but I have something important to tell you,"

He disclosed while I stared at him intently, curious on what he had to say.

“Eleanor managed to get out of the dungeon! I don't know how it happened but we met an empty space. Her other child's cot was also vacant. She must have taken her child with her.”

"WHAT!" I yelled as my eyes widened, and I could feel more rage rising within me, making me feel as if I could burst at any moment. 

"How dare she!"

"She should not have gone that far! Gather the guards, and let's go find her. I cannot let her go!! Never!!!" I yelled, clenching my fist and gritting my teeth, my face turning scarlet.

After the guard scurried out of the room, I walked slowly to the crib and placed the baby in my hands gently in it. When she kept on crying, I had no choice but to call for a maid.

“Yes, your highness..” The maid spoke nervously as she gave me a bow.

“Carry the child. Feed her. Just get some milk or whatever.. I don't want to hear her cry,” 

“Okay, your highness..” The maid replied and scurried over to the crying child. She carefully carried the child and placed her tightly on her chest before taking slow careful steps out of the room.

“I'll be back, Taylor..” I said as I grasped my bow without turning to face her. As I was about to leave, Taylor's hand grabbed my arm, stopping me from taking another step forward. I turned to give her a quizzical look and she squeezed her face, her lips quivering and I knew she was about to cry again.

“I'm sorry all of these things happened, Taylor. When I come back, I'll get you whatever you need. Whatever will make you happy, I promise to do it for you,” 

“Why don't you do it now?!” She inquired, wiping her tears and leaving me with raised brows and confusion.

“What do you mean? What do you want?!”

“It's About Eleanor... just let her go. What I need to recover is her absence. I don't want her around here. She's like a dark entity with wings that shields me from all the luck!!”

Taylor spat, her voice tinged with contempt.

My heart crumbled like a wrinkled paper at her words and each breath felt like a dagger poking my chest. I can't let Eleanor leave just like that. Just a few days without her, it feels like I'm losing something special.

“You have to fulfill my request if you want me to heal from the loss of my child, Killian! If you truly love me Killian, then you'll do as I say!!” Taylor spat while I let out a sigh as I shoved my fingers into my hair.

“But Taylor–”

“No buts!! You said you would reject her but you haven't!! Do you still love her?!”

“Okay.. I'll fulfill your request but I have to see her first,” With that, I stormed out of the room along with my guards.

Eleanor's Point Of View

I kept sprinting despite the piercing aches from the thongs. Agnes assisted me in my escape, but she left me at the border to find my way out. 

Letting out short breaths, I clutched my child to my chest. She was wrapped up in a cloth to prevent her from the cold. The clouds were starting to build and it was evening already but it was still clear enough to see the surroundings.

“Stop right there, Eleanor!” I heard Killian's voice and my chest tightened instantly. How did he manage to find me?! Oh Moon goddess, you must save me at this point..

I don't want to return to that cave they call a home.

“Eleanor!!!” Killian growled, his voice resonating in the thick woods. My breathing labored as I turned to face him.

“How dare you leave the pack?! Have I banished you already?”

His words shook with a slight undertone of anger, sending shivers down my spine. 

Gritting my teeth, I remained unfazed, the determination to confront him surged within me. I won't continue being his sick blinded puppet whom he'd order around and punish for no reason. I'll have to stand for myself if I want to make it with my child.

"Come back with me if you don't want my guards to drag you forcefully!" 

"I won't go anywhere with you, Alpha Killian! I will not! You accused me of a crime I didn't commit. You forced me to labor like a slave and snatched my child away from me! What more do you want?! I'll never forgive you for what you did. Mark my words,

“Since you chose not to reject me then I have no choice but to do it. I, Eleanor Salvatore, reject you, Alpha Killian Dobrev, as my mate and Alpha!”

I yelled, my chest heaving as I gave him a bloodshot gaze. I mustn't stay here any longer if I want my child to survive. Her body was still cold and I want her to survive because if she dies then I might end up killing myself as well.

“Eleanor!!!” Killian growled, glaring at me.

“I choose not to be tied or bound to your pack anymore, Alpha Killian, and I promise not to ever have anything to do with your pack..”

He smirked after hearing me speak.. “So you choose to be a rogue instead? And you think you'll survive with that child you're holding?”

“I will and whatever happens to me shouldn't be any of your concern.”

He clenched his fists and bawled, “As a rogue, Eleanor Salvatore, if I ever catch you looming around my pack, I might end up killing you..”

He threatened but I stood and remained unfazed. Never will I return to his pack. This will be the last time I'll set my eyes on him.

I nodded at his words, accepting the deal.. 

He gritted his teeth and responded, “I Alpha Killian Dobrev accept your rejection..”

The thunder rumbled and I felt my chest squeeze at his acceptance of our rejection. His chest tightened as well and he panted as he stared at me. 

As I turned to leave, I couldn't help but let my heart speak, even though it felt like it was being shattered into a million pieces.

“I need you to mark my words, Alpha Killian, when our paths cross again, you'll be the one begging for my love; but I promise you that you'll never get it.” 

I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes as if my words had struck a nerve but deep down, I knew he was incapable of feeling anything real for me. It hurts to see him standing there, seemingly taken aback. But I couldn't let myself believe that he truly regretted his actions.

Our gazes were on each other for a moment but I averted mine immediately.

Taking a last look at him, I clutched my baby dearly and stormed out of his sight, not bothering to look back at him again.

****

Reaching the pack's border, I scurried on the road barefoot, hot tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm now at the border, far away from the pack. There are no hospitals here and cars hardly pass by. I'm not known here or recognized as the Luna. How do I get to save my child?

My eyes darted around and my chest rose in panic. I kept frequent glances at my child.

Is she sleeping or is she– is she?! My lips trembled; I found it hard to pronounce the word.

Just then a Ferrari car pulled up. I hardly see these types of cars here. Two females were in the car, and one of them shot numerous photographs of the entire city. When they came to a stop in front of me, the bob-haired lady with the camera mistakenly took a picture of me.

‘Can I ask them for help? Can I really trust them?!’

“Je n'avais pas l'intention de prendre une photo d'elle, mais cela s'est avéré être un chef-d'œuvre. (I didn't intend to take a shot of her but it turned out to be a masterpiece)” 

The lady with the Bob hair whispered to the other lady whose hands were on the wheels. They both smiled and darted their gazes at me, as if they found me attractive. My brows furrowed as I heard them speak in a foreign language. I have not heard anyone speak such languages in our packs. Who exactly are they? 

All I could see about them were flashy posh outfits, glistening accessories and a different skin color from mine. Everything about them screamed wealth. Are they foreigners who came to explore packs? 

What I needed at the moment was their help and I hope they'll be able to render it to me.

“Elle est magnifique. La photo est très réussie. Elle serait parfaite comme mannequin. (She looks beautiful. The picture came out great. She'd be perfect for a model.)” The second woman who was blonde haired replied to the first lady who nodded in turn.

Scurrying towards them, I implored, “please.. Please save my child. I need you to drop me at a healer's home. My child is sick..”

They glanced at each other and I wondered if they understood what I was saying..

Oh Moon goddess!!

“Come in.. I'll be honored to help you, my lady. Why don’t we take your child to the hospital?” The blonde haired woman said to my surprise. Her English was with a unique accent but I could still understand. Without hesitating, I opened the door of the car and sat in the passenger's seat with my child in my arms.