Chapter Five

Alia’s POV

I blinked my eyes as the light hit them, sending a sharp pain through my eyes. My body ached badly as I tried to move. I tried again, but a sharp pain shot to my ribs. I gave up, falling lazily back to this oddly comfortable bed,” so comfy”, I muttered, enjoying the feeling it gave me.

I was lying on soft white sheets, the air smelled of pine, smoke, and something else I couldn't wrap my head around. But it had a darker smell that made my pulse quicken. When I opened my eyes and scanned the room for the first time, the wall was made of rough wood, the ceiling was dark, and the only source of light was the lit fireplace.

Then a voice came from the shadow.

“You’re awake.”

The voice was deep, rough, and surprisingly calm..The kind that could make anyone fall weak to their knees; it did something to my body.

I turned in the direction of it

And there he stood.

He stepped slowly into the light, he was tall and with broad shoulders, his presence filling up the empty space in the room. His hair was dark as night, and his eyes were grey. They looked cold, sharp, and far too intense, as if they could see through my innermost thoughts. His face was perfectly sculpted, like heaven took a special day to mould. Every move he made, every step he took closer to me, seized my breath; it was smooth but dangerous, like a predator deciding when to strike. My heart pumped in excitement.

I was so lost in his beauty that for a moment, I forgot to breathe.

“Hey”, he said snapping his fingers

“ huh..I…” My throat was dry. Or have I lost my voice?.

“Sorry, where am I?”

He folded his arms, watching me, I couldn't read his face.“ The Nightfang castle. You were bleeding on my territory. My patrol brought you in.”

“I—thank you,” I managed to whisper.

“Don’t thank me yet,” he said coldly. I still couldn't figure out what he was thinking.“You were not supposed to be there…or here.”

Something about his tone made my chest tighten. I felt scared “Please… I didn’t mean to trespass. I was attacked, I—”

He raised a hand, cutting me off. “What pack are you from?”

The question froze me. At first, I wanted to lie; I didn't know why, but I felt that saying where I am really from wouldn't help me, but lying would only make things worse.

“I’m… from Duskwatch,” I said softly.

Silence fell between us, the name hung in the air like it was forbidden,” fuck I should've lied” I said as I bit my lips in worry.

Suddenly his expression changed. His jaw tightened, his shoulders became stiff, and his eyes were darker than they were before.

“Duskwatch,” he repeated slowly, his voice lowered, they sounded…dangerous. “Hayden’s pack.”

I nodded slowly, trying to read his thoughts.“Yes,” I blurted. But I don’t belong to them anymore. I was thrown out.”My head lowered as the memories flooded in.

His lips curved, but not in a smile. “Banished, huh, or you were sent to spy on my pack?”

“No! I swear I am not a spy,” I said, my eyes bulging out in fear.

“Lies.” His voice thundered through the room, making me flinch. “Your Alpha is a shameless murderer. He killed my family, ambushed my pack, and burned down my home.”Silence fell again, his breath was heavy, his once calm eyes shifted, turning a bright red. I wasn't afraid–I felt pity for him.

“Hayden slaughtered my people and left me to rot. And now his little outcast ends up here? Do you think I’m stupid?”

He said, raw anger echoed in his voice making my heart pound. I parted my lips to speak, but no words came out.

He stepped closer, his eyes blazing. “Leave” His voice was cold as steel. I looked at his face, searching for any little sympathy, but his face held no emotion. I still couldn't figure out what he was thinking. ” You'll leave the first thing tomorrow as the day breaks”

My breath caught. I looked at his face. He meant it. His power rolled off him in waves, it was dark and cold, making the air thick around me.

Panic clawed at my chest. I couldn’t leave. Where would I go?

Think, Alia. Think.

“Wait— I can help you,” I blurted out, before I even knew what I was saying.

His brow furrowed. “You..Help me?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, forcing my voice not to shake. I gulped down saliva to clear my throat as I spoke, “I know Hayden. I know how he thinks, how he works. I can give you information..useful ones, anything you need. Just let me stay, and I’ll help you destroy him.”

His expression didn’t change, it was still blank, but I could feel the tension in the air.

“You expect me to believe that?” he asked quietly.

I dropped to my knees quickly, ignoring the pain shooting up my side. “Please. I begged as tears started to form in my eyes.” I have nowhere else to go. I’ve lost everything because of him too. I can be useful to you, Alpha. Let me prove it.”

He stared at me for a long, unbearable moment. It felt like forever. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring slightly, his eyes scanning my face as he tried to read me. I couldn’t tell if he was thinking of killing me or sparing me.

Inside, my thoughts raced. If he lets me stay, I’ll use this. I’ll use his hatred, his thirst for revenge. I’ll destroy Hayden through him — piece by piece.

Finally, he broke the silence.

“Rise.”

I looked up in shock, surprised. I stood up slowly, my legs trembling.

“I'll let u stay,” he said, voice low and calm, “But if I find out you told a lie”, his voice became dark, commanding.”I’ll make sure you regret ever stepping on my land.”

“I promise I speak the truth, I haven't told a lie”, I said softly, my voice low.

He moved closer, his grey eyes locked on mine captivating me.“If I find out you work for him…” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ll kill you myself.”

The words should have terrified me. Maybe they did a little. But there was something else beneath the fear — a spark of something. I didn’t know what it was.

“I promise, I won’t betray you,” I said, meeting his gaze.

He stared at me a moment longer before turning toward the door. “Good.”

When he left, I sank to the floor again, taking a deep breath, all the time he spoke, I forgot to breathe.

The fire cracked softly, filling the silence he left behind.

I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling my heartbeat race. I should be scared—I was in a strange land, the enemy's territory. But all I could think about was his eyes, those beautiful grey eyes. They were filled with fury and something I couldn’t quite read.

“Kale Vale” I muttered. I overheard Hayden and the pack discussing him once.

He was our enemy, but fate had brought me to him. I'll use his vengeance to light my own.

And when the time came, Hayden and everyone who betrayed me would fall — by my hand or his.