NOWHERE ELSE.

CHAPTER 5: NOWHERE ELSE.

RAYA'S POV.

"What in the name of the old gods has got this town so worked up?" an elderly man asked frustratedly as he walked past a merchant, supporting himself with his cane.

"Haven't you heard?" a female trader asked.

"Heard what?" he asked, halting. 

"The Alpha King, Barakar, arrived in Ravenhill unannounced." 

"I'm aware. The excessive number of soldiers patrolling the streets gave that away. Is there anything spectacular about that??" the elderly man said in an unbothered manner.

"He claimed for himself a mate." 

"He did, eh? That still doesn't make it any more spectacular," the man said. 

"You're one pessimistic old bigot, you know that?" The merchant shook her head, pursing her lips. 

"If you've lived as long as I have, few things tend to move you," he responded and continued walking slowly. 

"He claimed someone from Ravenhill."

Hearing that, the old man halted once again and turned, furrowing his brow. "And who exactly is that?" 

"The rejected mate of the Alpha - Raya," she replied. The old man furrowed his brow slightly, going deep into his thoughts.

"See? I knew you'd be surprised just as we all are," the merchant said, smiling. 

"So he has finally found his fated mate, huh?" he asked rhetorically, snickering. "I just hope she knows what happened to the last one he claimed." 

"What happened?" the merchant inquired, but the old man said nothing, walking away. 

"Pesky old man!" she scoffed, annoyed at the old man. 

The old man pondered as he walked away. 'What actually brought the Alpha King all the way here? He never visits a place without prior notice.'

He sensed there was more to all that was happening. 

All of Ravenhill were thrown aback by the recent development. By the time the King left Ravenhill, that was what dominated the conversations of the people. 

Talk about making an impression!

_______________

At the palace, Jamey and the leaders of Ravenhill watched as the King and his retinue mounted their horses. I, of course, was with them. 

My father could barely look at me now, feeling ashamed of himself. The daughter he loathed and despised was claimed by the most powerful person in all the five kingdoms - the Alpha King himself. That was a shock!

"Farewell, Your Majesty. We hope to host you again sometime in the future," Jamey bade.

"Farewell, young Alpha," King Barakar bade, then we rode off, with some soldiers of Ravenhill escorting the King. 

I looked one last time at my father and all they that did me wrong before we rode off. 

'Goodbye,' I said to myself as we rode off. It was indeed goodbye this time. Nonetheless, I wondered what kind of life awaited me.

As we left, Jamey turned and looked at the leaders of Ravenhill. They didn't know what to say to him. He looked stupefied. 

"I shall take my leave now," Fiona bowed and left the palace, smiling as she left.

"I'd like to have a word, Priestess," Jamey said, causing her to stop. Jamey headed into the palace and Fiona followed him.

The elders couldn't say what was in their heart in Jamey's presence. So they kept mute.

Jamey and the Priestess got to a corner were no one was and Jamey paced up and down before he stopped. 

"You knew this would happen, didn't you?" he asked.

"The goddess reveals what she wills. You defied her will, remember?" 

Jamey sulked as he looked at her, but she looked at him unafraidly. Unknown to them, Victoria was by the corner, eavesdropping.

"Besides, you despise her. And you chose for yourself another mate in her stead. So why does it bother you that the King claimed her for himself - the same 'trash' you discarded?" Fiona asked. 

"Don't patronize me, Fiona. I am the Alpha," Jamey snarled, looking at her hatefully.

"I apologize, Lord Jamey," Fiona bowed. "I'll be taking my leave now." 

As she began walking away, Victoria quickly tiptoed to avoid being caught. But Fiona was aware she was eavesdropping the whole time. 

"So it begins," Fiona said as she cracked a mild smile.

Victoria got to her chamber and angrily slammed the door shut behind her. She paced to and fro, clenching her fists, gritting her teeth. Overcome with anger, she overthrew the table close to her. It shattered as it slammed against the wall. 

"I was on my knees because of that tramp. I'm sure she was delighted seeing me like that," she began to soliloquize.

"But why? Why her of all people?!" she yelled, puffing. "Why didn't he choose someone else? What's so special about that trash?" 

Victoria leaned against the wall as he claws scratched the wall behind her. 

"Maybe it is just a ploy to get back at us. Yes, it must be," she said, smiling hysterically. "It won't last. It was just to get back at us. Yes." 

________________

The King and his retinue arrived at their camp. The soldiers bowed as we arrived and alighted from our horses.

"Take care of the gift for the young Alpha," the King instructed Ravna. He bowed and walked away to do as told. 

The King began walking to his tent and halted at some point, turning back. 

"Aren't you coming?" he asked me as he realized I stayed put. 

"Y- Yes, Your Majesty," I nodded, and hurried off, following him into the tent. 

King Barakar took off his furry coat and his shirt, standing shirtless. I gulped and looked away. He went ahead to pour himself a drink, gulping a bit of it, then he walked toward her. His gaze was fixed on me, making me feel a bit uncomfortable. 

He saw how innocent and pure my heart was. 

Ravna walked into the tent and met the two of us in that state. 

"They've been sent off with the gift, Your Majesty," Ravna declared. 

"Good," he replied. "Get everyone ready. We leave at once." 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Ravna bowed. "But our scouts sighted a possible encampment of rogues about two hundred miles from here."

"Ravenhill has what it takes to keep its city safe as they've been doing all these while," the King responded.

"Okay. I'll notify Talia then," Ravna said and walked out. 

"Um, Your Majesty? May I speak?" I requested. 

"Go on." 

"I uh- I am truly grateful, Your Majesty, for saving me last night. I am eternally grateful, and indebted to you," I began. 

"But I am a nobody. I'm not worthy of your affection. I think this is all a mistake. Letting me stay at Winterhill and start my life afresh is all I ask for, and nothing more, Your Majesty."

King Barakar placed his cup down and walked closer to me, standing right in front of me. He looked me deep in the eyes, and took my right hand and placed it on his firm chest.

"You feel it too, don't you?" he asked softly, looking compassionately at me. And yes, I did feel it - the mate bond. 

"There's nowhere else you're to be but by my side henceforth, Raya. You're mine!"

My wolf leaped for joy, making me smile unconsciously, as a tears ran down my left cheek.