Chapter 3

Locked In The Dungeon 

Arielle's POV 

The grip on my arms loosened as I was thrown into the dungeon, my face hitting the cold stone floor that seemed to reek of rust, decay, and the sweet, primal aroma of werewolf sweat. I could hear the sound of the iron bars locking behind me. 

I laid there for a moment breathing in and out, taking in everything that had just happened. Why did I have to be there at that exact moment? Why did I have to drop the tray of drinks? This was so unfair, I lifted myself up with my arms crawling towards the end of the dungeon, my back resting on the cold stone walls. 

What had just happened inside the ballroom earlier? I could still remember the unfamiliar sensation that filled my body and the way each strand of hair on my skin stood as if I was struck by lighting. I still remember the dramatic shift in Adrian's eyes but what I didn't expect was his sudden reaction. He was usually cold and indifferent to everyone but never aggressive. Did he really have me that much? Or was it denial? 

The whisper. 

I swear I heard it clearly. Was I the only one that heard it? It seems Alpha Adrian was provoked because his mate turned out to be me hence he acted the way he did. Why am I even worried about the mate bond? That shouldn't even be my problem right now, I should be more worried about myself. My fate. Would I ever get out of here? What would my fate be? However, I still had a beacon of hope and it all lies on Elder Orion, he was the only one who truly cared about me and would make sure I get out of here. 

Meanwhile, back at Alpha Adrian's chamber, Adrian and his father, elder Orion, were having a heated argument. Adrian stood before his desk, his hands resting on it with his gaze fixed on the lamp that sat on the desk. 

“You didn't have to do that.” Elder Orion said, his voice calm coming from behind Adrian. Elder Orion had sat on the chair beneath the large portrait that was hung on the wall. 

“You promised to keep her under control.” Alpha Adrian said, his hands turned into a fist as his knuckles whitened. 

“I have no idea how she ended up attending the mating ball. This isn't the first time you're hosting a mating ball and I'm sure she understands the rules but I just don't understand today.” Elder Orion said, clenching and unclenching his fist—he was nervous. 

“And that's why she has to remain in the dungeon.” Adrian said, he stood upright walking behind the desk as he pulled a chair beneath it, taking his seat. 

“I know she wasn't supposed to attend the mating ball but that shouldn't be the reason for calling off the mating ball. You shouldn't have ended it as soon as it started. Don't you want to find your mate?” Elder Orion said, his voice slowly gaining dominance. 

“Father, the mating ball was defiled by her presence. She had already ruined it before it started.” Adrian said, he picked up a pen quickly exchanging it between his fingers. He had always done that when he was nervous or was hiding something. 

“Release her.” Elder Orion said. “She doesn't deserve to be in the dungeon.” 

“Father, you know I can't do that. What would the council of elders say? When you brought her in there was an agreement reached between you and your late brother Alpha Dawson, to keep her under control but she defiled our sacred mating ball. My mating ball!” Adrian said. 

“Sometimes I wonder if you're the Alpha. Who is leading us? You or the council of elders?” Elder Orion asked. 

“Father, you understand how things work here better than me. I might be the alpha but the sacred council of elders' opinions also needs to be considered.” Adrian added. 

“What about their opinion about you having a mate? A Luna? Have you taken that into consideration? This was your chance to find a Luna for yourself and the pack and you ruined it. Don't even blame it on Arielle.” Elder Orion said. 

“Father, there are things we can't control and things that we can control. You need to understand that.” Adrian said. 

“I think you're the one that needs understanding that releasing Arielle is something you can control or is there something you're not telling me?” Elder Orion questioned, his eyes piercing into Adrian's. 

“Father, I would never keep anything from you and you know that.” Adrian said, his gaze fell to the desk before him. 

“Adrian,” Elder Orion said, standing up as he walked towards Adrian who was seated. “I am your father and I can tell when you're lying. What happened? Why did you call off the mating ball?” Elder Orion asked, his eyes locked with Adrian's. 

“Father…..I” Adrian said, avoiding eye contact. “She isn't worth it. She wasn't built for that position.” Adrian said. 

“What are you talking about Adrian? Who isn't worth it?” Elder Orion asked, his hands resting on the desk as he approached Adrian. 

“This was a mistake, we need to host another mating ball tomorrow evening.” Adrian said, sounding a bit perplexed. 

“You know that's not possible Adrian. What's a mistake? What are you talking about?” Elder Orion pushed on further. 

“I've found my mate.” Adrian said. 

“That's good news.” Elder Orion said, his face brightened up. “Who is your mate?” He asked. 

Adrian sat there in silence, his eyes locked with Elder Orion's as he remained silent hoping to communicate “who” with his eyes. 

“Arielle?” Elder Orion asked. 

“Yes. I think this is a mistake. The moon goddess must be mistaken.” Adrian said. 

Elder Orion was quiet for a moment. I guess he was taking in the news. “The moon goddess cannot be mistaken. If she is your mate then you need to marry her and present her as your Luna before the rest of the pack.” Elder Orion said. 

“Father! You know fully well that the council of elders and the pack members would never accept Arielle to rule over them as Luna of the pack. She hasn't even been accepted as a commoner in our pack by the council of elders or even our pack members.” Adrian said. 

“Look me in the eyes son.” Elder Orion said. “Who is the alpha of the almighty Dreadmoon Pack?” he asked. 

“Me.” I answered. 

“Good. If the moon goddess chose Arielle as your mate then no one has the right or power to oppose you.” Elder Orion said. 

“This isn't going to be easy father. The pack might even revolt. They hate Arielle so much.” Adrian said as he leaned forward. 

Elder Orion stood upright. “We are going to hold an official meeting with the council of elders to announce your new found mate.” Elder Orion said as he slowly walked back. 

“Father, did you hear what I just said?” Adrian asked. 

“No one questions the Alpha or the moon goddess,” Elder Orion said halting. “You're the alpha and the moon goddess had chosen Arielle as your mate. No one can question your authority or do I need to teach you the magnitude of the power you possess?” Elder Orion said, anger seething through his voice. 

“No.” Adrian said. 

“Good. We are having a meeting with the council of elders to discuss your new found mate. We will proceed with the marriage as soon as possible.” Elder Orion said as he walked out of the chambers, the sound of the door slamming behind him reverberated throughout the room. 

Arielle's life was about to take a new turn and this could put her life in jeopardy.