CHAPTER 4: HER BODY

 DERRICK’S POV

“She has escaped, Alpha.”

“Who?”

I didn’t need to turn. I already knew.

“Luna Oprah.”

For a second, just a second, everything went still.

Then…

The glass in my hand flew across the room, shattering against the wall.

“How?” My voice came out low. Dangerous. “How did she escape?” Lucas ook a step back.

“I-I don’t know what happened, Alpha, but..”

My hand was already on his collar before he could finish. I slammed him hard against the wall, the impact echoing through the room.

“But what?” I growled, tightening my grip around his throat. “You let a wounded she-wolf escape?”

His hands clawed at mine, his face turning red.

“A-Alpha… f-forgive me…”

My wolf stirred, restless. Angry. Pushing.

I forced it down.

Slowly, I released him. Lucas staggered but didn’t fall.

“Find her,” I said, my voice colder now. Controlled. “And bring her back.”

He nodded quickly, breath uneven.

“Yes, Alpha.”

“And Lucas…” I added, my gaze hardening. “Call someone to clean this mess.” I pointed at the shattered glass and Lucasl quickly nodded.

“I understand.”

He then left immediately. Silence filled the room.

I turned toward the window, my chest rising slowly this time.

Something about this didn’t sit right.

How could she escape?

After everything.

After the state she was in.

My jaw tightened.

Deep down, I knew she wouldn't have gone far as she didn't know anywhere else except Moon Shine Pack, my pack.

“Where do you think you’re going, Oprah?” I muttered under my breath. “You don’t get to ruin everything… and run from me.” My fists were clenched at the sides, my chest rising and falling and my jaws tightening.

It didn't take long for a maid to come and clear the mess I had made before disappearing into thin air. Well, I could sense the fear around her that she had to do it quickly to get away from me.

A soft voice broke through the silence, moments later after the maid disappeared.

“Derrick.” I didn’t turn.

I already knew who it was. I still looked at the omega maids and servants moving around in their daily chores. I could see other servants preparing the lawn beyond them.

They still didn't know that Oprah had escaped.

Well, I also didn't believe it. I felt like she was still in the dungeon, waiting for her punishment. 

I would get her. I had to. I wouldn't let her humiliate me and tamper with my reputation.

“Are you okay?” The voice behind me brought me back to my study room.

It was none other than Lilith.

Her heels clicked softly against the floor as she walked closer. I could feel her presence before she even touched me.

Her arms slipped around my waist.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment.

Waiting.

Expecting something.

Anything. Nothing came. No spark. No pull. No reaction.

My eyes opened again.

Maybe it was the stress.

Yes. That had to be it.

“You don’t look fine,” she said softly, leaning against my chest. I looked down at her.

Her brown eyes met mine. Warm and familiar.

But not…Not like

I cut the thought off immediately.

“Are you still thinking about what she did to you?” Lilith asked, her fingers brushing through my hair gently. “Don’t worry… she’ll get the punishment she deserves.”

“She escaped.” Her body stilled.

“She escaped?” she repeated.

A pause.

“That’s… unfortunate.”

Her arms slipped away from me as she turned toward the window, her back now facing me.

“I’m sure your men will find her,” she added calmly.

I watched her for a moment.

Something felt… off. But I pushed it aside. I owed her. That was all this was.  Nothing more.

I turned back toward the window.

And then…I froze.Her scent…Fading.

My chest tightened, just slightly.

So slight it almost didn’t exist.

Almost.

My jaw clenched.

“Wait here, I have to deal with something.” I slightly pushed her hand away and pulled back, making her stiffen a little but she nodded.

I was about to turn and walk to the door, when I heard her voice.

“D?” I stiffened at the name.

That was the childhood nickname she used on me.

“I-I…” she swallowed hard, her eyes looking at anything but not meeting my eyes, her hands fidgeting.

“I know it's my fault that you had to marry her despite the fact that you didn't love her…” she stopped, moving closer to me. I just stared, my eyes fixed on her.

“But I promise to make everything right. I-I am sorry for leaving you at the altar that day.” Those words made me close my eyes then opened them, my heart sinking.

But she had explained and I had forgiven her.

“It's okay, I don't blame you for Oprah’s betrayal.” Just saying her name made my heart break again.

Oprah really cheated on me with my guard? Of all the people?

“I'll be right back.” I said before turning and leaving the study.

I rushed to the dungeon and as Lucas said, Oprah was nowhere to be seen, just her scent that was mixed with blood.

How did she manage to escape?

Quickly, mind-linked Lucas, “Make sure to search everywhere, including the border,’ I ordered 

“I want her found.” I paused.

Then added, colder,

“And alive.” 

Now I had to inform the council about her disappearance.

…..

“It was indeed her, Alpha.” Lucas gave me the necklace as he said.

I swallowed hard.

It was indeed Oprah's necklace, the one I had gifted her for our second anniversary. 

“Where is the body?” I asked, something twisting in my chest but I ignored it. 

For five days, I had been searching for her, up and down with no success. My people had made it our priority to find her and it was only today that Beta Lucas and the others found her ruined body. It was ruined that they couldn't identify her face. The only sign was the necklace I was holding in my hand.

“This way, Alpha.” Lucas led me to the lawn where the ruined body of a woman was covered with a black nylon, as Lilith followed me side by side, her hand not leaving mine. She had been like this since Oprah’s betrayal and I appreciated her for being there for me. But sometimes I felt it was unnecessary.  But I didn’t mind anyway. 

“Open it!” The guard pulled the cover away.

I froze. The body was ruined and unrecognizable.

But the build,the dress…My jaw tightened.

I knew that dress. I had ordered it when she left the room that day with nothing but a towel.

My grip tightened around the necklace in my hand.

It was hers. It was Oprah.

Then why…

Something felt… wrong.

“It seems a rogue got to her,” Lucas said.

I didn’t respond.

My eyes remained fixed on the body.

This was what I wanted, wasn’t it?

So why did it feel…empty?

Maybe it was because I wanted to punish her myself.

A hand tapped my shoulder, trying to give me comfort.

I slowly turned to meet Lilith.

“It’s… unfortunate,” she said softly.

“I am sorry for this.” that was always Lilith, always kind and innocent.

“Even though she cheated on you,” she stopped, wiping invisible tears on her left cheek.

“She was still your Luna.”

“Indeed.” I didn’t feel the words. It was as if I was empty. As if something had left me. But..

“Where is the guard?” I growled, making Lucas turn to me.

“To the dungeon, Alpha.” I nodded and quickly turned to walk towards the dungeon.