Athena's POV
The pain cut deep, and I could hear my mother's anguished screams. But what scared me more wasn't just that my supposed mate wanted me dead.
It was the unsettling desire within me, almost welcoming the thought of him ending my mystery.
I couldn't muster the strength to plead my innocence. Back in the dungeon, I was left motionless, unable to cry or do anything.
Since the final sentence, no one has tortured me. I was just left there, drowning in my misery.
I wondered how my heart made it through the night, replaying my situation endlessly in my mind.
The next day marked Luna's funeral. As the pack celebrated, my mother reached out to me through the mind link.
"We'll get you out of there my Athena" she confidently said.
"Mother, perhaps I'm better off dead than alive" I told her, losing all hope.
"Don't ever say that! You have been nothing but a blessing to me and your father. You must live and I know we'll be reunited someday, just wait for my signal" she concluded.
My words of encouragement and love made me realize there might be hope for me after all.
Now I'm determined to leave, I'm only worried about my parents and what will happen when they get caught.
As the sunset, the howling of wolves pierced the air, signalling the peak of the ceremony.
The dungeon door swung open, and my mother rushed in, tears streaming down her face as she checked if I was okay.
My father appeared, looking fearful. "There's no time for this, ladies. She needs to leave now!" my father advised.
We rushed outside, and I gasped as I saw the guards lying motionless on the ground.
"Don't worry, dear, they're asleep, not dead," my father reassured me. His knowledge of herbs and medicines made this no surprise.
"Go through the southern region where encounters with others are less likely. We scattered your clothes across the forest. The scent will confuse anyone trying to trace your path" My father assured me.
"Here, take this" my mother handed me a small bag.
"You can't carry anything heavy, so I've packed a modest amount of meat and water to support you. Go as far as your legs can carry you" she said, tears streaming down her face.
I embraced them tightly before swiftly dashing off, running at my utmost speed.
Lucky for me, the forest was just behind the dungeon, so I didn't hear anyone. I ran and ran, feeling like my heart would explode.
The fear of getting caught and the unknown consequences pushed me forward. I ran until I couldn't hear drums or any sound from the pack.
Stopping to catch my breath, I realized I was not as strong as other werewolves since I did not have a wolf, and I couldn't heal as fast either.
The hot iron they placed on my thighs as torment in the dungeon is yet to heal and continues to cause pain.
After a few minutes, I started running again, aimlessly but carefully not to leave the Southern region.
It got very dark, and I could hardly see anything, but I had to continue. I knew sooner or later they'd find out I was gone. I continued, slowing down my pace when I got tired.
I ran and stumbled, rolling over a hill. I heard something break. It's my rib. By that time, it was almost sunset.
Struggling to move due to weakness and hunger, I opted to pause and rest.
Getting the meat my mother had provided, I found myself overcome with emotion, tears streaming down my face.
Having never ventured beyond the Cone pack or lived separated from my parents, I unleashed screams of pain and anguish.
Realizing the need for strength, I consumed the meat hastily, driven by days of starvation. I carefully kept what little remained.
As nature took its course, I gave in to sleep, only to be jolted awake by a nightmare. Damian menacingly wielding a blade, threatening to cut my head.
Despite my weakened state, I acknowledged the urgency of the rising sun and forced myself to move forward.
Throughout the day, I kept going, taking periodic breaks. By the third day, my supply of meat was used up.
Encountering a pack, fear gripped me, reluctant to seek help.
Damian's determination threatened me. He would scrape nearby packs in relentless pursuit.
To evade detection, I circled the pack and pressed on with my journey.
Days passed, my provisions were exhausted, and the worsening condition of my injuries, particularly the bleeding from my thigh, worsened.
Regardless I kept going until I couldn't anymore, I slumped on the ground. "Help, please help" I murmured.
My vision became blurry, is this the end for me? Did I manage to escape death in the hands of Damian only to die here? My heart and body were aching and I gradually drifted into unconsciousness.
Awakening in an unfamiliar room, I found my mother standing over me. Confusion gripped me, is this heaven? Why is my mother here? I reached out, touching her face.
"Mother" I whispered weakly, tears streaming down my face.
A strange voice interrupted, "I'm not 'mother' but I'm glad you're awake". Clearness dawned as the young lady's face came into focus. I hastily withdrew my hand, startled by the unexpected revelation.
She had gray eyes like mine, I had never seen anyone with my kind of eyes. She has long red hair and she's very beautiful. Is she an angel?
"Where am I?" I inquired.
"You've been seriously injured and unconscious for days. Right now, you need more rest" she replied, evading my question.
"First things first, my name is Tala" she added with a smile before making her way out.
Aware I wasn't in Cone pack, her unfamiliar face provided a small comfort. Summoning my remaining strength, I sat up, surveying the room.
Despite its modest size, it was meticulously arranged and tidy, adorned with various axes neatly displayed on the walls, a setting looking like that of a warrior's abode.
Perhaps, Tala's father held the mantle of a skilled warrior. She returned with a tray of food, delicately placing it before me.
"Eat, you need energy" she said, her words marked by a polite tone.
Initially hesitant, my hunger persisted, and I began devouring the offered delicacy.
"Hey, take it easy. You don't want to choke on that" she cautioned, but I brushed off her warning and continued munching.
"Thank you" I expressed my gratitude. She sat in a chair, smiling.
"It's nothing" she repeated with a warm smile.
"Thank you very much for taking care of me" I insisted. She nodded, maintaining her silence.
"So, where am I? And who brought me here?" I inquired.
"What is your name?" she asked, once again avoiding my question. In my vulnerable state, I chose to comply.
"I'm Athena George".
"I found you half-dead in the forest and brought you here myself" she revealed.
Surprised by her petite stature, I wondered how she managed to carry me. Maybe it's not too far from here, I assumed.
"You were very far, deep into the forest" she confirmed, as if reading my thoughts.
"I'm Tala, the Gamma of the pack" she introduced herself. I was taken aback. She seemed too young and gentle to hold such a position.
"You're in Stormwind" she added.
Dread filled me. Their Lycan, Ralph's notorious reputation had spread widely. Killing his uncle and taking the role of Lycan at a young age.
Known for his ruthlessness, no Alpha dared to challenge him. The prospect of facing Ralph seemed more dreadful than the idea of being executed by Damian.
Athena's POVIt's been a few days, and I feel much better. Tala has been incredibly kind and helpful.As a new member of the pack, I'm obligated to meet the Alpha or Lycan. He must be informed of my stay."You're really beautiful" Tala admired as I stood before the mirror getting ready. I smiled at her compliment.Observing myself, I couldn't deny the truth. I possessed a striking beauty with silver hair, captivating gray eyes, and a gracefully appealing physique.Back at Cone pack, the jealousy from other girls was a constant reminder of my unique allure."Do I have to meet him?" I asked Tala, who patiently waited for me as I sluggishly got ready."Why? Because he is a vicious monster who kills without mercy?" she questioned, sensing my fear.In response to my reaction, she laughed. "My dear, you don't have to believe everything you hear. For what it's worth, he is my friend, and he is kind." I was still not convinced. "You have nothing to worry about" she assured me.As we approach
Athena's POV"Are you okay?" Tala asked."Yes, I'm fine. I just need a minute" I replied, quickly leaving the room. I couldn't comprehend what had just happened.Was it a real vision? Why did I see Tala? Did that event truly occur? And why am I feeling the pain?These questions circled in my mind until I could eventually calm myself down."Are you okay?" Tala asked as she found me outside."You don't have to accept the gift, if you don't want to. That was silly of me" she apologized."No, it's not that. I love the gift. It's just a migraine" I lied to her.She looked relieved and sat beside me."Can you tell me about yourself, your childhood, I mean?" I asked her.She took a deep breath. "Well that was out of the blue" she smiled."There's nothing much to it. When I was five, Ralph's Uncle Boris invaded our pack and killed my parents" Tala revealed. I almost felt remorse for asking, and making her reveal that, but I wanted to confirm what I saw."Boris tortured me for years, and I do
Athena’s POV I recognize my role as a breeder, yet his harshness baffles me. It's too early for remorse. Optimism fuels my belief that everything will work out. I reassured myself while reclining on my bed. Persistent contemplation, seizing my thoughts. The deed is done, now, I must endeavour to extract the best from the situation. I couldn't sleep early, but at last I did A knock on my door shattered my sleep, and I sluggishly made my way to open it. "Good morning," chimed two servants in unison, their faces beaming with smiles. "Morning." "We're here to attire you for your council meeting," the first lady informed. "I don't quite understand," I managed in a drowsy tone. "You're expected at a meeting this morning. I assumed you were informed," she added, a touch of concern colouring her expression. "Come in," I welcomed them. The second servant promptly entered the bathroom to prepare my bath. "Remind me why I can't dress myself again?" I inquired. "Alpha instructed us to d
Ahena’s POVI found myself on the couch, covered in an uncomfortable shame. Did he just turn me down? Was he under the impression that I threw myself at him? His words echoed in my mind. "Get up from my bed and sit on the couch for a while before returning to your room." A peculiar blend of confusion and humiliation settled over the room.He justified his actions by explaining that he didn't want his pack members to be concerned about our relationship. However, he confessed the truth. He wasn't ready to bridge the physical gap between us.The atmosphere was thick with awkwardness, each passing moment stretching like an eternity. I yearned for time to elapse, granting me the freedom to escape this discomfort. Yet, there he lay undisturbed, absorbed in a book. After what felt like an unending wait, he casually spoke. "You can leave." I stood up, making my way to the door, his hushed command following me. "Not a word of this to anyone!" As if I would willingly share the embarrassme
Athena's POVI went behind the mansion, shaken and engulfed in sobs.The threat he had issued, promising my death once I gave birth to a wolfless offspring emerged, but it was nothing in comparison to the heartbreak of realizing I possessed no wolf within.Life as it appeared, was full of tribulation, and the goddess seemed to have a particular hate for me. Tala found me, crouching in distress behind a tree.“Come,” she gently urged, extending a helping hand to guide me inside the house and into my room. I sank onto the couch, emotions rushing through me.She sat quietly beside me, allowing me to cry my sorrows without uttering a single word.“I wanted to confide in you, but couldn't find the co
Ralph’s POVI awoke to find Athena, my breeder, beside me in bed. Startled, I rose to my feet. Taking in the sight of her enticing, naked form against the sheets that bore a few bloodstains.A moment of frozen reflection gripped me as I replayed the events of the previous night. A night where I took alcohol more than intended with friends, leading to an unexpected lovemaking with Athena.Uncertainty clouded my thoughts. While I held the right as her Alpha and the contract, the intimacy wasn't something I had foreseen or desired so soon.Her alluring scent, strengthened by the mating period, had been a constant temptation since her arrival, pulling me in despite my efforts to resist.Attempting to distance myself had proved futile, resulting in a night of unforeseen passion. What added to the complexity was the knowledge that I was her first, a reality I hadn't sought.In search of clarity, I retreated to the bathroom, holdi
Athena’s POVI woke up with a pounding migraine, forcing myself to remain still in an attempt to calm its intensity.The remnants of a haunting dream lingered, where Damian caught me and my parents. With the threat of impending execution, sharp objects from the crowd thrown at us felt painfully real.Confusion continued as I wrestled with the blurry boundary between dream and reality.Yifa's knock disrupted the lingering nightmare, and as she entered, I shifted my attention toward her."Is everything alright?" I inquired, my voice covered with drowsiness. Her expression reflected puzzlement."Yes, why?""You entered before I could open the door," I noted. Confusion carved her face, prompting me to glance at the door, which swung freely on its hinge."What happened?" I questioned, sitting up."Can't you remember?""Remember what?" I responded, my confusion deepening."You screamed last nigh
Athena’s POVI didn't like the atmosphere in my room, prompting me to escape outside the main building. The garden outside caught my attention.“Alpha doesn't permit anyone there except himself,” Yifa caught up to me, her voice carrying a note of urgency.“Why?” I inquired with curiosity.“I... I'm not certain,” she stammered, leaving a lingering uncertainty in the air. I nodded, changing my course toward patio chairs in the outdoor lounge. Yifa hesitated before asking.“Can I join you?” I gestured for her to sit, and as we settled into the chairs, silence surrounded us. Eventually, she broke the silence.“Marriage problems?” she asked. I chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.“I'm not even married. I don't know where to place myself.“As long as you two are intimate, feelings must develop,” she remarked, delving into the co