That had been hours ago. Now, they were at the Selection Ground, watching as different lycans tore at each other with their claws and canines while they were seated on the stone bleachers. The moon stood full in the sky tonight. There were torches at strategic points so that they could see everything happening between the barricaded space below where the warriors were fighting. Oana made sure Aniya sat down right next to her. Some of Oana’s friends were there too but this time, none regarded her with disrespect, not even the one she had been introduced to on that day. Instead they just decided to speak in their language and not talk to her. Aniya was grateful for that, she had no time for frivolous discussions. The seating arrangement on the stone bleachers was according to status. At least, it seemed like it. At the top was the Alpha’s seat which was empty. Then a seat lower was the Luna’s seat. She looked elegant in her blue silk dress, like a beautiful and gentle goddess hers
“I am no traitor!” Ikrus yelled as different guards rushed up to him to capture him. A guard next to the Alpha yelled.“The Alpha was attacked tonight and the captured traitors declared that they were receiving orders from you, Gamma.”“That is a lie!” Ikrus spoke up, enraged. Aniya looked from father to son. The tension that grew thick in the air felt suffocating. She could feel her hope spilling through her fingers like sand.“To the dungeon.” The Alpha ordered and this time when the guards took Ikrus away, he didn't fight them. Not once did Ikrus look at her while he was taken away to the dungeon. Oana begged for her father to stop them but he didn't listen. While Aniya watched all this, everything suddenly became a distant echo and a realization washed over her like cold water. This was a trap, one that the Alpha made for his son. He didn't want him to participate in the hunt because he knew he would win, and he didn't want him to win because he knew he would request for som
The introductions were over and some guards came to take the presents away. The Princess headed back to the Stone Bleachers and Aniya followed. While she did, she contemplated pulling the Princess aside and telling her about her suspicions but then she would have a lot of explanation to do.She would have to tell her about the earring and it came into her possession. On the other hand, what if she was overthinking this? What if she was wrong in her suspicion? She would have to give up the only thing she had power over and then she would have no means of escaping this Realm. Besides, this was a Realm she was new too, she didn't know much about how they did things here. What if what she was suspicious of was something completely normal. She kept thinking about this till they were seated at the Stone Bleachers once again.when she finally concluded that she was just overthinking this. The Princess’ friends welcomed her with a smile and open arms. Aniya was once again seated right n
Aniya frowned, hiding behind one tent to another, as she moved so that she would get closer and find out about the discussions going on in the tent. It was probably about an attack, an information she would sell at the price of the freedom of her and her son. “---e cannot keep doing this.” Ula protested in a low whisper. “---promised… if I win.” Aniya smiled, glad that she could finally hear them and hoping that they would be too busy to notice her still shadow. Hopefully, the tent was thick enough to hide that away. “There will be consequences if they find out.” “No one will know,” a husky voice said.There was a rustle. Movements. Then muffled sounds that Aniya knew all too well.Aniya rolled her eyes. By Ignas, this was disappointing. Of course, not every volunteer would be sincere with the “sacred vows”. She burst into the tent, catching Ula and her lover, who was behind her, holding her to him with his palm over her mouth.He had his pants down and her dress hiked up to
“Who gave you the earring? Who is with the other pair?”Ula pointed at the man and he scoffed.Aniya smiled, and adjusted Ula’s scarf. “Good.” Ula trembled slightly, still afraid and unsure of what this interaction might bring. When Aniya offered her a hand, she flinched slightly, eyed it with suspicion and fear before she took it. The moment she was on her feet once more, she let Aniya’s hand go immediately and took a step back. “Face me with whatever accusations you have and let her go.” Aniya ignored him, instead she asked Ula if any child had been brought to the Temple recently to which Ula confirmed that it was true. “He cries a lot.” That brought Aniya no comfort at all. Arlo wasn't the type of child to always cry.By Ignas, what were they feeding her poor son?! Were they even taking care of him?“The Head Mistress tries her best.”That still wasn't enough. It didn't feel enough! The urge to see him rushed over her but from what she had learnt so far, sometimes others wer
"How Not To Get Chosen," Belladonna mumbled to herself in her silvery voice, her blue eyes on the cover of the thin black book she had just picked.It was fairly covered in dust, making the letters on it a little unreadable.She went down the ladder, then blew the dust off the book which made her cough lightly."By Moria Nakuriver," She mumbled the name of the author to herself and instantly shook her head.This book would be of no help because the author actually ended up being chosen as a bride.Moria was the daughter of the Village Head of Nakuriver, one of the seven villages that made up the mighty Kingdom of Ignas, which was ruled by the dreaded Dragon King. When Moria was 18, she had participated in the Choosing Ritual, as the rules had demanded, and had somehow been lucky enough not to be chosen. That was when she had written this book. Almost every lady across the kingdom started reading it, so they could be as lucky as she had been. But then she got chosen at 25, and people
Aniya was on her knees on the bed, resting heavily on her two hands as they held on to the sheets tightly while her silky black hair fell over the sides of her face, wet and glistering with sweat.Her full breasts dangled slightly as the man behind her thrusted into her over and over again. She took it all in, her eyes closed, her pink round lips, slightly parted.All the room had to light it up was a dim lantern on the dressing table, yet the images before Belladonna seem to burn her eyes. "Oh... Lytio." She heard Aniya whisper through trembling lips and she looked up at the face of the man that was behind.Indeed, it was her Mr Perfect. Lytio's hairy chest was glistering with sweats, his slim hands firm on Aniya's small waist, pulling her closer to himself, all his attention on what he was doing.Belladonna took a step back instinctively, her lips pressed together tightly, her eyes blank while her heart crushed into many pieces. "Oh... Lytio." Aniya moaned again and she opened he
"...I was drunk and the timing of your sister..."She gritted her teeth.The feeling of this betrayal by her family felt mightier more than yesterday's. How could her family do this to her?When she spoke though, her voice was controlled and firm. "I see that. I see it all. But I am not about to cry over split milk."Lytio froze for a split second before his eyebrows furrowed in confusion and he straightened up, his hands falling to his sides."Your parents have discussed with mine on the 'incident'."'Incident? Of course, that was how they would refer to it.' Belladonna thought but she instead, she asked, "and...?""Bell, I want you to know that I love you very much.""I am sure that wasn't what they concluded on."Lytio clenched and unclenched his fists before digging it into his pockets. "I have to marry Aniya. It is for the best. For my reputation and your sister's. Also to prevent any more unfortunate incidents.""Of course. Do exactly what they want.""I don't have a choice. D