Chapter 23

Cassia’s pov.

It’s been two hours since we came from the market and the second bottle of gin Hadrian had taken, he didn’t say anything to anyone not even me, after he precipitously pulled me out of the market, on foot, I could barely keep up with him, but he didn’t notice, how badly he had made me feel, even still I wouldn’t dare complain.

Back in the market they had said so many mean things, it was supposed to be a good day, being among common wolves, likely experiencing new things, it was all my fault, they didn’t tell a lie about me, but definitely about Hadrian,his aura felt vengeful and suffocating I couldn’t stay any longer being mute.

“Hadrian” i stood from my bed as I walked towards him, he took the last gulp of liquor from his glass then tossed it, it shattered beside me, which sent me on my toes, as I scampered to protect my skin from the attacks of shattered glass, he stood the from his seat furiously walking out of the room.

Blown away by his loose I temper I quivered in my knees, as my body danced to the tune of fear I barely missed the glass it isn’t real, I raised my head took a quick peek of glass, it wasn’t Hadrian lost his temper, the sound of opening door piqued my interest, there Ariel stood, still confused with the sight of shattered glass on the floors, “ what happened!” He said, my eyes slightly moist as I stared in awe.

Handrian was different, it didn’t seem like him anymore, he acted on impulse, he almost wounded me,ariel held my arms pulling my to my feet, “ tell me what happened here”, he held unto my hands while he ragged me to the bed, then ushered a glass of water.

“We went to the market, they said mean things, then something about embezzled taxes”, Ariel took a seat beside me, “there would be a bloodbath today” his words made my mind twirl, before I could question him he stood then headed out of the door, then came back in few minutes with a maid.

“ Are you coming along?” He had his hands stretched out to me, which I took in a jiffy, “ there’s only one place he might be”,what’s the only place an angered lycan would be?, a valley of forest?.

We walked further down the endless corridors of the brick castle, we took a series of turns till all I saw were skulls and pitchforks, some flame touches and the choking stench of blood, the smothering feeling of perspiration. As we walked further into the dark tunnel the sound of faint scream and the sudden sound of lashes came to my hearing, moving further became an enigma as the sound grew louder.

“Hmm, as suspected” we finally came to a halt and my heart stopped, there was an enraged sign of skull on the door, then Two axes adjacent on each other, the sound of shackles came to my hearing, followed by a whip then a sudden scream, each of which made me flinch, whatever might be in that room, I wasn’t supposed to see it,, Ariel attempted to push the door, when a loud bang resounded outside the room, I fell to me feet shivering in utter fear.

What was that ?

Ariel shot murderous glare at me, “ go back” he commanded through clenched teeth, “ I am sorry” I whispered cleaning my teary eyes as I stood up to my feet, exasperated by my presence he pressed his index finger on his head, while he muttered words only audible to close ears. “Cassia, for the last time go back” he held the handle of the door, hesitating to push it further

“Please don’t” I said, outraged by my pettiness, he pushed the door wide open, revealing the unbelievable,a huge room came in view, there were men on their knees, all cuffed by the hands at their back and knee which bore heavy chain, connected to the wall, it reeked of blood and silver, my heart slip into a dancing dilema, as I felt something squishy before me, too scared to stare yet to curious to look away, I bowed my head.

The bloody sight of loose arms, made me quiver as I took unconscious steps backward,my eyes darted the torture room, everything looked blur all a sudden my heart felt congested, I couldn’t breath, Hadrian comes in view he was seated on a wooden chair, with a long beside him, his hands rested below his chin, while he watched the victims being lashed by silver canes uncontrollably by the guard.

It all came back to me, this was who he really is, an alpha who knows nothing about forgiveness, one who took everything through this tough jurisdiction and made sure everything and everyone would be subjected to his law, Hadrian remained unfazed by the sight before him, the continuous sound of back lashes was interrupted but a scream, I watched the man who had just been beaten into a pulp, bleed furiously as a result of continuous weeping, he began to beg, screaming to be spared.

Panicking I dashed my eyes back at Ariel he had same look, so unfazed, even cooler than he was when we stood outside those doors, how were they not fazed by the sumptuous amount of blood on the floor, or constant plea and tortures, Ariel walked over to Hadrian, tapping him by the shoulder but he didn’t react to the presence, he stood to his knees,then held the gun in both hands conked it then pulled the trigger, the repulsive sound of a fired bullet reverberated around the room.

The man who begged for his life fell to the floor, lifeless, a cuff still held his hand in place but his brains were shattered, way beyond healer, his blood trailed behind him, leading the the piece of flesh scattered in the room, Hadrian took his seat, then with a flick of his hands the guards were back to torture,

They persisted in their lashing, while the other tolerated without saying a word, just like that he related till one person gave up again, he rested the same thing where he took his gun then fired directly on his head, he dropped dead, then they all screamed.

No this is not Hadrian, it can’t be, tear founds its way down my eyes, as he conked his gun again, this is who he is, a ruthless alpha, I took more steps backward trying to get away from this dream but my back slammed against the door, I turned quickly taking the knob I found my way outside, I can’t stand it anymore.

I took to my feet running as fast as my legs could carry me, the sound of gunshot sent me rolling on the cemented hallway, I lose my footing now I had scratches my elbow, but I would rather had a fracture than stay here any longer than I should, I didn’t stop till I was outside the door, I pushed myself inside as I slammed my weight on the door shutting it behind me.

Ariel was right, I shouldn’t have gone there, I shouldn’t be here either, more reasons why I should accept my reality or run away like I always did ,

The sound of shuffled footsteps came to my ears, I hurriedly locked it before he could intrude,he held onto the knobs trying to pull it open but it wouldn’t budge, stepping back fear engulfed me, “ cassia!” Hadrian yelled, he banged harder on the door followed by the sudden bang of the door, it sprang wide open, revealing the furious king

“Cassia” he said as he noticed my presence in the room, blood still coated his body , “ you killed them right?” I asked, turning I toss a pillow at him, my tears clogged my eyes and all I could see was the facade of his being.

"You killed them !”