3 - Nyx

Six Years Later

The cool breeze was soothing, and I felt warm under the blanket that covered me. Even the bed was more comfy. Never had I felt so much better. Where was this place? My bedroom? Oh, did Cassandra change the air freshener in the house? Because how come everything had a scent of different smells? Those were my thoughts as I drifted awake from my long sleep.

Gently, I fluttered my eyes open to see the roof above me. Instead of a fancy chandelier, I gazed up at an ancient, ornate fixture with candles and intricate carvings of wolves and moons.

The flickering flames cast eerie shadows on the walls, which were adorned with carved wooden panels depicting werewolves in various poses.

At this, a frown etched my features, and I turned slightly to see some women having a conversation just a few steps away.

They were different, more beautiful, and somehow... more mysterious. At that moment, a sudden headache made me gasp, and I bent forward, catching the attention of the beautiful ladies.

Abruptly, I heard the bustles as they quickly rushed forward to help me, but I had already regained my last memory. Lyrien's betrayal.

" Get your hands off me! " I suddenly yelled, jerking back to the farther end of the bed. " Who are you people? Lyrien hired you all to keep me here? "

The first lady, older and more regal, stared at me for what seemed like an eternity while the other two had their eyes round in fear.

" What's going on with our Luna? " I heard the question, which almost made me yelp, but before I could react, the older one muttered.

" Call upon Alpha Kade. Right now! "

The two ladies rushed out, their footsteps fading down the hall before abruptly stopping. My heart began to race at the silence that followed. With the blanket wrapped around me, I edged further away from the woman who hadn't taken her eyes off me.

Then, the sound of incoming footsteps echoed through the hallway. Not one person, not two, but multiple. Who was this Alpha Kade?

Anxious, confused, and scared, I waited quietly as the doors opened and the two ladies rushed in. They parted to reveal a man who stepped into the room with an air of quiet confidence.

He wasn't just any man. He was... more. Without being told, I knew he was a divine creature. His hazel eyes, ringed with gold, seemed to hold a deep wisdom.

Dressed in black, his long, curly hair cascaded around his shoulders, framing a face that was both strong and beautiful. His muscular, lean build and plump lips only added to his allure. Golden rings adorned his fingers and ears, glinting in the light.

A mere glance at him shattered my long-held belief that Lyrien Kymani Thane was the most handsome man alive. This Alpha was different. It was as though the gods had conspired to create a man no one could ever look away from. His presence was majestic, and I found myself gazing shamelessly into his captivating eyes.

I allowed myself to be flattered by Kade's gaze, but the feeling didn't last long. Lyrien's betrayal still lingered in my mind, a painful reminder of what had happened. I swallowed hard, remembering the man I loved and the family I thought I had.

" Where...where am I? " I finally asked, my question directed at Kade, who seemed to be in command.

Silence fell for a few seconds, with Kade's eyes still locked on mine. He appeared more surprised than I was, and I wondered why.

Finally, he took a step forward, his movements alerting me. He was gentle, more tender, as he reached out to circle his fingers around my wrist and pull me away from the bed's edge. He allowed me to sit, then rested against the bedstead, his eyes never leaving mine. Those eyes seemed to sparkle, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

" Lyrien sent you, right? " I asked again, but this time Kade's response was unexpected. He stopped, his sudden pause mysterious, and I felt my heart skyrocket.

Slowly, he pulled back a bit and shook his head in the negative.

" Then where am I? " I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady. " You know what? I have to go back home. It's urgent. My family will be looking for me. I didn't tell them I'd stay out overnight. You can send your account details to Jewel Empire. I will repay your kindness. "

I made to get up, but Kade's voice stopped me. His rasp, husky tone was more stunning than the information he revealed.

" You have stayed out more than a night. "

I pulled back, amazed by his words. He spoke with an accent that seemed forgotten, from a time long past.

Who was this man?

I thought to myself but again, I was dragged back to reality by the words he had said.

How did he mean that I have stayed longer than one night?

This question was asked with my eyes, and Kade got it before I spoke out loud.

Gently he gets up from the bed, more graceful like a king. Then he extended his palm for me to take. This gesture didn't only make me anxious but confused.

I knew another physical touch from him might make my body react differently, so I ignored his help and made to get up by myself, but he reached out to stop me.

" Get your hands off me " I snapped. " I can get up by myself "

My words came out harsher than I had intended, and I felt bad the second they fell. It was as though I was venting my anger and frustration about the betrayal on him.

Kade obeyed me, however, but he stood close in case of anything.

I struggle to get up from the bed, realizing my legs are more stiff than they should be.

After getting up, He led the way out of the balcony, and reluctantly, I followed him.

I parted the curtain and stepped out in the open. There, my heart skipped a beat. I am right. This isn't home. It is more different from anywhere I have ever imagined.

" This is the werewolf Realm " Alpha Kade dropped the bombshell, and I stiffened, stunned.

Swiftly, I whirled around to stare at him as though he was crazy.

" Nonsense. All that was only in books. They are myths and aren't real. If you think I can start acting crazy so you and Lyrien can send me to the asylum home then I have to say you should start thinking twice. There is nothing like Werewolf. Alpha? Bullshit. Not real "

After my rant, Kade didn't speak. Instead, he stares at me, his gaze penetrating my soul.

At last, he nodded.

" Stop mentioning the man's name. You are making Majesty jealous "

" Majesty? " I repeated, confused.

" The Alpha wolf in me. I am Kade King, the Alpha King of the werewolf realm "

" What? " I asked in awe. " Wait... What? How ... How long have I been here? "

My question was answered as he pointed out to the large sea that spread in the distance.

" Six years ago, the divine sea brought you from the human region down to the shore of my kingdom "

Now I couldn't help but chuckle.

" That's not true. I am an internally ill lady. The medical report says I can't live longer than a few months. How come I have lived six years? "

I was expecting him to chuckle and say everything is all a facade, but no. The man stared deeply into my eyes and then confessed.

" Because you are my Luna. Our Mate bond is keeping you safe and alive "

Before I could process the bombshell Alpha Kade had just dropped, a man walked onto the balcony, his head bowed in respect.

" Alpha Kade, the elders are here."

Kade glanced at the man for a few seconds before turning back to me, regret etched on his face.

" You should take some rest. I will be back before you know it. "

His tense voice was almost hypnotic, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

As he walked off with his man, I realized that he might indeed be the true Alpha King. And this world I found myself in... it might just be the real werewolf realm.