[Next night | Time skip]

The night finally arrived patiently and two women walked out of a shabby nearly downtrodden building. Which had nothing to hide because the sorrows of the dancers, shame and poverty had been puking out of each tainted window. The whole assumed shining outer of their lives was in reality just a rotten, moss and moth eaten building, where the stench of perverted werewolves reeked who had left their seeds and scents there.

"How are we supposed to travel to the palace?"

Danielle inquired upon seeing nothing in front of their house, whereas the whole town had been approaching the castle in lavish carriages. Both of the ladies stood there under the snow as one snowflake fell over Danielle's pointy nose. It appeared that winter was the constant weather of kingdom Selene.

People claimed that the reason for the cold climate of the kingdom was caused by the alpha's nonchalant attitude and was a punishment for the kingdom due to some curse. And for that reason the alpha used to conduct that 5 year ball so he could find his mate who would melt his heart and bring the summer back. No wonder every single woman of the kingdom took this opportunity to dress up and doll up in various colours, all the efforts were done to snag the attention of the noble blood lord alpha in order to conquer his heart.

"Oh, don't worry about that."

Martha walked out behind her with all her attention fixated on the neckline of the dress, which had been exposing Martha's cleavage in a seductive way. Danielle frowned in a complaining gesture as her eyes followed her friend's movement of hands. While Martha pushed her breasts upwards by placing her hands below to give them a defined exposure within that pink dress. Danielle could not help but blush upon the whole sight, she could feel her ears burning hot with the shyness.

"Isn't that….quite a low neckline?"

She hesitantly questioned the woman standing besides her while Martha deliberately winked at Danielle and repeated the same action. Martha knew that despite being the brothel dancer Danielle had never allowed anyone to touch her unlike Martha who used to flash her assets. Danielle was a shy type and the whole thing about finding her mate made Danielle melt in a puddle of shame.

On the other hand Martha was having emotions totally opposite to hers and it was still a surprise how both of them got along together with the contrasting visions of life. Nonetheless, it appeared that Martha has already planned something about travelling towards the castle, Belle Morte.

"That's the trick, my love. You offer something to receive something."

Danielle stared at the petite lady clad in pink silk dress having stones around the belt of the dress with a plain heavy flair which brushed against the ground.

"Don't tell me you are planning to seduce some count there. Are you? What if he is not your mate?"

Although Danielle knew the answer to her question but silently prayed her hunch to be false, she had never regarded Martha as a temptress but was also aware that she was desperate to uplift her living. Everyone at the brothel was endlessly trying to find their mates, the bunch who finally found them got rejected due to their profession.

It was already becoming hard for them to live along without a mate, a few attempted suicide while the rest continued to pull it off. But perhaps Martha and Danielle were not going to do any such thing. It was a special night for them and since the ball was called every 5 years and numerous werewolves found their fated mates there.

"Tsk tsk, why are you grouchy with whatever I do?"

Martha pursed her lips and rolled her eyes upon Danielle's words while Danielle came forward and patted her shoulder gently as to make it up to Martha.

"Okay, okay. Don't be so grumpy."

Danielle pouted while faking angry expressions as she folded her arms over the chest. Both of the ladies were standing outside the brothel and due to their excitement both of them were unable to feel the bone chilling cold.

"Although you didn't tell me how do I look?"

Martha giggled softly with a smug expression as she praised the beauty standing in front of her.

"You are looking drop dead gorgeous, absolutely ready to set every werewolf count's heart on fire!"

Although her words were absolutely true since the maroon shaded velvet dress suited Danielle as if it had been sewn after she wore the cloth. Every woman aimed to find their mates at the ball which was the biggest opportunity for all of them. However, none of them wished to be the Luna for the cold hearted alpha. And perhaps Danielle also never wished to be the mate to alpha Cyrus Rhaziel.

Her blonde hair created a perfect contrast with the dress and an eye feasting combination with her clear skin and faint freckles.

"Oh no, I'm not aiming to garner any sort of attention of anyone. It's just an adventure and food, remember?"

Martha completely shoved back her words reminding her friend that they both had a huge difference between them. And the other women of the town who had been aiming to find a suitor in the ball to marry or to date...or perhaps to become a pet to a rich count!

If Danielle had any idea that she was already the most awaited guest by the alpha himself and did not require the attention of any measly count when Lord Cyrus was willing to meet her in person! But was it really acceptance? Or the alpha was going to reject her in public? Or was it an unexpected marriage offer from Alpha Cyrus' side? Everything was vague and unclear but one thing was certain Danielle's life was about to change overnight!

"Look, the carriage is here."

Martha flung her arm out to point out at the carriage which was pretty much decent for both of them to look presentable.

"Did you rent it? Like seriously?"

Danielle did not know that Martha had been investing into their adventure diligently because to her it was nothing more than a 'one night fling' and the whole mirage would vanish the very next day. They both would practically return to their old life as brothel dancers whom nobody wants.

"Why not? Now get in, we are already late for some delicacies."

Martha hopped in as a snowflake fell on Danielle's nose once while the woman looked heavenwards and inhaled sharply. She wished for the best for both of them because the ball was open to everybody which meant every kind of person was invited and welcomed.

"You shouldn't have picked silk, only a fool would chose that in this weather."

She made a remark on Martha's dress who had been wrapping her shoulders and neck with a woollen scarf by now, while Danielle was pretty much comfortable in her wisely selected maroon velvet gown.

"Yeah, I know. Will you now keep your wise words to yourself?"

Martha snarled at her but then smiled by sticking her tongue out making Danielle chuckle at her childish act.

The carriage drove both of them towards the castle passing through the empty streets and closed shops, no wonder the town was nearly empty because the rare opportunity of attending a ball.

'I just hope everything will go fine.'

Danielle prayed in her heart clenching her fist over the chest while her eyes darted towards the glimmering castle which had been growing closer now.

"We have reached ladies."

The man informed them and they both crept out if the carriage managing the hem of their dresses while the resplendent Belle Morte stood in front of their drooling eyes!

"Oh heavens!"

Martha responded to the beauty of the historic moment and the ceremonial decorations while they both stepped inside passing through the grand entrance of the huge gate.

As soon as Danielle took her first step into the castle the walls sensed the presence of someone 'unusual' and 'forbidden' while the werewolves could only smell werewolf blood and the temptation of beauties all around them. It appeared that none of the regular werewolves were able to sense anything unusual walking among them. Meantime in the bed chamber of alpha Cyrus, the man who had been sitting on the huge bed with his legs crossed but immediately opened his eyes.

"She is here! Mate!"

His sharp fangs shone brightly as he unleashed his claws, while Cyrus' orbs glowed golden with thirst.

Meanwhile on the other hand Martha and Danielle were still trying to figure out how to react.

"Oh heavens!"

Danielle skimmed around the enormously stretched hall which was dipped into the shower of golden lights and none other than the swarm of werewolves.

"This is insane!"

She gasped in shock as the gorgeous slender beauties and uncountable hunks appeared to her sinful emerald eyes in a slow motion pace as she moved her gaze from walls towards the people.

"Hey, hey Martha are you seeing this?"

Danielle tried to elbow her friend but nothing touched her arm except the air which shivered sensing the mysterious aura from her.

"Huh? Where did she go?"

She turned her head only to see herself standing alone in the entrance like a fool as she skimmed through the hall with an anxious expression.

The lady knew they both came together but soon would split up to enjoy the royal ball, although she did not know that Martha would abandon her sooner to go on her 'hunk hunt.' .

"Where in the world did she go so fast?"

Danielle whispered to herself in a soft tone slightly clutching the hem of the gown while her searching gaze looked for her friend.

Danielle expected her to be found around the corner of delicacies but to her surprise she was in the embrace of a man while they both danced together.

".........."

The woman could not comprehend how Martha was able to snag attention each time wherever they went, she appeared to be a man attracting magnet who could have people wrapped around her pinkie.

Danielle was still trying to pass some remarks on the sight she just witnessed when she turned her head only to find a hunk standing close to her zoned out silhouette. Within the spur of the moment her face nearly touched the man's as her lips barely managed not to collide with his. Somehow they both survived the closeness, one without getting bitten and the other managing his hunger.

She immediately gasped and stepped back out of fright with her emerald orbs staring intently within the eyes of the man, who appeared to be a beta count with his aristocratic attire and the particular traits.

"Hello dear."

The man bowed slightly with his hungry eyes never leaving the sight of her face, as he greeted Danielle softly indicating that he did not mean any harm.

"H- hello."

The lady grabbed the hem and bowed as a gesture of respect to him after all he was much more respectable than her, who did not have much say in the things due to having no wolf and being a brothel dancer.

"Can I have the honour of asking the most gorgeous woman in the ball for a dance?"

The man flung his arm out when his gloved hand rested in front of her to grasp, Danielle looked down carefully knowing that she could not refuse him as not to appear rude to anybody who was present there under the alpha's roof.

'Er, should I agree or not?'

Her brain was running fastly not comprehending any possible conclusion hurriedly. She was well aware that having emotional strings attached to a werewolf was no different than wishing for water in a desert. After all, at the end of the day she was not someone who was wanted and desired by any respectable man.

'I should not refuse him only to sound rude.'

She slightly shook her head and lifted her gaze to witness a man no less than a godly figure and face.

"It will be my honour, sir."

She reluctantly agreed and bowed with the same gesture as before and placed her hand over his. The lady was aware that no harm could befall upon her since the ball was conducted under the alpha's roof and there were guards all around them. Well, harassing anybody was out of the question let alone doing any other gruesome deed.

A lopsided grin appeared on the man's lips as soon as Danielle grabbed his hand, the man pulled her closer by waist and within a jerk she was glued to his body.

'What is he doing?'

She nervously questioned to herself and looked around haphazardly to divert her attention because the situation had been getting awkward.

'Calm down Danielle, calm down. It is just a dance.'

She consistently reminded herself because a lowly woman like her could not revolt or rebel acknowledging that the resplendent hall was occupied with powerful people. Counts, merchants, betas, alphas of other packs, omegas, who had the authority all over the kingdom which was collectively ruled by Lord Cyrus Rhaziel.

'She does not smell like other werewolves at all.'

The man made a slight movement which could be considered as a dance but more like an attempt to get intimate. Since his nose was nearly on the side of her neck slightly touching her blonde hair locks.

'No wonder no one is able to sense her aromatic scent combined with the bitterness of something unknown, because no other royal blood is here to witness this strange moment.'

His eyes did not leave her face while Danielle had her one hand placed on his shoulder although she tried endless not to do anything which could be considered as rude or insolence. The man did not appeared to be a simple person since only he was able to sense Danielle's peculiar scent while other werewolves could not.

'Strange that lord Cyrus never mentioned any person who could possess such scent in this kingdom. But why?'

His thoughts ran wild with the analysis of her face, plump cherry lips, sharp features and blonde hair were a worth simping combination with emerald eyes which could bring any man on his knees.

Maybe Alpha Lord Cyrus Rhaziel was an exception!

The lo fi music resonated in the golden lit hall as numerous couples danced and developed their emotions. Precisely, situationship as they say which Martha was looking for too. After all, it would not hurt any bit if somebody would get laid with an authoritative person for a few gold coins and rubies.

Danielle wanted the dance to end as soon as possible because the man’s intense soul sucking stare was making her uncomfortable. She had no clue if the werewolves were always like that or that man was someone special in being the top tier pervert. But it did make her grow cautious from him as she kept her gaze fixated on him not to make the man suspicious.

Soon after the music stopped and the dance ended, the man bowed down to the lady with respect though he had a grin over his face. Whereas Danielle followed his lead and flung her arm out courteously for the man to kiss the back of her hand. No doubt there were some set norms for the civilians to pay heed and nobody could boldly dare to be ignorant to them.

'Finally this is over. I can rest assured now that he is not going to hurt me.’

Danielle muttered to herself with a sigh of relief while the gaze of the mysterious man was still glued on her face. He could see the anxious expression on her beautiful face which displayed her uneasiness by his presence. But that man was determined in his stance.

Whereas, Martha was still dancing with the person who apparently seemed a rich beta count. Since the handmade loafers and the signet ring he had on his finger were the biggest sign of his wealth. The kingdom Selene was led by the supreme alpha Cyrus Rhaziel, while every state had its own beta count with further classified and split into numerous omegas.

'Martha, O' girl, what are you even doing? How can you even let anyone touch you so easily? These betas and other counts are just a bunch of perverts.’

Danielle thought to herself with a bitter taste in her mouth, upon seeing that the count had been taking Martha out of the palace and she had a wide smile on her face. Whereas, Martha gladly followed him without any complaints.

Well, anybody could predict what would happen ahead, since that was the reason for going to the ball. And every single ball night brought numerous such fated couples or situationships to develop. Martha and the count were not a surprise since Danielle knew for what purpose Martha had dressed up so fancy and neatly.

'Come on girl, you can't simply believe anybody in the ball blindly like that.'

The lady curled her fingers into fist and wanted to knock some sense into her friend. But that was definitely not a place where one could act rashly. That would be a brave move to ruin the ball of alpha Cyrus Rhaziel, knowing the consequences for the insolent behaviour would be severe for sure.

Meanwhile the man in front of her who just had a dance with Danielle, grew closer to her silhouette while she was zoned out completely to realise anything. She was focused on how to draft ways to get back home since Martha was gone and would probably return at dawn. It left her worried and conscious immediately as Danielle grew angry over the thought that Martha left her.

With the unique scent of hers intoxicating his senses during the whole zoned out moment, the count could not restrain himself and instinctively his canines enlarged. Danielle could not sense any changes happening around her which made her unable to grasp the physical change in that beta count.

'Just a small bite and lick would not hurt, right?'

He knew that werewolves were not allowed to drink blood from humans. And it was a law created by alpha Cyrus Rhaziel to provide the protection to the humans at maximum. Nobody was permitted to mate with someone forcefully, in that case the marking would be considered nullified.

Similarly there were certain other rules which prevented such forced marriages and forceful mating. It provided the civilians an assurance that the alpha would not let anyone get mistreated. There were numerous regulations which helped the humans survive in kingdom Selene which was a dominated region of werewolves.

'Damn, she is inciting my senses and surprisingly I'm unable to restrain myself.'

The man muttered to himself and concluded that something was definitely different about her but still the answer was a mystery.

'If Martha goes away then how am I supposed to go home?'

Danielle was still in her thoughts that she did not realise anything odd around her and was totally unaware of the man's advancements. His eyes turned bright golden and was about to bite her exposed neck in a jiffy with his super speed, but a loud thud sound resonated in the hall.

Specks of dust rose in the hall and everyone gasped immediately not acknowledging what had happened since there was just a trail of dust. It led their confused eyes towards the wall which had a huge spot and bricks were broken. Everything happened in a few split seconds which did not let any one of them be able to see what storm actually occurred there.

Danielle became terrified and covered her mouth with both hands with terror in her eyes. The lady's lips were troubling and she could not move her eyes away from the man who was literally stuck into that hole. The beta count who was just talking to her a few moments ago was now badly sunk into that hole.

The impact of the push was huge which broke the bricks and created a round sunken shape. Danielle had no clue who could do that especially with that power. Similarly the rest of the people who attended the ball were equally confused. Meanwhile a voice resonated with authoritative confrontation which snagged everyone’s attention.

"Lord Hawthorne!"

Curtis, the beta of alpha Cyrus, who was clad in black from head to toe. He immediately dashed towards the count with a guilty expression because he failed to protect what was his master’s. The man who was just dancing with Danielle was now stuck in the spot and groaned while wincing in pain as he tried to get out of the hole.

Danielle trembled as she had never been put into such a situation which was triggered by her. It was a fortunate decision that she had been wearing a long dress to cover her shaking limbs. Or else anyone would have seen her frightful condition which would have embarrassed her.

"How dare you attempt such a bold act rashly!"

A loud magnetic voice resonated in the enormous hall which was earlier filled with gasps. And now every single head turned towards the source of the voice, which came all the way from the other side of the hall.

Every single person knew that Curtis was appointed to speak on the behalf of the alpha. And apparently he was the one to utter the words, which felt like a death sentence to Lord Hawthorne. It was an expected and on point reaction since there was no way anyone was permissible to act recklessly under his watch.

Especially, when it involved the possible mate of alpha Cyrus Rhaziel.

Every soul present in the hall standing in every square corner held their breaths and immediately bowed with their one knee on the floor. While women presented greetings and respect by bowing with extremely low heads. Since beta Curtis was directly a speaker for the alpha everyone was forced to respect him and accept his decisions.

Danielle lifted her eyes sneakily and daringly only to see the mighty alpha for the first time who was known to be pleasing to every human eye. Well, that was what she thought. Danielle boldly mistook Curtis for the alpha with the way he made his grandeur appearance.

'Is...is he?'

Danielle gulped down her fears after all anyone would have reacted the same way after watching the scenario. Lord Hawthorne was barely able to gather energy to stand up on his wobbly legs and with the help of his butler who supported him.

No matter how powerful the count was, no one in the hall had more strength than Curtis. Yes, he was the one to throw that powerful blow of air aimed at the insolent count. Since he was directly associated with the alpha he had some perks blessed by the moon goddess. Curtis was destined to protect and take care of the alpha, he was also responsible to cater the search for his mate.

And the very idea made the strength of King Cyrus unimaginable. Since the question was obvious if his personally taught and trained confidant was powerful, then the alpha king himself must be mighty in terms of grasp over his abilities.

The whole hall grew silent for a moment that only Danielle dared to have a sneak peak since curiosity killed the cat. All she could see was a sturdy and stern looking man in the front of the staircase with his torso slightly exposed in that white shirt and the muscles he had were worth drooling.

Curtis had glowing golden irises which were slightly darker than the rest of the werewolves. And it was definitely a sign for others to respect his presence and decisions. Of course, he was the personal messenger of the noble alpha Lord Cyrus Rhaziel, and even royal bloods were obliged to obey him since the king was behind him.

"How bold of you to attempt to breach the rules,"

Curtis glided down the golden staircase which rested in the middle of the hall. While his sleek black hair tied in a long ponytail with a golden hairpin moved gracefully. Just like his master he was also an epitome of handsome-ness.

Dressed in black suit with silver dragons imprinted on the shoulders he looked imposing and the intent stare caused an extremely dangerous aura. Everyone gave him way and scattered into two groups gasping about the pitiful fate of Lord Hawthorne. Beta Curtis approached him with his eyes intently staring at the bold culprit.

"And that too under the roof of alpha’s roof!"

His voice echoed in the hall along with a noise of sharp breaths of others, while the guilty count was unable to concentrate on anything. The perverted culprit count was unable to generate any excuse to justify his actions since nothing was going to work effectively.

His head was still spinning as he stood there with his butler, although he could see a double image of Curtis and could hear his words.

"I believe you assumed that the noble lord would not take any notice. Tsk, how ignorant of you!"

Beta Curtis mocked him and halted in the middle of the decorated hall which was about to turn into an altar. While Danielle clutched her dress with the imposing aura coming from Curtis who was standing right in front of her but facing towards Lord Hawthorne.

Whereas King Cyrus was absent from the scenario!

"N- no please, forgive me."

Lord Hawthorne immediately knelt in front of Curtis not bothering to care about his reputation and honour and pleaded for mercy.

His voice stuttered and he began to slap himself hard with consistent sobbing and begging for mercy.

"I...I got swayed, my lord. Please….I beg you, spare my life."

Curtis did not respond or even flinched at his act instead he reached for his hairpin and took it out letting the long hair loose, with an effortless flung of arm the long needle pierced his forehead from the middle.

Danielle gasped loudly seeing blood oozing from his forehead as his lifeless body fell and decomposed into a black smoke leaving the golden hairpin. It was an unusual sight to behold and the only explanation people could derive was the special hairpin Curtis had. It was definitly the doing of that pin that a werewolf killed by it would turn into a smoke leaving no trace of death. Curtis walked up to it and picked the pin which was a gift from king Cyrus and licked off the blood with his piercing gaze intently at terrified befuddled Danielle!

It was obvious that there was no way werewolves could perform any such feats of turning someone into smoke. But somehow the beta Curtis was one peculiar case who was blessed by the moon goddess with some particular perks. It was highly unusual for werewolves to die and turn into ashes then transform into smoke. But since Curtis was blessed by the moon goddess when he was a child,the beta was born a hybrid which increased his strength compared to other ordinary werewolves. 

It was still a mystery to everyone including the court and other authoritative people of kingdom Selene that how did they both even meet. The friendship of a werewolf and a hybrid specifically who had vampiric blood running in his veins. Since those two breeds were known to be each other’s enemies from eons. The vampire race was a prideful one and they were not known for serving others, and the very thought made everyone confused as to why would Curtis willingly serve the alpha. 

The enigma had kept everyone in a quizzical state since nobody could really comprehend or conclude anything about that part. It was clear that Curtis was serving as the beta for Cyrus which meant that he put down his pride to serve the alpha as his servant. But the question which was raised here was, why would the beta Curtis willingly do that? Was it some kind of mystery or curse they two had in between them which forced the two men to get bound to each other?

It appeared that in the midst of the chilling endless winter the kingdom Selene was not as simple as it seemed. The alpha was ruling the kingdom all alone with the help of his beta Curtis, it did raise many such questions that how a sick alpha was able to pull such power. It was evident that it had something to do with either Curtis and his powers or the moon goddess had blessed him. However, it was still not clear if that was it or something else, some other mystical power was involved? 

There was a lot of mystery around the alpha Cyrus, the sole ruler of the kingdom itself. Who was he? What background did he have? Where did he even come from? Because there was a rumour among the elite counts that the supreme alpha Cyrus was a rogue wolf. Some said he was the personal bodyguard of the former king and deliberately killed the previous Lord to seize the throne. None of them had splud proof about his identity or anything, most had not even seen the alpha themselves due to his habit of staying in the shadows. 

Since Curtis was the one who dealt the matters up front with everybody and was the messenger of the alpha, the people started seeing and predicting Cyrus from the vision and personality of his beta. Hence, which in turn earned him all those questionable and notorious titles and reputation.

Danielle was stunned upon seeing the dead boy of the beta count Hawthorne. It did not take long enough that the body was reduced to ashes which turned into the black smoke. The woman had no clue what to do ahead and as soon as her gaze fell upon Curtis, her breath hitched and the shaking increased.

The whole hall became silent too, which was a clear indication of an unusual act. Nobody had thought of any such thing happening at the ball. Especially when the alpha Cyrus was right there somewhere around. And yet somebody dared to act reckless when that was not something with a sane mind would attempt.

Curtis shifted his gaze from Danielle after giving her a glare as he could not bluntly confront her. The woman grew even more cautious about the whole thing and could not move with her trembling legs. However, by now she was sure that the beta Curtis would not hurt her or any other person when it was not needed.

"I apologise for the inconvenience, dear ladies and gentlemen.”

Curtis turned around with the pin in his palm while he spoke casually as if whatever he did was nothing barbaric or merciless but a usual thing he was supposed to do. The beta was calmly speaking whereas the rest of the civilians were equally confused and terrified.

None of them had any idea of what actually happened because everything occurred within just a few seconds. It did not give any chance to the others to grasp anything or understand why lord Hawthorne was killed. But none of them could boldly confront the alpha king’s beta knowing that it would be equal to questioning his decision.

Danielle gulped the moment when beta Curtis cast an eerie look at her. And she immediately knew that she had to leave the castle as soon as possible. Danielle could see some unknown force rising from his silhouette as black mist began to form around his body. The aura coming from Curtis made her heart sank with fright.

The pin rose from his palm within the mist and his hair began to ruffle and tied up in the tail and the mist got inserted within his hair on its own.

'What in the world was that? Why am I being seen like that?’

Danielle felt something stuck in her throat and her mouth became extremely dry knowing that the castle was not secure. Her eyes were still darted on the man (beta Curtis) in the middle of who was speaking again and resumed his speech.

‘Did I do something wrong? Oh my goodness, am I going to be punished too? But..but I was not instigating or implying anything. I…I should not be punished for doing nothing.’

Meanwhile Curtis was having his moment of pride for putting a brat in his place. Danielle was immersed in her own thoughts about her safety.

No doubt she was not going to risk her life for nothing, it was not that she was satisfied with her own life. But the woman did not wish to die such a horrible death which would smear her name. Danielle did not wish to add more dirt to her reputation which would come with the accusation upon her.

"But the wrong one needed to be taught a lesson to warn others that King Cyrus Rhaziel would not bear any injustice."

Danielle noticed that only Curtis was addressing the king like that by his name whereas others showed utmost respect by calling him 'his highness.' It gave her the instant thought that the man in front of him was the beta of Alpha Crus, the most trustworthy person besides the king.

"You may enjoy the ball now without any obstructions."

After the pin was put back into his hair the man moved to the stairs and flung his arm out to place it on his heart and slightly bowed his head. Curtis completely ignored Danielle and did not focus on her for the further proceedings.

The swarm of people immediately scattered and resumed their activities while chattering began in low voice. Whereas the butler of Lord Hawthorne was still mourning over the place where there was no sign of any ash. As soon as Curtis was a few steps away from her, Danielle’s mind began to run faster for her own safety.

'What even is this man? Such incredible strength.’

She was still in her thoughts when lifted her head and the gaze met Curtis's. Danielle was unable to determine why she had been feeling some unknown pressure from him. There was something suspicious about Curtis and the way he had been looking at her.

'No, no. I have to get out of here. I should not have come here at all.'

She stepped back slightly and sneakily wanted to leave the palace but the pressure of hypnotising gaze coming from him made her legs tremble. Danielle had no clue about the behaviour she was being shown but the sudden change of atmosphere made her realise that she needed to leave.

'Run Danielle, run!'

She told herself encouraging the thought of escaping from the palace that Danielle turned around and took bigger steps towards the arcade. The woman was not sure where she should have run but one thing was certain she had to find a way out. Staying inside Belle Morte was risky for her considering that she had just gotten involved in a matter.

Not acknowledging which arcade would lead her to the exit, she haphazardly took the wrong one and stepped hurriedly towards the left. Danielle had no clue about the castle and the ways, she aimlessly just left the main dancing hall and ran through the corridor.

'Is he following me? No, no he did not even see me leaving the hall.’

She peeked from the corner of her eyes backwards while running through that black stone decorated arcade, only to see that a silhouette had appeared in the corridor chasing her.

Of course, the man was none other than Curtis who was appointed to spy on her before. And now was aware that no matter what he had to keep her safe. After all, she was the mate of Alpha Cyrus Rhaziel.

Danielle walked fastly by clutching the hem of her dress and a pounding heart. While she could hear the terrified noise in her ears and was aware that Belle Morte was definitely not a place for her! And after whatever happened just a while ago there was no way Danielle was going to stay any further.

'Why is she running aimlessly? Where is this woman sneakily going now?’

Curtis was in his thoughts and assumed that she was lost in the attempt of getting to the exit. Of course, he could hear her fright reeking from the trembling body. He licked the corner of his lips and smirked evil while taking small steps towards the woman who looked like snow white walking in dungeons!

'Where in the world is the exit and why is he following me? No, no I have to get out before he catches me.’

Danielle gulped down her fears assuming that she earlier had been caught with Lord Hawthorne and thus she needed to be punished too for luring him. The certain thought scared the woman making her steps stumble on every few minutes.

Danielle suspected that she had become the target of alpha king Cyrus Rhaziel, which technically wasn't wrong! He had been looking for her eagerly ever since and now that Danielle was there, Alpha Cyrus wanted to interact with her once to figure out what kind of woman she was.

She looked behind and her quivering lips let out a gasp, when she saw the pair of sparkling golden eyes fixated on her while ten steps below Curtis began to run towards her. Within just the blink of an eye Curtis approached her all she could feel was the air getting pierced as he stood right in front of her in a jiffy.

His hand wrapped around her waist and with his supernatural strength Curtis lifted her up which scared her even more.

"No, leave me. I don’t want to die like this. I swear I did not do anything.”

Tears formed in her eyes immediately and she begged him while Curtis didn't show any emotions.

He was not bound to decide on the behalf of the alpha, when Cyrus wanted to see her the beta Curtis had to make it possible. Even if that required practically abducting Danielle for a while to make the alpha meet her. The beta Curtis was behind her chasing Danielle as he suspected that she was up to something malicious.

"Please. Let me go, I did nothing wrong, my lord.”

Her voice got shallow while staying in the position with Curtis at her back and embracing her waist. Danielle knew that struggling was of no use because she would die either way if she triggered any more stimulus.

Curtis did not hear her words; instead he felt the blood within his veins run wild and some heavy sensation occupied his brain. It was weird as he had to stop himself from breathing for a few moments because Danielle's unusual scent was drugging him. It was faint and undetectable to other werewolves, but due to the perks given by the alpha, Curtis could sense it.

The werewolf confidant lifted her and ran towards the dead end which scared Danielle. Her scream resonated in the arcade assuming that he was about to smash her head against the wall. The woman struggled to get out of his embrace but due to Curtis’ immense strength she could not. Danielle had no other choice but to accept her fate and death.

However, a gateway opened and they both fell out of the palace walls. When nothing hit her head and no sensation of pain clouded her body, the girl snapped open her eyes to inquire. All Danielle could see was the dark endless valley below them that her voice hitched and heart stopped.

She looked downwards in fright and clasped his arms by digging nails in Curtis' skin. The same spot on him began to burn and he hissed in mild pain. It appeared that Danielle’s existence was not as simple as it seemed and her touch worked differently on the people around him.

Martha, her best friend was unscathed by her touch whereas Danielle’s nails had a totally different effect on the beta Curtis. No wonder her existence was an unusual one as she was not supposed to be there let alone be the mate of alpha Cyrus Rhaziel.

Curtis’ wings emerged as they were falling in the valley, when he flew upwards gliding through the sky effortlessly even with a woman in his arms. No doubt he was not a simple beta because his strength was unmatched for other werewolves. The beta was destined to stay by the alpha’s side and was blessed with the powers of a wolf and a vampire. Being a hybrid made Curtis the most suitable and strongest candidate.

Meanwhile Danielle wanted to scream but could not. However, one thing became clear that Curtis was not going to kill her, thus Danielle became quiet to see what was going to happen. But terror was still there, deeply rooted in her bones, running within her blood.

Curtis landed in the balcony which was above the hall and carefully dropped Danielle on the marbled floor. The woman became puzzled but created a distance with him immediately and turned to face him. She had no clue why she was brought up there among all the people. Danielle knew something was definitely suspicious.

The trustworthy man, Curtis imminently knelt on the cold floor obediently on his one knee and loudly called out.

"Alpha Cyrus!"

Hearing the name Danielle immediately averted her head only to see a pale hand parting the curtains to make an appearance.

Danielle could not help but stare at the man in front of her and the beta too, she had no clue how to react to the recent happening. It was obvious that she was stunned over her antics of the beta Curtis but what Danielle was unable to understand was the reason for her being brought there or why was the bubbling panic inside her. 

It was such an odd reaction to begin with since the alpha Cyrus would not blink an eye if somebody died or lived so there was no chance that the alpha cared much about lord Hawthorne. But his beta went through lengths all by himself personally to get her to the top floor directly into the alpha’s room. It was highly unlikely and unusual for it to happen, however as much as it left the woman in an utter shocking state the alpha was having some different emotions. 

Danielle saw him intensely glaring at her which made the woman unable to move. The beta Curtis was continuously staring at her and his expressions indicated mild anger and a further mix of curiosity and frustration. But due to the influx of inner thoughts the woman could not think or hear anything else other than her terrifically beating heart. Her brain could not decipher the situation, the catalyst of her being brought there. She was immersed in her own thoughts about the whole situation and it started another series of assumptions. 

'What is this all about? I…I did not even do anything. It was not my mistake.'

The woman muddled to herself not knowing what the alpha was going to do to her. Danielle’s gaze was simply darted towards the man in front of her, the most handsome yet scary looking person who had the utmost power to turn the whole kingdom upside down. No doubt, the Alpha Cyrus was a witty, smart and observant person but for some reason his temper grew shortened every passing seconds upon feeling her scent near him. 

'How dare he ridicule me like that!? He sure wishes for me to die. No, no!"

The Alpha's voice growled at her when his golden eyes flashed at her from the silk curtains while throwing spaces of anger. Not literal spades though. Cyrus raked through his hair as he grew even more upset when Danielle's scent became stronger and she blankly stared at his face from the other side of curtain like a dumb person. 

But it appeared that either Danielle was unaware of what was the cause of bringing her there, but the woman was in utter shock to react. Nonetheless the whole stupid reaction and now her silent staring made the alpha despise her even more than he did in the previous night.

'Is this for real? Oh moon goddess, help my master through this.'

The beta rolled his eyes and wanted to yell at her which might bring the lady back in the present as the whole silence was making him annoyed.