Chapter 5

I woke up vaguely after a long sleep. I opened my eyes and stared at the cold gray ceiling. The sun shining into the room adds to the warmth. From here, I can zoom out and quickly see the atmosphere outside.

Everything was so peaceful, as if nothing had happened.

Like the pain I experienced was a nightmare, my hometown was not destroyed when I woke up, and my family was still as happy as never separated.

But I know it's all true, a catastrophic truth that has suddenly been glued to our heads. Although time has passed, the pain in my heart is still the same as it was then. Feelings of helplessness and despair enveloped me like a monster.

I tilted my head, tears suddenly falling even though I didn't want to; more than anyone else, I needed to be strong. My teeth bit my lower lip; I tried to swallow all the emotions down my stomach. What I have to do now is not sit here weak; I need to get out of here first to reunite with my mother and brother.

I sat up, the pain coming from the waves so suddenly that I shivered with pain. I must stop for a few minutes to adjust to my breathing; my body is sweaty despite the shallow temperature.

I glanced around and remained vigilant even though no one was there.

Where are those bastards? Will they arrest my mother and brother? Are they safe? Where's my father's body? And why am I in such a good room, not a stinking cell?

Suddenly, I discovered that I had a strange object on my body. A long chain squeezes my throat, connecting to two ropes at my wrist. The material isn't too heavy, but it's cold as ice; when it sticks to the skin, it feels like a cold burn.

I frowned at it once, I tried to contact Elise, but she didn't reply. What happened to her? Usually, a werewolf has his wolf; they will become companions and always be together no matter what.

Not having much time to think about it, I got off the bed with one foot and planned to sneak away when no one was around. Far from what I expected, There wasn't a single guard outside the corridor either. That made me even more suspicious.

"Stop! I also thought you'd settle down after everything, but you don't seem docile." A cold voice came from behind, sending chills down my spine.

This familiar murderous aura made me want to suffocate; without turning around, I knew it was Vincent, my sworn enemy.

"What do you want?" I turned my hateful gaze toward him without fear.

Vincent overlooked my insolence; he slowly walked over. Following his leisurely steps, I felt an invisible pressure on my chest, making me want to collapse.

"You seem to have no understanding at all. The chain that binds you not only impedes your movement but also binds your soul. You cannot contact your wolf again until the cuffs are released. But that can't happen because now you're a prisoner." Vincent's cold eyes fell on me. He was much taller than me and had to bend over when he wanted to look me straight in the eye. "What should I call you? It seems your name is Orabella?"

I didn't answer, holding my head high.

"Dear Orabella, does this mean you are running away?" Vincent looked at me expressionlessly; although he did not show any anger, it was enough to make the opposite person tremble.

Vincent just asked the question; he had no intention of hearing my answer. He mumbled to himself before I could speak. "I'm not going to stop you, but I've got some important news that I think you'd like to hear."

I stared at him; I don't know how I felt now. Disorder is the word that best describes it. I hate him, really hate him, but deep down somewhere in my heart, I still feel sad if I fight him.

'Damned! What am I thinking?' I scorned my thinking.

"Your brother has been arrested, and so has your mother. It seems they were all shocked by your father's death, and now they are being held under Clement's care. You wouldn't mean to piss him off, would you? You wouldn't expect him to be lenient without killing them?" Vincent coldly warned me, the corners of his eyes quirked up in the last sentence. "Don't look at me with such ferocious eyes that you want to eat me. I'm not the one who killed your father; why do you hate me so?"

"All of you are of the same type. They're all assholes who love to step on other people's lives. Have you ever put yourself in the victim's shoes?" I hissed, my eyes flashing with hatred.

Vincent looked at me for a few seconds; he shrugged nonchalantly. "Only the weak become victims. And I never become weak. So do you have an answer to your stupid question?"

I froze momentarily at Vincent's wild and arrogant words, then stepped back and pointed straight at him. "One day, you become a lost dog. I, Orabella Scarlet, I swear, if I live, I will kill all of you bastards. Wait there, Vincent Charles."

Vincent's eyes flashed with interest; he smiled amusedly and replied confidently. "I was wondering if I should keep you alive. But right now, I think yes. How can I order the killing of someone as interesting as you? If you have taken such a poison oath, I am also eagerly waiting to see the results. Rest assured, and I won't let you die the day you fulfill your dream."

I clenched my fist into a fist; if it weren't for him keeping my brother's and mother's life, I would have rushed to risk my life with him. Even if I die, I will drag him to hell, make him bow his head in front of my father.

"Where's my mother and brother?" I gritted my teeth and asked.

Vincent closed his eyes and leaned against the window as if enjoying the view. "I told you, it's under Clement's management. He's a madman; your brother and mother's life is hard to guarantee."

I hissed. "Bastard! What do you guys want?"

"Don't be mad; I'm not on his side. We have a purely cooperative relationship. I can ensure the safety of your loved ones if you listen to me. I require something to entertain; you're my slave or pet, right?" Vincent smirked.

This is the first time he smiles, but it's not heartwarming but a smile that carries death. "And conversely, if you leave now or refuse, your whole family's head will be hung on that tower tomorrow."