First Strike

Chapter 67:

Kaya's pov.

The wheels screeched to a halt, stopping Feyi and I in front of Alpha Silas’ palace. It was grand and beautiful, but quite dark and gloomy. We stepped down from the car, taking a look around. The people there didn't even bother to take a second look at us, they all seemed to be minding their own business.

I guess they don't care about who I am or what I have come to do there. But I noticed this weird aura around them which didn't sit well with me.

I carefully strapped Elior to my back and carried some of our property. Then, I followed slowly behind Feyi who was busy greeting a lot of people within the palace gates. They revered him and welcomed him and this was understandable because he used to be a healer here before leaving for Lucian's.

One of the guards led us into the palace throne room, where the mighty Alpha Silas sat comfortably on his throne, his big crown glistening on his head. He was nothing like Feyi described.

Feyi had told me only of how great and kind the Alpha is, how much he had sacrificed for his people, but he didn't tell me how scary looking he was. Not only was Alpha Silas huge, he had a full beard and a cold face which lacked expression. His lips were a bit chapped and I noticed he would occasionally swipe across them with his tongue. His gaze was intent and domineering, especially when focused on me.

“Greetings Alpha Silas!” Feyi said with a chuckle, bowing slightly to reverence the Alpha who had a wicked grin plastered on his face.

“Greetings.” His voice was flat.

“How was your journey Feyi?” He asked and his eyes darted to me. I struggled to maintain eye contact with him.

“And who is this?”

“This is Kaya, your humble servant who has come to offer her services to you. With her is Elior, her son whose birth circumstances will be communicated to you soon.” Feyi explained with a bow and I bowed as well, as a way to show my respect.

“Please, let her remain here with a child as a payment for what you owe me. She will stay here permanently and work for you while taking care of her child. I trust your governance Alpha and I know she will be safe here.” Feyi added and I lowered my head, feeling a little sad.

I wasn't comfortable with all of this, not only was Feyi giving too much permission to Alpha Silas, I felt strange being here. But what choice do I have? I need a roof over my head and a means to feed my baby so I have to oblige. I will do anything for my child, even if it means being subjected to this.

“That's fine Feyi..” Alpha Silas stared at me as if he was scanning me. “But she doesn't look like someone who can take up the responsibilities that awaits her.”

What does he even mean by that? What is he planning to do? Am I not here to be a maid? Does he have worse things planned? I couldn't help but wonder.

“But it's fine, for your sake, I will help her.” He added.

“Thank you Alpha Silas..” Feyi smiled from relief. “I knew I could depend on you.”

“You're very welcome my good friend. I'm sure your journey was stressful, I will have my servants bring drinks for us.” Alpha Silas said and ordered for drinks to be brought for them. I was sitting there with Elior, feeling strange about everything that was happening.

“And you.. Kaya.” He called my name with evident spite and I glanced at Feyi but he didn't seem to be bothered.

“You and your baby can go and freshen up. My servants will take you to where you'll be staying.” He said and I nodded my head slowly.

Soon, the drinks came and Feyi was offered a glass which he gulped down as quickly as possible. He smiled and thanked the Alpha. It wasn't long before I noticed his discomfort, it was like he was struggling to breathe and suddenly clenched his chest.

“Feyi? Are you alright?” I asked, Alpha Silas stared at Feyi with the same wicked grin on his face while Feyi struggled for breath and coughed out blood.

“Feyi!?” My life flashed before my eyes, I immediately realized that the drink had been poisoned!

“No! Feyi! No!” I screamed out but no one made a move, not a single person tried to help, they watched as Feyi slowly dropped to his death, foaming from his mouth. I went cold with shock, my eyes remaining wide. I couldn't move and I couldn't cry, it felt like my world had ended.

“Take him away.” Alpha Silas ordered and two of his guards came to carry Feyi's body out.

“You see Kaya..” Alpha Silas started, his eyes being a testimony to his wickedness.

“Life here is unpredictable.. The only way to ensure your survival is to make yourself useful and prove your loyalty.” He told me with a chuckle and I watched Feyi's body being dragged away.

“My servants will show you to your quarters. Do not give me a reason to force you to join Feyi.” His tone was deceptive, dripping with fake kindness.

Soon, a woman arrived, seemingly in her early forties, she told me to follow her which I immediately did, my heart still thumping in my chest. I could barely walk as my knees shivered from fear.

We walked through a maze of well arranged buildings, surrounded by gardens and beautiful structures. We finally came to a small hut at the outskirts of the pack, which had a single room but a nice, comfortable bed.

“This is your room. You are on kitchen duty everyday and will help in cleaning as well. Make sure that your baby does not get in the way of your duties, understood?” The servant, whose name turned out to be Marta, said to me and I nodded my head.

She turned around and left while I brought Elior down, placing him on the bed to continue his sleep. I stared at him and tears came flowing down my cheeks for the first time in a long time.

I couldn't be strong, not this time, I just couldn't. Watching life slip out of Feyi right in front of me and not knowing why such wickedness was meted out to him, broke me. I am all alone now, with absolutely no one by my side in this strange place.

I don't even know why Feyi was killed, I don't know what his crime is! I ended up crying myself to sleep that night, nightmares of my misery haunting my sleep.

Waking up the next morning, I knew I had to do whatever it takes to survive, so I got ready quickly and headed to the kitchen to start my work with Elior strapped to my back.

None of the other maids said a word to me as soon as I entered. I didn't know where to start and I expected that I would be put through the process but everyone was minding their business. The same weary look I saw in the eyes of the subjects on my arrival could also be seen in all the maids here.

I couldn't help but wonder, what is really going on here?