Chapter Five Accused

AFTER last night’s incident, Jarckon seemed to have forgotten about her escape. Adhara was now free to go in and out of the castle, but Felicity always followed her. She couldn’t do anything about it, even though it annoyed her.

Today, she walked in the castle’s garden for no particular reason—it just made her feel relaxed. To her surprise, Felicity wasn’t following her. Adhara wandered the entire garden, enjoying the sunrise and the beautiful roses. She smelled their petals and touched their soft blooms. Just as she was about to pick one, a voice stopped her.

“Don’t pick the flowers.”

Adhara turned around to see who had spoken. The voice was sweet and calm, piquing her curiosity. She was stunned by the woman’s beauty: brown curly hair, thick eyelashes, and dark brown eyes. The woman smiled and greeted her.

“Hi.”

Adhara smiled back. The woman continued watering the roses, and Adhara guessed she must be one of Jarckon’s servants—though she was too beautiful to be a mere servant.

“Are you new here?” the woman asked.

“Hmm… I’m not sure how long I’ve been here—two weeks? Three weeks? I’ve lost track.”

“What do you do here?”

“Work?” Adhara was surprised by the question. She didn’t know how to answer. Would this woman believe her if she said Jarckon had imprisoned her?

“Yeah, your work for the alpha.”

Adhara shook her head, unsure what to say. The woman faced her and extended a hand.

“I’m Freya.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Adhara.”

Freya was one of Jarckon’s servants, but she often considered herself one of his “hands”—a position that allowed her to be close to him. She had had a crush on Jarckon since they were children, though he had never noticed her feelings. Being one of his hands was the only way she could talk to him.

Freya looked Adhara up and down, wondering who she was. Could she be one of Jarckon’s favorites, brought here to be his Luna?

“May I ask why you’re here?”

Adhara stumbled over the question and chose not to answer. She didn’t want Freya to know she was a prisoner. Instead, she walked away and sat on an elegantly designed steel chair. Freya followed and sat beside her, sensing that Adhara held a special place in Jarckon’s heart.

“How about you? What do you do here?” Adhara asked.

“I’m one of the servants… but…”

“But what?”

“I’m one of the Alpha’s hands.”

Adhara nodded, studying Freya. She seemed strange—like she was hiding secrets about Jarckon’s life.

“Are you the Alpha’s Luna?”

“What do you mean?” Adhara’s voice was laced with apprehension.

Freya stood up and returned to watering the roses, smiling secretly. She knew Adhara was interested. Adhara followed, curiosity in her eyes.

“Tell me. Why did you say that?”

“Oh, my… I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry. You look worried.”

Adhara was stunned by Freya’s sudden change in behavior—so different from her innocent appearance.

“Would you like to rest in my room? We can have tea and talk.” Adhara invited her.

“Oh! I’d love to.”

Freya accepted, and Adhara was relieved. It had been days since she’d talked to anyone other than Felicity. She hoped Freya might reveal more about Jarckon.

Adhara offered Freya a cup of tea and motioned for her to sit. Freya gave her a strange look before speaking.

“Your room is too huge for one person.”

“Yes, I guess so.” Adhara smiled.

"I remember when the Alpha met his mate and got engaged.”

Adhara listened intently, waiting for Freya to continue.

“Poor woman.”

“Why? What happened to her?”

Freya looked out the window, searching for the right words.

“Hmm… I shouldn’t tell you this.”

“Why? Was it bad?”

“Not just bad—terrible. Poor woman.”

Freya’s eyes were wide, and her voice trembled. Adhara wasn’t sure if it was from fear.

“Tell me. What happened?”

Freya stared at Adhara, seeing the curiosity in her eyes.

“Huh! I really shouldn’t say this… but many say that the day before their wedding, his mate disappeared. No one knew where she was. That night, her body was found in the woods—bruised, her clothes torn. It was discovered she had been abused and raped by other werewolves.”

Adhara was shocked and speechless. Freya continued.

“But that’s not the most surprising part.”

“What is it?” Adhara leaned in, her curiosity growing.

“Many people saw the Alpha with her the last time she was seen. They say he killed his fiancée and had his fellow werewolves rape her.”

Adhara nearly fell off her seat. She couldn’t believe Jarckon could do such a thing. Her fear of him intensified.

“Oh, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Just dizzy.”

“I think I should leave now.”

“No. Stay.”

Adhara held Freya’s arm, her eyes begging. She still wanted to know everything about Jarckon.