Chapter 11: The Hike Shahida and I went to the nearby shop they called Fortluck. It sells magic potions, accessories they believe could alter their future, and services like foreseeing. The owner lends his bathroom for Shahida to get dressed and fix herself. While in the living room that connects his sacred place where he does his service, he offers me tea he made personally. According to him, it's tea that puts your mind at ease. “Thank you,” I said while smiling. I put the tea cup on the table. The owner stared at me as if I have dirt on my face so I examined myself but I didn’t see any. The man collected himself and smiled at me which I found odd. “Is there something wrong with me?” I asked, fixing myself again. “Were you from Tillbury or were you originally here in Northcrest?” Heban, the owner, asked all of a sudden. Tillbury was outside Northcrest, that’s not under its jurisdiction. I smiled when he mentioned my hometown which is Tillbury. I spent my childhood days there

Chapter 13: The Jealousy Everyone was on their heels again. We crossed rivers, shallow streams, and deep woods. During our hike, I did not feel like he is tired. I even heard him laugh a little but I shrugged it off because my brain tends to play little games. The village was mapped at the belly of the mountain top. The road became flat and more accessible to wheels. We finally reached the village by noon. “Welcome to our village, Alpha… and to you Lady Shahida,” he greeted while bowing his head down. The head villager welcomed us especially Apollo and Shahida. They talked things about what they have been through and what they need. I noticed that these people were traditional one because of how they look; their dresses were somehow related to their culture. There is a hall where everybody were staying. It was made of bamboo and coconut leaves. They were stuck inside because their stuff was in ruins. It was like the place was being wiped out from the map. “Are you sure you can w

Chapter 15: The Disagreement Our ride back home was silent. Andrius arrived earlier at the village to send the Senior Council’s message for an emergency meeting. Perhaps, they knew what happened during our stay in the village. Apollo did nott talk and so do I. Instead of going with the warriors back home, Apollo insisted on taking me back with him. We reached the mansion by noon. Soon after, the councils came together like they were in a hurry with the Senior Council. Their eyes were staring directly at me as if I committed a heinous crime that I had to be ashamed of myself. And just as we were trained, I moved my gaze on the ground. I did not stare blatantly at those people higher than us because it’s a sign of disrespect to them. Apollo left us unannounced and headed straight to the conference room inside the mansion. He, then, guided the arrival of the councils. Andrius told Apollo about the agenda earlier and I am worried that it was all about my existence here. To save tim

Chapter 17: I am Her During the night, Shahida’s words lingered like a curse chanting inside my brainless brain. Apollo did not go home. I wonder where he was. I kept on moving, side-by-side, waiting for a chance to sleep. However, whatever I do, my mind is still somewhere else. “Brother did not allow anyone to call him by his name. Only he allows those people who are dear to his heart or someone he likes.” “…That goddamn alpha title have ruined every thing. It took his childhood, the love of his life, and the life he wishes to live.” Shy did curse me with her words because it keeps on replaying in my head. I sat up, rolling my eyes in annoyance, when an image flashes through my vision. My body dropped on my bed back. My head is aching and I could not breathe. I winced when a sudden pain courses through my system. I could not breathe. Where am I? Why am I locked in here? I slam the thin plywood, which are inches above from my face with my fists. My legs are kicking against the

Chapter 19: Look At Me Aunt Isadora’s words lingered like a glue on our fingertips. Apollo may be entitled with everything but he has no over control with everything especially when the elders will get in the way. “Thank you, Aunt Isadora.” Before she left, I received a reassuring smile from her and I wondered what was that for. However, Apollo ordered me to check the warriors that were part of the encounter last night. I know he is just making excuses. “I have important matter to check and I would not be able to check it with you. Can you accompany Aunt Isadora and check my men outside?” he asked softly. Apollo is bad at lying. Anyone could figure out if he is telling the truth or not. He is just as clear as a crystal water. I nodded at him, although I was a bit sad. “Okay. You can call me if you need anything. I am just right down stairs.” Apollo went to me and gave me a peck on the side of my forehead. “Thank you.” AUNT ISADORA was surprised when I offered my help in the k