Chapter 23 Chapter 23

Chapter 23 Chapter 23

Katsura.

Alessio’s hand was still holding mine when he spoke, his thumb brushing the back of my palm as if nothing dangerous had just been said.

“Relax,” he said quietly. “Don’t think about what they said. I’ll handle it.”

His voice was calm, I wondered if he knew the gravity of what they just said. Like this was just another problem he could crush under his heel.

But I couldn't stay still anymore and do nothing.

My fingers slipped from his hold slowly, deliberately. The moment his warmth left my skin, I stood up.

“I want to go for a run,” I said.

The words surprised even me, just anything to clear my head but a run was something I was always scared to do.

Alessio rose to his feet immediately, his chair scraping harshly against the floor. “Are you insane?” he snapped.

I shook my head, my chest tightened and tears sat heavy in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “No. I’m perfectly fine.”

He stared at me like he didn’t believe a single word coming out of my mouth.

“I’m going to die anyway,” I continued softly. “Today or tomorrow or in a few days. It doesn’t matter. But Rose…” My voice broke. “My wolf hasn’t run in years.”

The room felt too small and I felt like I was being watched even though I didn’t see anyone around.

“I’ve kept her locked away,” I whispered. “I’ve ignored her. I’ve been human for too long. If I’m going to die… then at least let her feel the earth once more.”

I turned and walked toward the exit without looking at him.

“Katsura.” He called out to me, but I didn’t stop.

Strong hands grabbed my arm and spun me back. Alessio’s face was close, his jaw tight, his eyes dark with something I couldn’t read.

“If you’re going for a run,” he said slowly, “then we do it together.”

I blinked at him, unsure if I heard him right or if he might just be joking.

“You won’t go alone,” he added. “Not tonight… it’s not safe out there,” he pointed toward the darkness.

For the first time since the men spoke of killing the omega, I smiled.

It was just a small smile that was genuine but I was still broken.

We walked out of the hall side by side, and the guards lowered their eyes as we passed. The moonlight shone on our faces but all I could do was smile. Alessio was going to see me transform and the fact that he wanted to see me do that made me very excited.

At the edge of the grounds, I stopped.

“Touch here,” I said, stretching out my wrist.

His fingers hesitated, then rested over my skin, the mark burned.

Heat rushed through my veins and then the pain followed immediately.

My bones cracked, loud and sharp. I cried out as my spine arched, my ribs shifting, my arms lengthening. My clothes tore away from my body as fur spilled across my skin.

I collapsed to the ground, gasping, claws digging into the earth. My wolf, Rose screamed inside me, she was free after a long time.

“What a good time to be free,” she purred excitedly.

I stood on four legs, trembling, breath heavy. The world sharpened, viewing it in a way I had never done before. I could smell the trees, the damp soil, the night air… and Alessio.

He was already running, leaving me behind and then I took off.

The forest swallowed us whole. I didn’t howl… I wouldn’t dare, I just ran fast.

Alessio slowed down and stayed behind me, close enough to block my scent, close enough to protect me, but never leaving my side.

The wind was cold against my skin, the branches scratched my sides and my heart pounded widely… I felt like we were being watched.

I stood in a spot, and an evil thought crawled into my head. I turned to look at Alessio who also stood behind me watching me as if sensing what I had in mind to do.

He shook his head as if to warn me… “don’t try anything stupid.”

Ahead, the cliff loomed. I could hear the roar of the river far below. This was it… the smell of the water drew me closer, in fact it was as if it longed for me.

I turned again to look at Alessio for the last time… I saw his eyes widen in terror.

I sprinted off toward the cliff… I didn’t slow down, I couldn’t slow down… I didn’t want a change of mind.

“Katsura!” Alessio shouted behind me.

I didn’t answer, my mind was made up.

I reached the edge and skidded to a stop, pebbles falling into the darkness below. My paws trembled.

“Stay still!” he commanded.

The Alpha voice hit me hard, and my body froze against my will.

I raised my nose to the sky… I could smell something in the air and it wasn’t friendly.

Before I could turn, pain exploded through my side. Arrows were shot at me… one, two, three…

I cried out as my legs gave way. I hit the ground hard, my wolf body curling in on itself. Blood soaked into my fur… my vision blurred, tears trailing down my furry face.

I heard Alessio roar, he turned sharply but then froze.

His men stepped out from the trees, his men stepped out of the woods, at least ten of them with their bows lowered, then they bowed before him.

They offered him a coat, this was when I realized that he was now human. Maybe the shock from me jumping off the cliff to his men shooting at me.

“My Alpha,” one said calmly. “We’ve finally caught the omega wolf.”

Alessio didn’t speak nor did he move.

They walked past him, their hands grabbed me roughly. I whimpered, pain tearing through me as they lifted my broken body.

My eyes met his… even with the tears that blurred my vision I could still see him and I hated it.

He looked… shattered.

They carried me deep into the forest, deeper than I’d ever been. Threw me into a cold stone cell and slammed the door shut.

I lay there bleeding, shaking, waiting for death with no hope in sight.

That night in my sleep I heard a voice.

“Katsura.”

I lifted my head.

It was Alessio.