Chapter 11: The Hike Shahida and I went to the nearby shop they called Fortluck. It sells magic potions, accessories they believe could alter their future, and services like foreseeing. The owner lends his bathroom for Shahida to get dressed and fix herself. While in the living room that connects his sacred place where he does his service, he offers me tea he made personally. According to him, it's tea that puts your mind at ease. “Thank you,” I said while smiling. I put the tea cup on the table. The owner stared at me as if I have dirt on my face so I examined myself but I didn’t see any. The man collected himself and smiled at me which I found odd. “Is there something wrong with me?” I asked, fixing myself again. “Were you from Tillbury or were you originally here in Northcrest?” Heban, the owner, asked all of a sudden. Tillbury was outside Northcrest, that’s not under its jurisdiction. I smiled when he mentioned my hometown which is Tillbury. I spent my childhood days there
Chapter 12: The Help ELIAS’ POV My body stiffened as it slides further downwards. Screaming loudly, I thought my soul separated from my body upon the huge impact. I immediately gripped a rock near me and hold on to it tightly. Gladly it was nott that bad but I felt my body ached from the slip. My forehead creased as a jolt of pain from everywhere surfaced as I try to get back. Lifting my body upwards, I held onto the twig tightly. I lowered my gaze down and saw how deep is the cliff I would be fall onto. If ever I would fall, I will be found alive nor dead. I would be drowned into the water or be eaten by a wildlife as a boar waited for me. “Elias, are you okay? Hold on tight!” Shahida shouted at me. Her face looked so worried upon seeing my situation. “I’m okay, Shahida. I… I will climb upwards,” I answered trying to lighten her worries. Even the warrior is fear-stricken. They could not believe I fell down. They offered their help however it was not enough to get me upwards.
Chapter 13: The Jealousy Everyone was on their heels again. We crossed rivers, shallow streams, and deep woods. During our hike, I did not feel like he is tired. I even heard him laugh a little but I shrugged it off because my brain tends to play little games. The village was mapped at the belly of the mountain top. The road became flat and more accessible to wheels. We finally reached the village by noon. “Welcome to our village, Alpha… and to you Lady Shahida,” he greeted while bowing his head down. The head villager welcomed us especially Apollo and Shahida. They talked things about what they have been through and what they need. I noticed that these people were traditional one because of how they look; their dresses were somehow related to their culture. There is a hall where everybody were staying. It was made of bamboo and coconut leaves. They were stuck inside because their stuff was in ruins. It was like the place was being wiped out from the map. “Are you sure you can w
Chapter 14: The Personal Physician THE NEXT morning, I woke up with no signs of Apollo beside me. The sun is creeping in the tent and was blinding my eyes. I sat up for a while until I heard the surrounding is having a good time outside based on their hearty laugh and unending conversations. I stand up quickly, slide the zipper down of the tent, and rummaged my eyes outside. When Shy grabbed me by my wrist, she danced heartily in the middle of everyone. I was a bit flustered because I was not ready and did not even wash my mouth. “What happened to my brother? Why did he leave?” she asked confused but she’s dancing into the rhythm. The sounds from the improvised drums and bamboo flute were echoing. It made everyone dance as Shahida waved her waist. She convinced me to dance with her but I am not really a dancer so I didn’t obliged, instead I answered her query. “He did? I don’t know,” I shrugged my head. “Why would he leave?” “Did you kick him out last night? He seemed upset.” Sha
Chapter 15: The Disagreement Our ride back home was silent. Andrius arrived earlier at the village to send the Senior Council’s message for an emergency meeting. Perhaps, they knew what happened during our stay in the village. Apollo did nott talk and so do I. Instead of going with the warriors back home, Apollo insisted on taking me back with him. We reached the mansion by noon. Soon after, the councils came together like they were in a hurry with the Senior Council. Their eyes were staring directly at me as if I committed a heinous crime that I had to be ashamed of myself. And just as we were trained, I moved my gaze on the ground. I did not stare blatantly at those people higher than us because it’s a sign of disrespect to them. Apollo left us unannounced and headed straight to the conference room inside the mansion. He, then, guided the arrival of the councils. Andrius told Apollo about the agenda earlier and I am worried that it was all about my existence here. To save tim
Chapter 16: His Name The councils were send off by Andrius and Aunt Isadora at the drive way. Alpha refused to send them off and just went straight to his office with me. And I had no choice but to follow him. But, before we parted ways, I heard them talking about me behind my back as if I did not exist in their world. “Don’t you recognize him? I think I have seen him somewhere.” “Why? Is he one of the slaves you slept with at the tavern?” “Are you insane? Why would I sleep with a man? I don’t lick jelly.” Two members of the council commented words at me as if they knew me but I did not make it big. The door shut as the Senior Council made his last glance at me as if reviewing my entire features and creased his forehead. They were laughing as they insulted me. I do not get this kind of people. They have attained education compared to me but they acted as if they did not learn anything in school. Even a dog can howl out of respect, why can’t they? Minutes went by but Apollo besi
Chapter 17: I am Her During the night, Shahida’s words lingered like a curse chanting inside my brainless brain. Apollo did not go home. I wonder where he was. I kept on moving, side-by-side, waiting for a chance to sleep. However, whatever I do, my mind is still somewhere else. “Brother did not allow anyone to call him by his name. Only he allows those people who are dear to his heart or someone he likes.” “…That goddamn alpha title have ruined every thing. It took his childhood, the love of his life, and the life he wishes to live.” Shy did curse me with her words because it keeps on replaying in my head. I sat up, rolling my eyes in annoyance, when an image flashes through my vision. My body dropped on my bed back. My head is aching and I could not breathe. I winced when a sudden pain courses through my system. I could not breathe. Where am I? Why am I locked in here? I slam the thin plywood, which are inches above from my face with my fists. My legs are kicking against the
Chapter 18: The Sailing on Two Different Rivers “Did something good happen?” We were having a snack the next morning when Shahida read her book while biting a chocolate cookie. After days being with this girl, she has gotten more beautiful than ever. Even though her eyes were focused on her book, I could not get away from her juicy stares and teasing smile. Aunt Isadora even gave me a glimpse as she put a pitcher of strawberry juice on the table. “Do you need anything else?” Aunt Isadora asked after placing the food. “We are all good, Aunt Isadora. Have a snack with us,” Shahida invited her. “I am not yet done at the kitchen, Shahida. Also, I have things to prepare. I will leave you here and if you need anything, just call me.” Aunt Isadora reminded us. “Do you need a helping hand, Aunt Isadora?” I asked, trying to get away from Shahida. She’s not going to let me breathe with my privacy. “Did you see Shahida’s eyes clawing me?” Aunt Isadora chuckled at me. “You can’t get away w
Chapter 56: The New LeavesElias opens his eyes in a familiar place. The familiar bed he’s laying, the dark room he’s in, and the familiar figure from the window.One thing sinks in his mind is the alpha’s room.Seeing him from a distant, Elias could nto help but runs toward the alpha’s direction. he hugs him from his waist which makes the alpha stills.“Apollo,” he cries.“Glad what you are touching?”Elias slaps his abs lightly as Apollo chuckles at his shyness. Apollo turns his body towards Elias and faces him with all his heart.“You are late.”“Huh?” Elias looks confuse.“Why did you wake up so late? Everyone has been waiting for our wedding?”“Wedding?” He pulls himself from him.“Yeah. Our wedding. Shahida takes care of everything while Rowan keeps on nagging me because you sleep for an entire season.”“I sleep the entire season?”“Do you have anything to say other than questioning me back of what I have said?”“The last time I check, we are in a war and I died. I met Aunt Isad
Chapter 54: Should I Give Up? “Let Elias leave and you will have your precious daughter back.” Shahida threatens the Senior Council which makes him stands up. Even Andrius himself stops what he is doing with Rico and focuses on Isabelle instead. Apollo never expects that Shahida would make Isabelle a hostage. This is not part of the plan. She is supposed to be in the hideout as of this moment. “Shahida, what are you doing here?” Apollo blurts out. “You’re suppose to be away from here.” “Shahida!” Rowan exclaims. “Drop that weapon.” “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but I could not let you both stay here. This war starts because of me,” Shahida admits. “If I didn’t like Rowan before, we will not be here fighting one another.” Rowan feels guilty. “Shahida, you are so young back then. You have no idea what’s happening. The adults have wronged you, not yourself,” Sergio lectures her who is beside her trying to stop her. Shahida grips Isabelle’s neck tighter with her left arm as her right ho
Chapter 53: The War“Stop!”The warrior from the entrance of the Valencourt mansion cut them from entering the premises. Apollo and Rowan share glances as the warrior comes to inspect what they bring.“Do you have an invitation for the event? You cannot go inside without invitation,” asks the warrior.Because of their cloak and look, the warrior fails to recognize them. Shahida paints them make up for them to look like the Nightingale’s staff—a tavern which sells women and wines.Rowan answers, “We are from the Nightingale and the Senior Council… I mean the new Alpha orders us new goods for tonight. We are runnin late and we need to take them inside.”Apollo should stay silent because his voice is too arrogant and authorative. He will be recognize once he speaks one word.“You can check it if you’re doubting,” Rowan offers, motioning his hand to the closed wagon.“I’ll check the goods, then.”The warrior checks the wagon from the small window. He sneaks and finds women with their silk
Chapter 52: The Preparation The next morning, the training were divided into five and they were spearheaded by Sergio, Rowan, Apollo, Shahida, while other old people helped Elias in making sleeping bomb. Those people whom they saved last night helped in making weapons and since they were warriors who had sentenced in their lifetime. It wasn’t hard for Apollo in the training. They were also given the chance to surrender themselves to the Northcrest and they were automatically be free if they win their battle. If not, Apollo will let them do what they want to do with their lives. Thye just need to stay alive… whatever it takes. Sergio trained some for combat fight. He grouped them in pair and each pair had to fight. Meanwhile Rowan and Apollo took the other to use weapons and tools for fighting. Apollo has expertise in swords so he taught them the proper stance and the correct posture so that they will not hurt themselves. Shahida, on the other hand, taught women physical combat and
Chapter 51: The Plans “Alpha, our armed forces are not enough for the war you have been planning. We were only few in here. Our women couldn’t fight, especially old and children.” Sergio explained his concerns as Apollo planned to attack his mansion. He had already told Rowan about his plan. However, as Sergio mentioned it would be hard for them to visualize in the real time. Most people here are old and children which are unable to be with them. Their women have no experience when it comes to war and they have been deprive of the Northcrest to wear and bring tools for war. They are only reserved in the kitchen, in the house. There, Apollo realized what he have been missing all these years. The discrimination and culture he preserved for the Northcrest became a sad truth as they only make them investment inside the house. “Our weapon are nothing compared to theirs. You know that, beta Rowan. We will surely lose even we will try so hard. We’ll just go there and die,” the other one
Chapter 50: The Fake Winning Three days after… “The alpha of Northcrest has dead. The alpha of Northcrest has dead!” The news spread like wildfire inside Northcrest, that Apollo---the alpha---left the universe. People at the public market couldn’t believe it. As the news bearer continued announcing while throwing the newspaper into the air. People stopped from what they’re doing. They knelt down on the ground and stayed silent to give the alpha’s soul and commemoration. It was a long silence and the alpha’s apologists couldn’t believe what they hear, especially Heban, who once attended to Elias and Shahida. “The Senior Council must have done this. The alpha won’t die like this. That is impossible.” Heban is a seer. He could see future and feel if the person is dead or not. To his confusion, he can still feel the presence of the alpha. Meanwhile at Valencourt’s mansion, Isabelle ordered everyone to remove all the things Elias used. They fired people who were loyalists
Chapter 50: The Return Shahida was having fun with everyone inside the hideout as Alari and other kids were teaching her shadow play. It’s a game of poor to average people used to play when there’s no light. They make animal shadows through their hands and reflect it to the wall. She was having fun when she heard a commotion outside. “Alari, wait here, huh? I’ll just check outside. Don’t let your friends go out. Understood?” she told Alari who kept on nodding at her. “Yes, Aunt Shahida.” “Good boy.” Shy pinched his fat cheek and went outside. Shahida shut the door closed and roamed her eyes around. Her gaze was fixated to Rowan’s people who gathered around to someone who were lying on the ground. At first, she thought it’s one of the warriors, however when she recognized the ring on its finger, she immediately ran towards the person. “Brother…” she cried as she knelt down on the ground. Everyone bowed their heads, mourning for the death of Apollo and Elias. “What happened to him?
Chapter 49: Heart Stopper Apollo drove his car beyond his usual speed after learning the truth. After he left the hall earlier, he went straight to the sentinel where Lily and Lyla were. He asked the two while kneeling on the floor to speak for the truth. He cried in front of the two which the two didn’t expect. Fearing that they will be killed, the alpha assured them that he will spare them. “The beta told us to never talk,” Lily started. “It was the beta’s order to put poison powder on the food,” Lyla added softly. “Forgive us, alpha,” the two pleaded. Apollo’s veins on his neck popped up in anger. He stood from his feet and gathered all his men to the public market. All he thinks that moment is that getting Elias safe from the sentence. I’m sorry, Eli. I’ll be there. Wait for me. Apollo arrived at the market in chaos and inorder. People were screaming as masked men were slaughtering the Senior Council’s men. Elias was no longer seen on the platform. “Leave these people on m
Chapter 47: The Court Hearing “What do you mean Elias murdered Aunt Isadora?” Rowan’s voice echoed the four cornered room as Shahida told him what happened in the mansion. She made it into detail which made Rowan’s blood boil. He couldn’t believe that after all Venise’s had suffered, she will be on her deathbed again. “Why would Elias do that? She cannot do such a thing. I… I mean Venise.” His face screamed confusion. He couldn’t fathom why would Elias do such thing. After many days of investigating Elias from a distance, Rowan knew how good of a person he is. Even after he discovered at he is Venise. It does not make sense to him. “The evidences were pointed to him. Even I didn’t fo,b vresee he could do it,” Shy explained. “We know how much Venise loved Aunt Isadora. She won’t do it.” Shy shook her head. “I don’t know anymore.” “When’s the court hearing begin?” he asked. Instead of answering him, she asked back, “Where’s the sun right now?” “At east.” “They’re probably sta