AMELIA’S POVI froze as I raised my eyes from her body to look at who had snapped her head. Before me stood a creature, about 6ft tall, dressed in a hooded black cloak, covering all its body. Its hands were literally made of sticks, like twigs and which creaked as it drew them back. It had no eyes, just empty sockets with a golden hue in them. I couldn't move, I could hear the rapid beating of my heart. It felt like it could pop out at any moment. I wanted to scream, but it got stuck at the back of my throat.‘What in the goddess’s name was this?’ I screamed in my head. So this was how I was going to die, getting killed by an unknown creature. It stretched it towards me and I shut my eyes, awaiting whatever was to come. My wolf was unusually calm. Normally, when facing threats, she would howl, but at this moment she was quiet.She didn't consider it a threat, but I sure as hell did. Seconds passed, minutes passed, I felt nothing. Slowly I opened my eyes, but the creature was no longe
AMELIA’s POV“Get back inside Amelia, it's a body! A fresh mutilated corpse!” He yelled. I immediately dashed back inside. Charles was already back in the driver's seat, and he rode the carriage with much speed. I moved from the back seat, to sit beside him in the front.“What’s wrong Charles?” I asked. I didn't believe it was only a dead body that made him freak out like that. He said it was a fresh corpse, meaning the person had been recently killed. Which meant the killer might be nearby, or the body was just dumped there.“We are in the forest of the dead.” He dropped.I froze when I heard this, the forest of the dead. I had read about the forest of the dead, back when I was still at the Blue Moon's pack. I sneaked around the library to read books, and some kind maids were kind enough not to rat me out whenever they caught me.According to the books I read, the forest of the dead appears at a place where a massacre had occurred. It appears as a portal on the place, in which victi
AMELIA’s POVI gasped in shock looking at Gamma Raphael, who had a wicked grin on his face.‘Gamma Raphael was a sorcerer? Oh, my!’ I exclaimed internally.How come nobody in the pack knew about this? Since my stay in the pack, I hadn't perceived any sorcerer aura from him. I thought he was just a stupid pervert who abused his power.Charles dropped me down and pushed me gently to stand at his back.“Stay at my back Amelia. This just got much worse than expected.” He muttered.Charles was indeed right. The portal of the forest of the dead was intentionally shifted to the route we passed through. From the current situation, it was obvious that Gamma Raphael was responsible. He was the grade D sorcerer who had shifted the portal.He knew about our escape plan, he had been following us. But why? What business did he have with us? I understood that he would want to play the role of catching a breeder who had killed the king and escaped. But why would he go through all this trouble of even
TALON’s POVAfter waiting for some time, and the maid wasn't back, I began to feel impatient. I ordered another maid to go find out what was happening when the door opened and the maid entered alone, breathing heavily.I raised a brow, waiting to see if Amelia would enter but nobody entered.“Where is she?” “Your highness. I…I…went to her room and I…I…” The maid stuttered.I was having a bad feeling about this.“Speak up.” I said coldly.“I…I saw the body of the head maid, laying dead.” She finally said, shaking. My heart skipped a bit, not because of the news, but because Amelia might be in danger.“Where is Amelia?” “I didn't see her.” She said.For a moment, it seemed like my heart stopped beating. ‘Had she been kidnapped?’ ‘Was she hurt?’ “Get the guards immediately, and search for her!” I exclaimed, trying to stand up from the bed, but I was unable to as the pain in my stomach pinned me down.“Urghh.” I groaned.“Your highness, are you okay?” The maids asked, rushing to check
AMELIA’s POV“Noooo!! Amelia!!” I heard Charles yell. Tears streamed down my cheek as I watched him struggle to handle the creatures, while trying to reach out for me at the same time.I closed my eyes when I felt the cold blade on my skin. Maybe this was my punishment, for trying to escape my cruel fate. I should have just stayed at the pack and endured everything. What more could happen to me in the pack than the usual maltreatment and over working?I had been too greedy, I had wanted more. I wanted to feel that taste of freedom, to be finally free from being called names, from being subjected to breeder, from being reminded of my status. Now here I am, about to be killed.The life of the one person who cared for me, was at risk all because of me. Maybe I shouldn't have agreed to escape with him. I should have just stayed and face the punishment. Even if the punishment was death, I would gladly die, as long as Charles wasn't implicated.But now, not only would I die, Charles would a
AMELIA’s POVThey were Talon’s men. They stopped to smoke tobacco. They dared not do it in the carriage, as they would be fished out later on and get punished. I had seen a guard being whipped for smoking in the carriage.“I wondered why the beta would do such a thing, knowing the consequences of they get caught. I mean the girl is beautiful, but she's the king’s breeder!” One of them exclaimed.“I wouldn't blame her though, you should see the way the king treats her. Plus the way she gets over worked, I would probably the same if it were me.” Another added.“How do you know all these Mister goody two shoes?” The one who had spoken earlier sneered at the other one.“I’ve been stationed in the palace sometimes so…I see these things.” He shrugged.“We should probably get going before the commander punishes us for late coming.” The other one chuckled, throwing the stuff away before walking to the carriage. The carriage drove away, and I sighed in relief.We hid there for a moment, in cas
AMELIA’s POV“I can handle them. Stay near me, so that they won't use you against me.” Charles whispered.The scrawny rogues licked their lips and looked at us like we were some kind of delicious meal. If it were some other wolves, they would have backed out upon feeling the aura from Charles. But these were rogues, they felt no emotions as their wolves and souls had been corrupted. Rogues were once normal wolves, who chose to not belong to a pack, or rebel against it. Getting rejected by other packs, leads to a state of depression which can cause their wolves to become rogue. Though there were other factors which could make a wolf rogue, this was the one I knew of.The only thing they had in mind, was to kill and destroy. They immediately leapt at us, attacking at once. With a swipe of his right hand, Charles sent them flying. I sighed in relief, maybe I had panicked for nothing. These wolves weren't strong.They charged again, and Charles grabbed them one by one, stabbing his claws
AMELIA’s POVWhile Talon was cold, Cassio was playful. It was hard to believe that they were even related. “The last time I checked, Talon doesn't want mate. He only wants pups. Hope it isn't want I’m thinking.” He said, looking at Charles suspiciously.“Plus, you both look….off. You guys escaped, didn't you?” He asked.“It's exactly what you're thinking. We escaped and we are actually on our way to your pack, but luckily the heavens brought you to us.” Charles said.“And here I am,thinking I saw you here probably because you were on your way to see me, cause you missed me.” He frowned a little, pouting like a kid.“In your dreams.” Charles sneered.“You're on your way to see Talon, aren't you?” Charles asked.“I see you're still smart as always. Normally, I wouldn't bother. But it would seem somehow to people, if I didn't go to see my sick cousin. It's not even like we're close plus he doesn't even visit.” Cassio scoffed.“We have a lot to talk about.” He turned serious.“You can re
TALON’s POV“I’m sure there must have been some kind of misunderstanding, my lord. I’ll talk to my men.” Dalton hurriedly said, pulling Marion to a side and speaking in a hushed tone.I observed when I first met Marion, that he was a good man. I would definitely recruit him into my pack when the war was over.“Alpha Dalton. You do know that you're delaying the council’s work. We have other things, much more important than this to handle.” Ariel spoke.“Sorry for the delay, my lord. My men would like to testify again.” He heaved, and mumurs erupted among those on the round table.I saw Ariel glared at Dalton for some seconds. “Alright. Let's hear what they have to say, since you said there was a misunderstanding. But note that if they reverse their statement, the case would be looked into thoroughly.” Ariel warned.“Speak up.” Dalton urged Marion.“There's nothing else to say, my lord. What I explained earlier, was how it happened.” Marion gave a deep bow to Dalton.Dalton threw Mario
TALON’s POV“Alpha Talon, let's get straight to the point as you have been informed of what you are charged with. What do you have to say to this to prove yourself innocent, before the council drops a verdict?” The head-council Ariel asked.“Nothing.” I muttered, with my gaze focused on the little stick on my hand.“Nothing, really? He’s clearly taking the council as a joke just because he's one of the most powerful alpha’s around.” Ahoy, a councilman snapped.I could feel Dalton's gaze on me, and I looked up. He had a smug smile on his face, which says “I got you now.” If only he knew, he’d have back out, and just let the war take place in peace. He had only charged me with trespassing, and severe harassment of his people which quite surprised me. I had done more than that, I wondered why he didn't charge me with using black salt, as the substance had been banned by the council.“Talon, you're quite aware that you’d be punished if you can't say or provide evidence to exonerate yourse
AMELIA’s POVThe maid assigned to me was dead, then…who was Alessia? An imposter? What was her aim for doing this? Why did she had to disguise as the maid assigned to me? The fact that we were already becoming friends only gave me mixed feelings.Plus Miss Brown mentioned something about me seeing a ghost, I didn't like where this was heading to. The answer clawed at me, but I refused to process anything. I wanted to hear it from the horse's mouth.“The thing is…” She paused, sighing with her shoulders dropping. “I don't know how to tell you this, because it seems like you have already become close friends with her.” “Speak, Miss Brown. What is it? Don't hide anything from me.” I urged, upon seeing her reluctance.What was it that she was hesitating to tell me? Was Alessia a spy from another pack that maybe came to steal information? Or was she some killer, or some kind of creature that I didn't know about.“The woman, the maid that had been helping you is dead.” She dropped. “And wh
TALON’s POV“My lord, a wheel of the carriage came off. It seemed it wasn't well maintained. I should have double-checked the carriage before we started the journey. I am guilty of that, as I put his highness’ life in danger, I hereby would receive any punishment meted out to me.” Dimitri bowed.“Yeah, yeah.” I rolled my eyes. “It's not a coincidence, isn't it? Someone is so desperate in making me a bad egg in the midst of the council. Interesting.” I grinned.Dalton was indeed not bluffing when he said he would report me to the general council. He knew I obviously had the upper hand in the war, and he didn't want to back down without a fight. He was only making things more complicated for himself. I wondered if he was that dumb, or he had forgotten that the fake dark magic he had used, would definitely implicate him in the council case.I was sure he had someone from the council, that was why he had the audacity to report me to the council. The council summoned me, and it was where I
AMELIA’s POVShe was right, there was nobody beside me. Where had Alessia gone without informing me? She was right here, but it seemed she disappeared into thin air as Miss Brown came. Maybe she quickly dashed to get something she had forgotten. But I looked at the distance between where we were in the garden, and the mansion was quite much so I wondered how she did it.“Uh, Alessia was here with me. We were doing the drawing together, and I was talking to her.” I answered.“Alessia?” She raised a brow.“Yes, Alessia.” I returned, “The maid assigned to me.”“How come I don't know any maid of that name?” She asked no one in particular, the frown on her face deepening.“There are quite a lot of maids, so it's normal that you wouldn't be able to remember all of their names.” I shrugged.“I’ve been here minutes ago, I can swear I saw you talking to thin air.” She said, narrowing her eyes.I didn't know what to say again, I had explained to her that Alessia was here with me minutes ago. I
TALON’s POV“Don't fucking play with me. He didn't involve you in it? Bullshit.” I scoffed, as I tightened my grip on his neck.“My lord, he might die. We haven't gotten what we wanted yet.” Dimitri voiced, which made me loosen my grip a little.“I swear with…with… ever…everything that matters to me.” He stuttered.I freed him, and he heaved while coughing seriously. “You swearing, means nothing to me. I’d choke you death, if I wanted to.” I sneered.“I really don't know anything about the ritual.” He gulped, fear evident in his eyes.“Tell me, you know him closely as you both worked together. What do you think his next move would be when he has such plans in mind?” I asked, twirling the nail in with my fingers, and his eyes followed the movement. He knew what would happen if he dared to tell a lie.“Raphael would gain everyone's trust first, which he I’m sure he had already achieved. Then, he would find a suitable place for this ritual where no one would be able to disturb him. If h
AMELIA’s POVI turned back sharply, scanning the area but I found nothing. I rubbed my arms together, as the place got even more colder. I wondered if a door or some windows were left open.I looked left and right, before inserting the key into the lock. I felt a soft tap on my shoulders, which had me jerking away as my heart skipped. I turned to see who, or what had tapped me and found Alessia standing a few feet away from the door, looking at me with concern.“My lady, is everything okay?” She asked.‘How did she get there?” Was the first question that entered my mind.“Alessia, how come I didn't see when you got here?” I asked.“I got here some seconds to a minute ago. I saw you unlocking the door, and decided to surprise you.” She answered, and I loosened up.The cold had stopped, and everywhere had returned to its normal temperature.“Did you notice something? The unusual coldness of the hallway, and it just disappeared.” I chuckled.“Maybe it's because you’ve stayed in the Westl
AMELIA’s POVI couldn't help but smile as soon as I was out of the Westlands. The warm sun of Dawnsville hit my skin, and I basked in it. The cold had been terrible, and as cool as the Westlands looked, I still preferred Dawnsville over it. A carriage was waiting for us as we stood near the border that separated Dawnsville and the Westlands.“Oh, finally.” Cassio exclaimed as he rolled on the dusty, warm floor. The two guards who stood near the carriage, had a bewildered experience on their faces. They tried hard to maintain a neutral expression.“My lord.” One came forward when Cassio stood, and led us to the carriage. Charles was already seated, reading a scroll. I looked beside him, where a stack of scrolls sat.“When you're done dilly-dallying, you should return to your duties. You have a lot to do, both for your people and for your ladies.” Charles commented amidst reading, adding a drawl to his last words.“Ugh, I'm so tired. I don't even have the strength to take a look at even
TALON’s POV“Be careful with the way you widen your eyes, the flies surrounding your wounds might jump in.” I said.“Wha…what are you talking about? Who's Raphael?” He managed to say, amidst his shock.“Tch, you should know better than to respond with this. Do not make me repeat myself.”“I knew it since the time I set my eyes on you, you're a demon. Bastard!” He spat.“Any new names for me? That's the only thing you've been calling me for the umpteenth time.” I rolled my eyes.“Speak up, while I’m still being all nice and chatty. I personally don't like using the black salt to make culprits talk, unless I’m forced to. Now just be a good boy, and spill out everything. Who knows, I might get you treated and let you leave.” I shrugged.“I don't want your damn offer, I was even planning to kill myself before these idiots stopped me.” He glared at the guards, “I already made up my mind to die, do you think I’d be scared of you?”“You might think you'd get away with all this, but I promise