Chapter 6 Make A Wish

Dora's POV

I paced around the luxurious bedroom, scratching angrily at the tiny tracker chip under my skin. 

"This insidious device is like a ticking time bomb," I muttered. "Escape is impossible now." Despair overwhelmed me.

Until a gentle knock on the door caught my attention as the nurse entered with a meal tray. "Time to eat," she said cheerfully. 

"Get out!" I screamed, throwing a pillow at her, my voice growing hoarse. "I won't eat anything in this gilded prison!" 

The food tray crashed to the floor as she fled from the room. Ignoring the mess, I tore at the elegant bed linens and smashed a vase against the wall in rage. 

My tantrum didn't go unnoticed as Mary, the maid soon came rushing into the room. "Ms Dora, please calm down," she implored, her eyes welling with tears as she cleaned the mess left by the nurse.

I watched from the other side of the room trying my best to keep my tears in. "Ms Dora..."

"Leave me alone!" I threw another pillow at her as well, scaring the little maid who scrambled out of the room in tears. I almost felt bad for her.

But I had more things to worry about. Especially when the door was knocked open as soon as it closed and King appeared looking murderous in the doorway, muscular arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were chips of cold green ice, pinning me in place with his icy gaze.

"You're being unreasonable," King said smoothly. "This tracking chip is for your own protection. There's no need for these hysterics." 

I glared at him defiantly. "I'll never make it easy for you," I spat. Escape was impossible, but I would not surrender.

"You try my patience, little one. I would not see you waste away out of stubbornness. You will join me for dinner tonight." His tone made it clear this was not a request. My hands curled into fists.

"I want nothing from you except my freedom."

King sighed, some of the hardness leaving his gaze. "You speak of freedom, yet fail to understand. The goddess has chosen you as my mate - your place is here with the pack. In time you will see this."

When I made no response other than to glare rebelliously, King's eyes narrowed again. "The invitation was a courtesy. Make no mistake, I will have you brought to the dining hall this evening, willing or not."

King turned and exited the room before I could spit a retort, locking the door firmly behind him. I seethed for hours, fury warring with despair and a spark of fear at the thought of being forced to do anything against my will. 

But as evening approached, I conceded I had little choice. I had no power here. Refusing to eat would only give King more control over me, and I was weary of fruitless battles.

So when Mary came to lead me to dinner, I followed silently. She gave me an encouraging smile.

"I'm not happy about this," I said coldly, not returning her smile. My fate may be sealed but I would not pretend any joy in it.  

The dining hall was just as the rest of the building - dark woods and leather, the wolf insignia prominent. King sat at the head of the long table, speaking with others. His gaze turned to me instantly, sweeping over my simple dress. I looked away.

Mary led me to the seat at King's right hand. I sat gingerly as she left. It was just the two of us now. Warily, I studied my empty plate as servants brought dish after elaborate dish. 

King filled his plate generously, then began placing portions on mine - juicy roast, buttery potatoes, rich gravy. 

"You need to eat," he said firmly. 

I kept my bites small and reluctant, but King looked satisfied to see me eating something. His intense wolfish gaze never left my face. I tried to conceal my roiling emotions from his all-seeing eyes.

The silent meal seemed to stretch on endlessly.

"This pleases me, little one," King finally rumbled. "I would give you anything you desire. You need only ask it of me."

My grip on the silverware tightened at his arrogance. Anything I desired? I nearly laughed aloud at the absurdity of him offering me favors when I was his prisoner. Did he truly not realize the only thing I wanted was to never see him again? I bit back a scathing retort and kept eating, knowing an outburst would gain me nothing.

After glancing at my still mostly full plate, King sighed. "If you clean your plate, I will grant you a wish this evening." At my incredulous look, he held up a hand. "Only a small wish, mind you. I will not permit you to flee."

I weighed his words carefully. What could I possibly ask within the narrow bounds he would allow? An idea slowly took form, one that made my heart beat faster. It was a risk, but perhaps my only chance. 

Meeting King's gaze squarely, I began eating with more appetite. His eyes lit with surprise, then approval. When the last morsels were gone, he sat back. "Well? What would you ask of me?"

I took a shaky breath, praying my voice would not tremble and give away my intent. "I want to return to my apartment, gather my personal belongings..." King's expression clouded and he opened his mouth to refuse, but I rushed on. "Only for an hour! With guards if you must. I only want my mementos, pictures to remember my old life. Surely you can grant me that small comfort?"

I held my breath. King's eyes bored into mine, body taut. I tried to project innocence and resignation. After a long, tense moment, he nodded.

"One hour, under full supervision. They will prevent any foolish notions of escaping." His tone warned me not to dare such foolishness. I lowered my eyes demurely.

"You are too generous, Alpha. I only wish to collect some keepsakes, not flee my...rightful place." Each word burned my tongue. Long seemed satisfied by my act of submission. 

"Tomorrow then. Rest well tonight." He smiled, the expression transforming his harsh features. Unable to mirror it, I simply inclined my head respectfully as I had seen others do before quickly exiting the hall.

My mind raced as soon as I was alone. I had one chance to slip my leash tomorrow. King's arrogant assurance that I could not flee despite supervision worked in my favor - it meant he would not be expecting real resistance. 

But how to evade the tracker chip? My belongings at the decrepit apartment were of no concern to me now. No, tomorrow's visit served one purpose: to cut this insidious device from my flesh. And then run with every ounce of strength and cunning I possess. 

I paced for hours, refining my plan. When exhaustion overcame me, I fell into bed with one plea echoing endlessly in my mind: please let tomorrow bring me freedom. I could not bear this gilded cage any longer.