Chapter 4

Ava's POV

Running.

I kept running. No, no, no. I can't stop! I can't let him get to me! He'll tear me apart if he gets to me.

"Stop, bitch." I heard his roar coming from somewhere in the bush but I dare not stop knowing what I would go through if he catch up with me.

My breath came in desperate, wheezing gasps. Each inhale felt like fire—my lungs straining, my chest aching. My bare legs burned with every stride, the skin raw and torn from thorn bushes and jagged rocks. The forest floor was merciless. Every step left a trail of pain and blood.

He was going to smell it. Dammit.

"Ava." I heard a distant voice but I didn’t stop, didn't even glance back..

I could already hear him closing in—branches snapping under his heavy steps, the low growl building in his throat.

I wasn’t going to make it. He's going to smell me from afar. It was useless running. Still, I ran.

The trees blurred around me. My vision tunneled, black creeping at the edges. My knees buckled, but I forced them forward. Just one more second. One more breath. Maybe if I could find a road, a river, a miracle...

Something slammed into my back with the force of a wrecking ball. I was yanked off my feet and thrown onto the ground like a rag doll. The breath exploded from my lungs in a sharp cry as I landed hard on the forest floor. My body screamed—my ribs, my shoulder, my already bloodied legs.

“No!” I tried to crawl, dirt caking my hands, tears blinding me. “Please don’t...”

"Ava!" I heard the sharp voice, and I realised I was closing my eyes. I opened the eyes and was met with Karen's motherly gaze on me. No trees. No more claws but my room. I was in my room.

"Are you okay? Why are you panting so much?" Karen asked gently, brushing damp strands of hair from my face.

"I...I had a nightmare." I mumbled.

"You'll be fine. It's just a dream." I nodded numbly, but it felt like a lie. It hadn’t been just a dream. It felt real. Too real. The fear was still crawling under my skin.

"What happened? How come I'm here? I mean... I was outside..." My voice trailed off as I looked down and noticed I was wearing a clean gown. My old clothes were gone.

"I was the one that dressed you," Karen explained as she stood. "You fainted. The doctor said you need rest. So don’t come to the kitchen for now, and make sure you use your medicine."

I nodded again, more slowly this time. "But did the guards bring me back to the castle? Or did you save me? Or was it the Luna that..."

A knock cut me off. Karen and I turned toward the door simultaneously. "Come in," she said.

The door opened, revealing Soren, one of the Alpha's bodyguards. He bowed slightly. "Alpha Darien asked me to check if Ava is awake. He wants to see her."

My stomach twisted. A heavy dread settled over my shoulders. No. Not again. I should’ve pretended to be asleep. I should’ve stayed quiet. Why did I talk?

What if Luna Alina told him something? What if he was angry? Or...what if he actually wanted to check on my health?

No. Don’t be stupid, Ava. That would never happen. He doesn’t care. He never has.

"Why does he want her?" Karen asked.

"I’m not allowed to disclose that," Soren replied coolly before turning to me. "Let’s go."

I looked at Karen. She gave me a warm, reassuring gaze—as if to say it’s nothing. But I wasn’t so sure.

I nodded and stood, legs weak, body aching. The forest still haunted my limbs with ghost pains. I followed Soren silently.

We reached Alpha Darien’s room. Soren opened the door, and I swallowed hard, eyes closed.

"He’s waiting," Soren murmured.

I stepped inside, my heart beating so rapidly fast but he wasn't inside. Relief washed over me in a cold wave. I stood still, staring at the cold decor. The room was large, empty save for a bed, some shelves, and the ever-ominous glass door to the bathroom. I had seen him emerge from that door once. Naked. Smirking. The memory made my stomach churn. If I was another random girl who had met him like that in another place, maybe I would have fallen for it because he was beautiful, honestly...

There was another door at the far corner of the room and i know it probably lead to either his closet or store or something. It's not like i care.

The door opened and I quickly stand straight as he comes in, his gaze sweeping me. He strolled towards and I hold my breathe and the next thing that landed on my cheek was a hot slap. I gasped, the sting hotter than any slap I’d ever felt—even Alina’s. My skin burned as if set aflame.

"I heard you’ve grown wings," he sneered. "Tell me why you’re still on your feet and not on your knees."

I dropped to my knees instantly, trembling. "I’m so sorry."

"Have you forgotten what I am to you?" he snarled.

"No, I haven’t," I choked out.

"Then say it. What am I to you?"

"Master."

"Say it again!"

"Master," I whispered.

"Now, tear off..."

The door burst open and I raised up my head to see Thorne, Darien's Beta entered.

"Pardon my manner, Alpha, but the deal is ready."

His voice...they look so much like the person who had shouted, 'Don't you dare' but it definitely can't be him. Why would the Beta of all people save me? Except he wants to go against the Alpha which I'm sure he wouldn't wanna do. He might have pity on me but I'm sure he would definitely not want to go against his Lord.

No. I must’ve imagined it.

"Alright. Go sort it out," Darien snapped.

"There’s an issue," Thorne replied evenly.

Darien’s growl deepened. "What issue could possibly be that you—"

"You have to see it yourself."

Darien clenched his jaw, claws emerging slightly. "I’m in the middle of something..." He sighed. "Anyway, let’s go."

He turned back to me. "Return to your room. I’ll call for you."

"Yes, Master," I whispered.

He left, and I stood, rubbing my burning cheek, terrified of what more could’ve happened if Thorne hadn’t intervened. Goddess...thank you.

I made my way to the kitchen for ice. It was quiet—too quiet.

I pressed the ice to my cheek and leaned over the counter, trying to calm my breath. Then, I heard voices.

"So, what will happen to Lyra now?" Briane’s voice floated in.

I turned sharply. "What do you mean, what will happen to Lyra?" The girls stopped in their tracks, shocked.

Briane rushed to me. "Where were you? I looked everywhere for you!"

"The Alpha sent for me. But what happened to Lyra?" My voice trembled.

She looked over me. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you again?"

"No, I’m fine. He left urgently. Tell me what’s going on. Stop keeping me in the dark."

Briane hesitated, then finally said "Okay, the thing is...Nothing is wrong with Lyra but Mira is getting sold to another clan. Though we don't know what clan she's being sold to and Lyra is crying so much in her room but Karen..." I didn't hear the rest as I dropped the ice to only God knows where and dashed out of the kitchen.

No. No. No. I bolted out of the kitchen. This can’t be happening. This can't be true! Mira, One of the closest friends I have here is getting sold. Not one of the only people I have left.

Goddess, please...Not her!