Chapter Three

Janet’s POV

“Janet. Janet. Wake up.” A soft voice echoed in my third ear as I struggled to get my real self.

It was as if I was dead but my eyes were wide open while I lay on the platform.

All my body aches and I was bleeding heavily. I wondered if I could even walk because of the injuries everywhere, I felt heavy.

“Janet. Janet.” The voice came up again but I could tell that there was no one with me, but thankfully the voice motivated me to crawl and sit upright, looking around the area.

“I’m still here,” I mumbled to myself, my eyes wandering at every corner.

The tribulation had just ended and I was alive, maybe almost dead?

“Janet, you must leave.” Then, the voice came up again.

“Who’s that? Is someone here?” I asked anxiously, looking around.

“I’m you, I'm inside of you and I’m your wolf.” The voice introduced and I almost leaped in joy forgetting my state.

“I… I finally got a wolf at the age of 21?” I gasped in disbelief.

“The Moon Goddess saw your sincerity and willingness, and granted you a wolf.” It explained.

“Really? I… I need to find Steven. He would be extra happy.” I tried to stand but I fell back on the platform.

“Take it easy, you had just undergone a punishment for Alphas and it had taken a toll on you. Try crawling to get your balance before standing.” It suggested warmly.

Was this how it felt to have an inner companion? I wasn’t feeling alone anymore and felt excited that I had this tribulation. I wouldn’t have had a wolf if I hadn’t done it!

I followed “it” instruction and crawled out of the ritual ground. I suddenly got the urge to walk and the little strength came in - I started walking like a toddler until I regained my balance.

Walking in the village, everywhere was empty and I was panicked.

Did something happen in my absence?

“Where are all of them?” I thought inwardly.

I had to tell Steven that I was alive, I had a wolf and we could finally get married with pride.

I was in pain, my blood was plastering on the ground as I walked but I was surviving with my last breath because I missed him and must make him feel less worried.

I sauntered into his courtyard but it was empty, I only saw decorations and headed to his room.

“Is… is he preparing for our wedding?” His master chamber was decorated with nuts, dates on the bed, and other wedding decorations, making the room look good.

I couldn’t believe he was anxiously waiting for my return to marry me. But where was he?

“Steven?” I started calling out to him, checking his study room and other places but he wasn’t in sight, not even a servant was available.

“Could there be a meeting in the hall?” I wondered aloud as I retraced my steps, heading to the hall.

I didn’t have the patience to knock or wait for anyone, I opened the door and it spread open - revealing a heart-wrenching scene to me.

“Steven?” My lips trembled, and my heart shrieked - causing me to cluster my chest with my hand while staring at him in mystery.

“Pamela?” I looked like a shivering wolfless fool, trying to ruin the glamorous wedding of their perfect Alpha.

“Is this a dream?” I walked on the red carpet, all eyes on me, bleeding and looking dirty as I approached my lover.

“You promised me, didn’t you? You promised to marry me when I return. I did everything- every fucking thing, I did for you. Is this how you repay me?” The tears of pain from the tribulation gushed out of my eyes uncontrollably.

“No one else but Pamela? How could you! Pamela, you did this to me?” She had always been so reserved and innocent, it was hard to see through her and -

“What are you doing here? Don’t you see that the priest is bonding us together?” I heard Steven’s voice after a long silence.

“What? Is that all you have to say?” I was dim-witted.

Was he the same man I loved all these years? How come he had changed to nothing but a clodpole?

I wasn’t going to give him up and maybe this was a game by the elders.

“Priest, I’m not in support of this union. They can’t get married!” I said firmly with a loud voice.

I knew right now in the crowd, my parents were staring at me pitifully. Wasn’t it too early to regret my deeds? Maybe there was an explanation behind his action.

“It’s too late. I have already finished the ritual and they have sealed their union with a kiss.” The priest informed me holistically.

“Pamela, why???” Even if Steven tried to seduce her, why did she agree?

When did all this start? Why was I being kept in the dark?

“Stop this nonsense, Janet! Do you really think Steven will marry someone like you? What do you have to benefit him?” Pamela asked curtly, rolling her lashes at me.

“You… you…” I couldn’t believe she could speak so vividly. When did she have a voice? She has always been sweet and innocent.

“Yes! I was in love with Steven right before you showed in the picture and I’m unwilling to let him go to you!” Her voice increased, screaming at my face.

I was tied in shock and disbelief. The taste of betrayal was too bitter and confusing. Was this how they were? They “fooled” me in the end.

I.. I thought they were my family.

“When did all this start? Why did you hurt me this much? WHY? Did you really take me for a fool!!” I asked them with a loud voice, yelling and growling.

Everyone in the hall looked at us in bewilderment, I looked so pitiful and in loss.

It was obvious that this perfect Alpha used me as a ladder for his success.

“Come with me!” Steven grabbed my arm, pulling me out of the hall and I followed him without a word.

I was already losing my sanity.