1
The wind tickled the woman's golden hair as she hurriedly ran from those beasts that were after her. They were creatures that were hungry not for flesh but for power; they could not fathom. Bathed with sweat and filled with anxiety, she slipped past grazing rock formations found scattered in the mainland grandeur. It was eerily quiet that night, and although she had no one to aid, the full moon was there to mend her de-escalating hope. The creatures, unlike humans, had remarkable speed and agility, abilities hard to imagine, and with the wrong intentions and state of mind, they could take over and rule places of tranquility.
A slither of moonlight appeared at the grand expanse, and with careful concentration, the woman chanted a few known spells that would help her with the situation.
"She's reciting incantations!" She heard another man growl. Perhaps the man hasn't shifted. That call was their signal, though; the men wailed as a knot in her chest tightened. Why wasn't it working? Why now, out of all times?
Thinking about how the moon abandoned her growing fear and determination made her lose the last string of hope. Her upper arm burned with archaic markings, and she clutched it desperately, praying to the Moon Goddess in agony to lend the woman her energy. Her mind was repeatedly chanting. Instead, a repulsing pain enforced its way up her limbs and torso. Suddenly she had a gist of what was happening, the ripping and tearing clawed like her passing nightmares. In exchange for power, a fragment of the soul must be given. This was it, Mother had grown too greedy she dreads this day when she can no longer make use of the power stored within the family bloodline…she thought to herself.
Sometimes she wonders if death served as their payment.
Twenty years ago, her mother had shown a path that no one else knew except for them. The family kept it secret. She was bound to find that path once more but failed.
As the woman sprinted through the thick undergrowth, her feet captured a few stubbles on the ground. It was painful, but she was dead set on escaping those vile creatures. They were shifters of the blood orb pack set to assassinate the last of her kind. It was pure genocide; seeing her pack's corpses was pure trauma and hell. Snapping out of her daze, the woman peered and saw how they were gaining in proximity. She might not have transformed just yet, but she was capable of running with her two legs; sprinting under sheer pressure is part of their training, and now did she only appreciated the endless torture she had to go through to strengthen her durability.
Then, the woman came to a complete halt.
The waves of sea thrashed against the walls of canyons as her golden hair looked ghastly against the shine of the moon, and as she looked back again, saw their wolves growling ferociously, she then stumbled backward. The woman was cornered and outnumbered. Even if she managed to put up a good fight, there is no guarantee that the book in her hands will be kept safe and away from their hands. The knobs on her mind were turning, and the clock was ticking...it was now or never.
She quickly leaped into the unknown...
****
Head throbbing. Body feverish. I squeezed my eyes due to the amount of pain I was feeling. A soft and delicate white-stray light met my face just as I was slowly awakened from the pain in my upper arms. At first, there was the typical calmness like how every morning sunshine meets my face in a caress, the next thing I knew I was struggling to get myself together. My heart pounded in bewilderment. It took me quite a while to notice that my hands were tied to a wooden chair. I slowly looked around and saw no signs of any human or person. Instead, a pole was at the center of the white tent, a desk table with a few crumpled papers, a washbasin, a minute bed, and weapons propped against the wall. There was minimal furniture inside but enough to make sense that this person staying here captured me. Where was I? How did I get here? And most of all...why can't I remember anything?
Questions clouded my head, and no matter how much I tried to recall what had happened, my mind came out blank. Immediately, I became wary and vigilant of the situation. I'm a woman who is held captive, probably against my will. I do not know this place, and I sure do not know who I am either.
My train of thought was suddenly interrupted. Outside of the dome tent, murmurs and chatters ring in my ears. This isn't good...I need to escape, find any means to get out of here. Then, in the midst of my struggles with the rope tied in my hands, I paused upon hearing a low growl.
"Where is she?" A deep voice asked. Hearing that voice made me shiver. It intensified something within me that I could not explain, and it was stirring inside me, begging to be let out. Unable to fathom me feeling this way, I slowly take a breath.
My nervousness did not cease, especially when I sensed someone arriving. With a stunning set of features and a muscular build, there stood a man at the entrance of the huge dome tent.
My heart hammered inside my ribcage as he made his way towards me, slowly becoming clearer that this man was the most gorgeous man I had ever laid my eyes on. Of course, I can't technically guarantee that he was since I lost my memory, but besides the point, his beauty was indescribable. I snarled, and it took me by surprise when the man proved to be amused at how I reacted.
What was happening to me?
"What brings you into my territory?"
I didn't find the strength to speak. Other than that, I do not know the answer to that as well. But I do feel the heat rising in me, and if only I weren't tied, I would've smacked myself from making lightly of the situation.
He scrutinized me for a moment, gauging any signs of temperament.
"Speak."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. Burrowed inside me were emotions I could not convey.
"Have no doubt, for I too find myself without words. To expedite your fate, let it be known that I, Alpha Knight Strevus of the Western Kingdom pack, shall not deem you, my mate. Tomorrow morning, your execution awaits.”
There was a slight nudge on my chest when he muttered those words. As much as I didn't want to admit it, his words held so much gravity that the instant connection I had with him—burned and crippled my insides. And the eerie thing was I didn't know why. My mouth was hanging open as tears plunged forward when the man left me inside the tent.
I still couldn't comprehend what he was implying. Pack? What does he even mean?
After some time, my gaze shifted to the newcomer who had entered the tent. In this instance, it was an unfamiliar face. His eyes were a striking blue with hints of blonde threading through his ash-colored hair. His complexion was rich with darkness, and his build held a certain strength. My thoughts drifted to the man I had encountered earlier, the one who arrived and declared his refusal and the imminent threat of my execution. Fear should grip me, yet why was he on my mind?
The man with grey hair came forward and pulled me from the ground, his hands gripping my tied arms. I fought hard not to make a sound, however, as soon as he got a hold of me, he harshly kneed me in my stomach and made me vomit and cough up. Blood started oozing out of my mouth, and tears swelled up. I don't know what I've done to be punished like this, but I know that I didn't deserve this.
I was forcefully dragged out of the tent by this man—a stranger. Instantly, the intensity of the sun made me wince and squint my eyes. Outside, there were bystanders eagerly waiting and watching as I was being dragged. They briefly exchanged looks, though most of them already had malice looming behind their eyes. A few children were curious as well, but I ignored them.
"She's from the Southern...she should be killed,"
"Kill her!"
"No! We must let her suffer after what her kin has brought upon us!"
Why?...
As I relinquished my mind of any shard of memory, the breeze swept my golden hair and dried away my glistening tears. The folks were still waiting when I gazed at them with fear and besieged. I had no memory, had no one but myself. They didn't say a word—basking in my apparent defeat and turmoil.
Apart from that, my heart weighed heavily, teetering on the brink of surrender. Not long ago, the man – if I caught the title right, Alpha – had rejected and turned me away. It wasn't just a mere declaration; his rejection stirred something deep within me. For reasons unknown, the pain cut even deeper than it had when I awoke, engulfed in uncertainty and solitude.
Why does he affect me this much? I stumbled as the pain built its way up to my core.
I lowered my head as pebbles and rocks struck my skin. A group of children was playfully tugging at each other, and instinctively, I shielded my face with my arms as the barrage threatened to hurt and leave marks. A sob managed to escape my quivering lips, but my silent cries went unnoticed by anyone around. I couldn't fathom the reason, but their rock-throwing ceased, a change I suspected was prompted by someone's arrival.
"Alpha…"
I raised my gaze, my vision hazy as it settled on a man standing just a few feet from me. Time seemed to stretch slowly at that moment. I observed as everyone around bowed in perfect unison, an undeniable recognition of his presence and power. This man, referred to as the alpha, walked past me. Alpha, they called him. That must make him the leader of this community. Maybe, if I found the words to explain my situation, he might grasp my predicament.
All thoughts and emotions set aside, I force myself to find courage. "Please! I beg you! I did nothing wrong! And even if I did, I don't remember anything!"
Forcing my breath and voice to appear steady was difficult but I needed to keep my act straight to survive and live. The corner of Alpha's lips shifted upwards while he narrowed his eyes at me when I spoke.
I intently stared at him. Behind my eyes, my emotions were overflowing.
Dimly I could hear their conversation growing weaker as I subdued to my consciousness. I wanted to fight. I wanted to live, but my prayers were always unanswered. It was the worst pain I've ever felt—the pain of humiliation and the pain that man gave.
Perhaps I was too engrossed with this new world and context I woke into, I tried redirecting my gaze, but I failed. As soon as I drifted into darkness, the last that I witnessed was his cold, piercing stare and his eyes that seemed to be glowing.
LATER THAT MIDNIGHT, my eyes, once so accustomed to the gentle caress of sleep, now found themselves subjected to an entirely different realm of experience–torture.
I wailed. My voice cracked with each noise I made, and my head jerked back and forth as my fingers scratched the wooden surface of the stool I was tied to. This time I was tired of holding back my desperate bellows.
"Stop,"
I paused while panting, half-eyes closed. The Alpha reached out to my face. I can feel his stare but all I can visibly make out of is a blurry mess of a face. Then tears started flooding my eyes, making it hard to visualize the scenes transpiring completely.
"Who sent you here?"
"F-for t-the last time...I d-do not remember anything…"
"What are you hiding?" It was a challenge, a threat, a warning—for clarity and the desire to know.
"I h-have no—" I was cut off by my own screams when I felt the lash of a whip against my bareback.
"Why did you come here?"
"I-I don't know!" I cried, bloody tears flowing against the dingy ground.
Over the course of hours, they repeatedly questioned me, and I didn't change my answer. It was the truth. Even if I were to lie, the reality remained—I was utterly clueless about what they were alluding to.
"Just kill me...my family has probably abandoned me…."
2There wasn't anything peaceful when I awoke.Perched atop the highest reaches of the stadium, the Alpha occupied a position of undeniable authority within the upper quadrant. With a mere gesture from him, the executioner's hands closed around my hair, yanking me unceremoniously. The once-lustrous cascade of my golden locks once imbued with an otherworldly radiance, had now suffered a cruel transformation. No longer a source of magic, they lay matted and destroyed, a stark contrast to their former glory.Gone was the silkiness, replaced by a gnarled mess that clung to my pale head like a discarded afterthought. Suspended in mid-air, my torso hung, vulnerable, and exposed to the collective gaze of the onlooking crowd. It was as if my very being had become a canvas for their morbid curiosity, a spectacle for them to savor and dissect.The thing about torture is that it will strip you of everything, even the will to live. They hadn’t extracted any information from me, and I knew how fru
3The bruises on my arms had considerably lightened over the course of hours and even the broken shallow capillaries on my hand were no longer visible. Within seconds, I rose from the soft, delicate mattress and met the sun's shimmering glow. Instantaneously, the shadows looming inside the room disappeared, leaving behind a lone space devoid of any touches and care.After yesterday's affair, I simply woke up determined to breathe into life once more. I had a dream last night—composed of blurry images and shards of memories. It was a beautiful, fleeting feeling that I wanted to savor for the second time, thus I needed to live and regain what I had lost in order to feel that slither of emotion once again.At probably around ten, a girl who looked somewhere between thirteen and fifteen stood by the archway door. I gave her a weak smile and to my surprise, she also did the same. She came in with a bucket in her hand and took the dangling handkerchief from her sleeves."I was ordered to cl
4Unfortunately, my wounded shoulder bled in desperation. With all the strength I could muster, I pushed myself upright—struggling and barely managing. I stammered to get myself together, but the lifeless corpses of wolves nearby obscured my line of vision, making my head spin with odd contemplation. The scene felt familiar but also unusual. I tried every piece of memory I could garner, but none came about. Alpha Strevus plowed right through the bloody mess as his orbs met mine, and instantly my heart accelerated. "Heal her," He instructed, his tone deadly and devoid of any emotions.Martha immediately obliged when Alpha Strevus instructed her.I regarded him with a puzzled expression. My memories must hold a significant value for him to tend to my injured shoulder. Based on his previous demeanor, he seemed largely apathetic toward my presence. And yet, here he stood, akin to a chivalrous knight, coming to my rescue. It often crosses my mind whether he's deliberately crafting an im
5Glancing nervously, I slowly dipped my attention to my nervous hands gripping the saddle. People were gathered in masses upon landing in the Western Kingdom, welcoming Alpha's sort of steady arrival. Adorned and respected, they flicker with joy and excitement. Plenty vowed in his presence. Some shot apprehensive glances while others were uninviting. Their gleaming faces died down in an instant they noticed me. As much as I yearned to adore the intricate buildings of the kingdom, the sharp stares I was receiving imposed my distasteful appearance. I failed to mask the ramble of fear and anxiety within me as hushed whispers started dominating our surroundings. Although I was hidden in the veil of the cloak I was wearing, the scrutiny I was receiving made me feel naked for some reason.I tilted my head forward, not wanting to look at anyone's face. All I could make out of were scowls and scorching stares. They wanted to at least have a flash or glimpse of the unknown stranger Alpha was
6Pale eyes with a slight tinge of iron in color. The man looked at me with curiosity then as if on cue, his face turned into amusement. His eyes focused on mine, and for a moment, I saw the familiar flash of color behind them. I broke our contact, not wanting to linger in it any longer.Those eyes reminded me of him. Alpha Knight Strevus. He is a pleasant thought, but I was not willing to scald under his scrutiny anymore, not when he has a lover. If he loathed me, I would not push myself to be a bit likable to him.My hopes of turning away were disposed of as I muffled my urge to vent out my pain. Overpowering me like turbulence was grief, desperation, and heartbreak, all in one moment.Noticing my silent torment, the man walked forward, leveling his eyes into mine and offering a lending hand."Are you alright?" Lacing his voice was concern and something I couldn't point out.I waved my hand, indicating that I was indeed fine, though it was a lie. I lifted my head, trying to balance
7 The sun was peacefully peeking in the early hours of the morning, its light filtering through the velvet curtains. Unlike yesterday, the events today are rather fruitful. Last night, I remembered the parade of maids and servants bedecking the castle grounds for today's festivities. I thought the Western Kingdom had no business with me for this upcoming occasion, but I was gravely mistaken. Seems like I was invited. In the short span since waking up, I was tended to by a succession of palace maids. I must have tried on at least ten of the finest silk and fabric dresses, the kind that would appease any aristocrat—though they all felt uncomfortably tight. They didn't even consider what I was at ease with; they simply went through the motions of enhancing my appearance to some semblance of acceptability. The maids paid me little at
8The rustling of forest trees reverberated in my ears. I could almost picture it—groups of people darting and leaping, or perhaps even humans, moving through the dense foliage. Resonating with the ominous sensation that had gripped my heart during our journey through the woods, I instinctively swung around and let out a startled shout. However, my reaction was met with an immediate outpouring of indignant protests."Sit down, girl!""What a rascal,"I pridefully stepped forward, almost touching the padded carpet aisle. I regarded Alpha Knight standing up from the podium in my peripheral vision, gaze holding a sense of familiarity."What is she doing?
9I glared at him with fury, my fists tightly clenched at my sides. It required immense self-control to keep myself from delivering a swift and resounding slap across his face. Yet, a voice inside me cautioned against such a reckless action.The moon shone through the dusty, tinted glass window, but its illumination was obscured by the yellow tinge of the candle-lit mantles. I tried my hardest to conceal the pain prowling; however, the man in front of me had unparalleled eyesight. Immediately, my countenance lay bare to him.And for a moment of heart-wrenching thinking, his gaze pinned onto mine, breathing heavily as he held our sight. There was a pause before I cast my eyes off to the side. A slither of rationality passed, and I remembered what we were."What makes you think I wanted you?"His brows rose up, seemingly surprised by what I said. Alpha Knight's expression darkened. Feeling his temper rising, I subtly redirected my attention elsewhere."So it's true? My brother is your n