Chapter 2:The Devil Himself

His words stole Zaya’s next breath.

The intensity in his cold blue eyes held hers captive. His clenched jaw and the hatred in his expression made it impossible to believe she had imagined what he’d said.

He took a slow step toward her.

Her heartbeat thundered. It felt as though death itself was approaching.

But why?

She had never met Prince Kayden before. At least, she didn’t think she had.

A thousand questions raced through her mind, but she dared not ask any of them. She barely breathed as the frightened murmurs of the villagers faded. All she could hear was the frantic beating of her own heart.

“Dismissed.”

His command shattered the silence.

The pack members scattered, disappearing into their homes like frightened prey. Within seconds, the square stood empty.

Only the Devil Prince and Zaya remained.

He turned his back to her and walked a few steps away. Then he stopped.

Her heart lodged in her throat.

Without looking back, he spoke. “Don’t make me repeat myself, Zaya.”

Her eyes widened.

How did he know her name?

She didn’t wait to find out. Ignoring the pain shooting through her injured knee, Zaya stumbled to her feet and hurried away as quickly as her battered body allowed.

……

By the time she reached home, every part of her ached. She had washed the blood and dirt from her body, hoping her family wouldn’t immediately notice what the villagers had done to her.

She stopped outside the front door, her hand hovering over the handle.

She closed her eyes.

How was she supposed to tell them she had failed again?

Taking a shaky breath, she pushed the door open.

“Zaya.”

Her mother’s voice was unusually quiet.

Zaya stepped inside and looked around. Several bags and wooden trunks were packed neatly near the entrance.

Her brows furrowed. “What’s going on?”

Her mother approached and rested a hand on her shoulder.

“Your sister, Lilian, is getting married.”

For a moment, Zaya’s heart lifted.

“Your father spoke with an old friend from Hatherfang Pack. His eldest son has agreed to take Lilian as his mate. We’re leaving today.”

A genuine smile spread across Zaya’s face.

“Really?” she breathed. “That’s wonderful, Mother. I should go pack my things.”

“No.”

The smile slipped from her lips.

Her mother’s grip tightened. “How did things go with Alexander Blackwood?”

The knot in Zaya’s stomach returned.

So her mother already knew. News always spread quickly through town.

Her mother lowered her eyes. “It’s bad enough that your reputation has brought shame upon this family. I won’t allow your misfortune to follow Lilian.”

Each word struck Zaya like a stone.

She stared at her mother, unable to speak.

“If you remain by her side, people will begin to question her as well.” Her mother finally met her eyes. “We’re leaving without you.”

The room spun around Zaya. Her throat burned as tears threatened to fall, but she forced them back.

Not now. She wouldn’t cry.

Cheerful footsteps echoed through the house.

“Zaya!”

Lilian hurried toward her, excitement shining in her eyes. “I’m getting married!” she squealed, throwing her arms around her sister.

For a moment, Zaya stood frozen. Then she managed a small smile.

“I’m so happy for you, Lilian.”

Lilian beamed. “Mama said you have work to do here, so you won’t be coming with us.”

The smile on Zaya’s lips almost broke. She forced herself to nod.

“I know.”

And just like that, she realized she hadn’t only been rejected by her mate. Her family had abandoned her too.

“Your Aunt Rosalyn should stop by with some food soon,” her mother said, dragging one of the trunks outside.

Lilian gave Zaya one last warm hug before following their parents.

Within moments, they were gone. The carriage wheels faded into the distance until silence swallowed the house.

Zaya stood alone in the home that had once been filled with warmth and laughter. The weight of everything that had happened that day settled over her.

Am I truly cursed?

Was there any other explanation for being rejected by three mates?

The thought hunted her.

Her gaze lingered on the doorway long after the carriage disappeared. Deep down, she knew they wouldn’t return anytime soon.

Why would they? As long as the town blamed her for every misfortune, her family would never be free of its scorn.

The tears she had fought to hold back finally escaped. Her knees gave way, and she collapsed onto the floor.

She wanted to disappear. She wanted the Moon Goddess to end her suffering once and for all.

……

A loud bang jolted her awake.

Her eyes fluttered open. The windows rattled violently as the wind howled outside. Goosebumps prickled across her skin.

Still shaken, she pushed herself to her feet and approached the window.

Before she could reach it, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the night.

She froze.

Her heart lurched. Instinct took over, and she spun toward the front door to make sure it was locked. The old wooden floor groaned beneath her hurried footsteps.

Then she stopped.

Someone was standing outside the window.

Her blood ran cold. Her breath caught as her eyes adjusted to the darkness.

Beyond the cracked glass stood the man she had met only hours earlier.

Prince Kayden.

Blood dripped from the sleeve of his black coat, splattering onto the wooden ledge. His cold blue eyes looked merciless.

Time seemed to stand still as his gaze locked onto hers.

Zaya instinctively stepped backward.

CRASH!

The window exploded inward. Glass scattered across the floor as a powerful gust of wind swept through the room.

Before she could scream, Prince Kayden was standing right in front of her.

She hadn’t seen him move.

His presence swallowed the room. His breathing was ragged, his clothes stained with blood, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

He looked less like a prince and more like the devil himself, standing at her doorstep, ready to drag her into hell.