Three-The Escape Plan

Chapter Three—The Escape Plan

The Osasis was a small territory, this meant I could easily get out in an hour if I tread carefully. The whole town had broken into a chaos, their Luna had disappeared and they were at a loss for what to do.

It was unheard for one to refuse the blessings of the moon goddess herself. This was no blessing, uprooting every part of my life for a cause that was practically useless.

I hid behind one of the bushes in the main square, evading the sight of the town guards who marched in pursuit of me. I had a plan—impulsive, but still a plan nonetheless.

The road leading to the red moon territory was just up ahead and even I knew it was a gamble I was playing. The people of the oasis were not allowed to go into the other packs territories, but I just needed to leave at the first sight of escape.

I took a deep breath and started to count;

One.

Two..

Thre—

“There you are!” One of the officers yelled as he caught a glimpse of my mark from one of the holes in the bushes.

I yelped and tried breaking into another full run when I was grabbed by the collar. I squealed, trying to kick him away but he wouldn’t budge. He was a beta male, they were known for their profound strength and ability to withstand anything.

“Let me go!!” I bursted into tears.

“No!” He snapped back, “The goddess calls upon you and you refuse? You’re a disgrace to the people of the Oasis.”

“I’ll be a disgrace!” I fought back, “I’ll gladly be a disgrace. I’ll be damned before I throw my whole life away for people who wouldn’t blink twice if they saw me dead!!”

“You’re right about that.” Another officer joined him, “You’re a bad omen. We’re glad you’re the chosen Luna, now the goddess can rid of you and bring prosperity to our lands.”

That’s what I was to them; a pawn.

I was a pawn, a puppet for their selfish gains. I bit into the arm of the officer who held me captive, tried breaking away when I felt a loud clang on my head.

“No.” My voice was faint, I was slowly losing consciousness and losing it fast.

********

“Wake up. We have to perform the rites before you’re summoned by the council of Alphas.” I heard the high priestess say.

My eyes remained tightly shut, maybe feigning death would get me out of my unfortunate predicament. The plan was short lived, as a whole drum of water was sloshed all over me and I scampered to my feet for any form of breath.

“Good.” She said to her aide, then those wicked eyes on me, “Come with me:”

I couldn’t dare refuse her request, not after the wicked treatment I had just gotten. My body shuddered as the inside of the temple was nothing short of cold and unwelcoming. I couldn’t even bare to glance at the vicinity, as i was the first person let in from the masses.

“Sit.” The priestess ordered, pointing at a stool.

I obliged, gulping hard as I took a seat. She brought forward that same bowl from the night before. I pressed my lips tightly, she grabbed my hand and prickled one of my fingers. My blood dropped into the bowl and the clear water turned into a deep purple.

“Heavens be.” She gasped, the twinkle in her eyes was unmistakable, “The goddess remains head fast with her decision.”

There was no answer to the claims she just made so I remained mute. Her aides brought out a dress, it was beautiful. Lilac, my favorite shade or purple, with green roses embroidered at the hem.

“You’ve been summoned by the Alphas.”

My heart hurt when I heard the words.

“Th—The Alphas?”

“They are in the hidden chamber room as we speak.”

The ache grew even harder.

She stared at me for a moment and then ordered her aides to strip me bare. Her eyes harbored no kindness when she saw my naked self, “All skin and bones. You have no flesh, child. I hope they’re happy with what they see.”

Happy? Why would they—

“The Alphas are temperamental.” Her aide murmured seeing the puzzled look on my face, “The last thing we need is a rejection. You need to look presentable in their eyes, especially in front of him.”

Him??

I wasn’t sure of this him they talked about.

“Who?” I finally garnered the courage to ask.

The other sighed, “The Alpha of the moonhaven pack. Atlas Phoenix.”

I gulped hard. I’d heard of him. He was known to be a ruthless beast who killed everything in his sight that annoyed him. My fear knew no bounds, my throat ran dry, and my bladder already too full and about to burst.

The dress was pulled onto me. My hair, braided and adorned with the prettiest of flowers. This wasn’t what I expected my role to be like, being dressed and perfumed like a broad to be sold off to the highest bidder.

“Now you look perfect.” The priestess finally smiled, “Are you ready?”

“Huh?”

She frowned, “The council of Alphas. You’ve been summoned, Ivy Amire.”

Now I gulped hard.