CHAPTER TWO:

Days seemed to have passed since Maddie was locked in the small room. She mostly sobbed uncontrollably, her eyes streaming with tears as she screamed.

Maddie had made up her mind to escape from the Lykai pack and never come in contact with the Alpha again. She needed to find a way to escape, but it wouldn’t be easy and she knew this.

From her window, she had seen guards patrolling below and she was too high up to try and jump down.

Feeling defeated and unsure of her next move, she pondered on what to do.

She had overheard whispers from passing servants that a ceremony was imminent - her mate was to be married to another woman.

And it seemed like it was happening today.

Maddie guessed this because she could hear the clatters of dishes and the unusual bustle in the castle. The patrolling guards had disappeared, likely called away to attend to more pressing matters.

Maddie waited for her meal, and when she heard the click of the door, she knew it was now or never.

She grasped the fabric she had torn from her clothes, ready to strike as the servant entered her room. Maddie sprang into action, using the fabric to bind the servant's neck as she forced the young girl face to the ground, silencing her screams.

Within seconds, the maid's body went limp and Maddie knew she had fallen unconscious. Without hesitation, Maddie quickly swapped their clothes and put on the maid's uniform.

A surge of triumph coursed through her as her plan finally began to start. “I’m sorry.” She whispered, feeling guilty she had set up the poor girl.

Turning around, she grabbed the tray and made her way out of the room, carefully closing the door behind her. She avoided eye contact with the two guards stationed outside her door as she gradually and carefully walked past them.

“You!” One of the guards bellowed and Maddie’s heart skipped a beat, as she froze, her feet rooted to the spot.

The guard approached her, “Raise your head.” His deep voice thundering.

Praying silently, Maddie raised her head, her eyes locking onto the guards, hoping he wouldn't recognize her as her fist clenched in a tight, anxious ball.

The guard's eyes narrowed, his gaze scrutinizing her. Maddie saw his lips curl into a snarl, and before he could say anything, she jabbed her fingers into his eyes, then took off in a sprint down the corridor.

“Get her!!” the guard roared, his voice echoing down the hall. “She’s the Alpha Prisoner!”

Without hesitation, Maddie darted around corners, the guards hot on her heels as they chased her.

As she burst into the grand and large hall, Maddie was struck by the flurry of activity. People scurried around, carrying statues and plates, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement. It was very busy and Maddie took that opportunity as she tried to fit in. She turned and ran towards a nearby door, which led her into the bustling kitchen.

“You ! Girl!” A woman's voice rang out, Maddie’s heart skipped a beat, as she turned to look at the woman.

A sense of defeat washed through her, for a moment, she was convinced that she had been caught and all was lost.

But to her surprise, the angry woman walked up to her and dropped a tray of dishes in her hand. “Stop dawdling around and get this delivered! Fast!” She ordered, snapping her fingers.

For a moment, Maddie forgot she was disguised as a serving girl. She forced a gentle smile, not wanting to arouse suspicion, and took the plates from the woman before making her way out of the kitchen. “Yes ma’am”

Her eyes frantically scanned the hall, she spotted the two guards who were roughly grasping at the maids, checking their faces in search of her.

A shiver ran down her spine as adrenaline rushed through her veins. She turned around, her gaze landing on a small, open door tucked away in the corner. She sprinted towards the door, and burst through it, finding herself outside.

“I saw one run this way! Come on!” One of the guards shouted.

Maddie realized she must’ve been spotted. Acting on instinct, she leapt into a nearby cart that was in front and concealed herself among the fruits and vegetables. She squeezed her slender frame into the narrow space, as she tried to conceal her presence and scent.

She saw the guards walk through the door, their eyes scanning the area in search of her. Turning in different directions, they searched the area before giving up and walking back into the kitchen.

Maddie remained motionless and silent in the cart, waiting patiently for an opportunity to escape. As the minutes ticked by, her legs began to cramp and she decided it was time to make her move.

Just as she was about to make her move, the door swung open and a man in tattered clothes walked out.

The man approached the cart, grasped the handle and began to pull it towards a nearby horse, securing it to the animal harness.

Maddie felt her heart freeze as she remained perfectly still, in an effort not to alert the man of her presence. In an instant, the cart lurched forward, pulled by the horse as the man rode it.

She was lost in thought, unsure of her next move. Maddie felt panic creep up in her but she steeled herself, remaining motionless as she hoped the man would lead her to her freedom, away from the Lykai pack.

~~~~~

The cart had been in motion for quite some time and Maddie's eyelids began to droop, as her legs ached. She began to wish she had found another route to turn and hide away from the guards.

Regardless, Maddie was grateful she had finally been given a chance to escape the Lykai Lack. Her wolf stirred within her, wanting her mate but she knew he had left her with no option.

Maddie refused to be treated as a mere breeding animal, left behind and discarded like a possession. She set out on a quest to find a life for herself. A life where she would feel fulfilled and find a purpose.

The cart jolted to a stop as it hit a large bump. Maddie was finally grateful that the seemingly never ending journey had come to an end.

Remaining in the cart, she waited for a few moments to ensure the man was out of sight, before emerging out of the cart and stretching her legs.

“What are you doing outside dear?” Maddie’s heart skipped a beat as she was startled by the gentle voice of an elderly woman.

“I… I..” she stuttered, fear coursing through her veins. She had no idea where she was and wondered if they must’ve caught up to her.

To Maddie's surprise, the woman’s face broke into a warm smile as she approached Maddie, “Come along dear, you must be the new serving girl Ada mentioned. You need to change your uniform. Come in.”

Not trying to correct her, Maddie followed the woman without protesting. She was uncertain about what was happening, but she decided to play along at least for the time being, in the hopes of avoiding suspicion.

As long as she was safely distant from Alpha Kaden, her mate.