Chapter 6

“You must be surprised, you suddenly become one of the high ranking warriors,” Bernadette said happily while she was treating my wound. “I am happy that you will be staying here for good.”

I glanced at her after immersing myself from a deep thought. I shouldn be happy for winning against Xena and for achieving my goal but I couldn’t bring myself to rejoice for someone’s mischief.

“Please tell me that the Lycan King Zephrus will not kill her in the cellar.”

Bernadette looked at me as her smile faded. She avoided my gaze and resumed what she was doing. 

“Vera, you should think only about yourself  in the castle,” she mumbled. “Thinking about others—especially someone like Xena is an idiotic act.”

I understood what she was trying to say. I reached her hand to stop her from covering my wound. I looked at her with so much guilt in my eyes.

“Xena was really a big bad bitch but I don’t want to be the reason for someone's pain.”

“I understand your sentiment, Vera,” she said, looking at me now directly  “But unlike you, she has her own wolf who can help her heal once her punishment is done.”

“Is he that merciless?”

Her eyes widened when she realized what I meant. She scanned the area to check if someone heard me. When there was none, she looked at me seriously.

“Don’t you ever say anything like that to Lycan King Zephrus again,” she said. She stood which made me look up to her. “His decision is always absolute and rational. As a new high ranking warrior, Vera, you should think first before saying or asking anything like that.”

I heaved a deep sigh. “I know, I’m sorry.”

“Rest well, Vera. Tomorrow will be your first day so prepare yourself.”

I watched her leave the room and closed the door. My hands balled into fist as I remembered Xena’s situation after our duel. She was wounded and so weak. How could he still punish her? Couldn’t he give her a break? I mean, she just lost in the duel!

I tried to stand even if my body does not have the ability to maintain its balance. I slowly walked towards the door and left my room. I wanted to check on Xena and see if I could help her.

As I paced in the hallway, I saw how perfect the moon was above the sky. Eliminating lights in the night to give hope amidst the fear and loneliness of the darkness.

“What are you doing?” a cold baritone rang in the hallway as I felt the familiar aura that sent shivers across my spine.

Lycan King Zephrus was wearing his silky robe, exposing a bit of his chiseled and hairy chest. His pitchblack orbs were darting me dangerously—like he wouldn’t let me live if I didn’t give him the answer he wanted to hear from me.

I bowed my head to pay respect—and to avoid his demeaning eyes. I was collecting all my strength inside my body before I could lost my balance in front of him.

“Good evening, My Lycan King,” I said respectfully. I gulped silently when I saw him take a few steps to me.

“Answer me,” he demanded.

“I just…lost my way.” I lied.

I heard him chuckling manly. He lifted my chin so he could maintain eye contact. His touch weakened my system and the more his skin exposed to mine, my energy began to reach its bottom point.

“My human warrior is bad at making excuses.” He greeted his teeth. “Come on, why did you lose your way? Dazzle me.”

I didn’t know if he was amused or furious at me. Like a book filled with foreign spells, he was so hard to read.

“Bernadette.” Her name suddenly popped into my mind. “She is one of the servants here. She is helping me with my wounds. I thought I’m already fine but I am not. I thought I can still—”

“Stop,” he demanded authoritatively. 

“Yes, My Lycan King.”

He removed his hand from my chin. He looked at me from head to toe which made me uncomfortable.

I was wearing an old white covered nightdress. Mira gave it to me years ago. It looked like a rug, I know. I wanted the floor to devour me when I remembered what Bernadette told me—to always look presentable when facing the Lycan King. But here I am, looking like a wounded beggar in front of him.

I sensed that he stared at me too much and I didn’t know why it made me so weak. The more we were facing each other, the more he was absorbing my energy. When he noticed I was being uncomfortable, he cleared his throat.

“You are now a high ranking warrior—not a guest. She might be serving you but don’t rely on her too much.”

I knelt in front of him while still bowing my head.

“I do apologize if I irritate you, My Lycan King,” I said apologetically. “But my attempt to find Bernadette does not mean my full dependence on her. I assure you that I can still serve you.”

“What the hell are you doing?” he asked irritatedly which made me tremble.

“My Lycan King?” I asked confusedly, still kneeling.

I felt him crouched in front of me. He lifted my chin again but this time, his face was so close to mine I could feel him breathe. His orbs were piercing me. 

“Who told you to kneel?” he asked.

“I’m so sorry…”

“Is that how your previous Alpha asked you to do? I don’t understand why you are sorry.”

I didn’t understand what he was trying to say. 

“Vera Moore, you are my people now. You are mine,” he said harshly. “It’s too early for you to kneel. Wait for me to demand it from you.”

“Huh?” I mumbled innocently.

“Go to your room and don’t wander around. That’s your first and last warning.”

Before I could react, he stood and left. And I was so sure I wasn’t hallucinating when I saw him mustered a playful smirk. 

Of course, I know what he meant! Aside from being evil, he was also a jerk!