Chapter 5 Morning Aftermath

AUDREY

He made it clear to me the first day I arrived at his pack that I was meant for the work I was going to be doing, that I meant nothing and would amount to absolutely nothing. That day I remember crying myself to sleep, hearing that as an eight-year-old did things to me.

I cried so hard I became sick. I was convinced that if I refused to get better and I died, I would be able to meet my parents again and all my heartache would end, but after a few years I got used to the verbal and physical abuse.

For a long time I was numb, a body without a host, but something gave me hope again. Till now I didn't know what it was that gave me hope of a better tomorrow as long as I endured it all and tried to see the best part of it.

Right now I was losing it. I slipped around the corner, approaching the hallway to the kitchen in a haze. Maybe if I sat down I would regain my senses, but all came tumbling down when I tripped on my own foot and collided straight into someone's strong body.

The tray in my hands flew and spilled all over the unfortunate stranger, their red liquid contents spilling all over him. My knees and elbows dug into the ground, making me hiss in pain. I heard gasps from the crowd and only then did it register I was laying at someone's feet. I got up quickly, shaking to my core because I knew what I had just done.

I was doomed. My eyes met with the Alpha's and they narrowed into slits, his face contorted into a sinister scowl.

With shaky hands, I began using my little napkin to wipe off the wine stain from the stranger's... dark green mantle!?? With wide eyes, my gaze flickered up to meet a pair of dark onyx eyes, framed with thick long lashes that brushed against his high cheekbones as he blinked slowly at me. His eyes were dark and stormy like an impending catastrophe, like a thunderous wind brewing in his gaze, yet I couldn't help but stare into his eyes, mesmerized.

The way his pupils dilated, his perfectly pointed nose flaring as he took in my scent. All the air caught in my throat as the strongest, overpowering spicy scent invaded my nostrils, making my palms clammy and my already racing heart thump even faster.

What?

I turned to see the Alpha approaching with a furious expression. In that split second, I could see a mix of fear and vulnerability in his gaze.

I hadn't yet registered his raised hand coming down to strike my cheek. I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the impact, but instead a deafening growl tore through the halls, startling my already shaken body into full-on trembles.

Everywhere fell silent and for a minute I thought I had fainted and this was the grave silence before I went over the edge.

My eyes snapped open, "𝔐𝔦𝔫𝔢." His deep voice growled, booming through the hall, sending a shiver down my spine.

Everywhere rumbled with his thunderous voice, the walls shook and the floors crumbled. His eyes were glowing a radiant black, their depths opaque and mysterious. Everyone fell to their knees, their heads bent over in submission.

His claws extended, drawing blood from the Alpha's neck, leaving deep gashes oozing blood onto the floor. The amount of fear I could see in the Alpha's eyes had me faltering.

I stared in shock, my breathing laboured as it all came crashing down on me. I-it was the king. I spilled drinks all over the king. I was frozen in fear, my body was rooted to the ground and I was shaking uncontrollably. My lungs started constricting, refusing to obey my command to breathe.

Sugars. Tears pricked my vision, my chest tightened as black dots stained my gaze.

The last thing I heard was an ear-curdling scream and dark onyx eyes staring deeply into mine before my eyelids closed, my greyish vision going black.

~

My eyes fluttered open, darkness was all I saw. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust my vision to my surroundings.

Flashbacks of those mesmerizing pairs of onyx eyes filled my mind, the scene of so much blood pooling onto the floors from Alpha Nicholas's neck. The king, everyone bowing. Was it all a dream? Was I back in my room?

I didn't feel tired after working at the ball for so long. I felt well rested and... comfortable? I ran my hands along where I lay, and no doubt it was a bed. I lay under smooth, velvet-soft covers; the material felt devilishly good against my skin. The softness of the bed was luring me back into slumber, but I knew better.

Looking around once again, the room was still pitch black. My heart started racing as fear crept into my spine. What if it was some sick joke? What if I was back in the cellar?

All of a sudden, everywhere became bright; light from all areas slipped through the room. Burning from the beaming lights, I blinked repeatedly before my eyes adjusted to its surroundings.

"She's awake, tell His Highness." I heard a voice command from a few inches away from me. Directing my gaze to the direction of the voice, he had his back to me, but from here I could make out his attire. He had on a red tunic and dark pants. He turned to me, and my eyes met with a pair of peculiar violet orbs. He approached me slowly, his eyes filled with excitement.

I backed away, shuffling toward the other end of the large bed. I stared at him wide-eyed as he stopped moving, raising his hands in surrender. "Woah, woah there, princess. I'm not going to hurt you," he said, backing away, his facial features softening as he took in my startled form.

I stopped moving, but my gaze remained on him. Did he kidnap me? Was I being held hostage? If I was, then I was most certain no one would come looking for me. I was worthless after all. I let my eyes travel around the room I was in, and sugars, it looked fit for a princess.

The walls were etched with gorgeous calligraphy. The roof had a tall chandelier, the tall windows draped with heavy velvet curtains that had rays of sunlight beaming brightly through them, their intention for the day clear.