Chapter 8 Not a glance
Elinra point of view.
Behead her? Just for a dress? Wow. These Alphas are unbelievable.
"Do you know of anyone who died like this?" I asked.
She nodded. "Yes, a soldier. He delivered the letter Alpha Kaelrix gave him to the wrong person, and Alpha Kaelrix beheaded him within minutes."
Hearing this, my lungs froze. He beheaded someone over a mere mistake. Indeed, he is the devil they claim he is.
I inhaled deeply. That truly means if I try to run away like I told him the other day, he would have my whole pack slaughtered, just like he claimed. What in the moon goddess’ name has my witch father sold me into?
I am finished.
Feeling pity for her, I said, "I will wear the dress. For you and your child."
She hugged me tightly, and I hugged her back too. To be honest, I desperately needed that hug. I was passing through a lot, and I needed someone to whisper that I would be fine.
The maid led me to the bath after preparing a hot soak for me, placing a white towel at my side.
She left, and I slowly undressed. The tub was beautifully decorated with rose petals, and the water was warm. I stepped in slowly and shut my eyes as the heat sank into my soul.
I grabbed the soap and scrubbed my body. While scrubbing, my mind kept replaying everything about Kaelrix and his brothers.
Although this pack was quiet and peaceful compared to mine, the air was thick with fear. The air carried something deep, something ancient and unsettling, something that would make your soul flinch even if you tried to ignore it.
After finishing my bath, I tied the towel around my body and stepped out. I saw the maid waiting patiently for me.
She dried my hair carefully, applying expensive fragrance oil to my skin, then massaging another oil into my hair.
She dressed me gently and sat me down, combing and straightening my hair before applying a light touch of makeup.
She slid a pair of little heels onto my feet and guided me toward the mirror. When I finally stood before it, I could barely recognize my reflection.
The gown hugged my body perfectly, revealing my curves. The oil she applied made my skin glow. I gasped softly at my reflection. I had never seen this version of myself before. I looked like a noble woman.
"You look beautiful, my lady," the maid complimented gently.
I blushed. This was the first time in my life I felt important.
"All thanks to you," I told her, giving her the credit. She chuckled softly.
Then it hit me. I did not even ask her where we were going or where I was supposed to meet the so-called Kaelrix.
"Where are we going, dear?" I asked the maid.
"Um, my lady, it is the dinner table," she replied while tidying the room and putting things in order.
Did she know what she was saying?
I just ate… right?
"I think you must be mistaken, dear. I just ate," I told her.
"Yes, I know. Alpha Kaelrix ordered that food to be given to you first so you would have enough strength to stand," she responded.
Strength to stand? For what? I was already full, but I would still go for the sake of this maid.
"I am already full, so no need. But nevertheless, I will still go," I said.
She stepped closer and whispered, "My lady, I would advise you to eat again when you reach that table."
I frowned slightly.
What was she talking about?
"What do you mean? Can you explain more?" I asked hesitantly.
"I just want you to be… fed before what comes next," she whispered again.
This time, my stomach churned. My heart started beating slowly, heavily. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"I cannot tell you, my lady. Just get prepared," she replied with finality, clearly showing she did not want to continue the conversation.
My hands shook slightly. I inhaled deeply.
What did she mean?
What was coming?
Why was she speaking in riddles?
"Calm down, Elinra. No matter what is coming, we will overcome it together," my wolf Lola muttered, and instantly, I felt a flicker of hope.
"My lady, I think it is time. Let us go to the dinner table," the maid announced.
I blinked hard, inhaled deeply, and checked myself one last time in the mirror before finally following her out.
We walked through the halls, and as we moved, I noticed a place that looked like a garden. A small gate covered in fresh flowers stood there, but the rest of the garden was dead. The soil seemed lifeless.
Everything I guessed about this pack was only forty percent correct. This pack was darker than I imagined. It truly was a cursed place. I wondered what had happened here to make everything so withered.
My heels clicked softly on the marble floor as the maid led me toward moon goddess knew where. Finally, we reached a large door carved with bizarre, ancient markings.
She knocked lightly. Six seconds later, the door opened by itself.
I froze.
This pack would kill me with heart attacks before anything else. Everything kept surprising me.
I walked in slowly, feeling a cold frisson crawl over my skin. I saw the three brothers seated, along with several men standing around them. A stranger I had never seen before sat beside them. Everyone turned to look at me, and their jaws dropped.
Candice’s smile widened, and Versus stared at me boldly, almost hungrily. No one spoke, but our eyes communicated enough.
The unfamiliar man stared at me too, and at that moment, I wished the ground would open and swallow me whole. I wanted to pass out from the shame and the overwhelming attention.
The maid never told me people would be here. Why would Kaelrix order me to wear this kind of dress?
While everyone’s eyes devoured me, Kaelrix did not spare me a single glance. And for some reason, that made my stomach twist.