"You're not allowed to get inside, assassin. You are strictly prohibited from being present at the meeting of the Alphas."Damn it.Riftan took a deep breath while Dreyar laughed. "Sorry about that, Vermillion," he told me. "We'll be discussing very private matters, so I suggest you wait here if you can.""Are you telling me to leave this assassin unattended?" Riftan raised a brow at him, crossing his arms."As much as I want to introduce her to the other Alphas, I don't think I can allow her inside. You do realize the risk of letting Miss Vermillion attend the conference, do you not?""Of course, I do." Riftan sighed and looked at me. "Will you be fine if you stay here and wait? We won't take too long."Dreyar smirked. "I'll rush things so that both of you can return to each other's arms as soon as possible."I scratched my nape, disappointed I couldn't get more information about their dirty secrets. I peeked at the pavilion behind t
"Ruby, I want you to know that not all of us Weres are bad people. There might be some who had the chance to consume human flesh, but there are other packs like mine who doesn't. And so does the Phantomcrescents. I want you to know that the man who is chasing for your hand is a good man and he will never hurt you."Her words played inside my mind a million times.I sat there, unsure of what to say.True, that the ordeal between the Weres and Humans has been impossible to resolve. Or rather, I shall say: never going to be resolved."Thank you so much for your kind words, Lady Stella. I keep that in mind."There was silence between us."By the way, Lady Stella, would you mind to tell me what you did when your husband, an Alpha, revealed to you that you were his mate?""Not at all." She smiled.I made myself comfortable while listening to her mellow voice."I was an omega." She told me. "I work on the farm and one day
Thick, bright red liquid ran through my arm as the blade pierces against my right shoulder.Memories rushed through my head as my body stiffened.'Is this it? Am I finally going to die?'I fell to the floor, my eyes slowly shutting-convincing me to give in to the hands of death."Ruby!""Lady Stella, stay back!" the guards leaped in front of her and readied their lance at the stray rogue who wore a bright yellow outfit.At first, I thought: 'He must be a complete idiot to wear such a bright color in open places like these. Surely he would be caught.'"Ruby!" I felt the woman's touch as she cradled me into her arms. Tears streamed down her cheek as she ripped the portion of her beautiful dress to cover my wound. "Stay with us, Ruby!"It was painful.The pain I felt was too painful.Any moment and I am sure I would see the grim reaper standing before me to collect my soul.Any moment, and I
Kill him.That was the King's order to me. And yet, I never thought I would fail this miserably.And now... I must pay the price to the Lycan King with my own heart.___________________A village on fire."Tch. Typical." I grit my teeth and nonchalantly walk among the blazing fragments of planks that were scattered across the muddy floor.The heels of my boots sank every step and I rolled my eyes in irritation as these boots costed two bars of silver and a bronze. I always knew that the merchant was a shady man, and yet- I still bought these bad babies.They look damn great on me after all.I could see the silhouette from a distance. I lowered my crimson hood and cracked my fingers before pulling out my favorite cobalt flintlock. I place my thumb on the trigger- ready to shoot whatever would come to me.I could hear the screams of the anguished villagers who were devoured by the nightly and inhumane beasts. I look up to the sky and fixated my viridescent orbs on the bright, yellow mo
The King wants to see me today.I feel my chest become heavy and my heart pound wilder. It was unusual for him to make me see him. The Generals would always be the ones who would summon me. I wonder what was so special about this?I look back at my other apprentices. They were behind me, trailing– also with curious eyes. I stop my tracks, turn my back, and then ask them."Both of you look nervous." I crossed my arms. "Is something wrong?"They shook their heads. "Nothing."But I knew that something was bugging them. That softened look, furrowed brows, and pursed lips. I knew that something was bugging them."No, I insist," I told them. "What is it?"I heard one of them sigh. "We find it very peculiar, Captain Vermillion.""Peculiar?""We wonder if something wrong happened? Is the King upset, perhaps? Did we do something wrong?"I chuckled at him and placed a hand on his shaking shoulders."I believe it is none of that." I gave him a reassuring smile. "He could be summoning me for anot
"Captain, are you sure you'll be alright to leave on your own?"My apprentices frowned at me and I nodded. "I can't let you join me on this one. But if you keep guarding our posts, then I'll share to you half of my bounty that I will be receiving from the King.""Has the King sent you to another dangerous mission again?"I gave her a smile and crossed my arms. "Don't worry about it, and besides, we are doing this for a living, aren't we? I would have to work hard in order to eat something.""When will you be coming back, Captain?""I don't know. I will need a couple of weeks to scout their territory before I can get what I needed to do. Don't worry. I'll be quick.""A couple of weeks isn't quick, Captain!""I know, I know... Sheesh." I took my usual red cloak and wrapped myself with it. I tied the ribbon and placed my crest on my chest and tapped my boots. "But I'll have to go now if I want to come back any sooner, don't I?""We guess so..."They heaved a deep sigh and pulled me into
Tall trees. The sound of the waterfall.I closed my eyes and traced my small fingers at the long blades of grass as I skipped happily towards Grandmother's cottage. I remember vividly as I jumped from rocks to rocks just to cross the stream, with my newly sewn basket.Mother made it for Grammy, if I remember correctly. Inside were goodies that had just come from my uncle's farm. My father was busy cutting trees and my mother should be at home- mending our garments with threads and needles.When I arrived at the path, I remember the smell of smoke and rotten eggs- or at least, that's what I thought it would be. I remember correctly that Father told me to wrap myself with my red cloak to intimidate the predators lurking in the woods. I thought it was foolish, until I saw one myself.From behind the huts stood a creature so beastly and ugly. It seemed like a hyena standing on its hind legs. Because of how devilish it looked, I never thought that it would be a wolf.I've always seen the w
Mate.The word resonated inside my head like a haunting voice, echoing in a cave. I stared at him with confusion all over my face. He stared at me back.I do not know what a 'mate' meant but why do I feel like it is some kind of bad news?"What on Earth are you talking about? Are we still talking English?""Yes, we are. And you are my mate."I probed my eyes around. The Weres were staring at me intently, watching every single movement of mine. Galland placed a hand on his shoulder and sighed."She doesn't seem to know anything about it, Sir Riftan."Riftan took a deep breath and gazed at me. "Yes, I can clearly see it from here. Proves how much of a dummy these humans are."I placed my palms on my hips and pointed at him. "Well, excuse me? It's not like I am a Were that would love to learn about your stupid culture.""Culture?" Riftan sighed. "Well, if that is your perspective then I will leave you to it. Enjoy your rest.""No, wait!" I reached out my arms to the air. "Wait, darn it!"
Thick, bright red liquid ran through my arm as the blade pierces against my right shoulder.Memories rushed through my head as my body stiffened.'Is this it? Am I finally going to die?'I fell to the floor, my eyes slowly shutting-convincing me to give in to the hands of death."Ruby!""Lady Stella, stay back!" the guards leaped in front of her and readied their lance at the stray rogue who wore a bright yellow outfit.At first, I thought: 'He must be a complete idiot to wear such a bright color in open places like these. Surely he would be caught.'"Ruby!" I felt the woman's touch as she cradled me into her arms. Tears streamed down her cheek as she ripped the portion of her beautiful dress to cover my wound. "Stay with us, Ruby!"It was painful.The pain I felt was too painful.Any moment and I am sure I would see the grim reaper standing before me to collect my soul.Any moment, and I
"Ruby, I want you to know that not all of us Weres are bad people. There might be some who had the chance to consume human flesh, but there are other packs like mine who doesn't. And so does the Phantomcrescents. I want you to know that the man who is chasing for your hand is a good man and he will never hurt you."Her words played inside my mind a million times.I sat there, unsure of what to say.True, that the ordeal between the Weres and Humans has been impossible to resolve. Or rather, I shall say: never going to be resolved."Thank you so much for your kind words, Lady Stella. I keep that in mind."There was silence between us."By the way, Lady Stella, would you mind to tell me what you did when your husband, an Alpha, revealed to you that you were his mate?""Not at all." She smiled.I made myself comfortable while listening to her mellow voice."I was an omega." She told me. "I work on the farm and one day
"You're not allowed to get inside, assassin. You are strictly prohibited from being present at the meeting of the Alphas."Damn it.Riftan took a deep breath while Dreyar laughed. "Sorry about that, Vermillion," he told me. "We'll be discussing very private matters, so I suggest you wait here if you can.""Are you telling me to leave this assassin unattended?" Riftan raised a brow at him, crossing his arms."As much as I want to introduce her to the other Alphas, I don't think I can allow her inside. You do realize the risk of letting Miss Vermillion attend the conference, do you not?""Of course, I do." Riftan sighed and looked at me. "Will you be fine if you stay here and wait? We won't take too long."Dreyar smirked. "I'll rush things so that both of you can return to each other's arms as soon as possible."I scratched my nape, disappointed I couldn't get more information about their dirty secrets. I peeked at the pavilion behind t
ZEN RIFTAN It was evening.I had decided to bring the assassin along with me to the meeting, though she wouldn’t be stepping foot inside the pavilion. The topics were too sensitive, and I wasn’t about to let her overhear matters that could put our plans at risk. Instead, I arranged for Lady Stella to keep her entertained. It was the best alternative—I couldn’t have Ruby wandering off and causing problems while I dealt with more important affairs.Inside the pavilion, the Alphas of the continent sat at a vast table, tension thick in the air. Their expressions ranged from hostile to wary, but none of it surprised me. Every leader at this table was only loyal to their own pack, willing to tear each other apart if it meant expanding their power. The only reason they were all here was the treaty.Six years ago, Hector Dreyar and I had forged this alliance, changing the balance of power among the Weres. Before then, it was a bloodbath—Alphas constantly at war, packs torn apart. But when I
RUBY VERMILLIONThe bed was warm. I could feel Riftan's warmth as his arms were wrapped around mine the entire time we slept. Wait what?I immediately rose up at sat on the bed. My sudden movement wakes the male. "R-Riftan?!""Ugh... what?""W-What did we...""We didn't do anything."The sunlight peered from behind the curtains, and we could hear the sound of cogs and wheels. I stared at Riftan. He was shirtless and had a huge wound on his lower torso. I
"Sir?!"I felt a cold hand grasp me. My eyes instantly opened as balls of sweat streamed down from my face.There was a woman before me, holding a mop on her other hand.My breathing became uneven, I gasp for air as I sat straight."You were having a nightmare, Sir." A nightmare.That's right.It was only a nightmare. It isn't real. Nothing is.
ZEN RIFTANMy body felt so heavy.I remember waking up in a vast flowerbed of daisies and dandelions. The warm sun gently bestowing me with its ethereal light. As my irises focused to grasp my surroundings, I slowly lifted my self up and probed around.I remember this place.Where was I exactly? What was I doing? How did I end up being there?All of those, I can remember.
Run. I sprinted across the snow, trying to get back to the inn. I regretted my decision to meet with Sir Dreyar. Everything became much more worse!I could see the door from our room. I reach out to it and opened the door. I went inside and locked it behind me, and then took the time to breathe some air.'He was just toying with you. None of that matters now. Tomorrow will be your last day here in this place. Just stay close to Riftan and-'
Riftan lay on the couch, eyes heavy from the alcohol. I chuckled as his head hit the cushions with a soft thud. Poking him did nothing—he was out cold."Weakling," I muttered, amused. Who knew one mug of beer could knock him out so easily?As I stared at him, a dark thought crept into my mind. Kill him now.The voices in my head told me.I could end him, use the lamp to stab him... But then what? I'd be hunted before I even got back to the palace."No," I breathed, shaking my head. "It's not the time. Don't mess this up."Taking a deep breath, I crouched and lifted his arm over my shoulder, dragging him to the bed. He groaned in his sleep as I tucked him in."Let's get you to bed," I whispered, more to myself than him. He was out for the count. I had the whole day to myself, and an unsettling memory of Dreyar’s offer lingered in my mind. Evening came, and Riftan still hadn't stirred. I watched the golden clock tick away the hours, then sighed. Waiting for him to wake up wasn’t an opt