CHAPTER 7

Iridessa POV

My wrists burned as the ropes bit into my skin, binding me helpless. I glared at Adrian, sitting across from me in the carriage, his eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. He had basically bundled and kept me here.

Hatred and anger boiled inside me, my mind reeling with the thought of my family's brutal fate.

How did my life change so suddenly? From a princess to an orphan, with no home, no family, and no future. Even my suitor,was gone, taken from me by the monster sitting before me. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn't give Adrian the satisfaction of seeing me weak.

The carriage wheels creaked and groaned, echoing my own despair. I was trapped, at the mercy of a man who had destroyed everything I held dear. My thoughts raced with memories of my family, their smiles, their laughter, their warm embraces. All gone, taken by Adrian's cruelty.

I can't help but wonder what my father did to Adrian. What could he have possibly done to warrant such brutality? I think back to our last conversation, my father's words echoing in my mind. "Iridessa, I've made a grave mistake. One that will cost us dearly." What had he done? And why did Adrian seek revenge with such ferocity?

My gaze moves to Adrian, studying his features. His dark hair falls across his forehead, framing his chiseled face. His grey eyes seem to bore into my soul, cold and unforgiving. I search for any hint of emotion, any glimmer of humanity, but find none. He's like a statue, a monument to vengeance.

I wonder if Adrian's eyes have always been so cold, or if they once held warmth and kindness. Did my father's actions extinguish that spark, leaving only a burning rage in its place? The thought sends a shiver down my spine.

I knew my father as a just and fair ruler, loved by his people. But Adrian's actions tell a different story, one of betrayal and hurt. The more I think about it, the more questions I have. What exactly happened? Who is lying? And why?

I looked at him again, wanting so badly to get the answers but not wanting to talk to him.

Adrian's voice broke the silence, addressing his right-hand man beside him.

"Demitri, arrange a day for me to publicly claim Riverton as mine. I want the whole city to know that it now belongs to me, and that Iridessa is my prisoner."

My heart twisted in anguish at the thought of my home falling into his hands. The castle, the gardens, the people – everything that was once mine would soon belong to him. I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about the life I once knew, the life that Adrian had so brutally taken away from me.

Demitri nodded, his eyes flicking towards me with a hint of sympathy. "Yes, Alpha. I'll arrange it immediately." His voice was low and smooth, but I could detect a hint of compassion behind his words. I looked away, not wanting to acknowledge any kindness from Adrian's minion. I didn't want to admit that even Adrian's own men seemed to pity me.

The carriage fell silent once more, the only sound being the rhythmic thud of the horses' hooves. I could feel Adrian's eyes on me, boring into my skin like a cold wind. I refused to meet his gaze, instead fixing my eyes on the floor of the carriage. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing my fear, my anger, my helplessness.

After a few moments of silence, Adrian spoke again. "Demitri, I want you to make sure that the city is prepared for my arrival. I want the streets lined with guards, and the people...I want them to know that I am their new ruler. That I am the one who will bring order and stability to Riverton."

Ryker nodded again, his eyes never leaving Adrian's face. "Yes, Alpha. It will be done."

I felt a surge of anger at Adrian's words. How dare he talk about bringing order and stability to Riverton? He had just destroyed my family, my home, my life. He had brought nothing but chaos and destruction. And yet, he had the audacity to talk about bringing order? It was a sick joke.

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Adrian's POV:

I gaze at Iridessa, my eyes locked onto hers. I can see the anger burning in her eyes, the desire to lash out at me, to scream and curse my name. But she's smart enough to know the situation she's in.

I smile to myself, a small, private smile. I wonder if I should burst her bubble, if I should let her know the horrible truth about her father. But I decide not to, not yet. We're nearing the border of Overcrest, and I want to savor this moment, this tiny spark of triumph.

As we ride into Overcrest, I watch Iridessa's eyes dart around, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. She's trying to hide it, but I can see the amazement and fear in her eyes. She's never been in a city like this before, surrounded by so many people and buildings. It's a far cry from the quiet, secluded life she lived in Riverton.

The carriage comes to a stop, and I glance out the window to see Asher approaching. He bows low, his eyes fixed on me. "Alpha, welcome. Was the mission successful?” he asked expectantly.

“Asher," I reply, my voice even. "The mission was successful."

He began to smile then, content forming on his face before his gaze shifted to Iridessa who was staring down at the floor of the carriage.

Asher's eyes kept flickering to Iridessa, and I can see the anger in them. He's trying to keep his emotions in check, but it's clear he's not happy about something.

"I see you've brought back a... prisoner," he says, his voice neutral.

I nod, my eyes never leaving his. "Yes, Iridessa is my prisoner. She will be staying with me... for a while."

Asher's jaw clenches, and I can see the tension in his body. He's angry, but he's trying not to show it. He knows better than to cross me.

"Alpha, if I may speak freely," he says, his voice cautious.

I nod, my expression unreadable. "Speak."

Asher hesitates, choosing his words carefully. "I thought... I thought you had promised to take care of the royal family. To eliminate them."

I raise an eyebrow, my eyes cold. "And I did. I took care of them. Iridessa is my prisoner, and she will remain so until I decide otherwise."

“So she's not part of the royal family then?”

“She is.”

Asher's eyes flash with anger, but he quickly looks away, bowing his head. "As you wish, Alpha. I will see to it that she is... comfortable."

I nod, dismissing him. "See that she is. And Asher?"

"Yes, Alpha?"

"Do not question my decisions again. Iridessa is my prisoner, and that is all you need to know."

Asher nods, his eyes downcast. "Yes, Alpha. I understand.”