When the hunger gets stronger, a wolf is set loose for a mate hunt!
“I am not sure if we should do this or not. I don’t want to be stripped naked in front of a court full of those beasts. Gosh, I am getting goosebumps from even imagining it.”
The terrified girl tried to predict the horrible circumstances, which they might face if the alpha caught them hanging around casually in his castle. The two women stood in the midst of the marketplace while they continued the bickering.
Danielle, the blonde haired and green eyed girl who appeared to be constantly twisting her fingers in fright. On the other hand her friend, Martha stood there calmly while gazing at the shimmering castle situated on the cliff, which was visible to the whole town stirred a longing within those two brothel workers.
The snowflakes were falling at the night time making the whole scenario straight out of some fairytale. The marketplace consisted of two rows of shops on both sides, the whole street was illuminated with numerous light poles. Danielle and Martha stood on the footpath covered in snow, while the castle a bit away from the town stood there shining like a diamond.
Since the climatic changes were said to affect the moods, people had already come out of their homes with their loved ones to enjoy the snow. However where every existing werewolf of the kingdom Selene was carefree and enjoying the eve of the ball. Danielle and her friend stood in the corner of the street outside an expensive clothing shop.
"Are you certain that we should attend this ball? Don't you find it creepy, or at least questionable. What's the purpose of this ball every five years?"
Danielle’s voice was sewn with doubt as she cast a look at the castle just a few miles away from her sight. Meanwhile Danielle was concerned, Martha happened to be the drooling and had a sinister look in her eyes as her gaze darted on the lights and the brightly lit castle.
"I'm quite positive that it's nothing suspicious, my dear. And you are overthinking for nothing, while potentially killing your chances of finding a suitable groom there."
Martha waved her hand carelessly to Danielle, who appeared to be a little taller and had frightful expressions in her green orbs. She constantly clutched the hem of her mediocre dress while contemplating whether she should pay heed to her friend’s suggestion or not.
"You are right, Martha. I should not exhaust myself with these ridiculous thoughts. Instead I should focus on grooming myself to look pleasant. Hopefully I can find my mate there apart from the delicious food. Of course, hehe!”
Danielle averted her head with a confident gaze as she spoke with enthusiasm this time, which contrasted with the cold gushes of the wind which had been blowing ever since.
Martha successfully convinced her to shift the point of focus from possible punishment to something which would benefit Martha; finding her mate at the castle.
"Yes, yes, you are thinking in the right direction now, Danielle. Let's do this and change the course of our lives, where we don't have to save for months to spend on some occasion anymore. I want to live with freedom, to be able to spend the way I like."
Martha tried to encourage her before she could change her decision of going to the ball dressing up as royals or respected people at least. However, compared to the impulsive and naive Martha, Danielle was sensitive and mature.
It was still a mystery how they both even got along with their contrasting personalities and totally different thinking; both of the women had different ways of perceiving life and vision of the events happening around them.
"Yes. I don’t want to live miserably anymore while serving wine and meals to those perverted beta and omegas. For once, I want to live freely like a respectable woman on my own terms.”
Nonetheless Danielle agreed, acknowledging that there was no use of trying a counter strategy or logic in front of impulsively driven Martha. Hence she inhaled deeply and nodded while keeping all those disturbing questions and theories to herself.
Danielle cast an eerie look at the castle where she could see the huge windows lightened up with the golden lights and the black flags which had been fluttering due to the wind. The castle was not somewhere any commoner could intrude whenever he or she wished to. It was the home of alpha Cyrus Rhaziel who was notoriously known for choking people to the death with his bare hands.
People claimed that his eyes had a nonchalant expression and the alpha exuded a dark aura. Everyone had their own theories and made up stories since not many people had actually seen him. Only his beta Curtis used to make public appearances every time when it was required. People began to conclude multiple rumours that perhaps the alpha was ugly and did not dare show up publicly.
"But we do not have any reasonable attire to look presentable. And I do not want to look any mediocre to those aristocratic women, who would arrive all dressed up and showered in expensive glittering jewellery."
It was the moment when she realised how broken they both were and had been aiming to attend a mere ball. Which could be the only adventure they both had ever wished for and possibly the only night which could change their lives for forever.
However the complaining tone of Martha made Danielle agitated, she was no doubt a spoilt ungrateful brat who wanted every existing luxury at her feet. Working at the brothel as a dancer Martha had befriended numerous counts and betas from other packs. However, they belonged to the other territories which ruled different kingdoms. And kingdom Selene was under alpha Cyrus Rhaziel’s clutches.
"Yeah, you are right. We have to look noble at least to enter the ball."
Danielle thought carefully for a brief moment, when her searching orbs landed on the basement shop near them.
"How about we buy some cheap dress from here at a lower cost, and then alter it to our choice and sizes?"
Of course, that was affordable for them and the skills in sewing and stitches might come in handy to both of the ladies.
"That's a brilliant idea Danielle. Sometimes I wonder what else you can do with that ingenious brain?"
Martha giggled softly although her remark was true considering how fast Danielle got popular among the brothel dancers in no time. Even though she came from some other pack which Danielle avoided to talk about.
"To lure men. Maybe?"
Marthna teased her in a hushed tone not to disclose their identities, since they were not considered to belong to a respectable profession if anybody caught them.
"Haha, you sure are sly."
Danielle slipped her arm into Martha's and laughed happily, when they both decided to step inside the basement shop to buy some clothing. Whereas the dark sky began to engulf everything just like Danielle’s life was going to take a drastic turn in tomorrow’s ball.
Who would have known that the two young maidens standing in the middle of the marketplace were about to seal their fates. Danielle had no clue what turn her life was going to take. She left her home and came to kingdom Selene long ago to conceal her identity and to live freely. But who would have known that her cursed fate would haunt her life like a shadow.
On the other hand as far as the eyes could see, the huge castle Belle Morte stood above the hill with its glory and resplendent outer which could put anyone in an awestruck expression. With those four huge minarets and golden lights anyone would be stunned with the grandeur of the palace. But no one knew that within those glimmering lights and facade of the outer, lived a troubled alpha, Cyrus Rhaziel.
Just like the castle's name the young alpha was also dying, gradually, painfully and slowly alpha Cyrus was drifting towards death. Within those four walls of luxury it would not have been a surprise if his death would be labelled as 'beautiful death,' waiting for his bride as per the prophecy, only Cyrus' mate could save him.
Luna's touch, her kiss, and the shared intimacy with her was Cyrus’ only cure. But what if the alpha’s mate is an unexpected one? Will it be a poison for him? What if Danielle refused to cure him? Will the alpha die? Or some twisted fate will occur?
Meanwhile at the end of the marketplace where no one would stand alone in the dark, a pair of golden eyes had been watching over them with keen expression.
"Is this the woman the alpha is looking for?"
The man draped in the black cloak spoke to himself as his sharp canines became visible. His calm yet curious voice contrasted with his glaring eyes which had a thirsty expression in them.
"She looks like the one alpha told me to look for. Blonde hair, green eyes but,"
The man fished out a small scroll from his pocket and glanced carefully only to confirm whether Danielle possessed all those factors or not. It seemed the alpha had been looking for her as his cure, the death curse had already sealed their fates!
"But she does not smell like a werewolf at all. Her scent is definitely different, no charm and the beauty should definitely be excluded from her profile."
The mysterious man passed remarks on the lady, who had been unaware of anyone's presence around her which could seem suspicious at all.
"Well, let's see what happens. But I certainly do not like her as our Luna, she is...too plain."
The man pursed his lips in distaste while he headed back in the shadowy alley, and his silhouette vanished in no time. The cruel time wheel had spun already and the alpha’s mate had finally come to the right kingdom. But the worst fate was underlying because Danielle was not someone whom the alpha had been looking for his bride.
[Belle Morte Castle]
The glimmering castle had its own secrets hidden deep within the walls. Which had been the witness to glory and blood spilled and soaked to strengthen them. No doubt Belle Morte was not an ordinary castle where the desired charming alpha had been waiting for his mate to show up.Those huge four walls were possessed and owned by the alpha of the kingdom_ Cyrus Rhaziel, the cursed dying alpha.
"Alpha? I have some news to deliver.”
A loud voice resonated in the open balcony with a swish sound of wind, which snagged the attention of the alpha residing inside.
"Mm?"
The short response was a gentle rebuke to the beta, who had dared to disturb the alpha at that hour when he had to go through some important scrolls.
"Forgive my insolence and presence,"
The beta’s voice resumed from the other side of the curtains which had been covering the balcony of the room creating a partition.
"But this servant of yours has found someone who falls under the criteria."
Curtis, the beta who had been assigned the task to make a list of blonde haired women, filled the alpha in with the recent progress of his search.
"I hope this isn't another wild goose chase of yours, Curtis."
A magnetic response was heard by the walls and the man in the curtains. Curtis felt every hair of his body stand up in fright with the alpha’s reply. He acknowledged the punishment of wasting the time and effort of the alpha.
"I...I'm not sure, master, but-"
Curtis wanted to leave some room for his alpha not to think of his words as final statements. Of course he had to prepare to leave something which could spare his life.
"If you aren't certain about your search, Curtis, then you must have some reasonable explanation for your presence here."
Alpha Cyrus put down his quill on the table while his scroll laid there under his hand. Which appeared to have bleached the glow unlike normal werewolves. His pale complexion, and frail body was a sign of constant deteriorating health. Despite stepping closer to his death alpha Cyrus could give a good competition to every topnotch hunk of the kingdom.
"Y- yes, my alpha."
Although Cyrus spoke in a soft tone which did not sound angry at all, but Curtis seemed to have sensed the agitation behind those straight words. The beta had been sitting on the marbled railing of the balcony in the cold wind, but it did not bother him as much as the nonchalant attitude of his alpha was scaring him.
He could see the shadow of alpha Cyrus from the thin white curtains, the mysterious lord had been sitting on a chair with his long sleek black hair let loose to cascade on the shoulders to reach the backbone.
"Then do not beat around the bush and spill the matter,"
Alpha Cyrus turned slightly creeping over the edge of the chair, when his voice echoed again with the same cold tinge in the tone.
"But make sure you have something worth my attention."
The apha had already been lenient enough to spare his precious moments for Curtis. A chill ran down his spine which made Curtis gulp down his fears and the very thoughts of consequences which visibly made him shiver. Meanwhile inside the chamber the noble alpha raked through his black hair which were parted from the middle. A weary expression graced his white face while those glowing golden eyes with long lashes stared at the curtains.
"I came across a lowly woman down the market, alpha."
Curtis began with his actual news and paused for a moment not having any idea how his highness would react upon the realisation.
"Although she has blonde hair and emerald eyes, her scent is peculiar. She...she doesn't smell like a werewolf, rather something else."
The beta confidant closed his eyes and inhaled sharply before spouting those words, assuming that a slash would definitely behead him in no time.
But to his utter surprise nothing happened and silence hovered in the balcony. As the bone chilling wind brushed against Curtis' silhouette while settling within his veins. It brought him back to the present that he peeked from one eye just to see his alpha still plopped in the chair.
"Where did you spot that woman?"
Contrary to Curtis' expectations the alpha inquired about something which no one would have expected at all considering the personality he was notoriously known for. The beta’s orbs widened upon hearing those words which were less golden compared to that of Cyrus.
"With due respect my lord, I saw her down the nearest park near the clothing shops."
The confidant of the king had to be precise in his calculations and searches. Curtis was aware of that and acknowledged the very fact that he needed to give a proper explanation of his statements.
'The alpha is interested in some lowly woman now. Is this happening for real?'
He muddled to himself standing straight with his hands tucked above his butt as Curtis was obliged not to leave without his master's permission.
"Mm."
As expected Cyrus did not express any emotion instead placed another question in front of his dutiful beta. Who was supposed to have the answers to all the queries but if he was blank then the search was the only option.
"What do you mean by 'lowly woman', Curtis?"
Although his tone did not fluctuate for any single second since his noble blood had forced him to be a fierce leader, but Curtis had already known what the coldness and brief words meant.
The beta hesitated to reply and to fill the alpha with the information. Because he would definitely not like the answer and it might cost Curtis his life for insulting the potential Luna.
"Alpha….um,”
The beta Curtis knew that now his life was at stake thus the man knelt down on the chilled marbled floor before he could say anything further.
"Forgive my insolence alpha, the woman works in a brothel as a…dancer."
Upon hearing the mere words Cyrus' eyes glowed with hunger and rage. While his nails grew to a few inches and an animalistic groan got absorbed within the shivering walls.
[Next night | Time skip] The night finally arrived patiently and two women walked out of a shabby nearly downtrodden building. Which had nothing to hide because the sorrows of the dancers, shame and poverty had been puking out of each tainted window. The whole assumed shining outer of their lives was in reality just a rotten, moss and moth eaten building, where the stench of perverted werewolves reeked who had left their seeds and scents there. "How are we supposed to travel to the palace?"Danielle inquired upon seeing nothing in front of their house, whereas the whole town had been approaching the castle in lavish carriages. Both of the ladies stood there under the snow as one snowflake fell over Danielle's pointy nose. It appeared that winter was the constant weather of kingdom Selene.People claimed that the reason for the cold climate of the kingdom was caused by the alpha's nonchalant attitude and was a punishment for the kingdom due to some curse. And for that reason the alpha
The lo fi music resonated in the golden lit hall as numerous couples danced and developed their emotions. Precisely, situationship as they say which Martha was looking for too. After all, it would not hurt any bit if somebody would get laid with an authoritative person for a few gold coins and rubies. Danielle wanted the dance to end as soon as possible because the man’s intense soul sucking stare was making her uncomfortable. She had no clue if the werewolves were always like that or that man was someone special in being the top tier pervert. But it did make her grow cautious from him as she kept her gaze fixated on him not to make the man suspicious. Soon after the music stopped and the dance ended, the man bowed down to the lady with respect though he had a grin over his face. Whereas Danielle followed his lead and flung her arm out courteously for the man to kiss the back of her hand. No doubt there were some set norms for the civilians to pay heed and nobody could boldly dare to
Danielle was stunned upon seeing the dead boy of the beta count Hawthorne. It did not take long enough that the body was reduced to ashes which turned into the black smoke. The woman had no clue what to do ahead and as soon as her gaze fell upon Curtis, her breath hitched and the shaking increased. The whole hall became silent too, which was a clear indication of an unusual act. Nobody had thought of any such thing happening at the ball. Especially when the alpha Cyrus was right there somewhere around. And yet somebody dared to act reckless when that was not something with a sane mind would attempt. Curtis shifted his gaze from Danielle after giving her a glare as he could not bluntly confront her. The woman grew even more cautious about the whole thing and could not move with her trembling legs. However, by now she was sure that the beta Curtis would not hurt her or any other person when it was not needed. "I apologise for the inconvenience, dear ladies and gentlemen.” Curtis turn
Upon seeing that the beta respectfully called the person as his master, Danielle could not contain her curiosity and looked at the particular direction. The woman could not clearly see who the man was on the other side because there was a white silk curtain in the middle. Quite fancy, ain’t it? The lady had no clue that the alpha would live such a luxury, the only type of silk she had seen was the expensive dresses. Even though Danielle could not afford those she had saved enough money to buy a decent gown for that night. And here the alpha was using the damned silk as his curtain. Nonetheless, the woman was curious and terrified at the same time after realising that she had been brought to the alpha’s chambers. Danielle could not bring herself to conclude anything else except that she was about to be beheaded. After all, she dared to entice the count Lord Hawthorne with her antics and blood scent. Although unknowingly. 'K- king Cyrus? I have been brought here right to the alpha’s c
The alpha was sure why she was reacting so severely upon seeing him. It was expected since she had indirectly committed a crime and was supposed to be punished. Moreover, the way she fell back over her butt made it evident that she was not going to let him touch her. And for that reason the alpha Cyrus seized the chance and leaped towards her.The woman could feel his glaring golden eyes staring straight into hers. There was something in Cyrus’ eyes, something passionate and unsatiated. Only if she could know it was not love but the strongest emotions, resentment and hatred. She could not move from his embrace as Cyrus’ arm was wrapped around her waist.Danielle did not wish to die like that but was aware she had to do something all by herself. The woman had already seen that there was no other way to leave the alpha’s chambers. Because she could not possibly run all the way from the door to down the hall. It was expected that the guards would catch and imprison her for insulting the a
'No, what is he doing?'Danielle opened her eyes to see a shadowy figure approaching her as she began to fall deeper into the hollow valley. The darkness was endless and there was no way an ordinary person like her was even able to see anybody behind her. Danielle could see that some shadow of a person was following her, the person was also falling in the valley along with her.But according to her assumptions the person was the beta Curtis since the possibility of the alpha coming behind her was quite slim. She had no clue why would the alpha wanted to save her when the initial idea was to punish her for that indirect crime. Nonetheless, Danielle had no clue why the alpha would send his beta to make sure she would survive.If that was the case did it mean the alpha wanted to kill her all by himself instead of dying in the valley? Danielle had no idea why the alpha would grow obsessed with killing her with his own hands. He could simply let her fall down the valley and bump her head so
How dare she despise his existence!? He was alpha Cyrus Rhaziel not some riff raff werewolf of the kingdom Selene. He was the most desired and powerful man alive in the kingdom and the stupid girl was resenting him. How dare she!? The audacity! A measly girl like Danielle was the most stupid one who would dare to deny his presence and his touch. Danielle forgot to mind her words and due to shock and bluntly spoke the answer to his question. "N- no. but you...you were going to kill me." She felt her limbs shaking and now within one second Danielle realised what blunder she just committed. how dare she bluntly talk back to the alpha while addressing him without any respectful title. 'Oh no!' Danielle cursed herself for saying that out loud knowing the consequences of speaking boldly in front of him. The woman nearly bit her tongue for uttering back to him which could easily land her in a perilous situation. Danielle had no other choice but to prepare for her death now, if that was n
The woman was unsure what was happening to her, Danielle had no clue why her lower abdomen was becoming wet. She was never touched that way and it was her first experience to encounter all those touches. The lady was never used to them as Cyrus assumed and her hesitation was making him even more confused.The alpha did not wish to leave her from his embrace but he also did not wish to make her uncomfortable. Not at least at that moment. Since the woman had promised to do anything to save her own life Cyrus had a lot of time to torture her. Her antics and bold statements contrasted with her innocent face. Just like her profession and her reaction to his touches were totally opposite.Cyrus was still in his reverie because he was also unable to understand why he was drawn to her. There was no way it was all because she was his destined mate, if he could control his desires it was not difficult to resist her. It appeared that Danielle was something else, she possessed some kind of charm