001: DEATH SENTENCE

~RAVENNA~

I thought I was dreaming. Hell, I wish I were, but when rough hands shook me hard, everything became a reality.

“Princess, you must wake up. The pack is under attack.”

My eyes flew open at that. I found myself staring into my dad’s beta’s son and my best friend’s eyes.

“Luis.”

But he yanked me up, tossing clothes at me with frantic speed.

“Quick, dress up. We don’t have time.”

Something in his tone made me move, even though my bones felt numb.

Then I heard it, the distant sharp clicking of swords, so fierce, so terrifying.

My heart thrashed in my chest as I fumbled with the fabric, trying to put it on. Every second felt borrowed.

“Luis, what’s going on?” I could barely make out my own voice, in the middle of the chaos that was getting closer to my door.

He took my hand as soon as I threw on the shirt, leading me out.

“Stay close.” He whispered.

The corridor outside my room was eerily quiet, in a way that made all the hairs on my skin rise.

Luis held his sword tightly, ready for anything, but his hand holding mine was strong, almost crushing my bones.

We made it out of the corridor, but then he suddenly hid behind a pillar, pulling me in also.

I gasped at the sudden contact, but he gestured at me to keep my mouth shut.

I did keep my mouth shut, but my heart was pounding too fast, too loud.

A scream broke out not far away, I held my breath.

Luis pulled me closer, until my head was pressed against his chest, listening to his racing heart.

He was scared.

He peeked in, then took my hand.

“All clear. Let’s go.”

I didn’t get the chance to ask him what was going on. But that question would have been stupid.

The pack house, which had been thrown upside down, was answer enough. The dining hall was a mess, chairs broken and furniture destroyed.

But no bodies.

However, my relief was gone the minute we stepped out.

The bodies of our pack warriors lay unmoving on the ground.

I almost screamed, but Luis was quick to cover my mouth.

My eyes brimmed with tears as I pulled away from him.

“Who did this?”

His eyes darkened. “The Alpha King.”

My heart stopped. “What?”

Luis looked away, as though he was afraid of looking into my eyes.

“The Alpha King? Surely you are joking.”

But he remained quiet, his eyes scanning the environment as though looking for a target.

“We must leave now, Princess.” He took my hand dragging me along.

I dug my feet into the ground and yanked my hand free.

“What do you mean the Alpha King attacked us? We are part of his pack.”

Luis gritted his teeth, grabbing me roughly.

“This is no time to explain, Princess. I gave your father my word that I will take you to safety. Let me do my job.”

My heart clenched tightly at that.

“Dad… where is Dad? Is he alright? I must see him.”

Slowly, Luis turned to look at me. His eyes darker than usual.

“Don’t make this harder than it already is, princess. We must leave.”

I wish I could agree with him. I wish I could follow him out and forget everything.

But my legs were already trembling, my lips shaking.

“You don’t understand, Luis. I need to make sure he is ok.”

My voice broke with emotion, the tears slipping on their own.

“I beg you, Luis.”

He swallowed and looked away. “They have been captured. If we move fast, we can see them. But you must stay quiet, and we must leave immediately after.”

I was already nodding before he could complete his statement.

I was sure about keeping quiet as he said, especially when we rounded the corner with a slow pace of a hunter, checking for threats—until I saw the others.

He drew me behind a large tree, and pointed forward. “There. This is as far as we can go.”

I froze. The pack members were kneeling, adults and pups alike, surrounded by warriors with their swords pointed at them.

Then I saw him, my father, the Alpha of this pack.

He was kneeling before a man, whose face was hidden in the shadow, a sword pointing at him.

“Speak, now. Where is the weapon?”

Weapon? What the hell are they talking about?

“There is nothing here.” Dad’s voice came out weak and shaky.

For the first time, I noticed the blood marks on his back.

Did they beat him?

The man moved his hand lightly, then a whip landed straight on dad’s back.

I lunged forward, the plea rushing from my lips, but Luis dragged me back, his palm flattened against my lips.

“Hold it in, Princess. Please.” He whispered in a shaky voice.

Dad grunted in pain, almost falling forward.

I struggled against Luis hold, but to no avail.

My mind was in disarray. For the first time, I wished I had a wolf, a strong one. I wish I could defend my family.

Please Moon Goddess, save my family.

“You dare lie to the king. Speak now, or you bear the consequences.” The man’s voice lowered.

What stupid weapon are they talking about? This pack is just a peaceful one. We don’t make weapons.

“I… already told… you. There is nothing here.”

The man laughed; a sound that made my bones shake.  

“You fool, who are you trying to deceive. We know the shadow bride is here. Where is she?”

I gasped, subconsciously taking a step back.

The shadow bride? They are talking about me.

“Princess, I think we should leave now. I will come back to save your father.”

But my legs remained rooted to the spot.

No one else knew about this, just my parents and I.

But why am I a weapon?

“Princess, we have to move—” Luis tried to move me, but I couldn’t follow.

Dad’s body shook lightly, I wasn’t sure if it was from fear or pain.

“You don’t understand, the Shadow Bride is not a threat. All those rumors are lies, she is just a child.”

The man scoffed. “Who gave you the right to question the Moon Goddess? We all know she’s more than a girl. She’s going to destroy us all.”

Dad lifted his head. “Take me to the king, I will speak to him.”

The man burst out laughing, the others joined in too.

Then, he leaned in, his face ice cold. “Right now, you answer to me. Don’t let me ask again.”

“You’re not listening to me. There is no—"

The sudden sound of blade meeting skin brought silence.

Everything remained still, dad silent.

I held my breath, hoping I heard wrong.

But then, he fell backward, his head separating from his body.

The scream tore out from my throat.