Chapter 5

Astrid's Pov

My back was pressed so hard against the cold stone wall that I could feel every rough edge digging into my skin. Alpha Xavier stood barely an inch away from me, towering over my trembling frame. His presence was suffocating, like the air itself had grown heavier just because he was near. I couldn’t stop shaking. My knees felt weak, and my heart was hammering so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

He leaned in even closer. Then his fingers began to change right before my eyes. They elongated into sharp, dangerous claws. A small, broken sound escaped my throat. I squeezed my eyes shut tightly, waiting for the inevitable. This was the moment he would snap my neck and end everything.

But the pain never came.

Instead, I felt the sharp tip of one claw gently trace along my jawline. My breath hitched. Slowly, almost tenderly, he lifted my chin, forcing my face upward.

“Open your eyes, Astrid,” he commanded, his voice low and rough.

I obeyed, my lashes fluttering open. His hazel eyes burned into mine with an intensity that made my stomach twist. Up close, he was even more terrifying. Beautiful in a deadly way.

“You are beautiful,” he murmured.

The words caught me completely off guard. My lips parted, but nothing came out at first. Heat rushed to my cheeks despite the fear gripping my chest.

“U-um… thank you,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you… Your Highness.”

He didn’t smile. His expression remained dark and unreadable. Those elongated fingers stayed under my chin, holding me in place as if I were prey caught in a trap.

“Why did you do it?” he asked slowly.

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied, my voice shaking.

The change in him was instant. His hand moved like lightning, wrapping around my throat. Not enough to crush it, but firm enough to make breathing difficult. My eyes widened in pure terror as he pressed me harder against the wall.

“Don’t you dare lie to me,” he growled, his voice dropping into something primal and dangerous. “I saw you. I felt you. I can still feel your mark on my skin.”

His free hand moved to the side of his neck, tapping the faint glowing mark where I had bitten him.

“You are a vampire in my territory,” he continued, his eyes flashing with fury. “Who sent you? Were you sent here to kill me? To poison me?”

“No!” I gasped, tears spilling down my cheeks. “No, no, please. I wasn’t sent by anyone. I swear on my life. I was just… I was in my village. Your warriors came and attacked us. That’s how I ended up here.”

He let out a low, dangerous chuckle that sent chills racing down my spine.

“Attack?” he repeated. “Your leader was planning to ambush me, little one. I don’t like trouble, but I handle it when it comes. That is how life works for humans, witches, and wolves alike. Now answer me properly, Astrid. Why did you save my life?”

His fingers loosened slightly around my throat but began tracing down the side of my neck, then lower, slowly moving over my collarbone. The touch was light, yet it made me shiver violently. I felt like I might wet myself from fear. My gown suddenly felt too thin, too exposing under his dominating presence.

“I… I saved you because you saved me first,” I whispered, tears streaming freely now. “Twice. When your warriors were going to execute me, you told them to stop. And when Luna Aliyah was having me whipped… when the pain was too much… you stopped it again. I didn’t want to owe you. I just… I couldn’t watch you die after what you did for me.”

He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes searching my face. Then he stepped back slightly, releasing my throat. I nearly collapsed, sucking in desperate breaths.

“Really?” he asked, his tone unreadable.

“Yes,” I breathed, my voice cracking. “I swear it.”

He studied me for another heartbeat, then turned sharply.

“Follow me.”

He started walking without waiting. When I didn’t move immediately, he glanced back. His eyes had turned a deep, terrifying red. The sight sent fresh panic surging through me. I scrambled after him, my legs shaking so badly I could barely keep up.

The castle halls were mostly empty. Everyone had gathered in the central cavern with the Moon Goddess for the testing. A few warriors we passed bowed deeply to Xavier and spared me only quick, curious glances, but no one dared question why I was with him.

When we reached his chambers, a servant quickly opened the heavy door. Xavier stepped inside, and I followed hesitantly. The room was massive and dimly lit, filled with dark wood and rich fabrics.

“Sit,” he ordered.

I dropped into the nearest chair immediately, not daring to disobey. My hands trembled in my lap as I watched him pour a dark red liquid from a pitcher into two goblets. Wine? Blood? I couldn’t tell. He set one in front of me and took the seat opposite, crossing his powerful legs. His claws were still partially extended, tapping lightly against the arm of the chair.

“So tell me, vampire,” he said, his voice calm but commanding, “what is a creature like you doing living in the human world? And do not lie to me.”

I opened my mouth to speak, heart pounding, when a loud bang echoed through the room. The door flew open.

Luna Aliyah burst in dramatically.

“Oh my God, baby! You’re alive!” she cried, rushing straight to Xavier. She threw her arms around him, pressing herself tightly against his chest. “Xavier, I’m so sorry. I was so scared for you.”

Xavier’s expression remained cold. “What are you doing here, woman? You left me to die.”

Aliyah pulled back, eyes wide with fake innocence. “No, no, no! I never did that. You must have heard wrong. I was only going to find help. How could I ever leave you? You’re the love of my life. I would never abandon you.”

She continued rambling, her voice sweet and pleading, explaining how she had been searching for medicine or reinforcements. Then she suddenly stopped and turned toward me, as if noticing my presence for the first time.

Her eyes narrowed with clear disgust.

“And you?” she snapped. “What are you doing here? Have you even been checked by the Moon Goddess yet?”