Chapter 20

We ventured inside slowly, with him holding my hand. I scanned our surroundings for any potential threats. Sensing nothing unusual, I continued walking deeper into the cave. I must admit, I was eager to see what kind of book it was. I also wondered why men still needed to inscribe their names on it after the mating ceremony.

"Are you alright, Amelia?" he inquired.

"Yes, absolutely!" I replied.

He seemed momentarily taken aback as he gazed at the stones ahead. I followed his gaze and noticed a large square object affixed to the wall, then looked back at him.

"That is the Book of Magnus. The first Lycan created in ancient times to engrave the names of two mated wolves destined for each other as foretold by prophecy," he explained solemnly.

"Does that mean all the names of mated werewolves are etched there?" I asked with curiosity.

"And what about you? What is your life's desire? Do you not wish for us to inscribe our names in that book?" he asked earnestly.

I hesitated before responding to his question. I moved closer to the book and ran my fingers over it. It felt like a hidden compartment opened up behind the wall, and the book seemed endless due to its thickness.

However, I decided to carefully read through all the names. As I read each name, certain words stood out to me.

"David and Dasha," I whispered softly.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw their names written there. Are they my parents? Or is it just a coincidence that they share the same names?

"Are you alright, Amelia? Is something bothering you?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Um, are all these names really of bonded mates? And did they all get married in Woundwoods?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"Not all of them were bonded in Woundwoods, but every name written here is meant for their respective mates," he replied, a gentle smile on his face.

"Why do you ask, Amelia?" he questioned.

"Oh, nothing. I was just curious," I lied, trying to hide my true intentions.

He leaned closer to the book, his hands skimming through the pages, searching for something.

A few moments later, he pointed to a name, and it happened to be his parents' names.

"Look, the names of my parents are engraved here," he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face.

I wanted to tell him that my parents' names were also engraved, but I couldn't risk him recognizing them. My plans would crumble if he found out. So, for now, I had to keep my true identity hidden.

"Do you think all the names written here are still alive?" I asked him.

"Many have passed away, like Dylan," he replied, a hint of sadness in his voice.

"I feel sorry for his wife, losing him so soon after their wedding," he added.

"It's truly heartbreaking to lose someone you love, especially in such a cruel manner," I responded, my voice filled with determination.

"Do you know what I fear the most?" he asked, his gaze locked with mine.

"What?" I asked, my curiosity growing.

"I'm afraid of losing you, Amelia," he confessed.

"I will do whatever it takes to protect you, even if it costs me my life," he vowed.

I couldn't help but smile at his words, but I quickly composed myself, maintaining a tough exterior. As he stared into my eyes, I hardened my heart.

"You deserve to die," I thought to myself.

"But first, you must suffer," I added silently.

His question only fueled the fire within me. I never expected him to be interested.

My blood warmed even more upon hearing his question. I didn't think he was interested in knowing how my parents died.

"Why did your parents die?" he inquired with a serious expression.

"I learned from Norman that your parents were killed by people. What was the reason?"

"They were brutally murdered right in front of me. They pleaded, but their cries fell on deaf ears," I responded firmly, trying to hold back my tears.

He moved closer, gently stroking my back. I took a deep breath to compose myself. Suddenly, the realization hit me that the man embracing me was the one responsible for my parents' death, so I pushed him away immediately.

"What's the matter, Amelia?" he asked, clearly taken aback by my reaction.

"Nothing. Let's go," I replied sternly.

As we exited the cave, we heard rustling and gasping sounds in the distance. He grasped my hand and locked eyes with me.

"Don't be afraid," he reassured me seriously.

Our surprise was evident when a woman suddenly appeared before us. Aryana's smiling face greeted us, much to my annoyance. Why was she here? Was she following us? Would the Alpha not stop her?

"Aryana?" Alpha Damien called out.

"Hello, Alpha. Did I startle you both?" she inquired with a smile.

"Why are you here?" Alpha Damien questioned.

"Well, I was searching for you earlier, and the guards mentioned you were here. I just wanted to bid you farewell as I am returning to Deovir," she explained with a smile.

"Oh! Thank you, Aryana. Take care on your journey," Alpha responded with a smile.

I was taken aback as she hugged Alpha before departing. Alpha Damien seemed surprised by Aryana's actions as well. Despite feeling irritated, I pushed aside my emotions to avoid appearing jealous. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

"Are you alright, Amelia?" he inquired.

"Absolutely," I replied directly.

"I thought there might be an enemy. But Aryana was the only one following us," he remarked with a smile.

Don't you think the forest is unusually quiet today since Aryana left?" I inquired.

We exchanged glances and I caught a strange scent once more. Our attention was then drawn to a heartless, lifeless deer.

Alpha simply shook his head and motioned for us to return to Woundwoods. As we made our way back, we were suddenly ambushed, resulting in him getting wounded in the back. However, he managed to decapitate a male vampire.

"Are you alright, Alpha?" I inquired.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'll always protect you," he reassured.