Ari
"Can you still walk, Lady Ari?"
Igor's concerned voice cut through the weariness that clung to me like a heavy cloak. The silver shackles on my hands weighed me down, making every step a struggle.
"Yes, Igor. Please, focus on your mate. I'll manage," I replied, my voice carrying the fatigue of a long journey. I tried to pose an “okay” smile, but Igor was not convinced.
“Are you sure, my lady?”
“Yes, Igor. I am fine. This is nothing compared to what they did to my father.”
Jackie and Igor exchanged glances, sympathy etched on their faces. My supposed dream had twisted into a nightmare, and the endless walk drained the last ounce of hope from my soul. The forest, once full of life, now seemed like a place full of sad memories. Every tree cast shadows that told stories of our freedom that we lost.
Barefoot and broken, we moved along the captive path. The cold ground sent shivers down my spine. The shackles on my hands made a clinking sound with every painful step, cruelly reminding us of our defeat. The air was heavy with the weight of failure, pressing down on my shoulders.
"Even though Alpha Eirik is no longer with us, my duty to protect you hasn't ended. I swore to your father to protect you with my life,” Igor said.
“Me too,” Jackie exclaimed. “I will stay at your side, Lady Ari. Always.”
My eyes met theirs, but the cold stare that greeted them lacked the spark of life. There was no hope or care left within me.
"Do not worry, guys. Your service will soon end," I assured them, the words carrying a weight of resignation.
Igor and Jackie no longer said anything, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The future loomed ahead with uncertainty now that we were under Ironflame’s command.
I glanced at my people's faces—once proud warriors, now just prisoners. Their eyes, once filled with determination, now showed a mix of fear and acceptance. I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that clawed at my chest. Ironflame had come to us like wolves in sheep’s clothing, surprising us with an attack when we least expected it. Our pack, our family, shattered in the blink of an eye. And now, the echo of our footsteps mirrored the hollowness in my heart.
As we moved through the forest, the captors led us with an air of triumph,
"Kristoff, where are you?" I whispered my mate’s name, a plea carried by the wind. My father’s scarf danced with the breeze, reminding me of the scent I held dear. The memories of my father's brutal end replayed in my mind, and I clutched the scarf, crying, silently promising vengeance to those who caused his demise.
"It was her fault!" I seethed with disgust as I thought of Seraphina and Maddie. I expected Seraphina to do this type of deed, but Maddie? How could she succumb to her mother’s evilness like that? Where was that loving half-sister of mine that became my source of happiness over the years?
Jackie and Igor overheard my words, but the pair continued their silent march through desolate plains. The weight of our impending fate hung heavy in the air.
Finally, we reached the Iron Flame pack's main gate. The Alpha Family's grand house stood tall, heavily guarded, and impressive. The gates opened, revealing a luxurious world. And yet, we knew that although this would become our new world, comfort would surely be out of the picture.
My heart sank at the sight of the opulent mansion, a symbol of power that the Ironwolf held dear. No doubt, the Ironflame Pack was the strongest pack in our region. No wonder they eradicated our pack in the blink of an eye.
"Walk faster, sloth! Stop dreaming! That ain't your quarters! Don’t worry, you will see your new home soon," a guard barked, pushing me forward. The massive quarters loomed ahead as we entered the grandeur. We continued walking inside until we turned to the next corridor. From there, the surroundings started to change. It became noisy and busy as we reached the area of the servants.
We were ushered inside, and a she-wolf addressed us with a stern tone. The way she projected herself and how the other slaves addressed her with respect made her look like the omega leader in charge of every single omega serving the Alpha’s residence.
"This is your home now. Welcome to the slave quarters. Your purpose is to serve the leaders of the Ironflame. Be submissive, and kind, and serve them well," she declared, the weight of our new reality sinking in. Murmurs and expressions of fear echoed around.
As the wolf left, her parting words echoed, "Embrace your fate and be a proper slave. Else, you will face banishment or worse, death."
Igor, Jackie, and I stuck together, surveying the unfamiliar surroundings. Then, suddenly, a curious servant approached me. She touched my hair, making me flinch. Her eyes were filled with both admiration and awe.
"I've never seen long hair like that since I've gotten here,” she explained as she looked at my hair with admiration. “Where are you from?" she inquired.
I remained silent, pulling my long, silky hair to my shoulder. The length of hair in our society indicated social status, and I drew attention because of my long hair in a sea of women with short ones.
"No servant has that kind of hair length. I am certain you are related to an alpha," the servant exclaimed, drawing the gaze of others. In a blink of an eye, the spotlight was turned on me. I became uncomfortable with their gazes, unsure why my hair was a big deal for them.
The curious servant asked another question. “Tell me, are you an alpha’s daughter?”
"Not anymore.”
We all turned our direction to the source of the voice, and there I saw Seraphina, walking toward me with a sinister smile on her face. All eyes shifted to the speaker. Her entrance felt ominous, like the beginning of a dark chapter that never seemed to end.
What did she want from us this time?
AriThe battle was over, and Sigurd and Seraphina had lost. It’s strange how hunger for power can lead to such downfall. No one expected Sigurd to betray us like this; his loyalty to his brother was always unquestionable. But jealousy is a powerful force. Beta Sigurd chose power over family, and he paid the ultimate price. Now, with his death, peace has returned, though not without the sacrifice of brave souls during the battle.After the civil war, the high council wasted no time in delivering justice. I watched as they sentenced one of the main instigators of chaos among us.“Your treachery and treason are beyond punishable,” one of the council members declared, addressing Seraphina. “In the name of the great Ironflame, and in honor of the late Alpha, the great Ironwolf, I hereby declare your fate.”They readied Seraphina’s sentence, taking into account the child she carried.“You, Seraphina Rosenberg, will be pardoned for 9 months due to the baby you carry. However, until you give
AriThe sky was cloudy, mirroring the melancholic vibe we all shared. With the late Alpha's family, my hands and feet were tied. We faced the crowd of Ironflame, who did nothing but throw us their pitiful stares. I couldn’t blame them for not acting. After all, what could they do to help us against the usurper?We never saw it coming. We never expected that the calm, collected, and timid Beta harbored such extreme resentment for his older brother, enough to kill him and blame his nephew for the crime. It was beyond his character, or perhaps we were just blinded by his pretentious facade. His betrayal was unexpected, and it was the most painful for the Alpha family. Being from the same blood made the deception the most bitter pill to swallow.I turned my gaze to Beta Sigurd. Beside him stood Seraphina, the temptress who might have orchestrated everything. I didn’t know how their alliance started, but one thing was for sure: their alliance was a force to reckon with. I smirked, seeing m
KristoffAfter that escape, Ulric led me to a place not far from the capital. It was a land called Stelar, which used to be a hiding place of rogues in the past. When we arrived, I saw some of the warriors from Skagi. I recognized some of them who had accompanied us when we went to fetch a cure for Anika in the Canary District.They all nodded at us as we approached. Ulric turned to me, urging me to eat first. Then, he thanked each of his men. At that point, there was no denying that my brother inherited our father’s bravery and charisma. Ulric was one capable leader, no doubt. He was every bit of Ironwolf that wasn’t present in me. I also couldn’t help but remember how he had stepped up to protect Ari on multiple occasions. In his presence, I felt useless and insecure.I ate my soup unenthusiastically, lost in my thoughts. Then, I felt Ulric’s hand on my shoulder. He was also carrying a bowl of soup and ate beside me. I couldn’t help but ask.“Why did you save me? If you let me die,
KristoffFinding myself in such a dire situation was beyond anything I could have imagined. Though my feelings toward my father were complex, I never once entertained the thought of taking his life. Despite our differences, I loved and respected the Ironwolf, just as I did the rest of the Ironflame. Now, as I gazed upon his lifeless form, a profound sense of pain gripped my heart. If only I had accepted his apology before his untimely demise—that was my sole regret as I faced this trial of death."TRAITOR!" "MURDERER!" “HOW COULD YOU KILL YOUR OWN FATHER?”These accusations echoed through the crowd, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. This was once a place where cheers for my name resounded, but now it brimmed with rage and condemnation for a crime I did not commit."Kill him now!" the crowd clamored eagerly, their eyes filled with contempt and disgust.But amidst the cacophony of accusations, there were voices of reason and support."Jarl Kristoff could never do that, you fools!
KristoffAfter Ari and Ulric left, the Ironwolf turned to me, his expression softened in a way I hadn't seen before. It unsettled me, so I turned to leave the council room. But he followed, calling after me with a tone I couldn't ignore."My son..."I quickened my pace, hoping to escape his reach, but he caught up, his words chasing after me."Forgive me for everything, my son."I ignored him, my anger simmering as I walked faster. But he persisted, grabbing my arms to halt my retreat."Kristoff! Wait..."Reluctantly, I stopped and turned to face him, my frustration bubbling to the surface."For what reason, Father?! Have you suddenly realized you have a son who needs you? It's too late for that now."I tried to break free from his grip, but he held firm, his voice pleading with sincerity."I'm sorry... It took me too long to understand. I'm sorry for interfering in your love for Ari."His words ignited a fiery rage within me. Without hesitation, I raised my fist, my anger overpowerin
AriMy heart pounded fiercely in my chest as I sat among the esteemed members of the Ironflame council, the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on me like a heavy cloak. Beside me, Ulric's reassuring presence provided a semblance of comfort, his gentle touch and supportive gaze grounding me amidst the tension.With a steady hand, Ulric pressed mine, offering silent encouragement that spoke volumes in its simplicity. Grateful for his unwavering support, I drew strength from his presence, finding solace in the solidarity of our friendship.Suddenly, the Ironwolf's attention shifted to Ulric, his question hanging heavy in the air like a palpable force. "What’s your plan now, Ulric? Everyone knows about your child already."Ulric bowed respectfully, his response measured and deliberate. "Of course, father. It is time to marry Ari and reinstate her status as a high-ranking she-wolf in the Ironflame."The Ironwolf's approval came swiftly, his words a testament to Ulric's worthiness. "Very