chapter 3

The words kept echoing in my ears, cruel and harsh. It was more than any pain I’ve ever felt in my life. I didn’t just lose my mate, I also lost my baby, the most precious thing I didn't even know existed till it was gone. Gone because he didn’t protect our love.

The weight drowned me. My legs grew weak as the blood kept dripping between my legs. I wanted to run and disappear from here, but the pain and blood was plenty and I couldn’t walk. My vision blurred and before I knew it, everything turned dark.

When I woke up, I was in my room. 

For a moment, I thought it was all a dream again, but the emptiness in my stomach says otherwise. Everything was real and my baby is gone. 

I don’t believe Callen could bring me back home after everything. Did he not feel anything when our baby died? Did he hate me to the point that our loss meant nothing to him? Different questions ran through my head without answers.

Soon, the door opened and Lorelei stepped in, alongside my father–his face devoid of warmth as always.  

“Thank goddess, you’re awake,” Lorelie mumbled, voice sweet like poison. “I was worried something was wrong since you didn’t wake up for three days after the healer said you’re going to be fine.”

“Where is Callen?” I asked, not wanting to talk about my baby. I already guessed what they'll say, but I still want to pretend like he took care of me when I collapsed. That he cared enough to bring me back home. That the Callen I fell in love with isn't as cruel as this. 

“Callen is not your’s” My father’s words shattered my illusion. “You don’t deserve him, so stop thinking about what was never yours and get yourself together.”

“What do you mean?” 

“Callen was never going to announce you as his Luna before.” He said casually, as if he didn't just drop a bomb. “Alina was the one we prepared for him. You just saved us the stress by sleeping with a rogue before the coronation.”

“What?” I asked in disbelief.

“Callen will be marrying your sister in two moons,” he said like he was announcing a business deal. “and you will help Alina with the preparation.”

The room tilted and I laughed…. bitter and empty that didn't feel like mine. I just woke up after losing my baby and mate and the first thing they told me was my sister's wedding and how I must help her. The same person that killed my baby.

For the first time ever, I doubt if this man was really my dad because no father would treat their child this way. 

“No,” I said firmly, trembling. “I will never do that.”  

“I’m not asking you,” he spits. “You’re going to do it and that’s final?” 

Lorelei smirked, standing to follow dad. “You should listen to your father, Neriah. This is what Alpha Callen wants and you can’t refuse it,” she paused, glaring coldly, “you this ungrateful brat. The only reason you won't be beheaded or burned alive is because of your father or do you think we brought you back home for fun? You better get yourself together before it lands you in more trouble.” 

I didn’t bother answering her. All I could think of is why Callen wants me beheaded or burned alive. The words burned through the last pieces of whatever I have left for him.  

No, I won't let them walk all over me after taking everything from me. I can't bear to watch Alina bear pubs for Callen after killing my own. Not in this life. I’ll leave and become the rogue they desperately want me to become and come back when I have enough power to pay them back. 

I packed few clothes inside my backpack, stuffing the money I saved up by the side – it’ll carry me for two weeks before I find my footing. Rhea was still silent, but I don’t care. She'll definitely like my decision.

I waited till midnight when everyone had slept before slipping out of the house, passing through the back of the pack, towards the North border.

I was walking at first, but the weight of their cruel words sparked a fire in me that I began to run. 

The thick forest and branches claw at my skin,, snagging my hair. My body screamed in protest, my legs burning, my breath coming in gasps, every healed wound pulling at me but I didn't stop. I kept going….the border is close and my freedom is near.

I crossed the border to god-knows-where, the air was cold, the silence deafening. The moonlight shine on the leaves, just enough to guide me. I don’t know where I was going, but I knew it must be far. 

I walked until my leg sore and  tired, but I pushed harder and continued. 

Suddenly, my leg entered into something soft and spongy, and the ground sank under my weight. I stumbled forward, flinging my hands to stop the fall - only to drive them straight into a wall of thorny brambles.  

Pain exploded through me. The thorns are not normal, they burned like fire, the sting spread from my fingertips up to my arms in seconds. I tried to pull back, but the vines coil tighter, their barbs entering my skin. 

My breath hitched. My knees buckled. A strange, cold numbness crawled to my veins, replacing the fire with a heavy, unnatural cold. 

Poison…the truth hit me hard, but my body was already betraying me. My arms felt heavy and I couldn't move my legs. My chest tightened, each heartbeat going miles apart. I ripped free from the thorns, blood coming out of my torn hands, as I staggered and fell again.

The world tilted, It feels like I'm going to die any time minute as the pain doesn't stop. 

Just then, a shattering howl rippled in the silence, so raw my bones rattled. The ground shook as big wolves in gray and brown fur appeared, their eyes glowing like molten fire. They are well built, far more lethal..deadly than the weaklings in Redmoon. The fire in their eyes burns bright, teeth bared, weapons gleaming under the moonlight as they run to circle me. 

I tried to move, but my body refused. Even as my eyes were closing, my chest rose and fell in panic gasps, my tired eyes calling someone to help me. 

Who are they? Is this how I'll die without getting my revenge? But nothing matters again now that I know I'll die. I'll finally be free from the pains and betrayals.

I let go of everything, knowing I can't survive these big wolves even if the poison didn't kill me. But I made up my mind that If I ever get a second chance in life, I will rewrite history and be sure to pay everyone back in their coin. 

But as the darkness was consuming, a big black wolf with a unique white mark appeared from the forest. He looked at me for a moment before carrying me. His golden eyes locked on me, it was cold and commanding that I couldn't look away till everything went dark.