LOGINShare
Chapter 10 The Merchant Lure
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Ariana’s POV
Unlike Jasper, I didn’t feel the lingering shadow of doubt every time the merchant spoke and a part of me knew that was dangerous.
Why?
Truth called to me like the single red thread of fate, and I couldn’t ignore it, the same way I couldn’t ignore him.
So while the necklace dangled in front of me, with the initial ‘D’ illuminating with the sun, catching my gaze, my thoughts wandered.
Accepting the condition resembled taking one’s life by jumping from the top of a tower and the question here was, would he jump after me, accepting the fate that came with landing?
No, I’d be the one watching as he fell, yet drawing me to follow him. What promises could a merchant fulfill and what confidence did he have that leaned me so close to believe in him without a doubt?
Questions I’d dreamt of while I slept awakened, sent me in an existential fit.
Why was I truly doing this? What was my true ambition? I tried to repeat it to myself.
I’m Princess of Ariana, the warrior of the Warwick Kingdom. Ever since I watched that one warrior training ever since I was five years old, I’d wanted to be the one pushing people.
Then, right there at the promising point, the picture of Jasper then has horrified me. Ah, that was what really happened?
I saw Jasper there and how he chose to talk to me regardless, handing me his chocolate, so carefree almost like he didn’t know who I was. That was why I loved it.
Ah yes… Jasper.
It was all for him but, he was gone. I’d evicted him out forcefully out of my heart together with pieces of myself.
So what was this madness consuming me? Why was I waiting for this man to fall after me? What ambition did I have?
I was truly pathetic, and in the end I had no true ambition. I only followed the direction of men and that would be where my end lies. I could sense it.
After all if I choose defeat I will be handed to a stranger in matrimony. And I couldn’t afford that.
“Princess, what troubles your faint heart?
I blinked, meeting the most delicate pair of rubies. My breath bated, staring, dare I say wanting.
“Will you answer my question sincerely?” I asked.
“I have always been sincere.”
“What is my purpose?”
He extended his hand stroking my hair as the wind blew.
“You have no purpose.” He replied.
“So essentially I am useless?”
“Yes.”
“So what do I do now that I am utterly useless to purpose?”
“Nothing.”
“But I can’t just do… nothing.”
“You have your answer then, you have defined your very purpose.”
I watched as he spoke, completely star struck. With the soft wind that traveled by I began to imagine what it would be like with his hair travelling with the wind, a smile of true content on his lips, devoid of the darkness that followed him.
Slowly, I extended my hand, reaching for his hand. He stared, waiting, without question.
I pulled the band out watching one of the most serene moments of my life come into action. His face stood still but everything spoke volumes. He was truly beautiful.
“Do you like me like this?” He asked.
“Yes.”
“Is the me that follows you repulsive?”
“Not at all. You look… free.” For a very short moment his eyes widened before they fell, closing his eyes shortly.
When his eyes opened, there was an awakening in those rubies. It was infectious. The wind had quietened, his hair falling smoothly.
“Thank you.”
“For what, merchant?” I asked.
“For setting me free.”
“You’ve always been free, merchant.”
“Those cursed by evil cannot be free.”
“Evil cannot curse, it can only blind.”
“I see why he calls you light.”
“Who?” I asked.
“Your father.”
“He’s just being a dad.”
“So what am I?”
“I…” I looked away, warmth filling my cheeks, again. “I don’t know yet.”
Silence consumed. The clinking of metal reminded me of the choice I must make.
What truly did I want? What purpose did I choose? Somehow I knew the answer so why did I hesitate? What was stopping me from stepping forward?
It was their taunts, the look in their eyes as I passed. The look given to a monster. They held me back like chains, stiffening my movement.
If this was the path I was ready to choose, what was the true reason? Did I want to prove myself to them? To finally let them see me? To acknowledge me and my hard work? What truly was this for?
Overhead at the far end of the lake, two swans who swam together caught my attention, they moved slowly, without a glance backward, without a care about what came forward. They continued regardless of death, they moved. So must I.
“I consent.”
Soon, the necklace was wrapped across my neck, and it didn’t feel as heavy as I expected, in fact I didn’t notice it at all, almost like it belonged there.
“What was your reason?” He asked.
“I’d like to choose my partner with my own merit and to be an exemplary figure of freedom to those who have lost faith.”
He smiled, briefly, watching the sun.
“What is the function of this necklace?”
“It is a custom order from the Harmonia Kingdom of The West. Werewolves gives jewelry to their respective lovers, their soulmates.”
His confession startled me. One, from the way it seemed like he didn’t understand what he said when he said it and second from the actual fact that he said it.
“What?” I wanted him to repeat so I know it wasn’t a daydream.
No response.
I gasped slightly.
I turned, in a wave frenzy of so many feelings that took me high and the wave of thoughts that came along with it.
With haste I turned my face away from him, “I don’t like men who are so cheap in superficiality.”
“Don’t judge so fast, princess. At the Royal Final I’ll reveal to you just how expensive I really am.”
I chose to pay no attention to him, I knew this all too well.
Instead I put on my best princess smile, “I’ll be seeing you then at the battle and my victory.”
Related chapters
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 11 The Royal Finale
Ariana’s POVMy judgement day had finally arrived. What waited for me down that path? Heaven or Hell? What had the moon goddess decided for me?I held my breath, shutting my eyes briefly as I focused on calming myself.I’d been dreaming of this day for so long it being in front of me felt like a fever dream. It still didn’t feel real, but I knew it was.The heartbeat of beginning thrummed in my chest, letting me know this was the day the skies had chosen. I stood, amidst twenty others, as we were the ones who had made it to the finals.Everyone who came to watch or support were seated while we stood on the stage for their display. The commentator appeared, approaching the pulpit.“I welcome everyone to the most anticipated Royal Final!” The crowd cheered, “We come here every year to watch the geniuses in all the kingdoms far and wide compete to lift their kingdoms to greater heights.” He turned towards us, “Of course, every year we celebrate those who have worked hard to gather unbeli
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 12 A Provocation And A Pledge
Ariana’s POVI felt insulted… strangely so and it was causing me a nasty headache.For the first time in my life the concept of revenge made sense and I wanted him to eat his words. But right now I wanted him to shut up so I turned, giving him direct orders with my eyes. A simple order for him to fuck off.He said nothing, brushing his shoulders past Jasper as he left. I couldn’t help but think how childish it all was.“Such a child,” I muttered.Just then, two more of the contestants approached me. Immediately I noticed Ronan, giving him a slap on the shoulder.“Here for another defeat?” I joked, rubbing salt on an open wound.“Not this time, Ariana.” He smiled, opening his arms, “Come on, give me a hug.”I enthusiastically did, so relieved to see him. Ronan and I were good friends from such a long time and the first man to still want to remain cordial even though I always beat him in battle. It was so refreshing. Although, he was persistent on marrying me and claimed to love me, a l
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 13 The Trap
Ariana’s POVWithout wasting any more time I got on my feet, surveying the area.All that contained for a vast period of time was grassland and emptiness. I debated on staying right here but knew it was a calling for instant defeat, I needed camouflage and this area didn’t provide any so I began walking. I knew I needed to provide myself a territory.One, to establish security and ward off predators. Two, to kill those predators. And I had to be prepared for when Damon arrived.I knew I didn’t hate him, nor did I dislike him but for some reason I found myself running, isolating myself. Truth was, I was scared, scared of myself and scared of his actions. Before, sincerity always attracted me like bees to a pollinated flower but now I was turning my back against it.When did I become this way?“Ariana, you have lost yourself.” I muttered, trudging along.It didn’t take until the threat of dusk that I found a forest. With my calculation I had been walking approximately six hours, non sto
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 14 The Trap 2
Ariana’s POVRoman’s eyes widened seeing me, his hand clawing at me to let him breathe.“A…Ariana, please… let me go. I can’t breathe.” He gasped, struggling for air. His clawing at my hand had peeled off my skin.“What did you think you could achieve, Roman?”“I swear I didn’t know,” He held my hand, “I swear!”Tears had began forming from his eyes, “Please don’t let me die like this, I’m begging you.”He wouldn’t last long.“Please! I’d never betray you, you know that.”Jasper had said the same thing.I gritted my teeth, “Is there a way for me to find out?”“No.” He answered, weakly, as though he’d succumbed to his fate.I freed my grip on his throat and he fell to the ground, gasping for air.I turned without a second’s glance, walking away, “Follow me.”I heard him get up on his feet, hurriedly trying to catch up to me. “What trap was that?” He asked, still behind me.“Mud, the kind that sinks you to hell.” I responded.“Damn, you’re malicious.” I couldn’t help it, I smiled.“I’m
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 15 A Cry For Help
Ariana’s POV“Good morning, contestants! I hope you all rested well last night, those that are still alive I mean. Every morning, a crow will fly above the remaining contestants alive and deliver a note which will show you the contestants that remain. This will hinder the possibility of any contestant concealing themselves. You must also accumulate points while you try to stay alive, you can’t win alone with just making it to the last day. Each contestant is worth five points and killing them will grant you five points. If a contestant has killed four people they have accumulated twenty points and if you kill them, you have twenty points. Isn’t that exciting? Well I must now leave you contestants to begin hunting for the day. Good luck!”I stood, gripping my knife tightly as I heard the broadcast by the commentator. There was something truly sadistic about this although it was a competition but still. Roman was unfailingly right, this really was a dystopian shit show.They wanted us t
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 16 The Observer And The Warrior
Damon’s POVI leaned on a tree nearby, eating an apple, watching the deceptive werewolf try to kill Ariana.Without interfering, I watched her push Ariana to the ground, a blade in her hand ready to strike and a victorious crooked smile on her chapped lips.I chewed on the apple with enthusiasm.Within a second, Ariana grabbed the woman’s hair, head-butting her with full force before swiftly grabbing the knife, wrapping her hands on her neck and pushing her to the ground.I smiled. Talk about a total one eighty.The werewolf, distraught, began shaking.“As your punishment you will die by your own blade.” Her eyes were glazing with fury. One of the hottest scenes I ever witnessed.Ariana raised the blade higher, aiming to strike.“Wait, wait, wait! I’m sorry, please don’t—” Before she could complete her sentence, Ariana had already punctured her chest with the blade.In seconds the werewolf disappeared. I chuckled, walking up to her. Startled she quickly stood, turning, her stance read
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 17 A Merchants Worth
Damon’s POVWe’d been walking forward for a total of four hours.During that time Ariana chose not to speak to me, willfully ignoring me even though she’d turn around occasionally.Something was awfully wrong with me or else why did I find most of her behavior unbelievable cute? Thinking back to how I easily ruffled her feathers was causing me to laugh.“What’s funny?” She asked, a little spiteful.“You.” I answered.She stopped suddenly, turning towards me, her emotions high. “Can you not do that?” Her tone was raised.“Do what?”She pointed her fingers at my chest, “Whatever it is you’re doing and don’t play dumb now, you weak merchant.”“A weak man can’t even enjoy himself anymore?”She looked like she was about to take me out the competition.“You’re pathetic.” She spat, walking forward, stomping.She resembled a toddler that was refused ice cream. Now, she was muttering things to herself, rambling actually and again I found it extremely cute.“I cannot believe I thought he’d be g
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 18 A Dance Of Dominance
Ariana’s POVI was done cleaning myself and getting dressed, expecting to see that nuisance behind me but he wasn’t there. It was odd because I didn’t even notice when he left.“What an odd individual.” I muttered.This place truly was beautiful, with even presence of flowers, especially lilies which I favored. After strolling for a few minutes I found him, seated, leaning on a tree, looking across the sky as sunset approached.His blonde hair was no longer in a ponytail and it danced above his shoulders. Secretly I had been a big fan of his hair, how long they were, stopping across his upper back.My feet stepped on a branch as I approached him causing him to turn. I halted, eyes widening in surprise. His rubies were now pitch black, with no trace of white, black lines tracing underneath his eyes.I blinked rapidly in shock and they were gone.“What?” Did I just see things now?“Are you that in love with me?”I blinked again, “What?”“You’ve been staring since you came.”I scoffed, “
Latest chapter
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 100 A Broken Dwarf-s Tale
NERO’s POV“Nero! Patience!” My grandfather would always yell at me as a child and as I progressed in age, my reaction to that sentence greatly differed.I believe as you must’ve already guessed; for the worst.To be fair, at first, I did deserve it, considering I was a menace in the body of a small child.As the young and only grandson to the leader of the dwarf clan, I wasn’t the innocent, conveniently shy child that people would envision, considering my grandfather was sweet—at least the part they knew and I was accustomed to at the time.I was a mischief, or prankster, whichever you’d prefer to call it.I played pranks on children, and I derived joy in that, seeing their faces contorted in an expression they didn’t like nor could control. I enjoyed bending them in a cage of my own doing.My grandfather, terribly sweet—and loving—never minded my mischief.Thinking back now, his dream must’ve sucked whatever energy he had to reprimand an overly energetic five-year-old.It had alread
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 99 The End Of Nero
Ariana’s POV“What happened to you while I was away? There’s so much tiredness in your eyes,” He lifted my chin gently, meeting my eyes, “I can see your exhaustion, even though you try to hide it.”Guilt came over me and I found myself evading his eyes.Did he get to ask the questions?His palm cupped my cheek gently, pulling me in his arms, his tall frame crouched gently over me. “I worry I’ve failed, I worry I’ve failed you.”My lips pressed together, and tears gathered in my eyes. “I am… tired, a little bit.” My voice croaked and he held me tighter, “I’m here now, you can rest easy.”If not for his arms that held me I was this close to buckling and my body would have surrendered to my exhaustion.It was always so easy for me to surrender to his warmth. Yet somehow, that made me feel extremely pathetic but I stayed regardless.“Something is wrong,” He suddenly spoke.“What?” I pushed away from him.“We need to go in there.” He pointed towards the forge shed where Nero was currently
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 98 Defeating The Tiger Man
Ariana’s POVA punch came right at my abdomen, on the same spot I was hit.This time, it hurt a lot worse because the force used was nearly three times faster… and stronger.Instantly I coughed out blood, my eyes going hazy for a moment.Maybe I shouldn’t have just run in front of the door leaving me with no appropriate defense or offense but it was my responsibility to protect Nero.Another punch came flying across my cheek, heavy damage falling on my bleeding gums.If I continued like this without an appropriate defense I was as good as dead.I didn’t expect this degree of power or strength from one opponent, especially one that aimed to kill me as gruesomely as possible.I struck out my fists for a punch when Milo held it, surprising me.Painfully, he bent and twisted my wrists, nearly breaking them when I yelled out.Were these one of his abilities? Predicting attacks.If he was just this good then I was in a serious problem.“I knew you were weak I just didn’t expect,” He stared
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 97 The Tiger Man
Ariana’s POVThe shadows wasted no time in attacking us.The unhinged offense of their attacks made me know that they intended to leave here with our lives under their belt like an accomplishment from work.Judging from the looks of two of the faces it was easy to decipher that they were students.It had already gotten this bad?I quickly ducked, avoiding someone’s feet from connecting with my skull. Judging by the projected force, it would’ve actually hurt.“This is bad.” I said, moving backwards to a safe distance.“What are we going to do?” Bach asked, using his telekinesis.I froze.Yes, that was it. Telekinesis.“Bach, if you can hear me, say my name.”“Ariana.” He responded. I exhaled in relief, “So what’s the plan?”“You’re going to read their thoughts the same way you read mine. You need to be able to tell us their next form of attack before they act on it.”I stared at the only remaining shadow that didn’t come forward to attack. He simply stood there, hands crossed with his
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 96 Chaos At The Academy
Ariana’s POVFootsteps approached me. “How long have you been sitting there?”I sat under the shade of a tree. Looking up, I stared at Sigil who was accompanied by Bach. “Give or take; five hours.”His forehead creased in worry, “You’ve been waiting that long? It’s hot in the afternoon and we have no idea when he will be done. You could’ve gone home, you look like you need some rest.”I turned my head to the small building where the intense yet consistent sound of metal being beat into resurrection was heard. I squinted my eyes, trying to control the deep heaviness inside them.“He hasn’t come out ever since he laid his hands on that plan. I have no idea what kind of person he is but I don’t think I could leave here knowing how much pain is being put into making that sword.”“That was his decision to make, not yours. Whatever remorse you might feel is not yours to take. You need to remember that you are the one who wields the sword in the end.”I turned to face Sigil, “Do you know he
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 95 Striking A Fake Deal
Damon’s POVFootsteps from behind approached me and instilled.“I thought you’d have left the school by now.”I turned to face the owner of the voice.Klaus.“Then I’d just be doing you a favor I have no interest in granting.” I spat in response.Klaus stepped closer, “I see you’ve figured it out already.”I placed both hands in my pockets, “It was hard not to. The shadows increasing, the lack of interest in how many souls I could acquire for you. You’ve turned this academy into your little breeding nest.”“Calling it a nest would mean something motherly— a thing that needed to be protected. Their souls hold none of such sentiments, at least to the dark shadow’s appetite. Now that I can easily heighten their demise without needing to deal with a lonely elemental werewolf,”—My jaw hardened—“I don’t intend for that luxury to end anytime soon.”“So you came here to kill me? I wouldn’t call that a sound plan, at least on your ends.”“No, I have no sadistic interest in your life. You will
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 94 Tit For Tat
Ariana’s POVI became alert.It was the only right thing to do as I caught a whiff of that ominous smell.Every picture of what could possibly go wrong came to mind and my anxiety returned. Was this a trap?Had Sigil unknowingly led us to a trap?“Who are you?” Sigil questioned and for the briefest second I blinked back in shock.How did he not know the identity of the person whom he’d led us to?“And who are you?” The short boy replied back, and I could only hiss.“I can only answer that if you are Nero, the sword smith.” Sigil shot back, and the look on the boy’s face suddenly changed.A sense of familiarity struck him and he said in a low voice - “Then you’ve come to the right place.”I raised a brow. Sigil did to.“I am Nero.” He said again, and relief followed by a shocking sense of wonder coursed through me.Nero was very short.He was a dwarf—a really buff one.“We have come to the right place, Ariana.” Sigil whispered slightly, moving forward and I followed him. He added almos
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 93 The Collector And The Sword-Smith
Ariana’s POVI stood in front of Fenrir’s door.He’d been discharged that same morning and was now staying at his quarters.I’d spent approximately four hours searching through shops for the materials Darko told me about only to end up here.If there was someone that could help me with finding ‘things’ he was my… only answer.I sucked in a deep breath.Extending my hand, I exhaled through my mouth, molded my hands into fists and knocked.There was no response.I was about to knock again when the door opened, revealing Fenrir.He didn’t look bad physically as he was still recovering from his injuries, but he didn’t look good either.I opened my mouth to speak but he beat me to it.“You want something from me?” He asked and I froze. “Don’t you?” He asked again“I do.”He said nothing.“There’s no one else that can help me with this but you.”“Yet you called me greedy with disdain on your face.”I bit my lip, looking down at my feet and feeling extremely self-conscious.“I guess it is ea
Betrayed By Her Mate, Claimed By The Alpha Chapter 92 The X Instruments
Ariana’s POVImmediately Damon disappeared from my line of sight, I went searching for Darko after.After retracing his peculiar steps, I found myself back at the library. And at the same table where he sat before.He was there, and his focus were immensely consumed by the book in front of him.To the normal eye, it would seem nice—motivational, but to me, I found the way his eye pierced the book as if to consume it whole off-putting.He had successfully created an image of a harmless butterfly, someone unaware of pain and how to inflict it.He looked like the perfect student and not like the scary creature he really was.As though he’d heard all my thoughts, he stopped reading and looked up.Our gazes met.I stilled.His eyes were completely blank, dark, scary, boring deep.I swallowed hard and took a step close.When I got close enough, I took a seat opposite him and sat down.“I’ve returned.” I began.“And no one except for the both of us seated here are aware of this, I believe?”
