Chapter 5

NOAH.

"Jealous much?" Kasha teased as we sauntered to his residence.

Kasha had been my best friend since I was a child. He usually love to annoy me and would jump of joy if I gave him the reaction he wanted. So this time, I chose to ignore his comment.

"How is the current situation?"

"You are no fun." He said and punched me on the back, then added seriously, "You've gone for too long, Noah. It has been nineteen years since Nash got the throne. Smaller pack lives in misery as their fund and ratio for food often come late. The tax rate is also crazy. So only my pack and the two other big packs flourished in the past years." Kasha pushed the door to his enormous house, and she was greeted by a red-haired woman, which I was sure Kasha had just fucked a while ago.

"Nineteen years. It's been that long, huh." I muttered and peeked at the woman who threw a playful wink at Kasha, asking to be eaten right there and then. "Nineteen years, and your taste haven't changed." It was my turn to mock him.

Kasha gritted his teeth upon hearing my words and spoke to the redhead. "Wait for me upstairs, Ciara."

"Yes, Alpha."

I sat with my legs wide open and placed my intertwined hands in between. "What excuses does Nash use to explain my disappearance?"

"You deeply mourn for your late father and decide to live in seclusion indefinitely. At that time, it was reasonable to everyone because of how close your relationship with your father was. But, over time, the elders in the high council grew suspicious and questioned Nash. Guess what he did to them?" Kasha waited for my response, but I remained silent. "He killed them and hung their heads at the center of Lordslane to warn everyone."

"Of course, typical Nash. Restoring to murder when people get in his way."

"So, what exactly happens to you, and what is your plan now?" Kasha inquired.

"It's a long story, but to simplify it, Nash caged me near the border between our land and humans. As for my next plan, besides killing him, what else should I do?" Rage vibrated in my chest, and I believe my grey eyes had turned to gold because of it.

I would let Nash experience the same pain I had to undergo for nineteen years.

"That sounds like a good plan. I can help if you want."

"I will ask for your help when I need it. But, for now, focus on your pack."

Kasha hit his temple suddenly. "I almost forgot. You are traveling with someone outside our land, Noah." He said with a gruff voice. "She is not human, nor is she a Lycan. So, between vampire and witch, which one is she?"

"A witch," I answered calmly. I didn't hesitate to disclose the truth because Kasha was one of the people I would trust with a big secret. There was no possibility for Kasha to betray me.

"You are seeking death by taking her with you."

Well, I was aware of it. But I had no choice. She was my mate, and I would die for her if I had to. I just had to play safe when we entered Lordslane; then, we would be fine.

"Ah, I almost forgot to inform you. Tonight your brother is celebrating his coronation anniversary. So, rather than staying the night, I suggest you continue your journey and attend his historic event."

"Righ. Thanks for telling me. Lend me your best attire and carriage; I'll pay you back after arriving at Lordslane."

"Hmm. Don't forget to pay the interest as well." Kasha replied, to which I responded by giving him a slap on the back of his head.

Thirty minutes later, I was fully clothed and already in front of the door where Violette stayed. Then, I finally knocked on the door.

"Yes."

"It's Noah."

The door then opened, showing the figure of someone I didn't recognize.

"My lord." The woman curtsied at me, and I nodded briefly at her.

"Leave us." I ordered without sparing that servant a second glance.

My attention had entirely and utterly rooted in Violette. She was beyond perfection; words were not enough to describe how perfect she was.

Violette wore a light green dress with an empire neckline, puffed sleeves, and lace underlay. The dress hugged her body perfectly, pushing her mound up, making my palm itchy to grab and feel them on my skin. I inhaled sharply, and her jasmine scent attacked me again.

"You'd be the death of me," I muttered under my breath.

"Pardon?" Violette asked.

Moving to stand before her, I said, "Sorry to ruin your time, but we must go now."

She jumped away from me in reflex. "What? I thought we'd stay the night?"

"A change of plan," I answered curtly.

Then I leaned in to put on a necklace with my furs as the pendant. Kasha had advised me to let Violette have an attribute from me to mask her peculiar scent. Since I couldn't possibly mark her right now, my best option was my fur. It would be enough to let people know she was under my protection.

"What's with this necklace? It's so ugly." Violette commented, which made my jaw tick.

I had to admit. The necklace wasn't fine-looking. It looked like cheap accessories everyone could find on the small market. If I had enough time to make it, I'd ensure it would look good to hang on a woman's neck.

"This ugly necklace will help to hide your witch scent."

Violette then shut her mouth after hearing my response.

"Let's go. We have no time." I dragged her out of the room.

"You haven't told me why you suddenly changed the plan," Violette said, trying to keep her steps steady.

"Later."

When we were out of the manor, a carriage was already waiting for us, and beside it was Kasha with his red-hair woman.

I helped her to get inside while I stayed to talk with Kasha for a moment.

"Be careful with that one. She could be your doom if you aren't careful." It was nice of him to remind me. "And good luck with your plan."

"Hmm. See you again, Kash."

As I entered the carriage, it finally moved to leave the pack.

Violette leaned on the seat and crossed her arms in front of her chest, waiting for me to elaborate on everything that had changed in our journey planner.

"To answer your previous question, we are not staying because tonight is the King's coronation anniversary. So we have to be there before the ceremony ends. With a carriage, we will arrive after an hour, so you can sleep if you are tired."

"Why not let me ride you again if you are so in a hurry? And why are you so desperate to attend the King's event?"

"Your perfect hair and clothes will be ruined if we travel in my wolf form. Besides, you'd catch a cold. And for your second question...." I trailed my words as my mouth lifted to form a smirk. "I have to give my brother a surprise gift."

"Brother?!" She yelled. "Did you say brother?"

Instead of answering, I only nodded. Then I ignored Violette as my mind wandered about the situation in the court and how my presence would affect the peace in the palace. With the addition of Violette, it would be messy.

When we finally arrived, I wasted no more time and dragged Violette to follow my steps. She took a handful of her skirt to help her walk without tripping herself.

I could see the majestic building shining brightly from afar as if thousands of candles were lit. The sound of pleasant music was drumming through my ears. I would've jumped into happiness if I was still a little pup without the knowledge of how the world works.

Every person we met while ambling our way looked astonished. They wanted to bow and offer respect several times, but I silenced them with my glare.

"Open the door," I demanded to the two guards on the door. And like the rest, they stared at me with the gobsmacked look. "No need to announce me."

As the enormous door snapped open, we were greeted with a magnificent view. Several chandeliers hung on the ceiling beautifully, filled with countless candles, emitting warm golden light through the room. The floor was painted with different patterns; flowers adorned each corner of the room, and cream-colored curtains hid the glass window. At the center of the room stood an enormous statue of a lycan proudly.

There were linear steps covered with red carpets behind the statue that reached the highest platform. On top of it, Nash and his Luna sat in a luxurious chair while one woman stood behind him. From one glance, I knew that the woman behind Nash was dangerous.

"We've reached the peak of today's ceremony. It's time to give your offering for our Almighty Alpha, The King Nash Wolfson." The woman suddenly spoke to the crowds.

The guest immediately made a straight line to give their gift to Nash. From what I gather through Kasha, Nash made this new tradition when he got the throne. Nash asked for a gift from each pack in exchange for protection and care from the palace. He would only choose three items among many gifts, so the rest could only wail as they lost another chance to save their pack from hunger.

The first in line offered, "I am Gustav, Alpha of Creek. Offer my daughter to the King."

I didn't bother to care what they were doing. Instead, I looked to my side, founding Violette staring rudely at Nash.

"Lower your eyes." I hissed as I took her to line between the guest.

Violette obeyed me, but occasionally, she tiptoed to peek to see what was happening on the front line.

A curious cat, I thought.

From our position, we could only hear a few men make an offering, and most of the sacrificial were women.

Violette suddenly jerked her head to me and gazed at me as if she wanted to know whether she was here to be my sacrificial lamb.

So I opened my mouth to assure her that what was happening in her head wouldn't happen. "I am not going to offer you. You are to stay with me."

She sighed and nodded at me, yet her heart rate still spiked every time we advanced. And when it was finally our turn, I tugged her hand, making her drop to her knees with me.

Through my peripheral view, I could see her bit her lip as her knees hit the floor hard. I knew it must hurt her so badly, but she did great by trying to muffle her groan.

I turned my full attention to my dear brother, who looked absolutely bored in his own celebration. Then, I finally dropped a boom.

"I am Noah Wolfson; offer myself to serve under the King!"