Chapter 4: Two faced

"Stabbing yourself was a very bad idea, Sera.

Is that how badly you don't want to help your dear Uncle?

Remember how I took care of you."

As my eyes struggled to come back to focus, memories assaulted me. How much I clung to him after losing my parents, how he defended me from Mirabel and the rest of the pack.

The nights when I stayed up late weeping and he was there–offering a kind word, a smile and a glass of milk that lulled me back to sleep.

I pressed my eyes shut and winced from the ache in my heart.

"You're nothing but a two faced conniving bastard who took advantage of a young girl who had just lost her parents!”

"Conserve your strength darling, you're headed to your new home.

I had to personally escort you to make sure you didn't pull any more stunts.

Thankfully, the dagger missed the vital organs.”

It was then I became fully aware of my surroundings, aware of the stabbing pain that threatened to swallow me up again, to my hands and feet bound my stone cuffs that tightened with every move I made.

I would never have imagined that the power that fascinated me so much while growing up was going to be used negatively against me.

“Uncuff me! There's nowhere for me to run to.”

“I wish I could but I can't take anymore risks. We delayed your delivery by two days just to make sure you don't die on the way.”

I was out for two days. Why couldn't I have just died during that time?

Shit!

I was so sure I stabbed my heart.

He continued, blowing dirt off his fingers. “Of course you're not fully healed, but if you end up dying in their care, that's even better for me.

My pack shall be well compensated over the death of our beloved princess.”

“How could you? How could you sell your niece to the people that killed her parents?

Why would you do such a thing? My parents trusted and loved you so much.

Why would you betray them this way?” I asked in a strangled voice, tears seeping into my matted hair.

The smile on his face dried up, his eyebrows creased with anger.

“Like everyone else, you only saw what they showed you, what they pretended to be.

Loved and trusted me? Ha! Must be the joke of the century!”

I tried to sit up but the weight of the cuffs forced me back on the stretcher.

“Wh…what do you mean?” my voice shook.

“I mean your parents were a bunch of hypocrites who kept up a mask.

The throne of Ravencourt was always supposed to be mine. I was the first son! But your mother married your father and took over it as the first born of the family.

Your father never trusted me, never gave me access to anything because he thought I was scheming to take back the throne!” Saliva flew from his lips as he barked each word.

My calm look settled over my eyes.

Uncle stared at me, his breath coming in short gasps and the veins on his head bulging.

“Look how you've proved father right. You were indeed a thief and still a thief—”

I sucked in a sharp breath, tears stinging the corner of my eyes as his fist connected with my abdomen.

Without looking, I could feel the stitches tear open and blood soak the bandage that covered it.

“That should keep you quiet till we arrive.

I should warn you to be on your best behaviour in Wolf Noir. The pack isn't as merciful as ours and there are rumors of your betrothed having a thing for killing his relations.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared at the roof of the car.

Darkness covered our sights for a moment as we drove through the tunnel that led to Wolf Noir pack and entered their gates.

My eyes moved to the back window, taking in the sights that were just passed.

It looked almost the same as Ravencourt, if anything, it seemed more lively.

Murmurs of voices rose from the streets we passed, merchants advertising their goods, the shops having colourful and eye-catching visuals and the scent of pastries and coffee lingered in the air.

I curled my fists, the dread that filled me earlier returning as the car branched off the lively part into a road surrounded by thick looming trees.

My mind travelled to the words uncle spoke earlier.

‘Has a thing for killing his relations’

Around the same time my parents were killed, there was news that the royals of Wolf Noir had been mysteriously slaughtered with no clue on who the killers might be.

Hands were pointed at the only son who survived but nothing could be done without proof.

The rumor ended up ending as quickly as it began but it didn't stop the pack kings from regarding Wolf Noir with fear.

It didn't help that the king was never seen after the incident, turning to a recluse yet making Wolf Noir one of the prosperous packs to exist.

“We're here.” The driver called through the partition.

Uncle looked relieved and immediately released the cuff around my wrist.

I rose from the stretcher, a pained wince leaving my throat and placed a palm on my bleeding stomach.

My wheelchair was brought down and the driver lifted me into it and wheeled me to the entrance.

A group of men dressed in black suits and eyes hidden by dark sun shades stood at the entrance.

“Welcome Princess Sera.” They curtsied and took over my wheelchair from the driver who returned to the car and drove off.

My heart sank to my stomach, aching even more than my torn wounds at their departure.

Despite the betrayal, I would rather be in Ravencourt, hating my uncle than thrust into the unknown.

I was wheeled into the towering castle and straight to a room that resembled the throne room back at Ravencourt.

But there was no throne here.

Just a wide space with a sword stuck at the centre.

Seated at the foot of the throne were three elders, faces more intimidating and dressed in grey robes.

“It's our pleasure to welcome you to Wolf Noir Pack, Princess Sera.

You're not what we expected, but we'll make do with you.”

I curled my lips, my eyes darkening from the obvious jab and the pain that tore through me.

“Thank you…I guess.” I answered.

“ Before any preparations can be carried out, we have a custom at Wolf Noir which you must partake in and only if you survive will you be worthy to stand next to the king.”