The other side

CHAPTER FIVE

NYMERA POV

With every step I took toward him, I silently wished the ground would swallow me whole.

The hall was drop dead silent. Goosebumps crept onto my skin as I felt hundreds of eyes boring holes into my skin.

My legs wobbled, threatening to give out, but I reminded myself that although a facade, I'm still the Luna of the pack.

Soon, I stood before the stranger. No, I meant King Zephyros. My breathing hitched as my heartbeat quickened.

I didn't know what to do until I heard Dorian cough. Regaining my senses, I bowed in courtesy.

There was no reaction from him, and I looked up at him from underneath my eyelashes. His gaze was icy. His eyes was void of emotion.

I bit my lower lip, and his eyes shifted from my eyes to my lip. I bowed my head, trying so hard to keep my composure.

"Walk me to my chair," he finally said in a low, thick voice that made my core tingle.

Keep it together, Nymera. Nothing can happen between us again. Whatever happened was a mistake. 

He's not just the most powerful and ruthless Lycan king but my husband's uncle.

"Hmm," I cleared throat and nodded.

He gestured for me to link my arm in his, and I blinked rapidly. Is that right? I looked at him, my head tilted in confusion.

He furrowed his brows, daring me to embarrass him, and of course, I dared not. No matter how miserable my life is, I don't want to lose it.

I did as told and linked my hand in his. Together we walked majestically towards where the other leaders were sitting.

Zephyros' aura overwhelmed me. I could feel power radiating off him.

But that's a topic for another day. Right now, several thoughts are spiraling through my head.

Although he was all flirty and cool with me some hours ago, but now feels different. He was acting as he didn't know me.

Maybe that is the hint that I need to get rid of any delusional thoughts in my head.

We got to our seats, and he faced Dorian.

"Do you mind if Seliora sits next to me?" His voice rang out.

I closed my eyes tightly. What does he mean by doing all this? He was literally throwing me to the wolves.

I locked eyes with Dorian. His jaws clenched, his eyes blazing and his nose flared. He was beyond angry, but he dared not disagree with whatever Zephyros was doing.

The least he could do is to be discreet. Well, Dorian wouldn't agree to...

"Of course, Your Majesty, whatever you want," Dorian's voice cut my thoughts off.

I stared at him dumbfounded. Dorian's lips stretched into a wide smile. If only others could see the furious devil behind that bright smile.

Wait, what? He actually agreed. Does Zephyros really get his way?

"Seliora, sit down," he ordered, but I couldn't because Ophelia was on the same chair. Her chin was held high, her shoulders squared.

It was obvious she didn't like what was going on.

Zephyros stared at me with questioning eyes— why was I still standing, so I discreetly signaled him that someone was there already.

Noticing Ophelia for the first time, he gritted his teeth. "Dorian? Have you become so incompetent that you can't control your people?,"

My eyes widened. Is he allowed to embarrass the alpha like that?

Dorian hurried toward Zephyros and bowed. "I apologize, Your Majesty, for the disrespect," he said in a shaky voice. Wiping the sweat off his face.

Dorian faced Ophelia with his hands balled into fists. "Guards!" He shouted and two masculine men came rushing.

"Drag her out and lock up in the dungeon," Dorian ordered.

I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming, and truly, I wasn't.

The guards pulled Ophelia off the chair.

"Please spare me, Alpha Dorian. I apologize for the disrespect, Your Majesty," Ophelia cried out with a cracked voice.

What was with the drama? This was supposed to be a joyous occasion.

Zephyros sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Enough! Just let her sit among the commoners"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Dorian said and faced the guards, "do as His Majesty commanded”

Zephyros gestured for Dorian to come forward, and he did. "If it weren't for you, my dear nephew, her head would be rolling on the floor by now," he said

Dorian nodded.

Zephyros continued, "It's alright to have a plaything, but she shouldn't be an ugly and uncultured bitch," he added.

Without wasting a second, he sat comfortably on the chair reserved for him, and I reluctantly sat beside him.

The party started. The entertainers were doing what they are good at. Then, I felt something or rather a hand on mine.

I looked down, and it wasn't Dorian's hand but Zephyros'. What does he want now? My face became hot. I tried shoving off his hand, but he wouldn't let go.

I looked at his face, and it was stoic. Like he wasn't touching his nephew's wife.

My gaze shifted to Dorian, and he was staring at a teary and furious Ophelia.

Oh, the mess this man had put me in!

Soon, the hall fell silent as the seer of the pack arrived. Although looked haggard, was a beautiful petite woman.

"Your humble servant pays respect to His Majesty, King Zephyros Kaelen of Valeblood," she bowed.

"Rise!" he ordered, and she did, thanking him.

"I come bearing good news from the moon goddess," she announced, and everyone paid attention.

"Your madness shall be lifted when you meet your fated mate and when she bears you a child," she added.

I winced as Zephyros’ grip on my hand tightened. If he doesn't stop, I fear he will shatter my bones.

I slapped his hand, urging him to let go, but he refused. My eyes became teary. I looked at him, and he was gritting and seething.

At the speed of light, he was before the woman. His hand gripped her throat as he lifted her off the ground. Her legs were suspended in the air.

Everyone watched in horror but not surprised. No one stopped him. My eyes widened.

"How dare you?!" he roared out. His claws emerged, and they pierced through her chest, digging deep.

The lady cried out. Her voice re-echoed throughout the hall. Blood gushed out of her.

To end the show, he ripped out her heart and dropped the body and the heart separately.

I staggered back. My stomach tied in knots. I felt sick to my stomach. My hands flew to my face, covering my mouth.

What did she say so wrong to turn into a monster? How did that sweet man turn into something so hideous?

Seeing how he tore her apart, I guess the rumors are true after all — that he is mad.

He knelt before the lifeless woman and rubbed off the blood on his hand with her clothes.

He looked at me, but I diverted my gaze.

"Dorian, send someone skilled in musical instruments to my chamber," he ordered.

Everyone looked away, hiding their faces. Of course, who would want to be close to a monster? Any mistake may cost a person's life.

"Yes, Your Majesty. No one in this pack is as skilled as Luna Nymera. She will not disappoint you," Dorian said.

Suddenly, I because dizzy. Why would he send me to Zephyros? Ophelia is also good at music.

Tears welled up in my eyes. My life flashed before my eyes. Zephyros isn't who I thought he was, and I do not want to be close to him.

"Let's go then. Party is over!" Zephyros commanded.