7. Take Me!

~Zella~

I went back to my bedroom and double-checked the bags containing my meager belongings, making sure they had everything I needed. Hopefully, I will reach the capital safely after this dangerous challenge.

I grabbed the bag from the closet and opened it. I picked up the small black wooden bird cage from the bedside table, the size of a six-inch small notebook with my twin inside. Only I could see my twin. He is invisible to everyone.

My twin is naughty. He only listens to me.

I lifted the cage to my eye-level and said, “Bro, we are going to the capital to find sister Becca. But you must not hurt the prince and his men because they will bring us safely to the capital."

‘I understand,’ my twin said.

My twin and I share a mind link. We can communicate through our minds. No words are needed.

He was born along with me and we are inseparable. He is a copper-colored fly with human-like thoughts. I named him Zion. I wish he could transform into his human form, but despite him being a magical fly, he can’t transform. But he can do many things that I can’t do.

‘What’s your plan, sis?’ he asked.

‘Give me a moment. I’m busy creating a plan in my mind. I’ll talk when I’m ready.’

‘OK. Take your time.’

I put the cage back on the bedside table. I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes, formulating a plan in my mind. I don’t need a complex plan. All I need is a simple but effective plan.

After I finished constructing my final plan, I fell into a deep sleep. Thinking too much always drains my energy.

When I woke up half an hour later, I shared my plan with my twin brother in our mind link.

He agreed with my plan and was ready to do his part to help me.

I opened my backpack and put the cage in the bag. The cage was my brother’s home. It reinforced his strength and stamina because he usually gets tired after deploying his magic. My grandmother infused the wooden cage with her magical healing spirit essence. If my brother stays out of the cage for a long time, he will die. He can stay outside the cage safely for 48 hours straight, but after that he needs to return, or he will die.

Zion has been ranting and whining about his limited freedom for ages. But there is nothing we can do about it. It’s the way it is with him. I pity him. I wish he could transform himself into his human form so that I can have a real brother in flesh and blood now that my sister and grandmother are gone.

I didn’t close the backpack tight. My brother hates total darkness. He wants to breathe fresh air.

The door opened and Martha entered the room, wearing a sad expression on her face. “Luna, Alpha Declan and his men are leaving…”

“OK. I’m ready, please help me with my bag,” I said, putting the backpack on my shoulder, ready to go.

“Are you sure you really want to go to the capital?” Martha asked, misty-eyed, on the verge of tears.

“Yes, very much. It’s time to spread my wings and fly. If I am lucky and still alive, I will come here and visit you. Take care of yourself. Get yourself a good man and marry him," I said with a sigh, hugging her briefly.

Martha nodded her head. I can feel her sadness, but I can’t stay here forever. I have a missing sister to find in the capital.

We left the bedroom and left the house.

Outside, the entire pack was waiting for me. I hate emotional goodbyes, so I quickly bid them farewell with tears in my eyes.

Alpha Declan and I rode in the carriage parked outside. His men rode their mighty horses, looking tired and weary. If chance allows, I bet they are dying to go back to the capital to be reunited with their families and loved ones.

Alpha Declan eyed my belongings. “Is this all you have?”

I nodded my head. “Yep.”

He shifted his gaze to my face. “Do you already have a plan for how you can convince the Blood Canine Pack leaders to surrender peacefully?”

“Yes, your highness, I already have a plan,” I responded casually.

“Interesting. So tell me... how you are going to do it?” he asked curiously.

I smirked. “Secret.”

He chuckled for a minute, but then his face turned serious. “Woman, are you really going to push through with your stupid idea? Putting your life in danger just to come with me to the capital is a foolish idea.”

“Yes. I’m sure of my decision, your highness. If it is the only way I can prove to you that I deserve a spot in the palace, so be it,” I murmured softly.

“You are really stubborn!” He shook his head in astonishment.

“I am,” I agreed with him.

“Look, just say that you have had a change of heart and I will stop the carriage right away. I will send someone to escort you back to your pack safely,” he offered.

I looked him in the eyes and said, “No. I've already made up my mind. I accepted the challenge. If I succeed in my mission, I can save more people and save another pack from destruction. It's a win for all of us.”

“Woman, you are so damn stubborn!” he growled, his tone laced with irritation. He continued staring at my face intensely. I saw a flicker of pity in his eyes for a few seconds, but it was gone instantly when he blinked his eyes.

“Your highness, saving people is a healer’s creed. I hope you understand that,” I said, trying to reassure him that I knew what I was doing.

“Whatever!” He moved towards the door of the carriage. “I need to breathe fresh air,” he said and exited the carriage.

I was left alone on my own.

If we continue with our pace, we will arrive in Blood Canine Pack territory before the day ends, probably early evening.

I have enough time for resting and analyzing my plans from all angles.

I opened my bag, removed the sleeping mat and spread it on the floor of the carriage.

“Nice!” I murmured happily as I settled comfortably on the sleeping mat and closed my eyes, dissecting my plan thoroughly in my mind.

Thinking too much makes me feel dizzy and sleepy.

A few minutes later, I fell asleep.

After three hours, I woke to the sound of the carriage halting. I rub my eyes. What time is it now?

I looked out the window outside and saw the sun still high up in the sky. It’s noontime.

Time for lunch.

I didn't want to impose myself on Alpha Declan’s generosity, so I opened my bag, grabbed the chicken sandwich that Martha made for me and began eating my lunch.

I almost finished eating when the door of the carriage opened and Alpha Declan handed me my meal consisting of roasted chicken and rice.

“You should eat that. It could be your last meal before you die,” he ordered, his eyes flashing with authority.

“Thank you, your highness,” I said softly.

After he left, I devoured my last delicious roasted chicken and rice to my heart's content. 'Yummy, this is probably my last meal for a long time. Or if I die today, at least I have eaten a good meal.' I smiled in amusement.

Sometimes, when I’m feeling tense, I laugh at my own joke to lighten up my heavy load. Cheering myself up makes me feel better again.

During bathroom breaks, Alpha Declan accompanied me near the bushes and warned me, “Beware of snakes.”

I grinned and winked. “OK. Don’t ever take a peek. Be a great gentleman. You are my private guard at this very moment,” I said, telling a joke because he looked so damned serious.

“Take your time.” He chuckled. His eyes glint with mischief.

He turned around to give me privacy. I dropped my pants and emptied my bladder.

~Alpha Declan~

I picked up a stone from the ground. It’s for the snake to scare it away if it suddenly appears while she was doing her thing behind the bushes.

‘Don’t scare the woman. You might accidentally hit her.' My wolf Draco suddenly intervened in my mind.

I raised a brow. ‘Why suddenly have you become protective of her? Do you like her?’ I asked, amused by Draco’s defensive reaction.

‘Yeah, there is something about her that captures my interest. You can take her as your concubine,’ Draco offered naughtily, surprising me.

‘We already had a mate,’ I reminded him.

‘Does it matter? You can have as many women as you want because you are the Alpha King’s son,’ Draco insisted. He's not the loyal kind.

I’m amused by Draco’s new addiction. There are only two women that have captivated his attention. My mate and Zella.