•Chapter Two - The Warning

"Wake up..." a sweet gentle voice called me. "Serena, wake up!" 

The sun shone brightly through the window. I opened one eye, quickly feeling the burn in my shocked retinas before I slammed it shut again. I groaned and turned the other way as sleep took over again. 

"Serena, we have to be at the academy in an hour" Blaze voiced as he sat beside me, his fingers tangled in my hair softly massaging my scalp. 

I slowly peeled open my eyes and stayed there for a few seconds. I sat up and his hand fell on my back where he soothingly rubbed. He has no idea how much he is spoiling me with unconditional care. 

I glanced at him and he was all dressed up in a black blazer, white shirt, school tie, slacks, socks, and black shoes. His thick black hair combed back neatly and he had a gentle smile on his face. 

"I'm waiting for you downstairs for breakfast" 

He dipped his head and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. He then stood up and buttoned his blazer before he made his way out of the bedroom. 

Tossing the duvet aside, I got off the bed. I did my daily routine and put on my uniform. A white buttoned-down shirt, blazer, and a plaid skirt. 

I sat in front of my dresser and combed my hair. I took my time, to apply light makeup on my face. My mother always says “Take good care of your beauty, Serena. It can also be used as a weapon when needed” It was the only good advice my mother had ever given me. 

Once, I was satisfied with the way I looked I strolled out of the room only to be met with a maid waiting for me outside. Her head bowed down in respect, her hands intertwined before her. 

"Miss Serena, the Alpha has requested to see you in his office" 

A shiver ran down my spine as I thought about what could the Alpha want from me. My palms turned sweaty and my stomach churned. I licked my lips and asked. "The Alpha?" 

"Yes..."

I swallowed uneasily to help with my parched throat. "Did he ask for Blaze as well?" 

"I don't think so, madam. Master Blaze is waiting downstairs." 

I nodded, dismissing the maid. Swallowing the lump in my throat I scurried downstairs. I didn't want to be late and give him a reason to show how disappointed he is in me for my lack of not understanding a simple order. I hated being scolded. I hated being called incompetent. I hated being degraded. I made my way towards the east wing of the mansion where his office resided. No one was allowed to enter this wing except for when Alpha calls them. I made my way down the long, dark hallway finally reaching the large, wooden door. I took a deep, calming breath as I inched closer to his office door. I raised my fists and knocked on the door meticulously three times. Keeping my facial expression stoic, I waited outside the door for his command, picking at my palm. 

"You may enter, Serena" came his gruff voice. 

My hand reached for the door handle and I turned it before the door slowly opened. I only opened the door halfway through just so I could pass. I kept my gaze down on the floor and closed the door behind me. 

"Lock it" a stern order. 

I bit the inside of my cheek and turned my back towards him. I locked the door from the inside. I made my way towards his desk. I still hadn't looked up not until he'll allow me to. He considered it a disrespect.  I knew he'd be eager for me to make a mistake. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of punishing me. 

"Sit" 

My insides twisted with anger as he ordered me like I am some kind of dog. I sucked it up and did what he expected me to do. I held my breath as I waited for his next order. 

 

"Look at me" his voice was composed and calm but had a hint of underlying warning. 

I immediately snapped my head up at his command. His poisonous green eyes bore into mine. A slight smirk played on his lips. He was pleased with my submission to him. 

"It's amazing how you're still afraid of me, Serena" he voiced followed by a gruff laugh. I smiled back making sure he sees the unease on my face to further fuel his ego. He wanted to believe that I was afraid of him and I gave him just that. 

I remember when Blaze and I were little, he was always so afraid of his father but I wasn't. I was never afraid of his parents or mine. I remember how Alpha would punish me. He'd lock me up in a dark room for days with only a little food and water. He would leave me in there until I almost went insane. He thought it would break me, he thought it would teach me submission but he was wrong. It only made me stronger. Because down there alone in the dark, I could talk to my demons with such clarity. Down there, I came to realize what I was and what I wanted to be. I stopped resisting after that but it doesn't mean that I won't in the future. I was just waiting for the right time. 

"You must be wondering why I called you here not Blaze" 

"I promise to do whatever I can for you, Alpha" I made it clear beforehand. I intend to do whatever he asked me to. I would never go back on my word. I would obey him until I'm the one in power. 

He rose from his seat and made his way around his desk, closer to me. I kept my eyes locked on his face the entire time, I didn't blink, I didn't move and I didn't even flinch. I made sure to show no emotion when he raised his hand and settled it on my neck, giving it a painful squeeze. It was to assert his dominance. His hands were grasping at my throat, leaving me without air. His fingers burned into the sides of my neck. I started to feel light-headed a little but still stayed rigid in my position. An evil glint shined crossed his pupil as I saw my reflection turning a sickening color in his eyes. 

He finally let me go and I inhaled as much air as I could into my lungs without giving him the satisfaction to see me struggle. He feeds on weaknesses and I was anything but weak.  

He gripped my chin and smiled in a sinister manner. "Have you met your mate yet?" He questioned

"No, Alpha" my voice came out a little harsh than before, as I was still trying to get over his assault on my neck. 

He nodded to himself, his gaze set on my face. I didn't look away either. I liked staring back into his eyes, not even my father has the power to do that. My neck began to hurt from being in the same posture but I ignored it. My attention was on the Alpha. 

"When Blaze turned eighteen, he found his mate, proving that I was right to betroth you to him." He reached for my hair and twisted his fingers in my locks. "You both aren't made for each other"  

"I'm aware" 

His hand now landed on my shoulder and his long thumb trailed up and down my neck. His touch made my skin crawl. A voice deep inside of me was telling me to rip his limbs off but I was not stupid. He has more power than me at the moment but it doesn't mean he will always have that power. All in good time, Serena, All in good time. 

He dipped his head, his lips inches away from mine. "I have heard some whispers, Serena" 

His hot breath brushed my lips. "What whispers?" 

His gaze dropped on my lips and then roamed all over my face. "About the prophecy. The witches, they're saying that a female will be our pack's downfall" 

Suddenly, my thoughts were in a jumble. I frowned as I thought about it. He was manipulating me. I have read the prophecy engraved in the walls of our castle a thousand times. Growing up, Blaze and I were taught about the prophecy every single day. We knew all about it. We knew that the people born inside the walls of this castle were not allowed to mate with their fated other halves. Some witches also made up some predictions that one day, someone would go against all of their teachings and will choose love over everything and that will be the end of the Eclipse Pack. 

But nowhere does it says that it would be a male or a female that will cause the destruction. They never specified gender. 

"It doesn't say that..." My voice came out as a whisper. 

I hadn't had the time to register that I had said it out loud when my neck swung to the side. His callous palm collided with my cheek leaving behind a stinging, burning feeling and fingermarks. 

"How dare you question me?" His voice was thunderous almost bone-chilling. 

"I apologize, Alpha," I said in a hurried manner. 

He groaned as if frustrated by my behavior. "Serena, I worked day and night to instill fear in people's minds. Yes, I was handed the title of the Alpha but I worked hard to take this kingdom to greatness. Other packs shiver just by hearing our name. No one in this entire realm has the guts to challenge us. I did all this for us! Don't do anything stupid!" 

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I'm incredibly grateful, Alpha" 

"You will be of age soon." His hand again reached for my neck but this time he gently caressed my skin. "You think I saved you for Blaze?" 

The hair started to tinge along the back of my neck. My heart pounded. I always knew some of the things he said to me had some underlying meaning to them but lately, he had become more and more vocal about what he wanted from me. He still hadn't said the exact words but since the day I have turned seventeen, he'd always insinuate that I was supposed to be his Luna, not Blaze's. I mentally brushed off some of his teasing remarks about me. 

He cupped my face and turned it back towards him. "Blaze can never handle you. You need someone who has the same thirst as you. You need someone to feed the hunger you have for power" 

"I am grateful to you for Blaze, Alpha," I said, trying to change the topic. 

He chuckled menacingly and shook his head. "When you meet your mate, I want you to bring him to me." 

I nodded. "Yes, Alpha" 

"One mistake, Serena, and I will make an example out of your death" 

"Rest assured, Alpha. I won't disappoint you" 

"This is what I expect from our future Luna. If Blaze were to die... Out of unforeseen circumstances. I shall take you as my bride. You will rule beside me... With me" 

 

I squeezed my eyes shut as I let his words sink in. It was clear what his intention was. I suddenly had an extreme urge to rip his throat out before he did anything to Blaze. I wanted to sink my claws into his neck and pull out his windpipe and watch as he succumb to his death. What makes him think that he's going to live forever? What makes him think that I'd let him hurt a single hair on Blaze's head. He was still half-wolf half-human and that makes him mortal but sometimes it felt like he had some surety that he was going to live forever. I wanted to be the one to prove him wrong. 

"It would be an honor for me" I replied 

"Good girl" 

He patted my head and walked back to his seat behind his desk. He gestured towards the door, telling me to leave. 

I didn't take time as I shot up from my seat and made my way out of his office. I could feel his heated gaze at the back of my head. I pulled open the door and finally breathed. I made my way towards the dining hall and saw Blaze still waiting for me. I put on a wide smile and sat beside him. 

"I'm famished" I announced. 

He smiled but immediately his lips turned downwards as he raised his hand to touch my cheek and then he grazed his fingertips over my neck probably checking the marks his father had left. 

"How did this happen?" 

Concern, worry, and love are what I saw when I looked into his eyes. I shook my head and shrugged giving him a wide smile once again. 

"Alpha called me." I smiled and pointed towards all the marks on my face and neck. "A warning... Before I find my mate" I placed my hand on his thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, the bruises will go away in an hour"

Blaze clicked his tongue and formed his hands into a fist. "He knows that you will never betray him. He knows that you're stronger than me and if I can reject my mate then you without a doubt will!" 

I lightly elbowed his side and gestured towards his plate filled with untouched food with my chin. "Eat" 

He muttered some curses under his breath before he stabbed his fork into his breakfast. We made small talk as we enjoyed our breakfast, he was trying hard to make me laugh and all I could remember was the Alpha's words. Once we were done with our breakfast, we left for the Academy. 

The Academy of Dark Arts.