PERPETRATOR

PERPETRATOR
Chapter 36

ROYANNA

The woman holding the harp looked at me, a petite elderly lady, with grey hair that shimmered like silver, her face was neutral and unreadable. A part of me expected her to go off and yell at me to get away from her. The thought of that made my legs recoil slightly. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

Suddenly she smiled and raised the harp, stretching it out to me. “Here you go, warrior.”

My lips quavered into a smile as I took it from her. My fingers brushed against the strings, and it was as though the earth slowed.

I sat down on the low stool placing the instrument on my thighs, it was a little bit larger than the one I had in Stone Peak, it was also old, older than any harp I had touched in Stone Peak, its wooden frame was scarred, as though it had lived its own fair share of war.

“Go ahead dear, play something.” The woman urged and I nodded. My fingertips brushed the strings as I began, a shiver running through me.

I drew in a deep breath and played.

The first note rang out softly, trembling under my hand, it sounded like the wind sighing just as I remembered it.

I continued to play, my body relaxing as I fell into rhythm, the melody spilling from the movement of my hands. Each note represented a memory, from my first music lesson, to the first time I played for Orphelia and my parents, and then the last moment in my room, before my freedom was taken away from me.

The villagers were still as I played. Their gazes were soft, and not hostile like the ones I mostly received in Frost Vale. The children were captivated, and quiet, swaying gently to my tunes.

I glanced up briefly and saw Clio, Jira, and Benedict, their eyes had turned glossy, and it made my smile grow wider.

Seeing their tears gave me a gentle reminder that aside from our armor and struggles, we were young lads trying to live through the struggles of our world.

A while later, I hit the final note, and it lingered before fading into the cold air. There was nothing but silence after, and I could hear just the sound of my heart pounding in my chest.

Then, an applause erupted, heavy and loud, because this time, it wasn't just the villagers but my friends and the rest of us.

The old woman who had given me the harp placed her hand on my shoulder, wearing the warmest looking smile, “That was beautiful, I haven't heard such wonderful tunes in a while. You play with sorrow,” she whispered. “And truth.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, rising slowly from the chair.

“Would you like to play again?” The woman asked, and my heart skipped a beat.

“I would…”

“Enough.” Saphena's voice rang loud like a whip slashing in the air. She stepped in between the woman and me, grabbing my wrist. Her face was blank, but her eyes held fury.

The applause died instantly. as she pulled me away from the crowd.

“You dare interrupt the sacred ceremony for music?” she hissed.

I swallowed hard. “It wasn’t an interruption. It was…”

“A display,” she snapped, gritting her teeth. “A vain attempt to draw attention to yourself. You think this is a performance? That Frost Vale is your stage?”

I shook my head, “No. I just wanted…”

“Shut up.” She cut me off, and I swallowed the rest of my words. Your punishment will be decided by the Alpha after your incompetence is reported.”

“Now get back in line.”

I turned without a word, heading back to the lineup. Saphena stepped forward moments later, announcing that the parade was over.

“Soldiers!” She yelled at the top of her voice, “March back to the carriage.” She ordered, and we obeyed.

As soon as I got into the carriage with Jira, Clio, and Benedict. They rushed at me, hugging me at once.

I chuckled trying to hug them back. As they pulled back, smiling widely at me.

“I didn't know you played.” Jira was the first to speak.

“Now, I truly believe you are a nobleborn.” Clio chimed in.

“Can you teach me? If we ever get the harp in your hands again.”

I giggled, nodding at Benedict’s words. “Thank you all. I am really honored.”



Arriving back at the castle, Saphena orders everyone to return to their quarters, aside from me.

She led me straight into the main castle and up the dark and eerie hallway. It was just plain stone walls with dim lights coming from the torches hung up on the wall.

At the very end was a large oak door decorated with the head of a wolf in the center of two silver swords.

Saphena placed a gentle knock on the door, and moments later, a voice boomed from the other end.

“Come in.”

I didn't know what to expect, but I chose to remain calm. What I did wasn't wrong, and Saphena was only making a big deal out of it because she clearly hates me.

Pushing the door open, she walked in first, and I followed behind her, stopping before the king. I bowed, before standing at ease just like the warriors.

The first thing my gaze landed on was his golden eyes, which glistened as though it was reflecting a bright light.

“Alpha Lir, I have brought with me a perpetrator. She crossed a line.” Saphena voiced out, hitting the nail on the head.

The Alpha's gaze was still locked with mine, but then I noticed his hand gripping the table was trembling slightly.

I parted my lips to speak, but he beat me to it. “Leave.” He said, almost quietly.

I glanced at Saphena wondering if he was talking to her or me?

“Go!” He commanded, louder this time. Saphena turned to me, nodding her head towards the door.

I bowed and scurried out of the room, still trying to wrap my head around what had just happened.