Escape

“Excellent. I was hoping to hear that.”

I slowly turned toward Jarith, taking in every bit of smugness written on his face. My heart thundered against my ribcage, my pain and rage blending and growing stronger. My wolf roared, rushing me out of that room, away from the man who betrayed me. But I had already known how this scenario would end…

I ground my teeth, struggling to put my hectic thoughts in order. I had always been able to see glimpses of the future. I had used them to guide me or choose the right strategy in the battle. My gift appeared in brief and vague premonitions but never in a vision as precise as the one I'd just had.

I clenched the talisman hanging around my neck. I didn't believe it had any special powers. I valued it because it was the only thing I had left of my mother, but why would Jarith want it?

The bastard didn't even spare me a glance as he casually discussed his upcoming marriage with the Fiery Mist Pack's elders. He dared laugh as he mentioned the mating ceremony and the first night with his soon-to-be queen.

I felt I might vomit. I wanted to draw my claws across his face and tear that disgusting smile. Hot tears stung my eyes, but I quickly blinked them back. I was in a room filled with predators, and one wrong move could result in my death.

I placed my fisted hands on my lap, my nails digging into the skin of my palms. I knew Jarith or others wouldn't dare hurt me in front of the officials, but what would happen after the meeting?

I corrected my mask and stretched my lips into a pleasant smile while planning my escape. Our pack's territory was right by the Sarendonia's border. I could either run south, passing the lands of other Sarendonia packs until I reached the neutral kingdom of Dagonrel, or I could choose north and find myself in Korendorr—the kingdom of our enemy.

Alpha Callum might have been dead and his Moon Shadow Pack destroyed, but it sure as three hells didn't deem their lands safe. On the other hand, should I choose south, I would have to get through the lands of Jarith's countless allies and supporters…

I felt Jarith's gaze on me and slowly turned to face him. He locked his blue eyes on me. ‘Are you all right, my love?’

The endearment had never sounded more sickening. To think he had the audacity to use those words while discussing marrying someone else. Did he think I would just sit here and accept his betrayal as if it were nothing?! I barely suppressed the shudder but somehow managed to answer, ‘It's just a headache.’

‘Maybe you should go to your room and rest. I'll visit you later.’ His lips curved, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

I kept my voice neutral and calm as I answered through the link. ‘Perhaps I should lie down for a while.’

When he nodded in permission, I slowly rose from my seat and excused myself from the meeting. It was a struggle to even my steps as I walked to the door. Two guards followed me, doubtlessly sent by Jarith and not to protect me.

I walked the long hall with an endless row of windows on one side. The storm clouds gathered, stealing the daylight, as if even the heavens knew what was about to happen. Breathing out a curse, I turned into a narrow corridor. The guards—two muscle towers, designed to kill—walked two steps behind me. Their large shadows flooded the space with eerie darkness.

I quickened my pace while hectically scanning my surroundings. The nearest staircase was at the end of the corridor. There was no door, no additional turns, no way to run. Shit, shit, shit!

My instincts screamed, forcing me to leap to the side as the bulky guards charged. I spun in time to avoid one's fist, but the other one dragged his claws along my side. “Die, bitch!” His dark laughter echoed through the corridor.

Groaning in pain, I stumbled back. A stream of blood flowed from the side of my ribs. My heart thundered. My mind raced. I had to run. I had to—

My eyes locked on the entrance to the servants' passage. It was narrow—too narrow for the massive men to move with ease. I whirled around and stormed to the door.

“Get back here, bitch!” I could hear the guards' roar but didn't dare look over my shoulder.

Dropping off my shoes, I leaped into the passage. I stormed through the dimly illuminated corridor and the steep wooden stairs. I took a turn after turn, nearly knocking over a few pale omegas on the way.

“There's no way to run!” The guards' voices echoed behind me. “Just surrender!”

I clenched my teeth and ran even faster, heading to another staircase. I stormed down the creaking steps and turned left as I reached the ground floor. The doors leading to the courtyard appeared in sight, but the icy tingling on the nape of my neck pulled me to a halt.

My instincts were never wrong. Growling out a curse, I whirled around and ran in the opposite direction. Several heartbeats passed, and the doors behind me slammed open, the guards led by Beta Loan pouring into the passage.

“Get her!” he roared.

The bastards blocked my only way to the southern courtyard. They must have thought I wouldn't risk going anywhere near the northern border. Truthfully, I would have never chosen this route willingly, but since I didn't have much choice…

The muscles in my legs burned as I pushed through the slim hallway, heading to the northern side of the castle. I could hear the countless stomping feet pounding behind me, and a bitter smile curved my lips. The bastard could have just exiled me. Why was he so determined to see me dead?

I burst through the door and darted through the half-empty northern courtyard. The thunder roared in the sky, and the first raindrops began to fall. A few guards noticed me and turned in my direction. “She's over there!” one of them yelled as others started to shift.

I clenched my tear-shaped necklace and darted forward, heading to the first line of trees. I glanced over my shoulder and saw five snarling beasts running after me. Fuck. I had to turn into my wolf form, and I had to do it now!

I used my claws to cut my clothing, the fabric falling to the ground as I ran. The growls and snarls echoed behind me as the sky responded with another thunder. Then, the rain began to pour…

“Kaira, stop!” Loan's voice boomed through the courtyard. “Give us the talisman, and the Alpha will let you live!”

Humorless laughter tore through my throat. Did he seriously think I would believe that?! I let my undergarments fall to the rain-soaked ground, leaving nothing but the talisman around my neck. A heartbeat later, I shifted and stormed into the woods. My heart pounded at a vicious, nearly painful rate. I was about to reach the border. Not only would I leave my pack, but I would abandon my kingdom…

The growls and snarls behind me faded. Did they stop chasing me? The restlessness within me grew. I was too exhausted. My paws trembled slightly as I ran uphill. My eyes locked on the shattered rocks marking the border between the kingdoms. I needed a moment to rest and clear my head, but I couldn't risk taking a break. Maybe once I crossed the border, I could—

Chills rushed down my spine, and all my muscles tensed. I scanned the nearby trees, the shadows dancing between them. My breath caught in my throat as Jarith's icy laughter filled my mind.

He and six warriors emerged from behind the trees in front of me. Jarith's dark gray wolf stepped forward. ‘Give me the talisman, Kaira, and I promise you a swift death.’ His red-blazing eyes fixed on me as he bared his teeth. ‘Resist, and it will be an extremely painful one.’