Chapter Two

Janet’s POV

I arrived at Steven’s mansion and found him outside the courtyard but something was weird about him, he was crying.

“Steven.” I rushed up to him, looking anxious and confused.

Has something happened in my absence?

“Steven, are you alright?” I asked with a voice filled with concern.

“I just got a message from my father’s trusted aid. Their carriage was raided and my father lost his life.” He informed me, sounding disheartened and my heart skipped.

“What? How did that happen? This is…” I couldn’t contend with the shock in my heart.

My parents and I were just talking about his father, and I wasn't able to tell him about my new fate - and now, he lost his father?

“I… I’m really sorry for your loss.” These were the only words I could profess.

“That’s not the issue at hand, Janet. I have to take the throne since I’m his heir.” He cried out and a small smile crept at the corner of my lips.

I knew we just witnessed bad news but I couldn’t contend with my excitement.

“Does this mean, we… we have to get married?” I asked skeptically, but he brushed my hand away.

“You wish!” He scoffed, sounding indifferent.

“I have to undergo the tribulation of an Alpha. I don’t think I can stand being struck by lightning thirty times.” He spilled bluntly and my jaw dropped.

“What? Lightning? What kind of punishment is that?” I asked in confusion.

“The ancestors have to make sure that the next heir is stronger and fit to hold the throne. I’m not prepared.” As much as it sounded crazy, my heart broke as I saw him tear up.

There was no way I could console him and right now, my words weren’t doing good to him.

“Is there any way I can help? Maybe we could ask the elders for a different punishment…” I tried to come up with a suggestion but he shook his head.

“You can’t help me, Janet. You are too weak.” He spilled bluntly with annoyance lingering in his voice.

Though people called me weak, I didn’t like it coming from him - someone I loved for that matter.

“I… I will help you with your tribulation, babe.” I had to show him that I wasn’t as weak as he thought and I was also capable of being beside him as his Luna.

“You?” He looked daft.

“You are not doing anything, you stubborn lad!” A familiar voice scurried and when we turned, it was my father and some other elders.

“Elders.” As they bowed to Steven, he quickly stood.

“We heard the sad news about your father, our condolence but I can’t believe you are trying to coax my daughter into taking up your punishment.” My father began in anger.

“You are a man so you must take control of this and protect your weak woman!” My father urged him seriously.

“I didn’t coax anyone! Your daughter is only trying to butt in!” Steven wasn’t having it cool with him too.

“Father…” I trailed off with a cold smile. “You are no longer my father so I don’t need to explain my actions to you, do I?” I asked, curling my lips.

“What do you mean?” Steven asked.

“I was disowned by them because I chose to be with you so the father and daughter bond between us is broken.” I faced Steven, placing a hand across his shoulders.

“I will take your tribulation for you and when I return, let’s get married,” I said seriously with a small smile and he nodded impatiently.

“Sure. Let’s do that. I promise to marry you after the tribulation. You will be my Luna.” He promised me with affection lingering in his eyes, I couldn’t take in all the joy I was feeling as our lips connected. He kissed me, making me feel safe.

“When is the tribulation day?” After we broke our kiss, I asked the elders - ignoring the look on my father’s face.

“In a week. It must be done shortly after the burial of our Alpha.” One of the elders said with a short bow.

“I will get ready.” I was about to leave when he held me back.

We exchanged intense stares and he embraced me tightly, not wanting to let me go.

How could I leave someone like him?

“Don’t worry, from now on, both this place and I are your home.” He whispered, his breath grazing on my skin as I briefly closed my eyes.

I was locked in the dungeon the following day, staying away from everyone until I was done with the tribulation. I didn’t hear any word from Steven or anyone, it was as if I was buried alive. I didn’t blame him because he was only following the tradition.

The day of the tribulation came as I was led to the ritual ground by an already transformed wolf.

As soon as I was about to climb on the platform, someone grabbed my arm and I turned quickly in anxiety - thinking it was my love since I had missed him more than life itself but my smile faded when I saw who it was.

“You shouldn’t be here.” It was Pamela, urging me to stop.

“It’s already too late, babe. I want to do this for him.” I said calmly.

“Are you sure it is worth it?” She rolled her eyes. “Look at you, you are already so weak, can you even stand one strike?” For some reason, I didn’t see worry in her eyes. It was as if she was here to discourage and mock me.

“I will be fine, Pamela. Besides, I’m doing this for a greater cause. By the time I’m done, I will grow from being an Omega to a Luna, isn’t that amazing?” I asked, forcing out a smile and she nodded.

“True. True. Since you are already determined, I won’t stop you then. I’m sorry and I wish you the best.” She said sadly.

“You are sorry? For what?” I wasn’t following what she was saying.

“For causing this to happen. I would have stopped you earlier…” Just then, some wolves came in and started paroling.

It was time for her to leave.

“Wait for my return.” With that, I stepped on the platform and some chains came out from invisible places, binding my two hands.

“ARGH!” I screamed as it stretched me in the air.

Was this how I would die? I didn’t regret my action though.

The sky ruptured, causing thunder strikes to form and I saw it approaching Earth with full force. I quickly closed my eyes, awaiting the most painful tribulation without knowing if I would live or die.