AMANISA’S POV
Despite the darkness surrounding us, I wouldn't fail to recognize the place I landed twelve years ago or more appropriately, the place I crashed twelve years ago right after the portal transported me from Royal Hills.
I was upchucked here.
This same place was where I was found unconscious by the humans and they helped me to their healing center. A place they call the hospital. Twelve years was more than enough to get used to human terminologies but those years weren't enough to ease the ache in my heart.
I remembered how warrior Yuri, my father's trusted man, pushed me into the portal with an arrow on my back. I remembered how the magical portal swallowed me only to spit me out here on the highest ground of Hallow valley.
“Breath, Ama.”
Arla tried to make me calm my nerves as I was already hyperventilating. Kovan dropped me but held me to himself as my feet grew weaker by the second. It pained me that despite my determination to get revenge, I was acting so weak and pathetic.
Way to go, Amanisa.
“I understand that you have been bound from entering the Wereland and that you are terrified of going against that but I am here with you. You do not have to worry.”
Kovan mumetred to me. He seemed impatient some minutes ago but now he was whispering sweet nonsense to me as he held me close as if I was a priced possession of his. My heart fluttered.
“As long as you are mine, you will be fine.” He added. His long dark hair that I had enjoyed running my fingers through when he was buried within me, blended with the darkness around us but it could never compare to the darkness I carried.
“I’m alright. Thank you, Kovan.”
I gathered my dark thoughts and memories and inhaled the warm musky scent of the huge man who was still holding onto me. Even though I didn't plan to make him see me like this, it could work in my favor.
“Great because we are going home.” He stated.
It was a good thing that I didn't let him see me as weak when I negotiated with him. It was so good that he wasn't kidnapping me and that I would be walking into The Wereland as Royalty should.
It could have been worse.
“I can’t call that place my home. It’s more like a place I aim to ruin just like its occupant ruined my entire life.”
Saying that to the Lycan would have made him suspicious. So I simply kept quiet as he brought out a key that was a replica of the one I had. Kovan also had the key of Royals which was supposed to be owned by the ruling family.
“He has to be one of the trusted subjects of the ruling king. Even better.”
Rather than think about the possibility that the man I had sex with could be a relative of the ruling family… Maybe a prince… I presumed that he must have been bestowed with the key because he had an important business to carry out in the human world.
“What if you are the important business he had to carry out? Don't you think it is strange that he showed up at your workplace? Aren't you suspicious of the agreement he sealed with you? What if he is lying to you, Amanisa? Revenge had clouded your eyes and you have become blind to the obvious.”
Arla poured out her mind again.
“Even better, Arla. if he came for me then I should willingly go with him. He is a servant that had come to get his master. That would mean that the connection you perceived is nothing but a delusion. That would mean that I can easily get my revenge since his actions will be proof that Lycans haven't changed a bit-”
“I know you, Ama. You aren't searching for proof. I just don't know why you are following him and feeling attached-”
“Cut me some slack. I had sex for the first time. It would take some time to get my emotionless self back. I won't deny that my heart is fluttering but if this Lycan can make that happen, don't you think he might be the peace you have been clamoring for? I promise that I will spare him from my plans and keep him alive if he is a good one. So whatever happens between this Lycan and me, will be determined by his actions and intention towards me.”
I explained to my Lycan Spirit as we bickered.
Even though a lot remained unclear to me and most of the points I made in my argument were nothing but excuses, I was aware of the connection that the sex had built between the Lycan and me but I wouldn't let that steer me from my goals. I wouldn't let my dark heart start beating for a man that could be my end and the reason for my failure.
“Seems like you and your wolf are having a heated session. You must not want to return to the wereland. Don't worry, I’ll keep you by my side rather than send you to the pack you once belonged. You are mine after all.”
Kovan said with a gruff tone. I couldn't decipher if he was being affectionate or authoritative.
“Yes. I’m yours.”
That was my attempt at seducing him. He was not only my key to the Wereland, but he had also become my damn key to the heart of the ruling family. I was so going to use him till he became useless.
Kovan nodded before shifting his face from me. He swiped the key in the air three times just like Warrior Yuri had taught me twelve years ago. Watching him use the key also reminded me that he could be a warrior for the king since he was strong.
“Whatever he was, I have hit the jackpot and Royal Hills is doomed.” I said to myself.
The portal opened and unlike twelve years ago, I observed the entire process and I paid attention to every detail just in case I might have to use my Key someday. The portal was invisible but I could feel it as a strong wind blew around Kovan and me.
Kovan pulled me forward and I felt the gush of wind engulf me. The Lycan tried to pull me to his chest but I resisted because I wanted to focus on my environment and that wouldn't be possible if he wrapped his arms around my responsive body.
“I don't know what to categorize you as. Strong or weak?”
Kovan whispered but I heard him clearly despite the sound current around us. The pull of the portal became stronger and Kovan tightened his hold on my hand as we were transported to another realm that existed in the same world as that of the humans.
“I’m the devil incarnate that your parents must have warned you about.”
Again, I said that to myself as my eyes began to burn. Kovan told me to close my eyes because the portal has become stronger but I didn't listen. My eyes watered but I made sure I didn't blink or lose focus. Minutes later, I felt land beneath my feet again just as the world became clearer and visible again.
“You are back! I have been waiting for you, K-”
A man with a strongly built frame sprung forward and started talking just as the portal vanished or did Kovan Lock it just like he opened it? Anyways, the man soon stopped talking when he saw me and his eyes shifted to my joined hands with Kovan.
“Ardin. You shouldn't have waited for me.”
The voice and tone that reached my ears when Kovan responded to the new Lycan wasn't the same one that I had become comfortable with. He sounded even more authoritative and the Lycan before us bowed his head in respect and submission.
Who the hell was Kovan to command such respect?
“That's my duty to you, K-”
“You will be rewarded awesomely for your loyalty.” Kovan cut the Lycan he had been calling Ardin off.
“You brought a rogue from the human world?” Ardin asked rhetorically. He gave me a stare-down without hiding his disgust. He could go to hell for all I cared.
“Lead her to the servants' quarters while I get ready for the meeting-”
“Servants quarters? What are you talking about, Kovan?”
I quickly interposed. He has got to be kidding right?
“How dare you speak back! Who are you to interrupt the king's speech?”
Ardin was the one who responded, snapping at me and making my heart sink… at a rapid pace.
“The King? You are the king?”
I stuttered and snatched my hand from the Lycan that I willingly gave my body to. I should have known. Arla warned me, in fact. My breaths became short and harsh as I thought of how I had betrayed myself, my body, my parents, and my plans. Regret flooded me.
“You thought you were smart? I hope now you understand that I can do and undo whatever. I can kill you. I can make you a pet. A slave. A sex toy. Anything! You are in no position to make me give you my word.”
Kovan revealed with a voice that was just as dark as the darkness I carried within me. My legs almost gave up when it hit me that I had sex with a man that was closely related to those that killed my parents. Who knows? He might even be the killer. He might have been the one that caused me so much pain twelve years ago.
“I couldn't harm you in the human world because I didn't want to create unnecessary trouble but I can harm you and break you here if you misbehave. I’m the Lycan King and you are my woman. A woman I can use in any manner that pleases me.”
Kovan… his name might not even be Kovan. That must be a lie too.
I recalled how he said, “Accepted. You will become my woman”. He never meant it the way I interpreted it. He lied to me and made my right heart flutter. Those were sins to me and I wouldn't forgive him.
“King Archie. I’m afraid we have to leave the border. Your chosen mate and her family will arrive soon and we don't…”
I zoned out when Ardin mentioned the reality of the Lycan that fooled me. Not only was he not Kovan, but he was also the king. As if that wasn't enough, he had also chosen a mate. He fooled me and I fell into the trap.
“Look here, Amanisa. You might be strong but you can’t escape me or this realm and you know it. You have no choice. I will call for you when I need your services.”
The bastard added, rubbing salt o the wound he had created. He was addressing me as if I was a slut he would call on whenever he needed sexual release. He might have won but he had also reminded me of the reason I existed.
“He has messed with the wrong female.”
Arla whimpered. She also felt a connection. Even I did.
As the bastard king walked away from me leaving me in the dark with his man, Ardin, I didn't know if I should be resentful because he had sex with me or because he lied to me. I didn't know if the pain I felt was simply because I regretted having sex with him or because I hated the fact that I wouldn't own him as I had thought.
He has chosen a mate and it wasn't me.
The connection I denied earlier must have been one-sided. I was such a fool.
“Enter.” Ardin yelled after he dragged me to a location that I assumed was the servants' quarters.
The man seemed like a warrior. He was frustrated by the time he shoved me against a door. He hissed, opened the door, and pushed me into a room that was occupied by some sleeping bodies of weak werewolves.
“Your death is near.”
Ardin threatened me before he left me in the room but his threat had nothing on me. I was so sure I wasn't the one that would die.
“Their death is near.”
Even with a jumbled mind, I knew that for sure but I wasn't prepared to live the life that the bastard king threw me into.
I was so not prepared for it all. I thought I was fearless but I soon discovred that I should have been terrified... life was fast apparoching like a high current ocean and I was dropped in the middle of a strong wave, left to fight agsint it all alone.
This was the beginning of my wosrt days... I should have been terrified.
AMANISA’S POV “Get your asses up!” I dosed off after thinking of how to make a certain blue-eyed King pay for underestimating me, but an irritated voice jolted me out of my slumber. The sound of hurrying feet also made me open my eyes. “Were you all waiting for me to come yelling like a mad woman?” The irritated voice called out again. It was bad enough that I had to sleep by the door of the room that Ardin had pushed me into during the wee hours of the morning when I could have been sleeping in my apartment back at the allow Valley. Did I say the town and my apartment never felt like home? This hell hole definitely wasn't home. “Get out of the way!.” “Who is she?” “When did she get here?” The girl that had been sleeping ever since I arrived in the room, questioned each other as some backed at me to get out of their way so they could leave the room. I smiled, thinking about how I could easily break them all. “Whoever you are, I advice you to get up and leave the room with u
KING ARCHIE’S POV “All hail the king!” The royal Eunuch announced my arrival at the great hall. “Long live the king!” Men and women that have been waiting for me, chorused, rose from the seats, joined their hands, and bowed to me. I strolled into the hall majestically. There were tables and chairs on each side of the room. I had instructed the head servant to prepare the hall for a glamorous meal after the meeting that would determine so much about the kingdom. That explained why there were tables in front of everyone in attendance. I graced the walkway with my royal self, walking to the throne that was at the far end of the great hall. “You may all rise and seat.” As I settled into the warmness of the medieval throne that had been past down from past kings. A bit had changed about the throne since it was first created but it was still its archaic self. A majestic archaic throne. “It’s an honor to be in your presence, Lycan King Archie.” Everyone in the hall said in unison a
AMANISA’S POV As I walked with a tray in my hand, my body ached even though I would never let anyone else see or notice that fact. Harper might have gotten away with hitting me this time, but I allowed it to be so because I had a greater goal to achieve. The goal was simple, get back at the king for playing me for a fool and when the opportunity was presented, I seized it without hesitating. “You shouldn't cut your uniform like that. Lady Harper will have you punished again and I don't want you to be hurt-” “Can you stop rubbing off on me, Ava? I will be fine with whatever happens.” I had cut off the friendly werewolf that got slapped because of me this morning. I learned that her name was Ava after I was released from the clutches of Harper’s minors and my other roommates- they didn't give a damn about me and I liked the energy. Despite Ava’s attempts to stop me, I used scissors to resize the uniform that was given to me by Harper herself. She must have thought she would have
KING ARCHIE’S POV My blood was boiling like never before. And this time it wasn't because of war or anger that could be explained with mere words. it was because a certain white-haired woman had decided to make me a laughingstock. Amanisa was infuriating me more than she should have been able to. The event was over. It had been for over three hours but I still couldn't get over the fury that Amanisa created within me. I could still see how the other men in court stared at her as if she was a piece of meat. Yes, she was a piece of white creamy meat but she was my piece… my piece of meat. “Are you being serious? You are mad because of that? You aren't mad at yourself for appearing like a weak asshole before the court? You literarily gave your authority to the Newly installed princess. You could have-” “I could have what? Should I have said no and denied her in the presence of everyone that was in attendance? That would mean disrespecting her on the first day. It wouldn't make sen
AMANISA’S POV The torture eventually ended. My body was aching but my heart ached more. My body was cold but my eyes stung more. It was hard for me to accept that this was what I had become but it was high time I started to act diplomatically and smartly as my father would have in this situation. “I'm sorry, Ama. I shouldn't have fueled your anger and made you do things rashly.” Arla whimpered to me as I made attempts to leave the kitchen area where I had been for hours, preparing ingredients for what Harper called Royal breakfast. In less than two hours, the day would break and I hoped that I would be able to get some rest and ease my body before daybreak. “I have always been the stupid one, Arla. You were mad. I should have been the human and taken charge but I failed even at that. I failed to protect you and you had to share your strength with me just so I could survive the cold night.” I said back to My Lycan spirit. Her warmth and strength were what kept me through the n
KING ARCHIE’S POV I thought the events of the day would proceed without trouble today when I entered the dining hall and noticed that Amanisa wasn't wearing her tight and short uniform. I believed that breakfast would go smoothly when I gave Amanisa a stare down and she seem alright. That eased my mind since I had been worried about her throughout the night. For some reason that my Lycan spirit believed to be the odd connection, Amanisa was all my mind could process during the night. Sleeping became a problem and the few times that I was able to doze off, she hunted my dreams with her sobs and moans. I wouldn't have minded the moans but the sound of her sobs made me worried sick. I would have marched to the servants' quarters a few times if I didn't understand that going there to meet Amanisa would create a chaotic situation in my realm. Fuck that! It wasn't easy to stay away all night and when I saw her standing by my seat when I entered the dining hall, I knew that she had
AMANISA’S POV The last time I felt this kind of pain was when I heard my mother scream in pain twelve years ago. The last time I felt this amount of excruciating fire in my gut and heart was when I knew that I would never perceive my mother’s sweet scent again nor would I be able to get engulfed by my father’s warmth. The skin of my back was on fire but my heart hurt more, knowing that my mother wouldn't have wanted me to pass through this kind of treatment. This was why they sent me away when they saw death advancing toward the family. “Forgive me, Ama.” Arla grunted in my mind. I should be the one apologizing to her for always making her suffer. Despite her weakness due to our sealed power, she had never failed to protect me when needed but I couldn't say the same about me. As the whip landed on my back, Arla felt the same intense burn that I was feeling. I wondered if the whip was laced with some sort of pain inducer or if I was just too tired to bare the pain it caused me.
KING ARCHIE’S POV “Enough! Stop that immediately!” I couldn't bear it anymore even though Amanisa seemed to be handling it. She was becoming bloody but she wasn't showing pain as anyone else would have done in her shoes. Amanisa was enduring the pain even though I couldn't. With every whip, I felt her pain coursing through me as if it was mine. The connection was undeniable at this point which I believed was too early but I wanted more of it… in fact, I wished I could be connected enough to take her pain away. Every time I try to save that female, I always end up pushing her into more trouble and anguish. Maybe that was why I resisted when I felt the urge to stop Princess Violet from hurting her more and more. Yes, I wasn't the one that stopped Princess Violet from delivering more lashes on Amanisa’s back. I wanted to. Jay wanted me to. The strange connection I felt towards that woman wanted me to but I didn't. Even the pain I felt on her behalf couldn't make me interfere beca