CHAPTER TWO : THE LYCAN KING

For two days,I pushed myself through the wilderness,the rough part tore at my legs,my boots offering little help against the biting cold and sharp rocks.

I had since lost feelings in my fingers,my thing gloves no match for the blizzard. Sleep was a luxury I couldn't afford,and food was a distant memory. All I could think of is Ethan lying down unconsciously,his face pale,his body convulsing occasionally.

I gripped the blood stained keepsake hanging on my neck,my last hope.

Every step forward felt like walking into a memory I had tried to bury. Seven years. Seven years since I left him behind. Would he hate me for it?. Do I deserve his help after what I had done?

The path steepened,the winds howling as snow clung to my skin. My legs screamed in protest,but I refused to stop. Not here. Not now.

“I have to keep going,” I whispered to myself,my voice hoarse.

The blizzard intensified,and my vision blurred. The ancient fortress of the lycan king loomed ahead. A dark silhouette against the swirling snow.

“I'm here,” I said rasping,my voice nearly lost in the storm. “Alexander,I know you can hear me”.

My knees buckled,and I fell into the snow, the cold sleeping through my clothes. Tears pricked at my eyes and I felt lost.

“Please” I whispered as I clutched the keepsake “Help me…. please “.

As if in answer,the wind stilled. The blizzards' deafening roar stilled into silence. My breath hitched and my body trembled.

From the shadows,a figure emerged. Tall and impossibly regal,he moved with a predatory grace that sent chills down my spine.

Long silver hair cascaded down his shoulders,catching the dim lights like threads of moonlight. His sharp eyes,an otherworldly shade of molten gold pierced through me. His features were impossibly perfect,his beauty almost unnatural.

He looked exactly as he had,seven years ago. The memory that had haunted me for so long,a form wrapped in power and danger.

“Alexander” I whispered,relief washing over me even as my voice trembled.

He stopped a few places from me,his piercing gaze locked into mine. The snow seemed to swirl around him,as if even nature bowed to his presence.

“You dare return here?” He said smoothly,his voice laced with an edge of displeasure.

I struggled to my feet,my legs shaking beneath me. “I had no choice,” I said,my breath coming in ragged gasps,”I need your help”.

His eyes narrowed,”You are asking for help now?. After seven years of silence?.

I winced at the bitterness in his tone,”it's not me,it's Ethan….. the Alpha's son. He's been poisoned. The healer said only you could save him”.

Alexander’s gaze sharpened,”And why should I care about your precious Alpha?.”

“It's not just about him”,I pleaded,my voice breaking,”The pack needs him,they will fall apart without him.”

Alexander steps closer,his presence overwhelming,”Don't insult me with your lies,little wolf,” he said coldly ""This isn't about your pack. It's about him”.

I flinched,unable to meet his eyes,”Please” I whispered,” I will do anything. Just save him.”

Alexander's perfect lips curled into a sneer,his expression hardening,”Anything?, You have always been good at sacrificing yourself ,haven't you?.”

I looked up at him,tears threatening to fall,”You don't  understand…..

“Then make me understand”,he snapped,his voice sharp as a whip,and I winced,”Seven years. Seven years of silence Lea,and now you crawled back,begging for my help?” He laughed bitterly.

Words failed me,my brain raced for an answer,but none came.

Alexander’s eyes burned with disappointment,”You are a fool to think I'd help you after all this time.”

“Please” I begged as my vision darkens.,”I don't have anyone else”.

My world tilted,the snow beneath me melting into a haze. As my consciousness slipped away,I felt myself falling.

But instead of the cold hard ground ,I felt strong arms catch me.

A distant yet familiar scent enveloped me,wild and powerful,like a forest after a storm. Despite everything,I feel safe.

Through my fading vision,I caught a glimpse of Alexander’s face. His golden eyes flicked to the keepsake clutched in my hand,and his gaze softened, replaced by something i couldn't name.

“You shouldn't be here,” he murmured,”But perhaps,you are always meant to be”. He said gently.

“Foolish little wolf,What am I going to do with you?” he murmured again,his voice a low growl,but this time the word held something else, something softer. Regret? Concern?, I didn't know.

The last thing I heard before darkness claimed me was his resigned sigh,a curious mixture of exasperation and concern.