Chapter 3

I had come up with a plan. And it didn’t involve me letting go of my pride or doing anything that would cause me to regret my actions one day. I was not going to beg Alpha Lucian for my freedom. Instead, I was going to offer him a deal.

It was almost time for him to come visit me for his daily interrogation. I would bring the matter up then. Right on cue, I heard the main dungeon cell door open. I scurried over to the front of my cell, not-so patiently.

“Eager today?” His voice boomed. “Having a bit of strength because of the food that was sent to you?” 

I didn’t answer his useless questions.

“I thought about what you said the last time… about me getting out of this place.”

He hummed in response after I said those words, then drew out his chair and sat down.

“I take that you’re ready to grovel for my mercy. This will be interesting.” He didn’t even bother hiding the amusement in his tone. It pissed me off but I pretended not to be fazed by his actions.

“I will not be grovelling today. Or any day, for that matter,”

“Hm?”

“I want to make a deal. I—”

“Ha! Do you think you’re in any position to be proposing a deal to me? Might I remind you that you’re in a dungeon cell? My dungeon cell. Stop speaking nonsense, Ruby of the Blue Sky.”

“I’m not speaking nonsense. I’m serious,” I defended myself, and Alpha Lucian raised a questioning brow. “You know what my position was in the Blue Sky pack. I can do the same thing for you. Get me out of this cell and I’ll work as your personal advisor. You wouldn’t have to worry about any problem with me by your side. I swear it.”

There, I had stated my offer. The rest was left to him. Though I didn’t expect him to immediately go along with my offer—

“Hahahahahaha!”

—I also didn’t expect him to ridicule it in such a demeaning manner. His hardy laughter echoed all over the dungeon. It was both terrifying and annoying. I’d never heard the man laugh and to hear it in such a situation called for a decent amount of fear.

His laughter spanned for a few more minutes before he sobered up and wiped an invisible tear from the corner of his eye.

“I knew capturing you was an excellent decision. Where else would I be getting such lively amusement from if not your mouth? I didn’t account for you to be so hilarious, but you have exceeded my expectations in your humour capacity.”

This son of a bitch… 

“I am not trying to pose as a source of entertainment for you.” I spoke with a bitter tone.

“Aren’t you?”

“I’m not!” I unconsciously raised the volume of my voice, so I took a deep breath to calm myself before I continued speaking. 

“I’m being serious here. If you give me the chance, I can make this pack reach its ultimate peak, I’m sure of it.” I proposed.

Alpha Lucian shook his head repeatedly as he spoke. “Who do I look like to you?”

“What?”

“This isn’t a very hard question, Ruby of the Blue Sky. Who do I look like to you?”

If I had to answer that question, I would say he looked like the devil. A beautiful devil who would lure you in with his enchanting eyes, only to ruin you with his sharp claws and dangerous actions. 

Alpha Lucian was handsome, I couldn’t deny that. He looked every bit like the rumours I’ve heard about him. He was tall, muscular, he had an aura that could make you feel incredibly small when you were in a room with him. His handsomeness was the kind that could make a person write a song or a poem about it.

His gray eyes which were roofed with voluminous thick lashes, that sharp jawline that could slice a heart, and his black hair that was styled to perfection. He was an embodiment of perfection in the physical aspect. 

“What sort of question is that? You, of all people, should know what you look like.” I bit out, refusing to speak out my true thoughts. 

He chuckled darkly. “Let me tell you something, Ruby of the Blue Sky. I am anything but a fool. I do not look like those dumb and crafty Alpha and Luna of the Blue Sky pack who would kiss your feet just to get your opinion on something. I am in no need of an advisor. You will do well to remember that.”

Alpha Lucian stood up from his chair after saying that, ready to leave the dungeon. I had to stop him!

“Wait! I know you’re not like them, but I promise you, I have worth! Keeping me in this dungeon is just a waste! I could do so much more if I am by your side!”

“Really?”

“Yes, I swear it.”

“But why would I even let someone from a pack that I recently usurped to work by my side? What are the chances that you won’t stab my back the first opportunity that you get? You’re known to be sly, don’t you know?”

Well, I couldn’t refute the reasons for his doubts. But I had to win him over somehow.

“I won’t betray you… on the account that you protect me.”

“Protect you?”

“I assume that Jonathan is still on the loose, isn’t he? That’s bad news for me. If he finds out that I’m still alive, he’ll come for me.” I added an edge of desperation to my tone.

“Why?”

“Because he hates me! He’ll do anything in his power to get rid of me. If you protect me, I swear, I’ll never betray you.”

Alpha Lucian looked like he was giving my proposal a thought after I finished speaking.

Moon goddess, this is your chance to help me after ignoring me all these years. Please, let him agree to my offer. Please.

I hoped the moon goddess was listening to my prayer. 

“And if I do give you a chance to stay by my side and work as my advisor, how can I be sure that you’re worth it?” Alpha Lucian’s tone took a calculating turn.

“You can test me. Right here, right now.” I said too quickly.

He tilted his head to one side. “Alright then, Ruby of the Blue Sky. I’m going to give you a chance—”

“Really?”

“—if you can solve this riddle by tomorrow when I come here.”

My lips made an upside down smile. Alpha Lucian smiled shamelessly.

“I don’t touch the sea, yet it heeds my call; rising and falling, under my thrall; invisible hands creating a watery sprawl. What am I?”