-6-

|ASTRAEA|

I was never the rebellious type. The type who always disobeyed every instruction or talked back to their parents. 

Ever since Alan pulled me through the sea, I knew then and there that I was done for. 

The room was all dark and warm, with dark red curtains, and black carpets screaming regal. The King-sized bed was covered with a net so I couldn't see what was inside.

I walked closer to the headboard, peeling the curtains away, and I came face to face with a person.

It was Orion, and he was unconscious.

I gasped at the sight as he laid still, I tried to tug on the non existent mate bond… that was if I was truly his mate.

Beautiful ink laced on his arm, concealed by the shirt he wore. I reached to feel his heartbeat and his eyes flashed open.

Blood Red.

I flinched, the obsidian and the red in his eyes fought for dominance. He didn't realize I was in the room or maybe he just ignored me.

What did my nanny teach me about mates?

The touch.. It calms their nerves.

Then I did what the Astraea ten days ago wouldn't do, I pushed myself onto him, wrapping my arms around the sheer clothing that was damp from his sweating.

His breath stilled, slowing down before returning to normal then his calloused firm hands gripped onto my arm, yanking me away from his body.

The red swirled in his eyes and he glared at me like I was some stranger. “You look like her, but you’re not her.” 

“Who?”

“My mate.” A pang hit my chest, was that why he saved me and brought me here? Because I looked like his mate?

Asana stayed quiet but I could feel the frown in my mind. She didn't try to defend him, does that mean i was right?

I tried to reach for his hand to feel the sparks I felt before. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Words stuck in my mouth, unable to respond to his harsh words. “I-”

“You shouldn’t be here.” I flipped my head to see Lotar standing with anger written all over his being. 

“Leave, Princess.”

I felt embarrassed and belittled, I wasn't going to let Lotar trample on me. “Don't talk to me that way, I am the second werewolf princess.”

“And I am a celestial being, a wolf god’s second in command. I don't take orders from little kids.” 

I turned back to see if Orion would pitch in or say anything, but Lotar obstructed my view.

“Leave now, Astraea. Don’t make me regret letting Orion bring you here.” With that, I immediately went out the door, slamming it behind me. Tears threatened to fall as I stomped towards the direction that seemed like the way to my chambers.

The guards standing by Orion’s chamber looked at me with pity and I couldn't help but feel more rage. This was all Alan’s fault. If he didn't try to claim me as his..i’d still be in my father’s Palace around people who loved me.

“Astraea! What’s wrong?” Eloise asked, rushing towards me and I kept sobbing, I gritted my teeth in anger. 

Was being a werewolf royalty nothing powerful? Or was it because I wasn't an heir?

“I want to go home, El.” I cried as she tried to calm me down.

“But Orion, your-”

“No! I want to go home, please Eloise.” Asana didn't try to stop me, I guess she was also confused about reading wrongly.

“Okay.”

»»»

The noise of the city filled my ears as I kept sniffling  under the huge cloak Eloise made me wear to hide my identity.

“How do you know your way around this place?” I asked her, my fingers laced around hers and she smiled pulling me through the crowd.

“My mom told me about this place in stories, I never knew it was real.”

I was everything but happy. I just wanted to run into the arms of my father and watch him lock the gates of the castle, keeping me inside for my protection.

Indecisive am I not?

One minute I want to be free and the next I want to be locked up from all the vicious wolves that want to have me.

I shuddered at the thought.

“Welcome, I have been waiting for you.” A woman in a cloak said, raising her head to reveal her turquoise green eyes.

I stared at Eloise who also looked as perplexed as I did. She tugged at my arm to continue walking but the woman stood in our way.

“I have the answer to what you're looking for, better yet, the directions…” Then she disappeared into the building.

Moon Goddess help me.