Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

Ashen's POV

"Find them."

I commanded my men after they returned empty handed from the chase. I won't be able to sleep. I won't be able to rest knowing that Magnus was alive. He was brutally injured but alive and still breathing. And alive meant he could still be a threat.

Darius hesitated. "Alpha, Magnus was already injured. If we let the silver do it's job, he might not even —"

My hardened gaze snapped at him. "Who do you think you are to advise me?"

Darius swallowed hard, lowering his gaze. "I'm sorry, Alpha."

"Then get to work," I growled. "I want to see his head. I won't make the same mistake twice."

Darius nodded quickly, bowing his head before hurrying off with the other men.

Exhaling slowly, I ran a hand through my hair. My father's voice echoed in my mind —“You’ll regret letting him go, Ashen.”

Regret? No. What I felt now was rage. More directed at myself. I should have killed him that night when I had the chance. If I had done so, then I'd be free. I wouldn't be in this situation.

But what annoyed me more than Magnus' survival was Zara. She had been in that car. She had witnessed everything and could have escaped when his men were here fighting, but instead she had chosen to stay with them.

A bitter chuckle slipped out of my lips. Wasn't that ironic? The same woman I had been fighting for, the same one I had came to save had just left with them when she had to opportunity to come to me.

Zara.....

Something inside me twisted at the thought. I had planned on giving her everything—power, status, a future at his side. But now..... I'm not sure anymore.

And then Magnus asked if I knew who she truly was? The question unravelled me more than I cared to admit. I didn't know much about her except that her parents were traitors and was executed for it, then she had to become a slave......

But one thing I know for sure was that I'm getting her back either dead or alive. Zara is mine. And none of my things would be ever be taken away by Magnus. Not my throne. Not my woman.

I turned away from the clearing, and called out to my men. "Send word to our spies inside Magnus’ estate. I want to know everything."

This time, I would be a step ahead of him. I would not be caught off guard again.

I needed to return to the Frostfang pack. It would take a while for Magnus to heal if he survived and I should take the time to prepare myself for war. It was inevitable this time because unless he was stupid, I doubted if he'd ever opt for negotiation ever again.

"And the rest of you will return to the Pack while the others join us later."

"Yes, Alpha."

******

The familiar gates of Frostfang Pack loomed, torches flickering in the dark. The moment, I stepped forward, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows.

Selene.

She stood in front of the gate with her maids behind her. Her long silk scarf wrapped around her frame. Even in the darkness, I could see the effort she had put into her appearance —her hair perfectly styled cascaded over her shoulders, her lips painted red, soft and inviting.

Pathetic.

Useless.

She was trying so hard. Still hoping, huh? As if moving mountains for me would make a difference. She meant nothing to me.

Reaching the gates, I looked straight ahead like I didn't see her. And I didn't slow my pace either.

"Ashen...." She called sweetly in a way that made my skin crawl.

I didn't answer her, instead I walked past the gates.

But Selene as persistent as ever, refused to give up. She trailed behind me, her heels clicking the floor.

"You left me," she accused, her voice sharper than I'd ever heard. "On our wedding night. You humiliated me in front of everyone."

I didn't say anything. It was useless talking to her. So I kept walking.

She quickened her steps. "I was waiting for you, Ashen. Do you know how painful it felt to stay in that empty bed alone, knowing my own husband would rather disappear to look for another woman than touch me?"

I stopped. Not because her words got to me, but because I was irritated and was simply tired of hearing them. I had told her before now that this marriage meant absolutely nothing to me and I don't know why she can't seem to understand that.

It was to please the Pack and most importantly solidify my position, especially now that Magnus has shown up. When it gets to the time for a full scale war with Magnus, I'll definitely need her father's army.

She smirked, mistaking my silence for hesitation. "Oh, I see. You didn't come with her?" Her voice was mocking. She was mocking my failure.

My jaw tightened.

Selene stepped closer, tilting her head. "If you keep doing this....do you think the Pack members will take you seriously? Or do you my father would just sit and watch you treat his daughter like trash?" She laughed softly, shaking her head. "If you think Zara, that little slut would still want you if she learns about our marriage, then you're a fool—"

My anger surged. I turned so fast that she barely had time to react. "If you say another word," I murmured, my voice low and dangerous, "you'll lose that thing you call tongue."

Selene's breath seized. Her eyes widening in shock, her confidence slipping away.

I stepped closer to her, my gaze locking onto hers. "You think you know me, Selene? You don't. You think your father can save you, then you should try me. I don't issue empty threat."

For a moment, the tension thickened between us. I thought she'd challenge me, but she was silent, her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard.

"Stay out of my way," I said, my voice cold. And when I remembered how Zara stayed behind when she had the opportunity to leave, I added with finality. "And don't ever speak her name ever again. I don't want to hear it."

Then I turned and walked away, leaving her standing there , silent for once in her miserable life.