Chapter 9
Gradel
"You will do no such thing, Gradel. You have to stay here and fulfill your duties!" He hollered.
"And what if I don't, Alpha Cronus?" I retorted sharply, my breathing coming in hitches. I was tired of his overbearing attitude and he should be happy that I hadn't given orders to the servants to prepare for my trip.
The shock on his face switched to a death scowl. It was his signature expression that made his subordinates do his bidding without thinking twice, but it barely moved me, that was why he liked me.
"Gradel," He began calmly, "I know that after all these years you haven't forgiven me for what happened in the past, but can't you keep your grudges aside for the sake of this pack?"
We had already met face to face and his hands were on my shoulder, gripping me strongly. The respect I had for him was what stopped me from shrugging his hands off.
I was about to respond when Devin let out a chuckle, clapping his hands as his chuckle metamorphosed into laughter.
"Do you have to do this all the time, Father?" His smile thinned and his tone conveyed hints of annoyance. "Why are you hell-bent on convincing him to stay here in the pack when he's of no use to us?"
"Because we are about to go to war, and I'm not sure I will survive it if you all decide to desert me." He replied and I whipped a glance at him.
My eyes rolled in their sockets, and then I asked. "Who's the enemy?"
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Iris POV
The floor felt so soft underneath my back, and I wanted to lay on it forever or until the Prince's bracelet was found.
My eyelids didn't feel so heavy anymore as they fluttered open and the overwhelming weakness I'd been feeling all day suddenly disappeared even though I wasn't completely strong yet.
Upon taking a cursory glance at the room, I realized that I wasn't in the cell anymore. The memories from before splurged into my head: the fall, the blackout.
How did they know that I'd fainted? And if I was regarded as a thief, why did they take me to another room?
The little reprieve I had to myself was interrupted as a young woman with a little bag came in. I tried to sit upright to receive her, but the chains bound to my wrists held me back.
I rolled my eyes and sighed. Did they think I'd be able to escape from such a well-secured pack? And to think that I had no wolf, I would be torn into pieces at the snap of a finger.
"Good day, ma'am," I greeted.
She nodded, still standing by the door. "Are you getting any better?" She asked curtly, ignoring my greeting.
"Sure, I am," She looked more approachable than the others so I decided to go ahead with my questions. "I know that you'd like to get rid of me quickly because of my reputation," I let out a nervous chuckle and smiled, "But I'd like to know who brought me here."
"You are here on the Prince's orders, even though I don't understand why he took the stress to do that. You aren't even worth the Alpha's resources."
I nodded in agreement and turned my face to the side. People always said that I wasn't worth anything, and I didn't care, but hearing it from a woman who was on the same level as I was hurt me deeply.
Her silence spoke volumes so I didn't bother to continue the conversation. She could leave if she wanted.
"Once we ascertain that you're stronger and better you'll be moved back to the pack cell. I should feed you with some potion but even the servants aren't willing to prepare anything for you." She scoffed, her tone condescending. "I'll leave now,"
I kept shut, digging my teeth into my lower lip to stop a sob from escaping my throat.
There was no need to stay alive, my life was worthless and I'd probably die like a chicken. Even chickens were given better deaths.
"I don't deserve this, mother. Why did you have to die?" I sniffed.
The sounds of retreating footsteps caught my attention. I glanced at the door and saw that the lady was still in the room.
She sighed and then I noticed that the harsh lines on her face had disappeared as a look of sympathy crossed her features.
"Did you steal the Prince's bracelet?" She inquired softly with her arms folded.
A chortle was quick to escape my lips as I processed her question. "You are the first person to ask me such a question. I thought you had judged and sentenced me already?"
She inclined her head, advanced towards the bed sluggishly and lowered herself on it. "I did that out of bitterness..." She trailed off and I realized that she wanted to my name.
"It's Iris,"
"You know, we are in the same boat, the only difference is that my parents found a spot for me here. I do not have a wolf, I'm looked down on by my peers, even though I have a job that helps me sort my bills and I can send some money to my parents. But it's not enough, Iris. All my life I've only known suffering and I don't know how to be happy, so when I was assigned to take care of you, it got me very angry..." Her voice cracked and the room became silent.
My heavy breathing and her sniffles were the only sounds one could make out. Now I understood where she came from.
We had voices, but they couldn't be heard because the moon goddess decided to pick on some of us and make us the most vulnerable people on Earth.
"I'm so sorry to hear that. My life isn't better, but I guess no one wants to hear that," I laughed, secretly happy that someone other than my sister was having a conversation with me.
"I'm Hazel," She stretched her hand and then retracted it immediately. "I forgot that you are in chains, but I'd like to apologize for how I spoke to you. I had a bad day with the head of the servants and poured it out on you."
I nodded as a small smile appeared at the crook of my lips. "You can feed me, then we'll talk. That's if you aren't occupied with other things."
"Sure. I have no choice but to be here anyway because the Prince ordered that I watch over you all night." She informed me and my heart did a double flip.
"We'll be great friends, don't you think?" I gushed with excitement.
She nodded in agreement and flashed a smile. "Of course, we will."