Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

Zara's POV

It wasn't like I don't feel anything for Magnus. Or that his touch doesn't cause a thrill inside me. But I have been promised to Ashen—the first man who looked me with so much love and admiration, instead of the lust that the man looked at me with. He had seen me as more than just a slave. He had found me fitting of being by his side as his wife and Luna. For these reasons, I won't forget him.

It would break me so much if he learns that I had felt something for his enemy. And whether I get to leave this place or not, I would remain faithful to him.

I didn't mean everything I said to him. I just did that to stop him from getting closer to me, because I'm scared I would get carried away one day.

*******

My heart literally jumped out my chest when Magnus uttered those words. Two words. But strong enough to rip me apart from the inside. "Seize her."

I didn't even get the time to process what was happening before me when rough hands grabbed me, yanking me forward. My body fought in protest, my wolf screaming at me to lunge at them, but the guards were too strong. My feet didn't touch the floor as they dragged me towards the chair placed in the center of the room.

"Get off me!" I screamed, kicking out helplessly, but a sharp tug on my wrist sent pain coursing through me.

Nerissa stepped closer, her lips curling into a cruel smirk. "There's a thrill in seeing you struggle, Zara," she purred. "But I would advise you not to waste those strength. You will need it in the long run."

She signalled to the men, and in seconds, they forced me down into the chair, thick rope wrapping aroundy wrists and ankles , keeping me in place. I tried to free myself, my breath coming in ragged gasps, but my grip was tightened.

Magnus stood at a distance away, his expression unreadable, arms crossed nonchalantly on his chest. I couldn't see the conflicted man from before, the one who had kissed me twice, hesistated at my rejection. He is being replaced by a cold, unyielding monster.

My heart raced. "Why are you doing this?" I snapped, glaring at me. "You're a typical coward, Magnus. Hiding behind your guards. Hiding behind her." I glare at Nerissa, who smirk only deepened.

Magnus remained unbothered. "Consider your wish granted. Now you'll be treated like a common criminal."

My stomach knotted, but I couldn't allow them to sense my fear. "If you think this will break me, then you're mistaken."

Nerissa's sharp and wicked laugh echoed through the room. "Oh, sweetheart," she said coolly as she stepped closer. "You're not here to be broken. Not yet." Then she stretched out her hand and Viktor handed her a dagger.

A cold sweat broke from my skin.

She grabbed the dagger, positioning it before her fingers, titling her head. "Pain isn't the only way to make someone suffer. Fear is much more... effective too."

She strike the blade lightly on my lap leaving a shallow cut just enough to sting , and then leaned in, her breath brushing against mine. "Let's see how much defiance you have after tonight. After I destroy your pretty face, I will send your pictures to Ashen and then see if he would refuse this time."

No. Not Ashen.

"You bitch," I spat, fighting against the restraints.

Author's POV

Frostfang Pack

The next morning after his night with, Ashen's mind was a whirlwind of frustration as he sat in the grand hall. He must have found pleasure in Selene, but his heart remains heavy. He tried so hard to convince himself that last night was a weakness, but it didn't erase the hollow ache inside him.

Zara.

Still lost in his thoughts, the elders entered, their expression set with purpose. They bowed respectfully before taking their seats. They needed the devastated state of their king. They all knew why he felt that way but none of dare utter a word.

The elders often gossip amidst them. "What is so special about a slave?"

But they do not need to know. Only, Ashen knew the happiness and peace he found in Zara.

"Alpha," Elder Scroll, one of the high ranking officials began. "It is time for you to take a bride and solidify your rule before the kingdom grows restless."

Ashen jaw tightened. He had expected the conversation as it was the same song they had sang in the past few months, but it doesn't make it any less infuriating." "When the woman I love is back by my side, I will take a bride then."

Elder Scroll exchanged a knowing glance with the others before speaking again. "We understand your feelings for lady Zara, but she is gone , Alpha. And there's no telling if she will ever return." His voice was warm, but very polite. "The kingdom needs stability. You need an heir."

Ashen hadn't told them Zara was taken by Magnus and used as leverage for fear that they might turn against him. He had told them she was kidnapped by an unknown Rogue.

Ashen's grip on the armrest tightened. "I will wait for here," he repeated, his tone unwavering.

Another elder, an older woman named Elara, leaned forward. "If you must wed, then why not consider Lady Selene? She was the one you originally intended to marry before Zara caught your eyes. Selene is noble, strong and I'm sure the people would like her."

Selene? But he didn't love.

"Give me time to think about it," he said, his words final and no one else dare argue.

Selene.

She had been everything a ruler could want in a mate—beautiful, poised and well-bred. But the sex last night had confirmed what he already knows. There was no connection. No love.

The reason why she had agreed to marry her in the past was because her father, Alpha Kael helped him to end to take down a traitor family in his pack years ago and he thought of marrying Selene to forge alliance between the two kingdom.

Yet, with each passing day, Zara remained out of each. And with the mounting pressure from the councils, he couldn't deny the fact that taking Selene as his bride would stabilise his rule than Zara would do.

He clenched his at the thought. Even if he did marry her, his heart would always belong to another.

"I will take Selene as my bride," he announced few days later and the elders bummed in agreement.

But one thing was certain. He would keep searching. He would keep waiting.

Because the woman he truly loved was out there. And he would bring her home."