Ariana’s POV
Regardless of how strange I thought the situation to be, I had a duty to do. I quickly called on a patrol guard, requesting for the presence of about three more on duty guards.
“Yes, your highness.” He said, bowing curtly and hurrying off.
“What are you planning on doing?” Jasper asked.
“We’re going to get Lorna and your unborn child justice. We’ll find the bear.” I turned to Damon, “You said it was a black bear, right?”
He nodded in confirmation.
“Alright,” I said, pacing around.
Something about this didn’t feel right. This was Warwick territory and there was a strict policy that prevented bears or any other wild animal from killing werewolves in our jurisdiction. One hardly saw wild animals or monsters around here.
During training wolves had to walk a lot further from the territory to see any wolf animal or bears so how did one, especially one who willingly killed a pregnant omega get so close. Better yet, how did the bear even get in?
“Your highness.” I paused in my tracks, turning to see the guard and three more guards behind me. They all gave their respectful bows.
I turned to Damon, “Please tell them everything that you just told me, everything that you witnessed.”
“Of course, your highness.” He said smoothly.
For some reason my face felt warm, too warm for my liking. He spoke to me with the respect I’d broken bones just to get a fraction of. Respect didn’t come easy to me, especially not from a stranger who exhumed so much power.
“I witnessed a pregnant omega being carried away by a larger black bear, right there on the spot where blood has gathered. There was no struggle so it is safe to assume death.”
The guards took a long look at the spot before meeting my gaze.
“Are we to search for the bear, your highness?”
“Yes and no. Your main objective is to find the remains of Lorna. Check our boundaries to see if they are still well protected because a bear shouldn’t have even gotten near our borders talk more of entering and killing a pregnant omega.” I paced around a bit. “We will need more guards for this as it is severely urgent. A first set which is the three of you that were summoned will be tasked with finding the remains of Lorna.” I pointed at the patrol guard, “You will go ahead and tell the chief of security that all guards are to remain alert for the next three days and the borders need to be strengthened with more guards and also an immediate global search around the woods for wild animals and trespassers. We will not lose another innocent life to this carelessness.”
“Yes, your highness.” The patrol guard spoke, lowering his head. “I also apologize on behalf of all my comrades for our negligence and not being able to prevent the death of two innocent lives.”
I smiled. “You’re truly commendable. I will relay your name to my father, your majesty.”
His head bent lower, “Thank you, your highness! My daughter is a fan I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear this.”
I laughed, “A fan?”
He smiled fondly, “Yes, a huge one. She loves watching you participate in all the competitions and dreams of fighting beside you in the future. You’re basically her idol.”
“Tell her when that time comes I’ll be her biggest supporter.”
“I will!” He was grinning now.
“Another thing. Ensure that news of this gets blocked from the public until we get to the bottom of this and find answers and solutions.”
He nodded. “Of course, if you’ll excuse us, your highness.” He took his last bow, following suit the remaining three before they left.
I turned to Jasper, “It is imperative that news of Lorna and your unborn child’s death does not reach her kingdom. This could anger them and cause a life changing war. I know you’d like to be able to tell her family so they can mourn properly but we need time to be able to solve this issue as amicably as possible.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
My eyebrow raised, “Why?”
“She was just an omega, and not even one deemed worthy of anything where she’s from. I basically saved her.”
To say I was shocked was an understatement and a big one at that. It was debilitating to see the reality of what I had fallen in love with.
Before now, I couldn’t imagine Jasper even thinking such much less of saying it out loud, and with such indifference. It prickled under my skin to think that I could’ve been stuck with this. It challenged me to think everything through, to pull the blinds of illusion and face the haunting reality in front of me.
“But you know something? She was truly there for me and stood by me. Lorna truly loved me and I left her alone her to run after you—” I stiffened. “—if only I thought of taking her out of that place before trying to reach out to you but I lost it. I loved you so much I let my own child die in the hands of a wild animal. How will I be able to forgive myself after this?” He looked at me, tears dripping from his eyes, “Tell me, Ariana?”
Suddenly the guilt I was trying to overcome came back in waves, almost ceasing my breathing. It felt like I had a share of her blood on my hands.
“I… I am so sorry, Jasper.”
“I am not okay, Ariana. I need you here with me because I don’t know how I’d be able to survive this.”
I didn’t want to feed into his grief by giving him hope but then the pain of rejection was capable of killing a werewolf if not strong enough. Jasper didn’t look anywhere near alright. Moreover he was dutifully loyal to the crown and that cannot be pushed aside.
“The healing journey is not a narrow one but if hope persists then you can surmount every hurdle.” I said to him. “As much I’d hoped to give you more comfort I’m currently out of time. I must give report to your majesty instantly.” I turned to Damon, “As promised, I will be expecting you tomorrow.”
“Likewise, wise princess.” He responded, giving me a curt bow.
I returned the gesture and walked away, trying desperately to hide the warmth filling my cheeks.
***
Damon’s POV
I watched eagerly as she left, instant pride washing over me with how she expertly dealt with the situation. I wanted her, in all her glory.
The foolish beta across from me stared at me with a disdainful scorn but he couldn’t act on it. One; because he knew he’d be dead. Two; because he knew his lies would wash across the shore for everyone to see. He stared at the blood stain of his omega, spat on it and left.
Evil spurned by power and greed always bewildered me, not that I was afraid or unaccustomed to it, but because of how deep their soul had truly rotten. The stench was familiar to me but it was always ugly, and I didn’t like ugly.
Princess Ariana was the type I usually watched over centuries fight for peace to be killed and shunned by it. I watched as their blood flowed through the ground, only for the soil to soak it up and give fruit. Yet, they never stopped, not even in death.
Maybe this was my karma, to watch the one destined to me walk through that same line, this time with me running after her.
I winced slightly.
“Ageless one, why don’t you prevent fate and capture her in your grasp? With how much power you’ve accumulated, she’d never be able to win.”
That voice, where darkness sleeps. Anytime he spoke, it was always about destruction. He was by my side, speaking against my ear like the devil.
I turned, the ferocity of my golden irises causing him to step back. “Be careful what you say. Remember I do not possess mercy.”
He laughed, dancing around me. “Oh, ageless one. Despite creating hell you still seek heaven. You say you don’t possess mercy yet here you are trying to seek redemption. Mortal beings are truly a sight to unfold.”
“You forget you are a soulless pit of hunger that cannot be filled yet pursues the feeling of content. You will not interfere in matters that do not concern you and I should not sense your presence around her. Are we clear?”
Pause.
“Understood.”
“Do I send the pregnant omega to the place agreed upon?”
“No need to worry, ageless one. Everything is in perfect order.”
“Good.”
He appeared in front of me. “The time is almost here. I hope my souls are being prepared nicely for me. As you said, I am always hungry.” On the mention of eating souls, his current form lost control and his voice dispersed like light, losing it's forced humanity to something truly monstrous.
“A deal is a deal.”
Genocidal excitement busted through the air before his presence travelled with the wind.
My eyes had still not returned to it’s original color. He would die by my blade, I’d make sure of that.
Jasper’s POVAriana didn’t realize I had been following behind her, even though I had been repeatedly calling after her.What was happening? Why didn’t she notice me?The possibilities were endless but the stranger with the eyes of rubies that reminded me of death came to mind.What game was he playing? Did he want the throne too? I wouldn’t let him. I was the only one who deserved that throne, I’d slaved for nearly all my life for it, being at the foot of that brat.If only I could break her knees then maybe she’d realize she was too fast for a supposed princess. My canines were sharp with anger.I fastened my footsteps, grabbing her right hand by the wrist. Startled, she grabbed my hand on hers using extensive force I didn’t imagine possible. The intense roughness of her grip startled me causing me to instantly regret what I’d done.She twisted my wrist with dense instantaneous pressure just enough to cause pain and restrict my blood flow. I groaned out.“You fucking bi—" In seconds
Damon’s POVI had been cursed with the ailment of longing.Thousands of years accompanied by loneliness had truly driven me mad, yet I couldn’t stop. For the first time in a long time, I dreamt and yearned for someone to be by my side.Was this maddening yearning the punishment I had received from the moon goddess?Even while I departed from Ariana she still overtook my senses and I knew there was nothing I could do about it. Then there was the pulverizing anger that came over me anytime I remembered that ugly beta that had sent her into ruins with his actions. The beta she still had affection for.All throughout yesterday she couldn’t leave my mind even while I worked.I remembered not even paying attention to the black shadow when he called to inform of a job well done. All I wanted was to be close to her again and for her to smile at me once more.I couldn’t stop thinking about our day tomorrow and the endless possibilities that came with it. Would she finally notice she was destin
Ariana’s POVUnlike 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 K
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
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
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
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
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