The Cold News

Lylah's POV

The evening came along with an indifferent cold. My body felt so cold as I curled myself up in a corner. I blew hot air from my mouth into my palms as I rubbed them together, placing them on my face that was already frozen. I even thought it might fall off. The rats squealed at the other end, I could hear the sounds of them moving in distress within the walls of the dungeon, I guess they're equally as cold as I was. 

The guards that usually stood outside were unavailable today. In cold times like this they usually move to the upper layer of the dungeon. The hallway outside the dungeon was very dark as they left no light to act as a guide or even keep the dungeon warm. What an inhumane treatment, I might be an outcast but I'm still a wolf, just like them. I rested my head on my knees as I shut my eyes closed, hoping I might open it and all of this would be a dream. 

Suddenly, I felt a bright but subtle light that made me squint. I opened my eyes only to see a familiar face squatting before me outside the bars. It was Ethan. He had a leather bag crossed over his shoulder, his facial features still stood out amidst the darkness that engulfed him. Ethan was the only true friend I had after my father was exiled and executed. We shared a common predicament, Ethan's mother was executed after being accused for leaking out vital information about the pack. 

“Lylah! Lylah!” Ethan called out, placing the lantern on the floor. 

I crawled towards him, a smile crept on his face as his eyes met with mine. “How have you been?” He asked. 

“What are you doing here Ethan? You might get killed if you're caught.” I said, I could already feel my heart beating unusually against my chest. I wouldn't want anyone to get in trouble because of me. 

“It's fine Lylah. You skipped breakfast today before attending that mating ball even though I was against it. I'm also sure you skipped lunch since you've been here all day. I wouldn't want you to skip dinner so I brought some food.” Ethan said. 

He dropped the leather bag on the floor bringing out dried bread mixed with honey and a little keg that was filled with water. My stomach growled at the sight of food, I didn't know I was salivating. 

Ethan let out a light chuckle. 

“What's funny?” I said, picking up a piece of dried bread as I broke it in two, shoving one side into my mouth and throwing the other at the corner for the rats—my dungeon mates. 

“You must have been really hungry.” Ethan said, he lifted the keg of water placing it on my lips as I drank till I was unable to take more in. 

“Yet, you shouldn't be here. If you get caught you might be killed!” I said, dusting crumbles of dried bread on my dress. 

“What if that's the plan?” Ethan asked. 

I was shocked. I didn't know if he was trying to be funny or he was dead serious. 

“Thanks for the meal Ethan, I think you need to leave now.” I said, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. 

“I didn't come here just to give you food. I have something I need to tell you.” Ethan said, his expression looked serious. 

“Ethan, whatever you have to say you can tell me when I get out of here tomorrow.” I said, trying to make him leave. 

“What if there's no tomorrow?” Ethan asked. 

At this point I was confused. What does he mean by “no tomorrow”? 

“Ethan, what are you trying to say? Can you please stop joking around? You joked about dying a few minutes ago and now you're making it sound like I'm dying too.” I said. 

Honestly, at this point I was already scared, was something bad truly going to happen to me? 

“The council of elders decided your punishment.” Ethan said, his expression died down. 

Punishment? Council of elders? 

“What are you talking about? Why would the council of elders preside over little issues like this?” I questioned, I lunged further, my hands grabbing the cold metal bars of the dungeon. 

“Beta Malakai, Alpha Harris and the council of elders held a meeting this afternoon and they came to a conclusion.” Ethan said, then he paused. 

“What happened Ethan, speak to me.” I said, I could literally hear my heartbeat inside my ears. 

“You're to be exiled from the pack.” Ethan said, dropping the bomb that was waiting to explode. 

My world crumbled further the moment those words left his lips, I sighed in resignation as my eyes darted towards the half eaten dried bread on the floor, I had lost my appetite. I had lost the will to do anything. 

“Lylah, look at me please. It would be fine, let me come with you. Please, I beg you. I want to be with you till the end. Don't you remember what we promised each other when we were kids? We promised to never be apart from each other even if the moon goddess….” 

“Stop. Don't finish it.” I said, interrupting Ethan. I knew what he was about to say and although he didn't finish it, I finished it in my head. “.....willed us apart.”

“Lylah, don't push me away now. We've been together for a long time. We shouldn't be set apart like this.” Ethan said. 

I couldn't hear what he said, all I could hear were muffled voices. I was lost in my thoughts. So this is how it all ends? I never got to find my mother. I never got to figure out who was behind my father's accusations. I ended up not resolving anything. 

“Ethan, this is my mistake. I want you to allow me to pay my debts alone.” I said, withdrawing myself back into the dungeon but Ethan was quick, he grabbed my hands and looked into my eyes. 

“Lylah, I love you.” Ethan said. 

My jaw dropped. I wasn't that surprised, I noticed the way he stared at me, the willingness to do anything for me but I had mistaken it for just kind gestures.  

“I'm madly in love with you. I fell for you right from the first time you spoke to me after my mother's execution, at first I thought it was because I was vulnerable but that wasn't the reason. Every second I had spent with you was worth the time spent, I would be willing to give my life for you. Please Lylah don't send me away like this, allow me to stay by your side” Ethan pleaded, his grip on my hand tightened. 

“Ethan please go, I'm sorry but I don't feel the same way about you. I wouldn't want you to die for me so please go, if anything happens to you I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt that it's all because of me.” I said. 

I didn't want to beat around the bush and although I knew his feelings were hurt, I needed to be clear to him. 

“I understand how you feel. But please allow me to stay by your side till the end.” Ethan said. 

“I…Ethan please…” 

“WHO'S THERE???” 

A loud voice from the other end of the dungeon echoed through the hallway, interrupting me. It was one of the guards. Ethan needed to leave or else he would be executed—beheaded. 

“Ethan you have to go now!” I said, but Ethan was still persistent. He was reluctant about leaving. 

“I want to be with you till the end.” Ethan said, his grip on my hands tightened. 

“Ethan! Leave!” I yelled.

The footsteps of the guard kept coming closer and closer. It was too late, so I felt.