He hardly had time to recover his breath when he arrived at Camille's quarters before bursting in.
Camille didn't move or show surprise when the servant suddenly came in. She just raised an eyebrow and looked at the servant, who was kneeling and breathing heavily. "Well?”
“My Lady,” the servant gasped, “Ashral and Zeph—They plan to deceive the Alpha. Ashral will pretend to brainwash her, and Zeph will fake being controlled.”
Camille remained quiet before a grin appeared across her face. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs, and tapped her fingers on the armrest. "How cute," she whispered. A smile played on her lips as she thought about what the servant told her.
The servant stood on his knees, his head bowed down. "Should I tell the Alpha, My Lady?" he asked.
"No, let them think their plan is working.” Camille chuckled softly. “It's fun to watch someone think they're in control... only to find out they're not."
The servant swallowed hard. “What shall we do in the meantime, My Lady?”
“We wait. You can leave.”
The servant bowed deeply before scurrying out of the room, leaving Camille alone with her thoughts. She leaned back against the plush cushions of her chair, a slow smirk curling over her lips.
Her intuition had been right. From the moment she saw Ashral’s hesitation the other day, she had suspected something was off. And now, her suspicions have been confirmed.
She tapped her fingers against the armrest, her mind already spinning about the ways she could use this to her advantage. Ryker thought he was the mastermind in all of this, but Camille knew better.
Her smile widened.
Zeph thought she had an escape plan. Ashral thought she was being clever, playing both sides.
But in the end, they would both learn.
Camille always stood a step ahead.
And when the time came, she would take great pleasure in watching Zeph’s spirit shatter.
\-
Some hours later.
Zeph remained limp as the guards dragged her through the grand hallways of Ryker’s pack house. Her body hung between them as if the poison still had complete control over her.
Ryker sat in a large armchair, waiting for her. His dark eyes gleamed with delight as the guards set her down onto a chair. He bent forward, putting his elbows on his knees.
“I missed seeing your face,” he whispered. He reached out, tracing a thumb along her cheek. “Did you miss me too?”
Zeph remained silent, staring past him as though he wasn’t even there. Zeph remained silent, staring past him as though he wasn’t even there.
Ryker chuckled. “Still playing tough, I see. But it won’t last. Soon, you’ll be exactly where you belong—by my side, doing everything I command. "Becoming my puppet”
Zeph swallowed the bile rising in her throat as he leaned in, his tongue flicking out to trail against her cheek. Her skin burned with disgust, but she forced herself to stay still, to endure it. She could not afford to break character now.
The doors opened again, and Ashral entered. Her expression was carefully neutral, but her sharp eyes flickered to Zeph for the briefest second.
“Finally,” Ryker sighed, standing to his full height. “Do your work, Ashral." And make sure it works this time.”
Ashral didn’t react to the threat. She simply gave a slow nod and turned to Zeph.
Zeph swallowed hard. That was it.
Ashral held out her hands, her fingers hovering above Zeph's head. She closed her eyes, her face scrunched up in effort, as if she was using all her strength. Zeph felt Ryker staring at her, waiting to see if Ashral's powers would work.
She took a deep breath—then let out a sharp scream.
“Please, stop!” she cried, her voice shaking. “Get out of my head!”
She trembled, her body jerking ever so slightly despite her feigned paralysis. Her face twisted in mock pain, as if she were losing herself.
Then, suddenly, she went still.
Silence filled the room.
Ashral turned to Ryker and gave him a firm nod.
Ryker grinned, pleased beyond words. He moved closer, crouching in front of Zeph.
She blinked a few times, her eyes glassy. “Ryker…what happened?”
Ryker smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Something happened to you, but you are alright now.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” he murmured, cupping her face with both hands. “And now, you belong to me.”
Zeph let her lips part slightly, her gaze distant, as if his words were slowly sinking in. “Why… why can’t I move?”
Ryker’s grin widened. “The effects haven’t fully faded yet, my love. But don’t worry. Soon, you’ll be back in my arms properly. Do you like that?”
“Of course I do. You are my mate, it’s only sensible I am back in your arms.”
His fingers traced her jaw, and just as he leaned in, intending to claim her lips—
The doors burst open.
Ryker growled in anger as Camille burst into the room, her high heels clicking on the marble floor. He was annoyed at the interruption, but Camille just smiled. "Sorry, darling," she said sweetly, walking toward them. "But I just couldn’t resist seeing your new little pet for myself."
Zeph stayed still, pretending to be under Ryker's control. But inside, she was furious and wanted to fight back. She hated Ryker's hands on her face. Every part of her wanted to break free and hurt him. But she made herself stay calm and limp, staring emptily at Camille like a trapped animal.
Camille moved closer and touched Zeph's hair. Zeph's skin felt sick at the touch, but she didn't pull away.
“So, she’s truly under your control now?” Camille asked, looking at Ryker but keeping Ashral in her peripheral vision.
Ryker smirked, clearly pleased with himself. “Of course. Ashral’s little ‘mistake’ has finally been corrected.”
Suddenly, Camille slapped Zeph. The loud sound filled the room. Zeph's head jerked to the side, her cheek burning. But she kept her face empty, refusing to show Camille that it hurt. "What are you doing?" Ryker asked, annoyed. He turned to Camille, his amusement fading.
“You fool,” Camille sneered. If you really believe she is under your control, tell her to strip. Right now.”
“That won’t change anything.”
Camille arched a brow. “You won’t know unless you try. "And if she does, it just automatically proves she is under your command.” She leaned in close, whispering, "What do you have to lose?" After a moment of silence, Ryker looked at Zeph. A cold, mean smile spread across his face. "I want you to take off your clothes," he said. "Now."