Chapter 28

Mitchell's POV:

The terrible night brought fear into my eyes, echoes of thoughts in my heart. I walked back home, passing through the desert. Eyes of fire glared at me, throbbing with a starved desire. I could remember his voice, sounding like a thunderstorm. But did I have to give up all my initial desires? I walked back home at night, passing through the desert back to my pack, which was hot upon me from the deep jaws of death. Sharp claws, swift talons, fleshless fingers coldly plucked at me from the bushes, but I strode on, hoping to have no fear.

I walked back home thoughtfully, thinking about how to get out of my mess. My first thought was running away, but for how long? I doubted. My worries grew bigger, and I wondered where my path was leading me. To a righteous place or hell, I couldn't decide; only the gods knew. I could remember how desperate he was to catch me, but I could feel a glimmer of hope for safety by holding his secret. My second hope was Malachi, who would always have my back.

I got back to my chamber, so tired. My maid was worried, and he was pleased to see me.

"Welcome back, my princess," said my maid excitedly as she looked at me. I could see the worry in her eyes.

"Hey Hana, thanks for worrying about me," I responded gratefully.

Hana quickly went inside and prepared the bathroom, then later went on to arrange my bed. I walked to the bathroom immediately after entering my chamber and went to bed shortly after taking my bath. I became so relaxed, and my thoughts drifted away, and I didn't know when I fell asleep.

(Next Day)

I woke up tired the next day, having had a short night. The cock crowed, and the sun welcomed me to the day. I woke up with the hot sun shining in my face.

"Good morning, my princess," my maid said joyously as she saw me awake, stretching my body and yawning. The maid moved closer to me pleasantly and helped me change into a new outfit. I stood up immediately to enjoy the fresh air outside my room.

"Good morning, my princess," my guards greeted me as I left my room. I nodded my head in response and went directly to the training center. I picked up my sword and moved closer to the statue at the training center, practicing some sword-fighting moves.

I hit the statue in its head, hands, and aimed for its leg, as if on the battlefield. My mood soured, and I hit the statue angrily as memories of what happened the night before flashed in my head. I became sad and wondered what I could do. After some minutes, I dropped the sword and went to the bathroom to prepare to go to the alpha's house to turn myself in. I had a light breakfast shortly after taking my bath and left my chamber with some guards. I entered the carriage, and my driver set off slowly towards the Bloodclaw pack.

I paid proper attention inside the carriage and could clearly see everything that was going on through the window. I could see my poster everywhere, though not as perfect as I looked, but the artist's imagination was quite high. I had become famous at the Blackwood Pack within days, and everyone was looking for me.

"Please stop there," I heard a voice echoing ahead of me; it was a soldier. My driver pulled the horse back, and the horse stopped after a hard pull.

"Good day, how may I help you?" asked my guard.

"Good day, where are you coming from?" the soldier responded.

I stayed silent as I listened to their conversation.

"We're on a walk with our princess, and we're coming from the Night Shadow Pack," my guard responded.

The soldier took a deep breath and took a closer look at my guards; his suspicion grew bigger, and he asked excitedly, "May I take a look at your princess?"

My guard took a deep breath and said nothing. He stepped down from the horse and came closer to me, putting his mouth at the window. I stayed close to the window and listened to his whispering. "The soldier is requesting to see you," said my guard.

"Sigh!" I paused for a moment, trying to give it some thought. "Should I just come down from the carriage and expose myself, or should I just remain here?" I stayed quietly in the carriage, thinking. After a deep thought, I finally made my decision and decided to remain in the carriage so as not to cause a chaotic scene. I brought out my identity tag with a small diamond gift and handed it over to my guard. My guard took the identity tag and the diamond gift to the soldier. The soldier was so excited that he paid less attention to the tag and focused on the gift.

"Please proceed with your journey," the soldier said contentedly as he kept the diamond in his pocket. My guard urged the horse on, and the journey continued.

As we were about to reach the alpha's castle, my heart beat rapidly, and my contemplation arose, wondering what would happen. I was so lost in thought that I didn't realize when I arrived at the Alpha's chamber. "Stop there, who are you, and where are you coming from?" I heard the knights saying. My heart skipped a beat, and I remembered Ashir's phobic voice. I became scared and wondered where my destiny would lead me. "He would kill me immediately on a whim," I thought to myself, but I felt hopeful for keeping his secret and excited to have Malachi by my side.

"Stop there!" the knights said again.

My guard stopped the horse reluctantly and came to the carriage to inform me that we had reached Ashir's chamber.

"We're already there, my princess," the guard said excitedly, nodding his head.

I felt a bit dizzy and got down from the carriage. "You may leave now," I said to my guard. I waited patiently and watched all my guards leave, except Hanna, who looked worried and didn't want to leave me. I called her immediately and said, "Please go directly to Malachi and inform him that I'm already at the Alpha's house," I said to her.

Hanna felt excited and quickly left.

"Please identify yourself," the knights said as I was about to enter the gate. I took out my tag immediately and showed it to him.

"Hey, I'm Princess Mitchell from the Night Shadow Pack. I'm here to see your alpha," I explained.

The knights looked suspicious and called other soldiers, discussing with them in an ancient language. I felt a bit lost but trusted in my safety as a princess. I stood courageously where I was, waiting for their feedback.

"What's going on here?" I heard a guard say from a close distance.

One of the guards quickly moved closer to him and explained. The guard came closer to me, and our eyes met, looking wary.

"Smith!" I shouted as I set my eyes on him.

Smith looked speechless and immediately gave orders.

"Arrest her, she's the intruder," Smith shouted.

The knights moved closer to me and held my hands, leading me to the prison. My thoughts raced, and I became confused, wondering what would happen if the alpha saw me. No matter what happened, I knew I would survive, but I didn't know how.