Chapter seven: Feeling Fear

Nikita's POV

As I stepped out into the dimly lit corridor, the oppressive atmosphere of the grand hall left behind, a sudden, crippling pain shot through my body. It was as if my very bones had been set aflame. Gasping, I fell to my knees, unable to support myself any longer. Fear gnawed at me, a feeling I hadn't allowed myself to experience in years. What was happening to me? The hallways of my home, usually so familiar, now seemed menacing.

My vision blurred as the pain intensified, each breath a struggle. I clutched at my chest, desperately trying to stabilise myself, but the pain only deepened. I crawled towards the nearest nook, a dark corner where the shadows offered a semblance of protection—though I knew it was a fragile illusion.

The sound of a door creaking open behind me sent a dangerous spike of adrenaline through my veins. No, not now. I couldn't be seen like this. Weakness invites challenge, and in my world, it almost always ends in blood. My father's voice echoed in my mind, a cruel reminder of the unyielding strength he had always demanded from me.

Silencing my breath, I pressed myself deeper into the shadows, every muscle screaming in agony. From my hiding place, I saw Rykor step out into the corridor, his eyes scanning the area, missing nothing. My heartbeat thundered in my chest, loud enough that I feared he could hear it.

"Where did she go?" Rykor muttered to himself, his voice laced with both curiosity and impatience. He stopped for a moment, pulling in a deep breath as if trying to catch a whiff of my scent. He moved with an unsettling calm, methodically searching, his presence a testament to the power he held within him.

I prayed silently, a rare plea directed to any force that might listen: Let him not find me. I couldn't afford this, not now, not ever. The idea of Rykor—a rival alpha—witnessing my vulnerability sent ice through my veins. With a final glance around, he seemed to concede and turned back to the door from where he came.

The relief was almost as palpable as the pain that had seized me moments before. I let out the breath I had been holding and leaned my head against the cold stone wall, eyes squeezing shut in an attempt to gain some control over the relentless agony. Gradually, the torturous pain began to subside, leaving a dull, aching throb behind.

Forcing myself to my feet was an ordeal, every movement a reminder of my helplessness. My body trembled, but I had no choice but to carry on. I had to get to my room, to somewhere safe from prying eyes and potential challengers.

Just as I turned the corner, my beta, Yuri, met me. His eyes widened in concern, taking in my dishevelled appearance.

“Nikita, your guests are asking where you have gone,” he said, his voice measured but ridden with underlying anxiety.

I drew a steadying breath, summoning every ounce of authority. "Tell them the night is over, and they should all return to their homes," I commanded, my voice carrying the weight of undisputed authority.

Yuri nodded, but his steps hesitated.

"And I would like the witch here tomorrow morning. The one who bound my wolf."

His eyes widened in shock. “But Nikita, your father forbade any magic in his kingdom.”

“My father is dead,” I replied, my tone icy and decisive. “I am Alpha now. Get me the witch.”

The conflicting emotions in his eyes mirrored the turmoil within me. He gave a curt nod, understanding that my word was final, and turned to carry out my orders.

I made my way to my room, every step a testament to my determination. Sliding the door shut behind me, I allowed myself a moment of reprieve, sinking onto the edge of my bed. Why had the pain come now? What did it mean?

The markings on my skin, each a testament to a life I had taken, seemed to weigh heavily upon me. I traced them absentmindedly, the memories of those I had lost intruding upon my thoughts. Was this a consequence of my curse or something far more sinister lurking in the shadows of my reality?

As the moonlight streamed through the high windows, casting eerie patterns on the stone floor, I laid back on my bed, closing my eyes and praying that tomorrow would bring answers. Still, as the faces of the ones I had killed flashed through my head just like they did every night, a new face overtook them, but this one wasn’t dead. He was very much alive. Rykor.

Opening my eyes, confusion overtook me. Why was his face in my mind? He was nothing to me. Was this a warning that he would be the next life that I took? seeing his face now was a warning that he was coming for me.