In the dim light of dawn, Cleo urged the horse to push harder, its hooves resounding against the forest floor. The carriage glided through the woods like a shadow, propelled forward by Cleo's determination. Melina, seated in the passenger's seat of the carriage, felt the weariness of the ceaseless journey take its toll on her body. Beads of perspiration adorned her brow, evidence of the harrowing trek. She didn't want to complain because this was all his decision. Concern etched across her face, Cleo stole a glance at her niece through the window outside. "Are you alright, Melina?" she inquired, her voice laced with genuine worry. Melina managed a weak smile, her voice betraying her fatigue. "I'm fine, Aunt Cleo," she reassured her. Though her words were brave, her exhaustion painted a different truth. Cleo's gaze lingered on Melina for a moment longer, but she refrained from probing further. Determined to see their journey to its end, Cleo continued urging the hors
Cleo's eyelids fluttered open, her eyes momentarily struggling to adjust to the golden sunlight that bathed the world around her. As realization slowly settled in, she glanced at the sand glass hung in the castle, her eyes shot wide open with a surge of panic. They had slept for nearly an hour, and Cleo knew they couldn't afford to waste any more time. Turning her gaze towards her Melina, who was still rubbing the sleep from her face, Cleo leaned over and tapped her urgently. "Melina, wake up! We slept away, Melina. That's dangerous. We need to leave immediately. I have a feeling that the king's soldiers are closing in on us." Melina groggily blinked up at Cleo, her expression one of confusion and concern. "Daphne... Daphne... I... reckon... she must have added something to the water she gave us. A sedative, perhaps," Melina said, her voice laced with worry. Cleo nodded grimly, her mind racing with thoughts of their predicament. "You are so right about that. But why
The room seemed to shrink around me suffocating any sense of hope I had left. Shadows danced maliciously on the walls accentuating the unknown horrors lurking in the corners. The air turned heavy and stale as if it carried the weight of my despair. My tear-stained face glistened in the dim light that managed to penetrate the room's oppressive darkness. Trembling, I wrapped my arms tightly around myself desperate for a glimmer of warmth and comfort. But all I found was the cold hard reality of my situation. He moved closer his presence suffusing the room with an unsettling aura. His eyes gleamed with a sinister intention stripped of any trace of empathy or mercy. His face was weathered etched with cruelty and malice as if it had borne witness to countless acts of torment and suffering. "I am certain you know the reason why you are here tonight. I hold the key to your freedom," he sneered brandishing a small tarnished key in his gnarled hand. "But freedom comes at a cost
"Please wait! Wait - Don't throw me into the cellar. Can you please help me?" "Help you with what?" One of the guards said, staring at me with disgust. "You do not have the right to ask questions, throw her into the cellar." The man ordered again and someone grabbed my arm from behind, pulling me towards the stuffy cellar right ahead. "Please, help... I... I kinda... I don't know... Just let go of me." "Just keep quiet and follow me." The man said and kept on pulling me. I looked back to see if anyone could help me stop him but they all had the same disgust look in their eyes. "Hold on!" Echoed a deep, bold voice. It was a voice everyone could recognize. I looked back and saw Beta Kristen walking towards us. "Why did you ask him stop?" A lady step forward. She also looked like someone in the military but definitely low ranked. "She doesn't deserve mercy. If she is opportuned, she could do worse. In fact, if the king sees that she's still out here, we will a
I was utterly speechless, a whirlwind of emotions coursing through me like a raging river. The reality of leaving behind the dark confines of the dungeon and entering this opulent chamber was almost too much to comprehend. The drastic shift in my circumstances was overwhelming but despite the overwhelming rush of thoughts I composed myself and hastened towards the maid who had been assigned to care for me. "Aunt Cleo!" I muttered weakly. Tears welled up in my eyes threatening to spill over as I closed the distance between us. Overwhelmed by a mix of gratitude disbelief and relief I found solace in the arms of my maid. Her embrace was filled with a warmth that spread through my entire being reminiscent of a long-lost mother's affection. In that moment all the pain and suffering that had consumed me for the past hours seemed to fade away replaced by a sense of security and comfort that I had longed for. Her comforting presence seemed to cast a healing spell upon my fractur
"Wait, what!?" I and Meemaw ejaculated in shock. Was it just shock or even trepidation? I looked into Kristen's eyes, it was expressionless has if he had said nothing. Could it be possible that we misheard what he said? Because if that was what he said, there should be some kind of remorse or even maybe joy on his face, but there was absolutely nothing to figure out."Oh.. I... I... w... was... just wondering. I think I didn't hear what you said." I said, stammering, waiting for him to say something back but he wasn't. "Can you please speak up? What did you say?"He cleared his throats, his eyes briefly flitted to the ground before locking onto mine once more. "Well, the alpha king has made a decision," he said his tone so grave. "You are to be the one to bear his heir."My heart skipped a beat as my mind struggled to process the information. Shocked and angered, I took a step back shaking my head. "No," she said firmly, her voice trembling with disbelief. "I won't do it. I won't be a
As I sat there on the bed, frozen in fear and uncertainty, my heart pounded in my chest and questions raced through my mind. What would the king do now? Would he seek revenge for my refusal? He looked angry and curious at the same time, what could be going on in his head?Suddenly, the heavy chamber doors swung open and a group of maids entered, their faces bearing a cold and distant expression. I watched them cautiously as they approached me, their steps deliberate and their eyes devoid of emotion. My anxiety deepened and a chill ran down my spine. What had the king instructed them to do?"Why did you barge in that way? Why do you all lack courtesy in this kingdom? Couldn't you have knocked before coming in?" I asked them, angry that they didn't even notify me before entering the room.Without uttering a word, the maids motioned for me to follow them. I hesitated for a moment, contemplating my options but the weight of their gaze and the uncertainty of the king's intentions compelled
Stepping out of the chamber, my heart raced in my chest pounding like a wild animal trying to escape its cage. Fear clutched at my throat as I made my way towards Beta Kristen who stood tall and imposing in his pristine uniform. I tried my best to appear composed and submissive as was expected of a slave in the presence of a beta. But inside my emotions tossed and turned like a tempestuous storm. Had the Alpha King changed his mind about punishing me? Or was there something more sinister awaiting me? Beta Kristen's steely gaze pierced through me and for a moment, I thought he could see through the façade I was desperately holding onto. My hands trembled slightly and I had to clasp them tightly to still their quivering. "His highness has granted you permission to explore the the pack house and gardens." Beta Kristen informed me, in a voice devoid of any warmth. "However you are to be accompanied by a guard at all times. You should consider this a privilege." A flicker of relief wash