Chapter 4

Childhood memories of being bullied during the pack wars rushed back like a tidal wave.

"Crescent mutt." "A cripple who does not belong in the Full Moon Run." "She doesn't even have a wolf. You might as well get on the ground and bark."

Those voices rushed out from the depths of my memory. They shattered my heart.

The crushing despair almost tore me apart. I did not even notice my nails digging into my palms.

After ten years together, Alexander knew my deepest trauma better than anyone.

In the past, every time I had a nightmare, he would hold me tight. His eyes would fill with anguish. He would swear to make those who bullied me bleed.

But now, he was the one pushing me to the ground.

When I did not move, he raised his hand and summoned two pack enforcers.

His tone was as cold as a blade. "Evie, I gave you a chance."

"Do not blame me for being cruel."

He used his Alpha tone. The heavy aura of a dominant Alpha slammed down on me.

My weak knees instantly gave out. I slammed heavily onto the hard floor.

I struggled with all my might. Alexander suddenly leaned close to my ear. His voice was low and cold. "Evie, it is just an act to please Ruby. Stop being so immature."

My eyes blazed with fury. I gritted my teeth and forced out my words. "Alexander, we are going to the High Priest to reject the bond right now!"

Alexander's face darkened. He grabbed my chin tightly.

"Evie, I have spoiled you too much. You rely on my pack. You need to know your place."

"Reject the bond? Do not forget your grandmother is resting in the Elder Council healing grounds. The moonflower that keeps her alive is picked by me every year at the eastern border."

Thinking of my grandmother, I stopped. The strength to struggle drained from me.

Alexander chuckled softly. His thumb brushed over my swollen cheek. "That is right, Evie. We are fated mates. Ruby saved my life, which means she saved yours too."

"You never should have laid a hand on her."

"When you do something wrong, you pay the price."

Alexander lifted Ruby onto my back and pulled something out of his pocket.

Next, he clamped a suppression collar around my neck. It was the exact kind used for feral rogues.

The moment the metal touched my skin, my fingertips went numb.

My brain buzzed. I could no longer control my own actions.

I felt Ruby excitedly whipping me with a leather belt. She grabbed my hair and yelled. "Crawl faster!"

I lost track of time. From dawn until dusk, I dragged an endless bloody trail across the gravel courtyard.

Ruby seemed tireless. She rode on my back. The soles of her boots crushed into my newly scabbed wounds again and again.

Alexander just sat on the wicker chair. His eyes stayed fixed on Ruby's smile. He let out low chuckles.

He even held up his phone to take pictures of Ruby's happy moments.

The rough stones cut through the torn flesh on my legs. They broke open all my old wounds.

Blood soaked through the hem of my skirt. My skin stuck to the broken stones.

Black spots danced in my vision. I could barely hold on. I looked up at Alexander and begged numbly. "I am sorry. It is my fault."

"I apologize."

Alexander still looked noble and charming. With a loving smile, he looked only at Ruby.

"Ruby, are you satisfied with this punishment?"

Ruby finally climbed off my back. I collapsed weakly into the pool of blood. I could barely take a breath.

But soon, her voice rang out again. It made my whole body tremble.

"Alexander, I forgive this ugly monster!"

"As a reward, throw her in the dungeon to keep my pets company, okay?"

Alexander pinched her cheek affectionately. "Alright, as long as you are happy."

I quickly looked up and stared at him in disbelief. "Alexander, those are venomous snakes. I will die."

He replied nonchalantly. "The ones kept in the cages had their fangs removed."

I used my last bit of strength to crawl away. But I was quickly pinned to the ground by the enforcers.

Alexander crouched down and gently stroked my tangled hair. "Evie, once this is over, I will take you to the southern border to complete the bonding ceremony."

Ruby excitedly directed the enforcers. They dragged my battered body towards the dungeon. It housed hundreds of venomous snakes.

It was a dark place, built specifically for traitors and rogues.

The moment I was pushed into the dungeon, the madness in Ruby's eyes was completely exposed. She leaned close to my ear. "Evie, you found out, didn't you?"

"I recovered a long time ago. But he still feels so sorry for me."

"So stop struggling. You can never beat me."

The door slammed shut. In the darkness, countless scaly creatures swarmed over me. Their tongues licked my skin.

Listening to the fading footsteps of Alexander and Ruby, I closed my eyes in despair.

The next morning, Alexander looked at the schedule for the bonding ceremony. Suddenly, a deadly, stabbing pain pierced his chest. It hurt so much he almost collapsed over the desk.

He gasped for air and called the butler. "Go let Evie out. Being locked up for a night is enough suffering for her."

Just then, his Beta crashed through the door. His face was pale, and his voice shook. "Alpha, news just came from the dungeon."

"Evie... her heart stopped."