Chapter 20: The Promise Leaving the mansion was my only choice. When my foot stepped outside, it sinks in my mind that I do not know where to find him. Foolish me for pushing Apollo away. Now, I do not know where to start. I was in the middle of the road and the tall gate just closed, leaving me outside soaked with rain drops. I stared at my back to check where should I go since I have no idea where ai could find Riley’s body. However my brain didn’t work. The rain is pouring lightly but I am still adamant to end this today. Riley is waiting for me to find him, for sure. Then, I covered my forehead with my palms, preventing the rain from flowing on my face. I did not care what I would look like running through the rain. But, I felt thick linen on top of my head, smelt so familiar, stopping me from running. I looked upwards and saw Apollo drenched, water trickling from the rain. It fell hard on us but neither of the both of us moved. He was staring intently at me as if comtemplatin
Chapter 21: The Moment “Have you seen that? It’s a shooting star. Let me make a wish.” Exclaiming from excitement, I pointed the sudden appearance of the wishing star from the clear night sky. I could not help but be in awe as I saw how the star shines bright above. I have never seen such thing since my childhood days. I was beaming with happiness, that it took me minutes before I could utter my next word. “Woah! They are beautiful.” I felt like my eyes were brimming with water. “It’s just a shooting star. You can see them every night since we are under the shed of Northcrest. You act as if it is your first time,” Apollo chuckled lightly unaware. I answered him softly, “It is my first time.” His expression changed all of a sudden. I knew from it since I mastered the art of sensing other people’s thinking. He was flustered. “I-I… I d-didn’t m-mean that way. I’m sorry,” he stuttered. I faced him with my bright smile, telling him it was okay. He didn’t know anyway. To make him co
Chapter 22: The Fishbone in my Throat Tonight, Apollo and Shahida will leave the mansion. After persuading him successfully into coming there, he finally decided to reconsider his grandpa. But, one thing does not change in him. “Are you sure you are not going with me? I promise I will not let you be an outcast there.” He was still adamant to bring me with him. From what I know, his grandparents reside at Eagle Hill, the private farm of the Valencourt outside Northcrest. I know it’s still against his will to pay them a visit but Apollo needs a good alliance and not being on their side is a huge disadvantage for him. And he was aware of it. I was fixing his tie but he teased me by tipping his toes, making me unable to reach it. I thought it’s just because he’s taller than me, but when I saw him grinning at me, I pulled his tie slightly and slapped his elbow. “Aw!” he exclaimed, rubbing it with his other hand. “You are really mean. When are you going to treat me like… I am yours?”
Chapter 23: I’m Sorry 3rd Person POV Alfonso groaned at him. “The Senior Council and I thought that it would be better to have remarriage ceremony for you and Isabelle. It’s been years already you have no heir. What will happen to the next generation, huh?” Lady Isabelle walked to their direction and acted innocently. “You don’t have to force my husband, grandpa. He’s been very focused on the town and so do I. We couldn’t fulfill the duties of being a husband and wife to each other because of that. I apologized. It’s my fault.” Apollo scoffed loudly at her. “Cut that nonsense, Isabelle. We’ve been like this since we married when we were thirteen.” All of the guests inside heard what Apollo bursted loudly. It is clearly spoken that the two of them didn’t tried to have an heir. “What do you mean by that, Apollo? Isabelle?” Alfonso glanced at both of them alternately. “Brother, stop it.” Shahida pulled her brother’s cufflink slightly. “You don’t want to make grandpa angry, do you
Chapter 24: The Wreck Shahida “Who says I need breakfast in bed, you punk?” Evangeline, one of the kitchen staff runs off crying from my brother’s chamber. She was kicked out again after serving breakfast for him. It has been a two hell weeks since Elias left the mansion and didn’t even bade his goodbye. All that I recalled at grandma’s death anniversary was Apollo getting criticized by the elders of our family, and the councils who payed their visit. Rejecting and voided the marriage was the best of the night but it was soon exchanged with horror. I was forced to stay there unaware. Grandpa has never been disappointed in his life not until my brother defended Elias in front of everyone and announced that Isabelle and him was nothing but a contractual marriage, which drew a conclusion about his feelings for Elias. He also announced his love for him which was so romantic. After he received Elias’ betrayal, I understood his anger and frustration on everything. I really want to pu
Chapter 25: Back on Track 3rd Person POV It was still evident to Apollo’s eyes how worn out it were. His eyebags were showing and he got skinny for refusing food for days. After visiting Elias’ room, he went straight to the infirmary. Andrius ran towards his direction as soon as he stepped inside. The familiar scent of alcohols and the infirmary itself lingered into his nostrils. He slightly wrinkled his nose and roamed his eyes around. “Alpha, you didn’t tell me you’re visiting today,” Andrius muttered shocked. “You could have informed so I can make everyone in their posts.” He was well aware that Apollo was not a fan of infirmaries, clinics, and hospitals. He has never visited one while growing up because he hates it. And now, he is here. “How was everybody here?” His voice is stern and stoic. Apollo strolled each bed of the infirmary and checked everyone. Andrius just followed the alpha around and reported everything to him. “About half of our warriors have been discharged a
Chapter 26: The I Missed You Trigger warning: Sexual scenes are present. Read at your own risk. Elias Having no idea how many days I was caged in the same cell, I have never seen Samael since then. On the day we arrived, I was forced to stay in this rusty cage cell and was brought food for my meals. Other than that, he has never laid a hand on me, did not even touch a strand of my hair which I was glad he did. There were no days that Apollo didn’t cross my mind. All I think about everyday is how to get away from this place without getting caught. But it seems that Samael knows it will be my plan, he makes sure that the corners I am in is fully locked. There’s no way I could escape. I remember the first time I met Apollo here. Back then, he was so reckless and nosy of someone else’s life. He saved me without permission and rule my life as if he owns it. But looking back, I was regretting any decision I made. If I persists on taking my life, I would not be able to meet
Chapter 27: We Are Going Home “Eli!” It didn’t last long when I felt someone stumbled inside which made Samael drop me on the floor. I never knew who it was but his smell lingered on my nostrils and it recognized its presence. My vision is blurry but I could hear someone coming in my direction. His feet were as light as a feather when it reached my direction. When a hand touched my cheek to wake up, that's when my fear subsided. His touch is familiar. I’m glad he came. “Eli!” he mentioned my name like a melody in my ears. “Fuck! Wake up, Eli!” “Make sure everyone will be caught. Don’t let them escape!” he commanded his people with so much authority. “Hostages…” I said, trying to form my words. “What is it?” I tried blinking my eyes for the opportunity to look him in the eyes because I missed him so much. And as soon as I had a clearer view, one thing that laced in it was panic. I know it was a horrifying thing one could feel but I couldn’t see it in action. He maintained hi
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