Chapter 9 9
Odette's Pov
When Aaron left, I stood there in shock.
“You should fear me but I swear to you, I’ll spend what’s left of my life making sure you never have to.”
Just what did he mean by that?
Does that mean that he wants me to fear him? But I don't want to. I want to understand him.
Every woman I’ve ever loved has bled for it? He must've been talking about his late wife. Did he admit to killing her? Or was he truly cursed like Leila said he was.
I paced the plush confines of the room and dragged a hand through my hair. If that was his secret, then do I tell him that I'm cursed too?
I was still pondering my thoughts when the echo of bells filled the air.
The sound was so loud I ducked, thinking it was an enemy attack. But it wasn't.
A clipped male voice suddenly filled the air and I listened in.
The voice echoed through the stone corridors, loud and clear. “By the order of His Majesty, the Moon Hunt shall commence tonight.”
My brows furrowed. “Moon Hunt? What's a Moon Hunt?”
Somewhere, a horn sounded and whispers began to fill the air.
I quickly rushed to the window to find out what was going on and saw dark hooded men gathering in the courtyard. Nobody needed to tell me that they were Alpha wolves. They exuded the position's raw power.
Horses, dark and grey, were led into the courtyard and the Alpha's began to saddle them. I searched through the crowd for any sign of Aaron. I couldn't find him.
I gripped the window sill, feeling the chill of the metal bite against my skin. What was happening down there?
I got my answer when the Alphas strapped what looked like blades to their sides.
My heart sank. Oh no. Did they want to kill Aaron?
I scrambled away from the window and dashed to the door, hoping I wouldn't be too late.
Before my hand could clutch the floor knob, it opened on its own.
It was Clarisse.
“Mom!” I reached for her hand and dragged her to the window. “We have to hurry. Those big men down there want to hurt Aaron.”
Her eyes widened for a second before she looked down.
When she pulled her head back in, I expected her to run downstairs with me but instead, she laughed.
I stared at her like she grew another head. “What is so funny?”
She clutched her stomach and shook her head, finally concluding the laugh. “Those men are not here to hurt Aaron. They couldn't even if they tried.”
“But their blades…”
“No, those men are preparing for the Moon Hunt.” Mom explained.
My mind instantly reeled back to the voice I had heard from earlier. The man too had said something about a Moon Hunt too.
“Oh.” I managed softly.
Clarisse smiled then gestured to the bed. “Why don't you sit down for a moment?”
“What exactly is this hunt everyone's preparing for?” I asked as I sat on the bed.
She hesitated. “Let's just say it's something we do here every year.”
From the way she pursed her lips and played with her fingers, I could tell she was withholding information from me. “Tell me, mom.”
She smiled then shook her head. “I'm not your mom.”
I blinked. “You're not.”
“No,” then she reached for my hand. “But I'm sure your real parents are in heaven smiling down at you.”
Without warning, there was a loud bang against the door and we both flinched.
“Who … who is that?” Clarisse trembled as she walked to the door to see who was knocking.
“The Hunters are almost ready. Go join the maids in the pantry.” The man said in a grouchy voice.
“Yes,” Clarisse said aloud. “Yes, of course.”
When the man's footsteps echoed down the halls, she exhaled softly. Then she looked at me and said, “We don't have much time. Let’s go.”
“Go where?” I took a step back.
“To the pantry. You heard the man. He sounded dangerous.” She grabbed my hand.
“But why should we go to that place while the hunt is happening?” I asked curiously.
Clarisse shook her head. “Sometimes, curiosity doesn't always triumph.”
“What can't we join?” I said, stomping my boot to the ground.
She pinched the skin between her eyes before she sighed and said. “The Moon Hunt is just a tradition the Alpha's in the Blackwood Castle do to prove their strength. When the moon is full, they ride into the first with Aaron, their Lycan King, to hunt whatever creature the night chooses to give them. They call it a casual game but deep down, I know it's a test of control.”
“A test of control?”
“Yes.” She lowered her voice now. “Everytime they play this game, it's as if they wait for Aaron to lose control. Because the moment he does, they'll…” she stopped there.
“... kill him?” I whispered.
“Yes.”
“Oh no.” I gasped.
“Don't worry about it, Odette. Aaron has never lost control during the Moon Hunt and he won't start now.” She tried to assure me but I shook my head.
“Don’t even think about it,” she warned.
“But I have to go.”
“You'll be safer in here.”
“I can't stay here while Aaron faces whatever that is alone.”
Clarisse's voice became pleading. “He won't thank you, Odette. He might even be angry at you.”
“Isnt that perfect?” I turned to face her. “Let him be angry and be safe after I've saved him.”
Clarisse sighed. “No, my lady. It's not like ….”
“I'm going.” I said, determined.
After that, Clarisse didn't argue. She only prayed to the Moon Goddess as she brought a riding dress dark enough to blend into the knight and a small kitchen knife.
Through her help, I snuck through the back and rushed to the stables. Thanks to one of her friends, we found Aaron quirkier than expected.
I tiptoed towards him, watching him tighten the strap of his horse's saddle. He didn't look up at first but I felt a shift in the air when he sensed me.
He slowly turned and all the colour drained from his face.
“You shouldn't be here.” He said quietly.
“I…” I lied. “I came to see you off.”
He approached me and I could feel the energy pouring off him. “I know that look in your eyes, Odette. You will not join the hunt.”
“I wasn't planning to.” I shrugged.
“Liar.” His lips curled faintly but his eyes didn't match his smile. “I could hear it in your voice.”
“But… I only want to help.” I whispered.
He closed the distance between us and I gulped non-existent air. The only way you'll help me right now is if you run, Odette.”