Chapter 4 It Was Too Late

FIA

Nervousness and fear swirled in my mind like a liquid current, blending together. However, amidst the chaos, a strange whisper in my brain ignited a peculiar strength within me.

A damn wolf is ready to engage in her twisted game. My emotions are shifting, transforming into something I shouldn't become. Once again, the whisper persists.

Run.

"Why, you little coward? Are you afraid of your king's bite? It's etched all over your face." The mocking face stands before me, his sneer piercing through my being. I despise what I see, yet I can't tear my gaze away from his burning eyes, filled with both lust and desire.

"I couldn't care less about your empty words, King." However, my body tenses as his finger inches closer to my slowly healing wound. Without warning, he presses his sharp nail against it, causing it to reopen and blood to flow.

His eyes darken even further, and I realize that the sight of blood is like a drug to him. Strangely enough, I find myself yearning to let it all drain away.

I flinched as the nail grazed my lip, feeling the pain shoot through my body. It was as if the injury on my lip mirrored the pain I felt inside.

But what truly terrified me was the cold, murderous look in their eyes.

My heart skipped a beat when I noticed their nails had grown longer. I was frozen in place, unable to move, as they drove their nails into my chest, causing me to gasp in agony and struggle for breath.

"No!" I cried out, falling backward, sweat dripping down my forehead.

I don't understand why I still carry this fear, even though two years have passed.

Deep in my chest, I know they won't find me anymore. And I won't let them find me either.

"Hey, Fia, why do you look so troubled? Is something bothering you?" I turned to the newcomer, who was now staring at me with surprise in his eyes.

"N-Nothing, I was just lost in thought-"

"You don't have to dwell on him being just another problem. Negative thinking won't do you any good, you know?"

I simply nodded in response, but I could see the doubt lingering in his eyes. I had no choice but to speak up.

"I had a terrible nightmare. By the way, where are you from?" I tried changing the subject, but he didn't seem to appreciate it and let out a sigh.

"Is that what I'm saying? I should have just come with you-"

"I don't have a problem, Kilan. I'm fine. So, what about you? Just answer my question first."

Honestly, I don't feel comfortable discussing my issues. I don't want to dwell on my thoughts, but the uncertainties still linger.

"I'm from the palace," he replied, staring directly into my eyes. It felt like a sudden rush of cold water as shivers ran down my spine.

For some unknown reason, my heart started racing, too.

"W-Why did you go there? I thought you were really angry with the king," I whispered softly, avoiding his gaze because I couldn't bear the intensity.

"Yes, I hold a grudge against the king. You know the kind of group I lead, right? We're like wild wolves that the king doesn't even acknowledge. While the other officials in the palace misuse their power to oppress the members of the organization I formed."

I couldn't stay silent after every word he uttered. I could sense the anger in his voice, but I understood that there must be a reason behind it.

Ever since I arrived in their territory, they never made me feel unsafe or threatened.

Instead of getting acquainted with the feared assassins of the palace, I discovered that they had their own objectives. They were slowly seeking revenge against the corrupt officials in the palace.

"But the king proposed a deal," he said. My eyes widened, and I immediately looked up at him. I could see the determination in his eyes.

"W-What did you discuss?" I asked nervously, fearing his response. However, when he avoided eye contact and gazed out of the window, my anxiety grew even stronger.

"He wanted us to eliminate Remus."

I gasped and abruptly stood up. I noticed that his hands were clenched as well.

Remus was one of the merciless werewolf elders despised by every member of the organization I had joined.

This is also the person who is responsible for my unpleasant tasks.

"And we need you Fia," he said quietly, causing me to gulp.

What does it mean that they need me?

"I-I understand that it's difficult for you to do this and return to that place, but in order to gain access to its territory, we have to pretend to be its men who capture women to enslave them. We want you to pretend-"

"Pretend to be a woman you captured? But that won't be easy because she'll recognize me, Kilan!"

Damn!

I can't risk my peaceful life in exchange for going back to that dreadful place.

Just the thought of it makes me feel terrible.

"That will make the task easier, Fia. He knows you and he's still searching for you. If we bring you, the door will open immediately for us. And from there, I can kill him with my own hands."

I wish it was that simple, but that demon isn't the only one searching for me.

There are more demons patiently waiting for an opportunity to capture and end my life.

"Why are you following the king now?"

The shock in his eyes was evident, and it immediately ignited anger within me.

I can't explain it, but something deep down is telling me that something is off. And his expression only confirms the doubts in my mind.

"Damn you!" I muttered through clenched teeth, and he seemed to accept it.

"What are you thinking, Fia?" His innocent expression furrows my brow.

I don't like this.

"Tell me, what else did the king tell you, Kilan? Just tell me the truth!" I stared into his eyes, waiting for a response. "Tell me!" Fear seemed to be chasing me at that moment.

My claws were itching to make their presence known as I anxiously awaited his answer.

'Run.'

My mind was screaming at me to run, but I couldn't just abandon my friend without hearing their side of the story.

"I-I-"

"Just tell me now, Kilan! I can sense that something is wrong. You can't deceive me!"

He stood there, lost for words, his mouth opening and closing. It was a sign for me to take a step back.

I couldn't believe it. I didn't even want to consider it, but right now, I wasn't sure if I could still trust them.

Fear flickered in his eyes as I retreated further.

And then, he yanked his hair and forcefully slammed his fist against the wall.

I was shocked to witness him like this. I never thought he would lose control in front of me.

"He's holding my brother, Fia. If I don't kill Remus, my brother will be in danger. Our organization is notorious for killing, and everyone thinks it's for no reason. He could use that as an excuse to harm my brother. So, I'm asking for your help, Fia. I desperately need to rescue my brother." My lips parted, and I didn't know what to say.

I could hear the sadness in his voice, and when he looked up, tears glistened in his eyes.

Did I misjudge him?

I thought...

"Fia, please help me..."

It felt like something was lodged in my throat, leaving me stunned.

"B-But I can't do what you're asking, Kilan-"

"I know you're the one the king is searching for. You are his mate, his rightful queen." I was immediately rendered speechless, panic filling my eyes as I met his gaze, filled with sorrow.

My forehead immediately creased, unsure of whether to believe him or not, but there was genuine sincerity in his eyes.

"Now that you know the king is after me, you have to understand that we can't avoid it. It's not easy to infiltrate the demons' territory, Kilan-"

"But the king won't find out, Fia. I won't let him get to you." He pulled me into a hug, and I weakly returned it.

However, in the midst of our silence, a howl suddenly pierced the air, causing me to gasp.

The wolf inside my mind grew restless as if anticipating something.

No!

Another loud and powerful howl echoed, this time much closer, jolting me awake.

I tried to push Kilan away, both of us equally startled.

"He's h-here!"

He growled, and panic and frustration buzzed in my head.

"He caught your scent on me," he murmured, and I realized it on my own.

He must have smelled me on Kilan. And now he's here to haunt me!

No. It can't be.

I need to run!

He can't catch me!

Then, his words suddenly resurfaced in my mind.

"You can't escape, you slut!"

"You belong to me."

Tears welled up in my eyes as Kilan immediately pushed me away.

"Fia ran away, I'll take care of it, all right."

I could see the sincerity and determination in his eyes, but by the time I realized it, it was already too late for me to run away.