Imprisoned

Raven POV

I stood rooted on the spot, my heart pounding on my chest as the guard broke the news about their father. 

Their faces fell, etched with concern as they exchanged worried glances, brows furrowed. Without delay, they scurried off with a sense of urgency, their footsteps, quick and urgent.

The air was charged with tension. Guards and maids rushed past me, their footsteps pounding on the ground and echoing through the stillness.  

The eerie silence that followed only confirmed to me that something was wrong.

“Did their father die?”

I hurried forward to see for myself but crashed on the ground, hitting the floor with full force. 

Pain reverberated through me as I glanced at the fresh bruises on my wrists and knees_ Ansel's tight grip had left its mark. 

For a moment, I lay there, overwhelmed by anguish.

“Why was I concerned about their welfare when all they've shown me is wickedness?” I muttered to myself. I couldn't care less.

I scrambled up, supporting myself with my hands resting on my already aching knees.

 Letting out a deep breath, I stared at the grand view before me. 

The towering chambers, lush green plants, sculptures and high fences seemed to spin around me, and I felt a wave of dizziness washed over me.

As I gazed at the breathtaking landscape, a soft smile formed on my lips, momentarily easing my frustration.

My eyes widened in bewilderment. “This is such a royal castle” I mused.

Relief washed over me and I turned to 

Make my way back to the chamber but the air was thick with gloom.

Muffled cries and murmurs from the guards filled my ears as I got closer. Four hefty security guards stood stationed outside each chamber. Elderly wolves trooped in and out, their faces shadowed with uncertainty. 

I hastened my pace, straining to eavesdrop on the hushed conversation. 

Even though the triplets treated me with indifference, my safety was still my priority; I had to stay alert. 

 I was inches away from the guards when a venomous voice sliced through the air, freezing me in place.

“Stop there! Who are you, and what are you doing here?”

I turned, startled, my legs trembling but I saw no one.

 I took a step back, my breath hitching as fear crept in.

Who… is…

I stuttered, trying to respond but my voice caught in my throat. 

“Are you dumb?” I asked you a question, and the voice came again, husky and dripping with authority. 

“Did Ansel plan this? Does he hate me so much that he'd embarrass me and have me killed for nothing?”

My heart raced, beating so loud I could hear it in my ears. Tears burned at the corners of my eyes, but I clenched them shut, not wanting to make a sound.

“What are you doing here? I see_you must be a spy.” the voice grew sharper. “Stay right there, if you move an inch, it'll mean your end.”

I clenched the hem of my dress, my breathing rapid, the air around me suddenly thick and suffocating. 

 I was frozen in place with no clue on what to do.

“Was I being watched by an invisible spirit? What other secrets are hidden in this pack? I wailed. 

Tueh! 

A figure leapt right in front of me, weapons strapped across his body. I gasped and collapsed to the ground, shaken and out of breath. 

“P-pease don't kill me,” I mumbled in a pleading tone.

He grabbed me roughly, tilting my chin to meet his darkened face. I couldn't see his eyes as they were hidden behind a silver mask. 

“I asked you a question, and you have the nerve to ignore me?” he barked, shoving me to the ground without hesitation.

Pain shot through me, forcing me to bite my lower lips to suppress a cry

I tried to speak, to explain but no word came out. My mouth opened, then closed again. Unable to form words.

“How do I explain that I'm the mate of the 3 brothers?”

“I don't understand what you're talking about.” I finally managed to talk, my voice barely above a whisper. 

You don't understand? He thundered, crouching down, his eyes burning with fury.

“You'll understand soon enough _ when we throw you into prison.”. He replied, his eyes flickered, scanning the area as though searching for someone.

“You'll understand what it means to trespass on the Silver Crescent pack territory”

“I wasn't trespassing,” I muttered, swallowing the gulp I didn't know had formed in my throat.

“Shut it!” he snapped. “Another word from you, and you'll rot in the dungeon.”

 Cold dread seeped through me. His voice held no room for argument. I wanted to scream, to fight back_ but I had no strength left, not even to shed a tear.

“Guards.!” He barked.

Three heavily built men stormed in. Each armed with a dagger and long machetes

“Take her to the prison, she must be a spy from our rival pack, Moonshade, to monitor the alpha's health. We can't risk it.

My heart skipped a beat. “Alpha's health? How is he? I blurted out before I could stop myself.

They exchanged glances and nodded in silent agreement. Without a word, one of them hoisted me up effortlessly, tossing me into the air like a rag doll. 

The walk to the prison yard felt like an eternity. The other three guards trailed behind, whispering in hushed voices. 

I felt like a vegetable in his hand, trapped in his firm grip, escape was far from me.

“The curse is taking full effect… we don't know what to expect.” 

“Yes, the healer is trying everything,” but if Moonshade finds out about his unconsciousness, they won't hesitate to attack. 

My heart clenched. War? Curse?

What in the world did I do to end up in his secretive hellish pack? 

My thoughts reeled, but before I could make sense of anything, we arrived at a dark, open structure.

The prison yard. 

The guard lowered me to the ground before shoving me inside and locking the door behind him.

Darkness swallowed me whole