Chapter 3

Berrilyl's POV 

As soon as I stepped out of the mines, I was seized by the guards. 

“Wait… wait… where are you taking me?” I asked, struggling to break free from their grip but my efforts were futile. “I have done nothing wrong! Where are you…”

“Quiet! The Alpha wants to see you,” one of them snapped. 

“You could have just said so instead of grabbing me like an animal,” I muttered, and their heads snapped to me. 

I didn't need to see their faces to tell how much they wanted to strangle me. I couldn't blame them either. I was way too outspoken for my own good. 

Owens always jokingly said my tongue would be the death of me. Now, I didn't doubt him. 

By the time I arrived at Alpha Cage's chambers, my mind ran with several thoughts on what he could possibly want from me. 

On arrival, the guards stopped outside the door and signalled me to go in. I hesitated for a few seconds before turning the knob and stepping in. 

The room was dimly lit but a beautiful sight nonetheless with dark colours. 

It was a very wide space and almost made me wonder why one person needed so much space. This was an entire house for many people. 

I spotted him on the couch, assorted kinds of alcohol on the table. His bare chest was a glorious sight lightly inked with tattoos. Not to mention those prominent abs. 

He still had his mask on, but his thick, long,g, jet-black hair fell idly below his shoulder.

I tore my eyes away from his body, cursing myself for complimenting the asshole after all he'd done to me. 

“You… you sent for me,” I swallowed. 

“You're dirty,” he noted. “Get clean and come back.” 

“Are you serious?” I seethed. “It was your men's genius idea to hijack and force me here the minute I stepped out of the mines.” 

I didn't care that I was talking back at him. He might be an Alpha but I was a princess too. I deserve equal respect!

“Get out and come back when you're clean,” he simply said like my words were a waste of breath. 

I gritted my teeth and stomped out of the room. If he thought I was going to come back here then he had another thing coming. 

The guards waited outside, their faces expressionless. I made to walk past them but they blocked my path. 

"Well, what now?" I snapped at them.

One of them gestured toward the exit. "Follow us."

It was as if they knew I wasn't planning to return if they let me go.

I reluctantly trailed behind them, my mind racing with several murderous thoughts. How dare Alpha Cage summon me, only to dismiss me like a servant?

The guards led me to a lavish bathroom, complete with marble countertops and a massive tub. Maids were waiting inside for me with some dresses.

"Get cleaned up," one of them ordered. "The Alpha awaits."

I glared at them but knew better than to refuse. I locked the door behind them and began to undress.

As I soaked in the warm water, I felt my wounds burn but it was strangely relieving at the same time. I couldn't shake off the image of Alpha Cage's bare chest and chiselled abs. Why did my traitorous mind keep drifting back to him?

I emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown provided by the maids. My hair was still damp and they wanted to style it, but I refused to waste more time on appearances.

Besides, why should I doll up for a man I hated with every fibre of my being?

The guards escorted me back to Alpha Cage's chambers. This time, the door swung open without hesitation.

Alpha Cage sat on the couch, his mask still firmly in place. His gaze swept over me, lingering on my damp hair.

"Better," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

I stood tall, refusing to be intimidated. "What do you want, Alpha Cage?"

“I'm bored. Entertain me,” he shrugged and my fists clenched. 

Is he being serious right now?

“I beg your pardon?” 

“You heard me,” he shrugged. “You used to be a great dancer.” 

My face paled out on hearing the statement. How did he know I danced?

“I… I don't dance…” I lied. 

"Don't lie to me, Berrilyl. I've seen you dance way too many times," he stated.

My heart skipped a beat. Way too many times? I wasn't sure I had ever had a public performance before. There were only two people who knew I danced. 

Williams, my brother and Owens.

"What do you want from me?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

Alpha Cage leaned forward, his eyes glinting in the dim light, yet I couldn't make out their exact colour, "I want to see you dance again. For me."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. There was something in his tone that made me uneasy.

"I won't," I spat, trying to sound braver than I felt.

Alpha Cage's mask seemed to gleam with amusement. "Oh, I think you will."

Suddenly, music filled the room, and Alpha Cage stood up, his movements fluid and powerful. He stood in front of me, and the overwhelming lemon scent, coupled with his intimidating aura, almost made me squirm.

" Dance," he commanded, his voice low and husky.

My feet seemed to move of their own accord as if drawn by an unseen force. I danced, my body swaying to the rhythm.

Alpha Cage watched me, his eyes burning with intensity. I felt exposed and vulnerable.

And then, just as suddenly, the music stopped.

Alpha Cage's gaze locked onto mine. "You're even more beautiful than I remembered."

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.

"What do you mean?" I whispered.

"You don't remember me, do you?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I shook my head, my heart racing. "No... I don't."

Alpha Cage's gaze lingered on mine as if searching for something. "We'll see about that," he whispered.

Suddenly, he reached out and grasped my wrist, his touch sending electric shocks through my body.

"Come with me," he commanded, pulling me toward the other door at the far end of the room which led to a dark corridor.

I stumbled after him, my mind reeling with questions. What did he mean?

As we disappeared into the darkness, I realized I was completely at his mercy.

As Alpha Cage pulled me through the dark corridors, I struggled to keep up. His grip on my wrist was like a vice, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

"Where are we going?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

Alpha Cage didn't respond. He navigated the labyrinthine passages with ease, his long strides forcing me to hurry.

We finally arrived at another door. Alpha Cage pushed it open, revealing a dimly lit room, similar to his, filled with memories.

Photographs adorned the walls. Pictures of a life I didn't recognize. A life with Alpha Cage.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What was this place?

Alpha Cage released my wrist and stepped closer, his gaze burning with intensity.

"Do you remember now?" he asked, his voice low and husky, almost angry.

I shook my head, confusion etched on my face.

Alpha Cage's gaze lingered on mine before he turned away, his shoulders tense.

"Look around," he commanded. "Remember."

I hesitated, but curiosity got the better of me. I approached the photographs, scanning the images.

There were pictures of Alpha Cage and me, laughing and smiling together. Pictures of us dancing under starry skies.

My heart skipped a beat. How could this be? I didn't remember any of this. When did all this happen?

“Is this some cheap trick of yours?” I accused. “How come I remember none of this?”

“It's charming you think I'm creative enough to imagine this,” he said icily. 

My head was hurting from the questions running through my mind. I will definitely have a migraine with the way things are going. 

“You want me to believe we had such a happy life together, yet you treat me like an animal and threaten my life? You killed the man I loved for goodness sake!” I crossed my arms. 

“Quite hypocritical, don't you think?” He drawled. “Considering that you didn't hesitate to do the same to me.”

What?