CHAPTER 5: SEED OF HATRED

Vespera's POV

I couldn't bear to look anyone in the eye after the Prince demoted me to an ordinary maid. I cursed myself for being too careless, if only I had secretly carried out my punishment on that b*tch, I wouldn't have found myself in this mess. I never imagined Prince Kael, who never interfered in the affairs of slaves, would suddenly care about one. I was in this mess because of that witch, it's all her fault and she must pay for what she did to me. The slaves no longer respected me. They no longer feared me. And I couldn't do a thing to them because Prince Kael had guards watching my every move. I couldn't even lay a finger on that wretch without being caught...not now that she was under Prince Kael's protection. If only the Alpha King were here, none of this would have happened.

"I wasn't even given a decent room or proper mattress to sleep on. The Prince ordered that I be moved into Lyra's filthy little rat hole." I yelled angrily.

There has to be someone who hates that demon as much as I do.

Yes... There has to be someone, someone must definitely hate her as much as I do.

I needed to find someone to work with. l had to. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the door creak open until someone stepped inside.

"What is bothering you?" A familiar voice asked me.

"What has you so lost in thought, that you didn't hear me knock on your door for over 20 minutes?"

I raised my head and found Ava the palace maid I'd seen around the palace countless times, standing at the doorway. She was the one who had started this mess.

Anger surging all over me, "And what are you doing in my room?" I yelled angrily.

"Can't you knock and wait for permission before you enter?"

She looked at me intensely and sighed. "Didn't you hear me say I'd been knocking on your door for over 20 minutes?"

I raised my eyebrows at her, "what do you want from me, why are you in my room?"

Her gaze wandered around the filthy little room the moment she stepped inside. Who wouldn't look? Even animals couldn't live in such a room. She looked around the room with obvious disgust. I was already growing impatient when her gaze suddenly settled back at me.

"Relax old hag, I didn't come to you for anything. I brought you a good deal, and I'm very sure you'd like it." A cruel smile playing on her lips.

"Not like you can afford a thing." She murmured.

I heard it though, but chose to ignore it.

I immediately knew she was up to something."And what could this deal possibly be about?"

"I said relax, old woman...you won't be disappointed, I promise." She said calmly.

"I hope you're not wasting my time. And for the record..... I don't like you."

"The feeling is mutual." She replied.

"Can you now tell me what this is all about?" I asked politely.

My patience was beginning to wear thin. An ordinary human daring to show me no respect.

"Here's the thing," Ava said, her smile turning cold.

"There's someone I hate in this palace..."

She leaned closer until only I could hear her next words. "And I believe we share the same enemy."

I narrowed my eyes. "Who?"

She chuckled softly. "You'll know when the time is right."

My brows furrowed. "Then why come to me?"

Ava's smile only deepened. "Because when the time comes, I'll need someone who hates that person just as much as I do."

I stared at her for a long moment. Whatever she was planning... it couldn't be anything good.

                       Ava's POV

Vespera won't know what hits her. She's a fool to think I want to work with her but I have a bigger plan for her. I felt so happy after I visited vespera today, knowing that I have her right where I want her felt so satisfying 

 I have never liked her but I have to put that aside for now since we have a common enemy. 

Lyra is someone I hate so much. I hate to admit... she's so beautiful. Her beauty was flawless Even after everything she endured. Why can't it be me? Why can't I be the one that is beautiful, and now she got Prince Kael's attention. I turned, and I came face-to- face with Lyra and a guard trailing behind her.

A slow smile spread across my lips as I turned away. Everything was falling perfectly into place. Vespera believed we were allies, and Lyra would be so foolish to think Prince Kael's protection would keep her safe. Vespera would never realize she was already dancing to my tune.

Soon, things would get messy for Lyra, and no one would suspect me. By the time anyone realized the truth... my mission would already be accomplished.

I smiled cruelly as I brushed past her.

"Lyra..." I whispered so softly that only I could hear.

"You'd better watch your back." 

"Enjoy Prince Kael's protection while you can."

                      Kael's POV

I had been in the Garden waiting for Lyra to arrive. I sent a guard earlier...to bring her to me. What if she was too frightened to come with the guard. Perhaps, I should have gone to fetch her myself. I was so worried, and I couldn't fathom why. I face-palmed, she is nothing but a human slave. How could I be so drawn to her. My wolf hadn't sensed a mate bond, yet I couldn't get her out of my mind. Is the moon goddess playing me?

"Onyx."

"Hey, Onyx are you there?" I called my wolf but no response.

I called him again but still met with an eerie silence. We'd been arguing all day.

"Onyx can you please answer me." Still no response.

"Onyx" I half yelled.

He growled angrily. "Kael can you just let me rest for you?"

"Are you still angry about what we talked about earlier?" I asked.

He sneered.

My wolf was proud and easily provoked. Onyx wasn't a wolf anyone dared provoke, not even me. Sometimes, it was easier to avoid arguing with him than deal with his temper.

"You know she's not our mate, don't you?" I questioned him.

He suddenly perked up, "But we can have her as a chosen mate."

"No we can't. What of our mate? What would become of her?" I asked.

"She could also have a chosen mate. We might not even have a mate.!" He exclaimed.

"We've already passed the age of finding a mate." He said, somewhat happy.

I clenched my fist, "And what's there to be happy about?"

I was still arguing with Onyx when the guard I had sent returned with Lyra.

She stood several steps behind him, her head lowered, her frail body trembling ever so slightly. Even after everything that had happened, she refused to meet my eyes.

"Your Highness," the guard said, bowing.

My gaze settled on her. "Come closer," I said.

She hesitated before taking one slow step towards me. The instant she stepped into the sunlight, something inside me stirred.

Not the mate bond but something else. Something I couldn't quite fathom or explain. Onyx, who had been grumbling only moments ago, suddenly went completely silent.

"Onyx?" I called but was met with silence.

My brows knitted together, wondering... why the sudden attitude.

Then, for the first time in centuries... My wolf whispered a single word.

"Impossible..."