Axel's pov As my hand made contact, the lingering silence that followed was unsurprising, but the softness was unexpected. I could feel the plasticity of her buttocks, and the smoothness of her skin. It was warm, and soft, and the wave of satisfaction it sent through me was even more unexpected.Her body tensed, and she didn't dare to struggle anymore making me content as I also savored the feeling of her skin against mine.I clenched that same hand, trying to preserve that warmth exclusive to just her. It was my first time touching a woman so intimately, and I was sure it was also her first time.The thought that I was the first person to experience that softness was even more satisfying, so much that I couldn't stop the smile from breaking out of my lips.Elated, and thoroughly satisfied, I looked down at her and parted my lips, “You better…"Just then, my satisfaction faded, and its place stemmed a feeling of shock and disbelief as my gaze fell on the tears welling in her beautif
Axel's pov A rush of excitement surged through me as her response began to register, “You agreed?” I tried to sound neutral, keeping my voice as low as possible.I tried to hold her hands, but she quickly retreated, “Don't move near me.” She mumbled with a fearful gaze, and I could only take back my stretched hand.Just when I parted my lips to say something, a voice interrupted from the door, “My Lord, the physician is here.”I knitted my brows, before giving a cold instruction, “Very well, bring him in.” With that said, the door creaked open, and a sweaty old man strode in quickly.“You are here quite early.” I uttered sarcastically, crossing my arms while staring down at him from my seat.When his gaze fell on me, he quickly fell on his knees with an ashen face, “I apologize for keeping you waiting, My Lord. Please, punish me.” He seemed to be winded, and he uttered through ragged breaths.It's obvious that he rushed here, but no one had ever dared to keep me waiting. Well, apart
Axel's pov I scoffed lightly through my nostrils, he's obviously interested in her. The Old man has been searching for a deserving disciple to continue his teachings, but he claimed he had not found the right choice.And, seeing the genuine curiosity in Exalia's eyes, and the fact that he seemed to have a good impression of her, he might…Forget it, I will agree if Exalia wants it.Old man Harrick nodded, “That's a general detoxifying pill, it works as an antidote for common poisons.” He explained, and Exalia's eyes widened in surprise, just like a naive child. “So powerful? I've never heard of it before even though I had always eavesdropped whenever the physician in our pack treated someone.” She explained with bright eyes, and I sneered in mockery. “Your pack is a backward one, what do you expect?”Exalia turned to look at me, “Will you be punished if you don't keep quiet? We are having a serious conversation here.” She admonished, and I stiffened.“You don't talk to this Lord li
Axel's pov “That's enough, just do your job and stop spouting rubbish.” I quickly cut him short, before he could land.I didn't want to have Exalia asking questions about her identity, not now.Only a handful of people should be aware of the mystery behind her wolf's identity, so I didn't have to worry about her asking other people.But, with the old man…it was a different matter.Old man Harrick turned to look at me, a strange light flickering past his eyes, but I didn't give him too much time to dwell on the matter.“Are you done with the treatments? You've tended to all her wounds?” I merely asked, and he nodded subtly. “There's nothing to attend to, as she's already healing even without me doing anything. I only treated the deep hashes on her forehead and arms. Apart from that, she's in good shape.” He detailed, and I nodded with a solemn expression. “Is there anything we need to be cautious of?” I probed softly, and the old man fell silent in contemplation. Then, he shook his
Axel's pov A subtle shift in her expression was all I needed to see to know she didn't quite believe in my words.Exalia might look soft, and harmless, but the wits and perceptiveness beneath that facade was commendable. So much that I felt both threatened, and frustrated. And, it was a rare occurrence. Yet, I felt if I wasn't careful, all my secrets would be unraveled. But, a part of me felt satisfied and admired her even more. All these qualities she had been hiding, I don't mind helping her put them into good use.Exalia was like a stone, just a bit of polishing and refining would show the gem embedded inside this seemingly rough stone. The tensed atmosphere seemed to hint at something, so I quickly cleared my throat to break the silence, “Someone!” I called out loudly, and the door swung open instantly. “My Lord.” a warrior strode in hurriedly, bowing deeply in my direction. “Bring in that made from earlier. The one assigned to serve my mate.” I ordered, and he nodded respec
Axel's pov Ronan nodded respectfully, with his head lowered. “Were you able to find the whereabouts of Jake and Exalia's family?” I suddenly asked, sitting back down to lean into the plushie cushion. Ronan shook his head, “They seemed to have disappeared into thin air, it's obvious that they've been helped by someone, but some of my men claimed they saw his little mate in the black market several days ago.”My interest was piqued, and I glanced at him, “Oh? He didn't take him with her, isn't she his mate?” I queried in a low voice, and he shook his head.“She's not his second chance mate, but an ordinary lover. To him, she seems to be more competent compared to My Lady. But, I'm not sure why he didn't take her with him.” He detailed further, and I tapped my index finger on my atm rest, deep in thoughts. But, I didn't bother to delve into the matter for so long, but focused on the matter at hand.The border exchange. The exchange wasn't just for show or goods and information - It
Exalia's POV As I walked towards my room, my mind buzzed with countless jumbled, and confusing thoughts. I knitted my brows, taking heavy steps towards my destination, but my mind was already distracted. I replayed my recent interaction with Axel, and became even more puzzled. 'Why was he like that?' I wondered inwardly, and of course, no one would answer me.According to the rumors, he was supposed to be cruel, devious, and ruthless. That's what they said and that's what I know, but it doesn't seem to be so.His actions left me puzzled, and unsettled at the same time. A man like him shouldn't be bothered to play someone like me, so what does he have in mind?Was he as cruel as the rumors said, or was there more to it than said? Could it be that they were merely rumors as the definition implies?But, I had noticed that cold expression on his visage when he punished those people, and that couldn't be faked. But, his expressions would change whenever I glance at him, as if the previo
Exalia's POVThe sky above was gray and heavy, carrying a hint of gloom and casting an oppressive aura over the horizons. I couldn't see the silhouette of the sun, as the sky remained cloudy. I was in the middle of nowhere, yet it seemed to be somewhere unfamiliar. And the lands were barren, and bare, filled with cracks and signs of war. The scent of blood and burnt flesh wafted into my nose, and I scrunched up my nose in disgust.My gaze darted around, trying to find any signs of activity, but to no avail.“Exalia…" I heard my name in a whisper, and I turned around abruptly. “Who is there?” I yelled, feeling particularly strange at heart. Obviously, the large expanse of land was bare with no sign of any soul, but my voice didn't echo.Just when I was about to speak once again, my eyes suddenly constricted, as the sight in front of me registered. Graves stretched endlessly before me, each one adorned with withering flowers, and my breath caught in my throat.“Am I in a graveyard?”
Axel's POV.The tension in the room was thick, almost stifling. I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me, but I kept my gaze locked on the old Physician. His words still rang in my head, leaving me shaken. Exalia, the cure? How could that be possible? It didn’t make sense, yet something in his expression told me he believed every word.“Alpha Axel,” the Physician said again, softer this time. “Perhaps we should discuss this in private?”A murmur of disbelief swept through the crowd, and someone scoffed, “Private? What does he mean by that? We all deserve to know!”More voices chimed in, demanding answers. I didn’t blame them; this disease had devastated us all, and they were desperate for hope. But the old man simply shook his head, a steely resolve in his eyes.“This is a delicate matter,” he said firmly. “Not something to be discussed in public without careful consideration.”I could sense the growing frustration around us, but I also knew the old man wouldn’t bend. After a
Exalia’s POVI felt like the world had gone quiet, even as the cries and pleas of people filled the clinic around us. Old man Harrick’s words echoed in my mind, over and over. I might be the cure.A strange chill went down my spine as I tried to process it. “Wait... me?” I asked, pointing a shaky finger at my own chest. “Are you saying I could cure them?”Old man Harrick’s gaze was serious, with a hint of sadness. He nodded. “Yes, Exalia. I believe you hold the answer to this sickness.”Around us, whispers started immediately, sharp and cutting.“What’s this nonsense?” Lucia, one of the pack’s Lunas, scoffed from the back. “How could she, of all people, have the cure?”Others were frowning, shaking their heads in disbelief. I felt my heart sink as a few people murmured, “We’re just wasting time here.”“Have you all lost your minds?” Another voice chimed in. “People are dying, and you’re telling us she is the answer?”I felt doubt and embarrassment rising within me, hot and thick. I co
Exalia's POV The weight of urgency seemed permeable around the clinic, as smells of herbs and blood filled the air.The clinic was bustling with life and death likewise, with clamors and cries of piercing through the air sharply.Women clutched their children tightly, with faces covered in blood, dust and tears, each of them having a look of desperation in their pale faces.Even men were no different, no one pretended to be strong, as they conveyed their fear, grief, and pleas in the most direct way.“Why aren't you attending to my husband? He's dying!” A woman wailed painfully as she clenched the arms of a young man, who was making his way over.“Madam, please wait, we will attend to each one of you.” The man tried to placate her gently, but his smile was forced.They don't even have the cure, so how could they attend to them? He's merely trying to console her. The woman endeavored to grab him again, but he quickly slipped away from her hold.The young man rushed out of the clinic,
Exalia's POV The scholarly Alpha suddenly exclaimed, and I nodded with complex emotions. It turned out that my dream was coming true. Definitely, that black figure should be the witch behind the occurrence in each pack. I added, “Witches are the only beings with the ability to make such a level of destruction take place, and our only witch rival is this witch from the North. Didn't you say that they've been quiet for days? This must be what they are preparing for. The unsure thing is if this disease has reached the other poles, or it's just in our land.” I explained, trying to keep my voice as neutral as possible. I would rather not tell them that thousands of people would still die during this period because I didn't know how I could stop it or even help in reducing the casualties. Yet, I could feel Axel's gaze on my body, and I hurriedly looked away. He's sensitive, so he must have noticed something wrong, but I don't even know how to explain to him.After a while, his gaze lef
Axel's pov I turned to Bernard as well, “After the meeting, make sure that our warriors are okay. If this illness spreads to our warriors, then it would be a disaster, the Border Exchange would even be pointless this time. Furthermore, assign some men to send those spies away from our doorstep. Having them know about all these things would ruin our chances in the exchange as well.”The series of instructions filled the room with an air of solemnity and tension, none of the Alphas spoke up as each of them had contemplative looks on their faces.“We need to find the cause and cure, before we can do anything. And, Old man Harrick is the only person that can help us, I'm not sure if we would be able to find someone else.” Ronan suddenly mentioned, but he was addressing the group of Alphas.I nodded in agreement, “Now, we can only rely on our physicians. Send the news to your people, we don't know how infectious this disease is, so anyone having rashes or boil should be sent to the clinic
Axel's povSeveral voices rang out, but the report was the same. The deaths of countless people, and the cause was unknown. “What are the Physicians saying?” I asked coldly, and Jay shook his head. “They claimed to have not seen a situation like that before.” He replied while trembling, and I paused, contemplating. My eyelids jumped, and a sense of unease swept through my heart, making me stiff on my seat. But, as an Alpha King, I didn't dare to lose my composure.Just then, another warrior rushed in, and I stiffened when I saw who it was. It was one of my elite warriors, but at that moment, he was covered with perspiration from head to toe.A look of sheer terror was plastered on his face, and he seemed breathless. When his gaze fell on me, he fell to his knees before reporting coldly, “My Lord, there's bad news.” His voice was steady, and calm even though his eyes were fearful. I suddenly felt a bad inkling, “What happened?”Brian began, “My Lord, several people fell ill at onc
Exalia's POV An ominous feeling took place in my chest, followed by anxiety that made my palms clammy with sweat.A strange death? Why does it sound similar to the dream I had last night?An Alpha spoke up doubtfully, “It's different from an ordinary chronic flu? How?” He asked, staring at the man named Julian fixedly. The memory from the dream emerged in my mind once again - the way those people dropped to their death without even knowing how, and countless graves that signifies how several people had already died.I pressed my lips into a thin line, before turning to look at Axel, I parted my lips, but no words came out. What could I say? I dreamt people were dying, but so? I didn't dream of how I could be of help.Moreover, it's just a pack, and it's only a few people who lost their lives. It might be simply an ordinary flu that was left untreated for many days, according to Axel.I didn't dare to say anything, and merely watched on with knitted brows, while numerous thoughts flo
Axel's POV“Ignore that.” I instructed calmly, not bothering to glance back at the door. I didn't have that much patience to bother about who could be.The Alphas nodded without rebutting, and I turned to the Alpha who just spoke up, “Increase the vigilance in all the packs, the patrol guards should also increase. We must be vigilant at all times.” I stated in a grave tone, and they all nodded in agreement. Bernard spoke up, “The weapons and equipments are ready for use, we can handpick the better ones after the gathering, and allocate the weapons to the warriors.” I nodded in satisfaction, the blacksmithing chamber had never delayed, and it was no exception this time when it's a crucial moment. Just then, another persistent knock rang out once again, and a commotion from outside the chamber fell into my ears.“I need to go in, this is very important.” An anxious voice rang out, and I knitted my brows in displeasure. “No, you can't go in. There's an important meeting going on insi
Axel's POV Exalia spoke up at this moment, “Also, our movement is being monitored by our enemies as well, so we should be careful of what we do. I advise we do everything secretly, lest they get news of our plans. Most of them should have gotten the news of the witch, so they must be preparing, and they might want to imitate us. If they do, our plan will definitely be exposed, and we would have even more enemies. So, it would be better if we keep our plans inside.” She explained calmly. This time, no one refuted because she was utterly right. Our lands were at stake here, and if those people get hold of them, it would be a massive catastrophe as others will begin to stretch out their claws.Furthermore, if we don't retain the position of the Victor, we would have to give out three portions of our lands, that's almost the same thing as giving everything out. To make things worse, they would be the one to choose the portion of land they wanted, and we must agree or else, the remaini