CHAPTER 3

Sandy’s POV

A deep sigh escaped my lips as I gazed at the large mansion in front of me. Had it been seven years since I came here? 

This place held a myriad of memories; both sweet and bitter. My mind veered to the last time I was here. I had gotten into a heated argument with my brother and ever since then never returned.

When Kevin requested me to return, I was tempted to refuse. I did ignore his incessant calls. But, this time he didn’t give up as usual. He started sending me messages every day. 

Though the text of the messages was differently worded the gist remained the same. ‘The matter is of great consequence, Sandy. Else I wouldn’t have bothered you. If you have ever considered me as your brother; please come back.’

If he had sent a command as the Alpha of the Mystical pack. I would never have returned but he pleaded as my brother. I wanted to ignore his message as usual but here I was; standing in front of Gilkins Packhouse.

A deep sigh escaped my lips as I made my way to the large gate. The guards bowed to me as I walked past the gate. Nothing had changed here, the structure of the building, the gardens; everything was the same. Kevin hadn’t even gotten the walls painted.

A strange sensation tugged at my heart. Could it be that he really missed the olden days? I shook off the thought as soon as it formed in my mind. Kevin didn’t care for anything except being a righteous Alpha. He didn’t care about me or…. I quickened my pace. It was better to get over this as soon as possible.

“Where is Alpha Kevin?” I asked a servant as I entered through the ornate, wooden doors.

“Alpha is in the meeting hall, Master Sandy. He wanted to be here to welcome you but something came up….” The woman said, bowing to me. After a short pause, she added, “I will go and inform him….”

“There is no need to bother him,” I interrupted, raising my hand. “I will go and meet him in the hall.” I snorted and shook my head. Of course, he was busy. Everything in this world was more important to him than me; his brother.

Weaving my way through the long corridor, I arrived at the most secluded part of the mansion. The large and heavy door of the hall was guarded by four men. When they saw me, they bowed and pushed the door open.

The door crashed against the wall with a heavy thud; causing some dust to rise in a small cloud. This drew Kevin’s attention towards me. He got up from his throne-like seat and rushed to greet me, “Sandy! I knew you would come.”

His face beamed with joy but I knew it was all fake. So, when he tried to hug me, I stepped back and bowed to him instead, “Alpha Kevin, how can I dare to defy your order?” I didn’t even try to keep the sting out of my voice. I wanted him to know that I hadn’t forgiven him even after seven years.

Pain flashed in his eyes and he gulped, “So, you won’t even call me your brother now.”

I snorted and shook my head. Letting out a dry laughter, I taunted, “I thought you didn’t have time for small talk.”

Conflicting emotions crossed his features before settling on indifference; his fingers clenched into tight fists and he stated, “Very well then, let us get to the point.”

He spun around and strutted to his throne seat with a familiar arrogance. Once he sat down on the seat, his entire demeanor changed. His words became more calculated and to the point, “Over the past few months, the activities of the witches have been on the rise in Auroville. It is of great importance that we send someone to Halterland to keep an eye on them.”

He looked into my eyes; his gaze boring into mine, “Initially, I wanted to wait till I found someone trustworthy but the changing situation demands that I take drastic steps.”

He stopped talking and his gaze became distant; as if he were contemplating how to break some important news. My eyebrows furrowed for a moment but then it struck me,  “Don’t tell me that you want ME to go to Halterland.”

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, “I would never have asked you if I had another choice….”

“You know how dangerous it is to venture into the Halterland yet you want me to go? What kind of a brother are you?” I shouted even before he could complete his sentence.

“I really have run out of options, Sandy. Nivaan hasn’t contacted me for five years and Kiara is away for our son’s treatment. The only person I trust beside them is you, Sandy. You have to go.”

He sounded so exhausted. For a moment, I thought of considering his request but the painful memories from the past flooded my mind.

Letting out a forceful gust of breath, I questioned in a shaking voice, “What if I refuse, Alpha Kevin? Are you going to command me into submission?”

There was a long pause before he finally spoke up in a choked voice, “I will never do that again, Sandy…. I promise.” His grip on the arm rest tightened as he continued, “I am requesting you as a helpless brother, Sandy… Please help….”

His words were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. A guard came running in and he bowed to Kevin, “Madam Emilia wants to meet you immediately.” He raised and added in an urgent voice, “She looks very anxious.”

Kevin’s eyes drifted to me and then to the guard. He hesitated only for a moment before commanding, “Let her in.”

A disappointed sigh escaped my lips as the knot in my heart tightened further. My brother would prioritise everyone in this world except me. If I were the one interrupting some important discussion, he wouldn’t have let me in till the meeting was over; even if that meant I had to wait for hours.

I turned around intending to leave but my gaze landed on Emilia. Her face was extremely pale; her movements rushed and her eyes held a deep sense of panic.

I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “What happened to make you look so beaten?”