Chapter 3 A Deal with the Devil

Lily's breath caught when the stranger spoke. "I can assist you in regaining your partner." Like a thousand invisible voices, the wind rustled through the trees, warning her to be cautious.

She had a gut feeling that she should turn away and turn down this man's offer. However, she didn't.

Because she still had a fire burning inside of her, beneath the hurt and betrayal. She still harboured a desire for what had been taken from her. Lily inhaled slowly and deliberately, her fingers clenching into fists.

"Who are you?" Grinning, the man moved deeper into the moonlight. She could see him clearly now, and she was struck by how dangerously attractive he was.

Dark, piercing eyes that seemed to hold secrets, a sharp jawline, and an air of confidence that was both fascinating and unnerving.

"I go by a lot of names," he said in a humorous tone. "But you can call me Kieran for the time being." His name flowed from his mouth like a blade across silk, smooth but unmistakably sharp.

Lily had no faith in him. Not for a moment. She was still curious about what he had to say, though.

She folded her arms. "Kieran, why would you want to assist me?" His grin remained unwavering.

"Because we share an adversary." Lily scowled. Do you mean Amelia? "No." Kieran's smirk turned into something more solemn as his face darkened a little.

"The Alpha King." Lily felt a shiver go down her back. Kieran stepped forward once more, his voice becoming softer.

He once took something from me. He is going to do the same to you now. Lily took a deep breath. "Amelia was not taken by him. My scent was stolen by her. Kieran laughed softly and without humour.

"You do not understand, do you?" His eyes pierced hers. "Your mate, Lily, was always going to be the Alpha King.

But he will not turn around now that someone else has replaced you. Alphas operate in this manner.

They act on instinct rather than reason. Lily's jaw tightened. She detested the sting of his words. Because she knew in her heart that he was correct.

Amelia's claim to be his mate had hardly caused the Alpha King to pause. He did not ask any questions.

did not question the bond. And more than anything, that realisation was painful. "So, what are you hoping to get out of me?" Lily asked, maintaining a steady tone.

Kieran studied her with a slight tilt of his head. "I would like to strike a deal." Lily's eyebrow went up. "What is the deal?" A slow, knowing smile curved his lips.

"One that will secure your rightful position alongside the Alpha King-exactly what you desire." She paused.

This did not sound good to her. The fire within her, however, would not go out. She had lost everything to Amelia. Lily had had enough of people stepping all over her.

She questioned, "What is the catch?" Kieran grinned broadly. "Wise girl." His voice lowered to a near whisper as he leaned slightly closer. "In exchange, I help you regain your scent and your rightful bond."

His dark eyes glowed as he paused. "You assist me in taking something from the Alpha King when the time comes."

Lily's eyes narrowed. "What would that be, then?" Kieran's smile remained unwavering. "I should be aware of that." A chilly uneasiness took root in her abdomen.

This was risky. But letting Amelia take her future was just as bad. With her heart thumping against her ribs, Lily inhaled slowly. She had two options:

Leave her alone and accept her destiny. Or risk everything and fight for what was hers. There was not much of a choice. She raised her chin and fixed Kieran's gaze with a resolute look. "All right," she said.

"I will negotiate." Kieran did not waste time. As soon as Lily accepted his offer, he took her hand and dragged her farther into the woods.

"Where are we going?" she enquired, finding it difficult to keep up with his rapid speed. Without slowing down, Kieran answered smoothly, "To get what was stolen from you." Uncertainty was eating at Lily as she bit her lip.

She was still sceptical of him. But he was the only one who was willing to assist her at the moment. They arrived at a remote clearing after what seemed like miles of walking.

Encircled by glowing blue symbols carved into the ground, a tiny stone cottage stood in the middle.

Ancient and potent magic permeated the air here. At the edge of the clearing, Lily paused. With an unreadable expression, Kieran turned to face her. "This is the starting point." She took a deep breath.

"What am I supposed to do?" Kieran gestured towards the clearing's middle. "Remain motionless." Lily paused, then moved forward, her heart pounding.

The air around her changed as soon as she stepped into the circle.

She felt a weird warmth that tingled against her skin. Reaching into his jacket, Kieran produced a small dagger and raised it. "We must reverse what has been done in order to restore your scent."

Lily's heart was racing. "Is it meaning?" Kieran took a step forward, his voice steady. "Dark magic was used to steal your scent.

The only way to restore it is by using blood. Lily tensed. "My blood?" Kieran gave a nod. "A tiny wound. One or two drops.

That is all that is required. Lily looked closely at him. She was still unsure if she trusted him. However, what options did she have? She inhaled deeply and extended her hand.

Before he gently took her wrist and pressed the blade against her palm, Kieran's eyes briefly flashed with something unreadable.

Before a single drop of blood hit the floor, the sharp sting had hardly registered. It had an instant impact.

The blue symbols flared brighter as a gust of wind roared through the clearing. Lily gasped as an unexpected warmth-both familiar and unfamiliar-spread through her chest.

Her aroma. It was coming back. She sensed it. Kieran took a step back and observed with silent satisfaction. "It is finished.

"Lily took a deep breath, the honey and lavender aroma returning to the air.

Her wolf gave a triumphant howl. They had re-established the bond. And now... The truth would be known by the Alpha King.