Chapter 22 - No Escape.

-Alaric-

My empty eyes stared back at me from the mirror. What was I thinking? That I would be happy? Or that I had escaped who I really was?

“Such a fool you are, Alaric.”

My stiff lips curved into what was supposed to be a smile but it looked more distraught.

I lowered my gaze to my chest, where my newly acquired injuries stared back at me. Bloodied scratches from my own claws.

I was grateful to the Moon Goddess that my healing sword injury hadn't been touched.

I looked away from the mirror and stared at both my arms, only to be greeted by deep scratches.

I had inflicted every single one of them on myself.

What was I thinking? That my torment had stopped? That I could be happy?

‘But you were happy these past few days.’ A quiet voice spoke within me.

I sighed deeply.

It was just another part of my torment. Still, I was grateful for it. At least the Moon Goddess cared enough to let me have a little taste of freedom, of happiness, and... her.

My lips curled into a smile as I remembered that calm, stormy gaze, but the smile soon faded.

I was never meant for that.

Just yesterday, they had come again.

I had thought I could have a peaceful sleep. I had thought that somehow, the darkness, my demons, had forgotten about me. But it turned out they had only been resting.

They welcomed me back in grand style.

I stared at my scratches and sighed deeply.

My ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps. From the pace of the steps and the scent my wolf picked up, I knew it was Ilan.

Quickly, I grabbed my garment and put it on, wincing as the fabric brushed against my scratches.

I hurriedly opened the herbal fragrance to dull the smell of blood.

Then my door pushed open, and my Beta entered.

He bowed, “Greetings your majesty.”

I rolled my eyes, “Oh please.”

Ilan smiled as he stepped forward, coming closer to me but I moved away to sit on my bed, I didn't want him to catch the smell I was sure was oozing from me.

“Leon, I am really happy you have had a peaceful sleep. The Healer really is doing well.”

A pang of sadness hit me hard in the guts, it was rare to see even a twitch on Ilan's face but now my always frowning Beta was smiling, full blown smile.

“The goddess be praised.” He said happily, I nodded with a forced smile on my face.

“How has the council been?” I asked as I reached for the papers that were on my stool beside the bed, “Any problems?”

Ilan took his seat, “No.” He shook his head, “Just that my patient is always on thin line and they can be so noisy.”

I laughed, “I thought you would have gotten used to it by now, I mean you have been attending meetings since I ascended the throne.”

He shook his head, “I must commend you for been able to deal with them for this long. I just can't wait for you to start attending meetings.”

I nodded, “Soon. But before then please don't have anyone's head.”

Ilan smirked, “I wish I could but then I can't. I stopped taking my swords to meetings.”

“Good.”

I focused my gaze on the paper I was holding, not because I was reading, but because I didn't want to hold Ilan's gaze…. This Beta of mine is more attuned with me that I wondered how…. But then I remember it all he had been trained for.

Ilan stood to his feet and I heard him sniff, “Is there-”

My door pushed open and Zena stepped, my eyes narrowed, a frown settled on my face and Ilan quickly turned away from us.

Zena is dressed in what is meant to be a night garment, only that it is more exposing than what it should be.

Ilan, with his back turned, was about to leave the room when I stopped him.

“Stay, Ilan.” I ordered and he halted in his steps and bowed, his back still turned to us.

Zena’s eyes widened…. What in the moon sake was she expecting?

“What? Did you just allow Beta Ilan to stay when I am dressed like this? I am your first chosen mate, Your majesty.”

Zena is correct.. no right thinking male would allow another male to see his mate like this, or even insist that the male stay in the room with them but well… I wasn't one to be considered as a right thinking male.

“You say this as if we have ever been alone.” My voice stern, not appreciating the intrusion, Zena recoiled, a sad expression enveloping her face, I looked away “Besides you weren't summoned.”

“Well,” She began as she walked slowly towards me and sat beside me, my nose scrunched up as the scent of enhancing fragrance she must have used… scratch that, that she must have bathed in, invaded my nostrils.

I had actually perceived a little of it due to the fact that my bed is surrounded with lanterns emitting herbal fragrances, now I am wishing she didn't come near me.

Oh moon! I thought as my frustration built up.

“It's my turn to be with you today and the next.”

I turned to her, “What?”

Her smile widened, “Yes. We made the rolls, your majesty. I know you need us- no, you need me more now, I am your mate and so I can help take care of you.”

She placed her hands in mine but I gently retrieved my hand.

I stared at her straight in the eyes, “That's not happening Zena.”

Her smile was replaced with a frown.

“Why are you even doing this?”

Since I have chosen Zena, she does nothing but to frustrate me with matters like this, even though I have made my stance clear, yet she keeps coming.

“We have never-”

She stands to her feet, “We have, your majesty. Three good times, “ she purred, she batted her lashes trying to look seductive, “And I am sure you like it.”

My frown deepened as I remembered those days, no matter how hard I tried to remember if those nights happened, I just couldn't because I was drunk out of my mind.

“And I keep telling you, I don't remember because I was drunk.”

“But-” She pressed.

“Stop it.” I said with finality.

Zena pressed her lips together.

Again the door opened and Yani entered even more worsely dressed than Zena, I shut my eyes and pinched the ridge of my nose.

Could they not use a little thinking at this moment.

“What are you doing here, Luna Zena? It's not your turn today.” Yani stormed forward angrily.

Just as they were about to throw a tantrum again, the door opened and Elder Sage entered.

“Oh moon above!” He exclaimed in shock, immediately turning away.

Both Zena and Yani’s hands flew to cover themselves up and I hissed at them.

“Please, my ladies. The Alpha King isn't strong enough for that.”

Yani gasped, “The Alpha King is not strong anymore? Has the injury weakened him…?”

My eyes widened.

Ilan chuckled.

“No…no… I mean he is still recovering. He can't engage in something strenuous for now. Please understand.”

“Oh.” Yani said simply.

Zena huffed and walked towards the door, Yani following behind her, they both stepped out, the door closed behind them.

Ilan turned and burst out laughing, “You do know at some point you have to-”

“Why do you smell like blood, your majesty?” The Healer asked with confusion dripping from his voice, cutting Ilan's words.

I hadn't noticed that Elder Sage had come closer than he should, I tried to get up from the bed but Ilan was already beside me, and he had gotten a sniff of it.

I sighed.

Silence descended.

Ilan's brows furrowed. Elder Sage looked so worried.

“You were hiding it.” Ilan said blankly, “Why did you -”

I shut my eyes…. “Get out. Both of you.”

“Leontius.”

“Your Majesty, we can work around a solu-”

I fisted my fingers beside me and gritted out, “I said, Get out!”

I heard the retreating footsteps and then the closing of the doors.

I winched as I laid on the bed and pulled the covers over my head.

There is never going to be an escape for me.

Never.