CHAPTER 4

“Why are you here?” I asked after acknowledging Hunter's presence.

“Are you here to see if I am finally dead?” I scoffed, finding his presence ridiculous. After subjecting me to so much pain, he still dared come check on me?

“ Indeed.” Hunter agreed. He didn't bother to hide the hatred and disgust in his voice and face.

“ But it seems you have nine lives like a cat. You won't die easily.” He added with a sneer.

I smiled deprecatingly. I am indeed worthless in his eyes, not even the mate bond could add value. He couldn't wait to see me dead, to get rid of me.

“ Vivian will be crowned as my Luna tomorrow. I suddenly feel generous for that reason.” Hunter stated and I waited with bated breath to hear his next words.

“ I will let you go. Leave from here and disappear, Kiara. Make sure I don't ever lay my eyes on you ever again or that's the day you will die.” Hunter declared, his gaze on me penetrating.

For a moment, I thought I was dreaming until the chains binding my hands and legs were unfastened.

I pulled my weak body up, gave Hunter one last glance before limping away. I had contemplated refusing his charity earlier but Lena’s last words flashed in my mind. She said I should not give up. My father said I should live well. Living well was no longer an option but surviving for a reason was.

Everywhere I passed, the pack members paused whatever they were doing to look at me. Some with pity, others with disgust. After all, my crimes were well known throughout the park. I did not miss the curses they whispered at me as I walked out of the pack house.

After what felt forever, I finally reached my destination. The place where Lena and I frequented everytime we wanted to leave everything behind and enjoy some peace and quiet. Standing at the edge of the cliff, I looked back. No one was following me. I mean, why would they waste their time on a sinner, a murderer like me when there was a big event to prepare for?

With a wry smile, I closed my eyes and pushed myself forward, the gravity pulling me ahead as I started descending.

Images of my father laughing and Lena nagging me to practice harder floated before me and I could not help but smile. I didn't see a reason enough to keep living, not even for the revenge I had convinced myself when I left the pack.

“ Dad, Lena, forgive me. I let you down. I can't do this anymore.” A lone tear slipped past my eyes as those words left my mouth, the wind scattering them.

***

I opened my eyes slowly, the action proving harder than necessary. When my vision finally cleared,I was greeted by a figure looming over me. I panicked , opening my mouth to scream but no voice came out.

“ You are awake.” A voice so soft and calming sounded in my ears. I tried to move my muscles but she pressed me down, stopping me.

“ Don't move. You are still weak.” The voice, now accompanied by a beautiful fair skin, advised me.

I nodded absentmindedly, still staring at her. Her deep blue eyes seemed like an endless enchanting abyss and I felt like getting lost in them and admiring how beautiful they were.

“ Another person who can't take your eyes off your beauty. At this rate, I think you will find a female mate.” A jovial male voice commented, prompting me to shift my gaze.

“ Hi beautiful? My name is Davis and this is Hazel. We saved you and brought you back to our pack.” He announced with a gentle smile. I smiled back or at least attempted to until his words registered in my mind.

Wait… What? They saved me? Am I still alive? My past memories came rushing back with a force so strong I felt like my head would split into halves.

Scenes of how Vivian murdered Lena before my very own eyes, how Hunter accused me of the crime to the torture I endured in the hands of his men. Then me finally taking a bold step and throwing myself off that cliff.

“ Why are you crying? Are you in pain?” Hazel asked me with concern painted on her face. Then she turned to Davis and glared at him.

“ This is your fault. You talk too much instead of making sure she is alright.” She accused him.

Davis, who just got reprimanded wore a innocent expression on his face.

“ How was I supposed to know that what I said would have triggered her?” He replied. He looked genuinely guilty, making me feel bad. They saved me and thanks to me being the weakling everyone called me, I ended up making them look bad.

“ That's not it. I am happy.” I croaked out the words. My voice came out horrendous like someone with damaged vocals.

Hazel heaved a sigh of relief and Davis grinned after hearing my words.

“ That's good. You should get some rest. Your wounds look pretty bad. You might need time to heal.” Davis said and I forced myself to nod.

“ Don't worry. With my skills, I will get you back on your feet in no time.” He added.

“ Show off!” Hazel muttered under her breath and rolled her eyes at him. From the aura surrounding both of them, I could tell that they were at least of beta blood making me wonder who they are.

“ Where am I?” I mustered the courage and asked. The cliff I threw myself off at was right above a river. If I am alive, that meant the water currents swept me to a different location and definately, a different territory.

“ Silverlight pack.” Davis replied and I tensed, dread filling every nerve of my being. For a moment, I could not breathe. I felt suffocated.

The feeling of gratitude I felt earlier was overshadowed by fear.

The Silverlight pack was under the notorious and ruthless Alpha king Lucian, the only remaining Alpha from the royal family. The Silverlight pack and my former pack have been enemies since ages ago.

If anyone found out that I was a banished member of the Stone Howl pack, they would not have hesitated to kill me on the spot. That's how estranged the relationship between the two packs was.

“ What's wrong? Still not feeling better?” Hazel asked. She must have seen my pale and the terror that filled my eyes.

“ I don't feel so well. I would like to rest.” I asked suddenly. Hazel looked confused by my request but still stood from where she sat besides me on the bed.

Davis on the other hand looked at me with a newfound suspicion. I averted my gaze, afraid to give myself away.

“ Alright. Take some rest. I'll instruct the maids to bring you something to eat.” Hazel offered but I shook my head, declining the gesture.

“ No need for that. Maybe later.” I replied. A flicker of something like doubt flashed through Hazel’s eyes. Nevertheless, she nodded.

“ Alright… I'll check on you later.” She declared before dragging Davis out.

Once the door slammed shut, I released the breath I didn't know I was holding.

After waiting for a few minutes to make sure they were gone, I struggled to get on my feet. There was no way I was going to stay long and have them suspect my former pack. After escaping torture from my own people, I didn't want to find out what a rival pack would dish at me.

I tiptoed to the door. My body ached with every step I took but I pushed harder, the desire to escape too strong.

I opened the door slowly and stole a quick glance outside to make sure no one was on view. After making sure it was clear, I slipped out of the room and limped my way towards a deserted hallway.

“ Where do you think you are going?” A voice so deep and cold resonated in the empty hallway. I froze and halted in my steps as an intoxicating scent of after rain assaulted me. Something stirred inside me and I felt my wolf rear its head and purr softly.

My eyes widened at the realization. A low growl from behind me confirmed my suspicions.

“ Mate.”