Chapter 3
RAYEL
When Boris told me our guest had arrived, I felt a surge of anger traveling within me.
Is this the right way to go?
If there was any other way out of this situation, I would have gone for it without delay. But there's no other option. This is the only way out.
My Luna has been excited after learning of our guest's arrival. She couldn't wait to see her.
Approaching the staircase with my Luna, we see Boris waiting below the steps, gazing above.
When he saw us, he took a bow and said, "She'll be here soon. I sent a maid to get her."
"That's wonderful," Hazel said with excitement, clinging to me.
Her happiness is the only reason I'm going with this plan of hers, otherwise, I won't allow it.
I want to make her happy in any way possible. Anything to keep this beautiful smile on forever, I'm ready to do it.
"Here she is, " Boris said, taking his gaze up the stairs.
I looked and was immediately left stunned at the beauty coming down the staircase. She wore a red dress which brought out her charm.
"Is she the one that'll carry out this task for us?"
"I thought Boris went and got an ugly lady from somewhere, but this is far beyond what I imagined. She's..." I stared at her.
She came down the stairs, standing before Luna and me, looking shy.
"Alpha Rayel, this is our guest, Elara, " Boris introduced.
Her name alone is unique. It's the first time I'll be hearing such a name as Elara.
Even though I was not pleased with the reason behind her presence in my home, I still welcomed her.
Her face flushed red in embarrassment, as she lowered her head down without a response.
Her sudden behavior sent a strange wave within me. It flowed into my heart, igniting a spark in me.
What is this?
"MATE, " I heard my wolf whispering to me.
On hearing the word mate, my eyes grew large at once.
"What nonsense is this? How is she my mate when I have my Luna with me? " I questioned my wolf, but it repeated the word, leaving me confused.
I want to deny this shocking news but the strong connection I'm getting from Elara is so intense. Is she indeed my mate?
"This can't be possible. I already have my Luna with me. What kind of game are you playing here goddess?"
I kept my eyes on Elara, watching how my Luna welcomed her with so much happiness in her heart.
"This isn't fair, Goddess. Is this some kind of Joke? You are the one who gave Hazel to me as my mate, so why this stranger?" I felt troubled in my heart.
Why is the goddess showing me this sign?
"If it's because of the situation Hazel and I are in, then I won't allow you to replace my love with a stranger." I showed my determination, so the goddess would know how much I love Hazel.
"Come with me, I'll take you to the dining room, " Boris said to Elara, leading the way.
As she followed him from behind, I saw Elara taking a look at me before leaving.
I can't allow this.
"This is great, Rayel. She's perfect," Hazel commented, hugging me.
Feeling uncomfortable, I pulled her off and said, " I don't like this plan of yours, Hazel. I just don't like it!"
"Rayel, please relax. You know very well that this is the only way out. "
"I know! " I raised, causing Hazel to stare at me with sadness in her eyes.
I didn't mean to yell out that way.
Feeling guilty, I pulled Hazel into my arms and apologized to her.
"I know this means a lot to you Hazel, but I'm just uncomfortable with it. How will I face you afterward?"
"Rayel, look at me. " She cupped my face next. "You shouldn't be worried about this. Between the both of us, you are the one who needs this the most. It's important that Elara... Become our breeder and bear your child." She lowered her head down sadly.
This is the issue that has been troubling my heart for a long time.
I found out that my Luna can't give birth to our child due to an issue in her womb. Ever since she discovered this problem, she has been looking for ways to bear me an heir.
Until she came up with the idea to find a breeder to carry out her duty.
As the Alpha, I must have an heir to succeed over me in the future. But with my Luna's case, there's no way of having an heir with her.
"This is for your good, my love. I'll be happy if Elara can be our breeder. She's perfect for the job, " Hazel said, showing her interest in our guest.
But how will she feel if she gets to know that the one she finds fit as our breeder is my mate?
What will I do then?
"Rayel, you don't have to be scared of this. You should be happy that we found someone who can do this for us, " She said, burying herself in my hold.
"When she finally gives birth to our child, this mansion will be filled with laughter and joy. Please don't take this as a problem. It won't be, I promise, " She pleaded with me.
Her words touched me deeply. She wants to see me happy.
Why would the goddess be so cruel to a beautiful soul like Hazel and make her barren?
It's unfair to my Luna and I. Hazel is the love of my life and the only one in my heart.
Why choose a different mate for me, Goddess?
"Please Rayel, don't object," She pleaded more.
I had no other choice but to listen to my Luna.
With a sigh, I said, "I've heard Hazel. I'll go with the plan. Anything that'll make you happy, I'll do it."
"Thank you, my love." She tightened me in her embrace.
I've just made a promise to her. How sure am I that I'll fulfill this wish?
I can't lose my Luna.
~ Rayel’s POVPanic clawed at me as Elara’s mental link flickered, replaced by a terrifying image,a dark cave.“She is in danger!” I yelled out. Every ounce of self-preservation melted away, replaced by an urge to protect her.The fragmented images Elara had sent were enough. Mountains, a cave entrance. It wasn't much, but it was all I had. Barking orders to Boris, I rallied my most trusted warriors. We rode with a desperate urgency, the rising sun painting the sky a bloody red that mirrored the turmoil within me.Hours bled into one another as we traversed treacherous terrain. Doubt gnawed at the edges of my determination. Had I reached in time? Then, a flicker of hope. A plume of smoke rising from a clearing in the distance.I felt energetic, so I urged my men forward. The scene that greeted me was a tableau of chaos. Elara, battered and bruised, was surrounded by Darach's men. Her defiance, even in her weakened state, ignited a fury within me hotter than any fire.Before I coul
~ Elara’s POVThe trek with Rufus towards my father's supposed location had been arduous. Days blurred into nights, the dense canopy offering scant sunlight. Rufus remained by my side, my keen senses constantly on alert. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the trees thinned, revealing a desolate mountain range.A shiver ran down my spine as I spotted a dark, gaping maw nestled at the base of the highest peak. It couldn't be. The cave. The one from my connection with my father.Fear warred with desperation. Taking a deep breath, I linked with my father once more. This time, raw, agonizing screams reached me.“ My father, It was him,” I told Rufus.Heart pounding a frantic tattoo against my ribs, I scrambled down the rocky slope, Rufus hot on my heels. The stench of damp earth and something metallic filled the air as we reached the cave entrance. A low growl rumbled from within, sending shivers down my spine.Ignoring the fear, I pushed past the ragged curtain concealing the entra
~ Rayel’s POV"What?!" The scream ripped from my throat, a guttural roar of fury. Ignoring the guards and the stunned look on Hazel's face, I lunged at Dolph. He may have been chained, but that wouldn't stop me. My fist connected with his jaw again, a satisfying blow that carried the weight of my wrath."How dare you!" My voice was a low growl, laced with a dangerous edge. "They're not pawns in your twisted games! You lay a single finger on them, and you'll regret the day you were born!""Rayel!" Hazel cried, her voice thick with hurt and betrayal. Clearly, the sight of me attacking her lover had shaken her.But before I could even process her reaction, she did something that sent a fresh wave of shock through me. Hazel, the woman I thought I knew, knelt beside the now-wincing Dolph and began to help him up. Her touch, gentle and concerned, was a stark contrast to the coldness she had shown me earlier. "Is Elara still alive?" Her voice, laced with a desperate urgency, was directed at
~ Rayel’s POVPushing myself off the bed, a newfound determination coursed through me. The anger might still simmer beneath the surface, but it was overshadowed by a fierce longing for Elara and my son. I wouldn't give up. I would find Elara and my son, no matter what it took.Just then, the door creaked open. It was Boris. Relief washed over me, maybe he had news about the retrieval team."Your Majesty," he announced, his voice a welcome sound in the tense silence. "I've done as you ordered. The guards are heading towards Alpha Dolph’s pack as we speak."I nodded curtly, a flicker of appreciation for his swiftness. But before Boris could launch into whatever he was about to say, I cut him off. Hazel's name was a raw nerve, and I couldn't bear to hear it right now. "Don't mention her," I rasped, my voice tight. "Just find Elara's stepfather. I need to talk to him."Boris's brow furrowed in confusion. "Elara's stepfather? What about him?" It was clear he didn't understand my plan, but
~ Rayel’s POVMy heart shattered into a million pieces. Years of love, devotion, poured down the drain. The woman I thought I knew, the woman I had built a future with was a stranger. The truth, a bitter pill coated in sugar, sat heavy in my gut."You... love someone else and have never loved me?" My voice barely rose above a whisper, the words scraping against my raw throat.Hazel scoffed, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Loved? Please, Rayel. It was never love. It was convenient. A way to pass the time." The coldness in her voice sent a fresh wave of nausea crashing over me."And now you want out?" I managed, the question laced with a desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, this was all a twisted joke.Hazel's smile returned, but this time it was devoid of warmth, a predatory glint flashing in her eyes. "Exactly. And wouldn't it be a grand gesture of your love to let me go quietly? A final act of selflessness before I return to the arms of someone who actually deserves me."
~ Rayel’s POV I was speechless, staring at Hazel. She wasn't making things easier. Hazel got up and walked closer to me, clearly frustrated."You're being such a jerk, Rayel! Why are you acting so mad? I told you I was pregnant, and you believed it even though you knew I can't have kids. Why are you getting mad at me now?” Hazel demanded, her voice laced with anger.Frustration bubbled over. "Seriously, Hazel? You can't even apologize?" I exclaimed.Hazel scoffed. "Why would I? I bent over backwards for you, remember? You should be thanking me, not throwing a tantrum."Her lack of regret made my blood boil. "That's unbelievable, Hazel! You don't get to play innocent here. Taking responsibility is grown-up stuff, and you're failing miserably! I hate it when people don’t take responsibility for their actions!” I said. The air hung heavy with accusation after Hazel's scoff. "Take responsibility for my actions!" she spat, her words dripping with misplaced blame. I managed a smile, thin