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. 

Upon seeing that the beta respectfully called the person as his master, Danielle could not contain her curiosity and looked at the particular direction. The woman could not clearly see who the man was on the other side because there was a white silk curtain in the middle. Quite fancy, ain’t it?

The lady had no clue that the alpha would live such a luxury, the only type of silk she had seen was the expensive dresses. Even though Danielle could not afford those she had saved enough money to buy a decent gown for that night. And here the alpha was using the damned silk as his curtain.

Nonetheless, the woman was curious and terrified at the same time after realising that she had been brought to the alpha’s chambers. Danielle could not bring herself to conclude anything else except that she was about to be beheaded. After all, she dared to entice the count Lord Hawthorne with her antics and blood scent. Although unknowingly.

'K- king Cyrus? I have been brought here right to the alpha’s chambers?’

Danielle was unable to decipher what to do since it was totally unexpected that she would land on the balcony of Alpha Cyrus. But of course, the mere realisation raised many questions within her that why was she there in the first place.

After all, there was no way that the beta would disturb his master for no reason. And due to Danielle a count was punished and that was not a small matter. She was not going to get spared after being involved in such a terrible matter. The woman’s breath got hitched again as she could not possibly move an inch due to the chilling fear which crept into her veins.

The curtains parted a bit and a thin pale hand appeared, Danielle could suddenly feel the air getting chilled. She felt as if the time had slowed down and for some reason Danielle wished everything to go in reverse. The lady clutched the hem of her dress gown and fixed her gaze over the slowly parting curtains.

She could feel her breathing getting irregular and the air which she inhaled appeared to reek terror. The breeze got extremely colder which was Danielle’s sole fright. No doubt the winter snowflakes were falling over, as she stood in the balcony with beta Curtis behind her. Danielle could not find any way to move away from the situation.

'N- no. Is he going to kill me? No, no I can’t die here like this. This was not what I was aiming for tonight.’

Danielle assumed knowing that she was involved in unintentional provoking of Lord Hawthorne to make him commit the forbidden act. Thus, the certain action would have made the alpha king want to kill her by himself.

That was the only possible reason but it made Danielle despise the alpha even more. How could he kill her knowing she was innocent and did not intentionally provoke the count!? Considering that she instantly developed hatred along with the feeling of helplessness. The woman stood there waiting to welcome her death which was right in front of her.

Before she could say anything the silhouette of his highness appeared in front of her eyes. The alpha king who was rumoured to be unnaturally handsome was true to those words. She could see the most desirable man in front of her, Danielle could not believe that it was impossible for her to lift her eyes off him.

Danielle had no choice but to give in to the temptation in front of her. Her hazel orbs fell upon his face and she unknowingly studied his sharp features. Danielle saw his sharp nose and long lashes as the alpha appeared after parting the curtains.

'Is….is he the alpha king?'

No doubt not everyone had seen him but in that particular moment she doubted her judgement because the man in front of her could not be real.

She was stupefied to see that man in front of her with long sleek hair, which fell up to his waist and the face with a cold expression.

'Is he the Alpha King Cyrus Rhaziel? No way, is he even real!? How can someone like him exist?’

Danielle was still unsure even after seeing the man, who had been oozing a different aura.

The vibe coming from him was completely different from every werewolf she encountered in the hall. Danielle’s breathing grew even more irregular that she had to open her mouth a little not to get suffocated. The woman totally forgot about her fears of dying at that moment upon seeing the alpha with her own eyes.

The lady could visibly feel the difference between him and Curtis. Just right at the moment when the alpha Cyrus lifted his eyes up to cast a look at Danielle, she subconsciously stepped back. The aura coming from him sent a shiver down her spine that she was unable to take her eyes off his glaring golden slit orbs.

'Don't tell me today is the last night of mine in this world. The alpha is already mad at me, oh goodness I am not going to survive at all tonight.’

She assumed again and confirmed that her thoughts were true, because the cold gaze from those glaring eyes scared her.

There was definitely something unusual and strange about the alpha which she could not comprehend. But one thing was certain that Danielle was going to encounter the biggest change of her life that night. She might not have ever thought about that even in her wildest dreams.

The alpha stared at her with a keen and intense gaze, his golden slit orbs skimmed through her body up and down. It appeared that he had been confirming something the way his eyes moved and focused on everything single body part of hers.

“MATE!”

Lord Cyrus might not have thought that his mate would appear in his life at such a crucial time. However, that was not what he had expected or ever thought. His cold expressions had some mild disgust too since he did not want a filthy brothel dancer as a mate.

The alpha’s wolf confirmed to him that Danielle was his mate but there was something else too. Cyrus could not sense any wolf scent from her, rather her smell was peculiar which he had never encountered before. It made him even more curious about his hunch and he subconsciously began to question.

Whether she was genuinely his mate or someone sent to trap him, it was still a question which the alpha had to figure out. Since he was not someone without enemies or haters Cyrus could not afford the word to get out that he was gradually dying. After all, it would potentially weaken his kingdom and would give a clear chance to others to create havoc.

For that purpose he had kept his identity a secret and did not potentially appear in front of the civilians. It soon gave rise to multiple rumours of every kind, some believed that the alpha had died and the beta Curtis kept it a secret so he could rule over them. Whereas a few truly believed that they were at the mercy of the moon goddess because the alpha had practically abandoned them.

Hearing these kinds of rumours and false statements the alpha was desperate to find the counter of his curse. And now that he had potentially found a cure he was eager to test the theory and the accuracy of his hunch. And in order to do that he needed some time alone with the woman who appeared to be his mate and the counter of his curse.

"You can leave, Curtis."

The alpha Cyrus spoke to his confidant who immediately took his leave and dismissed in the thin air like a smoke. As soon as he was gone Danielle felt a chill settling under her skin. No doubt everyone else would have reacted the same way as her upon seeing the alpha, the king of the whole kingdom in front of her.

Lord Cyrus was dressed in a loose white gown which hung over his body lazily. The silk night dress had a V shaped long neckline which came all the way up to his tummy. The toned muscles were clearly visible to her naked eye, despite the fact that the alpha was gradually dying he appeared to be the most handsome hunk.

There was no possible way that a woman would not look at the man twice. No doubt the alpha was cursed and gradually dying and due to the curse his complexion had turned pale. And for that particular curse the alpha required to meet his mate as soon as possible. It was evident from his pale appearance that the alpha would probably die soon if he did not get his mate. Danielle was not sure why the man looked so desirable but for some reason her heartbeat grew faster.

She was still in her own reverie when the alpha Cyrus Rhaziel took a step forward. The alpha wanted to know first whether she was his mate or was his wolf mistaken. Danielle wanted to stop him but her words failed in the mouth and she could not utter a single thing. As much as she wanted to utter anything, the woman's subconscious mind could not bring her to say something.

After all, how could she say something while having the alpha lord in front of her. There was no one in the whole damned kingdom who would oppose lord Cyrus. Well of course, the person would definitely be in her senses. And knowing all the possible scenarios Danielle was sure that she had to stay quiet and not offend the alpha in any way.

'No, no. I can't die here.'

She muttered to herself in heart knowing that she could not escape. But the woman still had to find some solution to that situation. Her anxious green eyes were darted on his cold face as she studied for any trace of merciful gaze.

Danielle knew she had to find an escape thus she immediately knelt which stunned Cyrus and his eyes widened.

"No, please. I beg for mercy, your highness."

Her trembling lips appeared sweeter to him as Cyrus' closely saw the woman kneeling on both knees in front of him.

"Please don't kill me. I...I would never come to Belle Morte again, his highess."

She tried to assure the king with her words while bowing and joining both hands.

'What is she blabbering about?'

Cyrus thought to himself while he stood there without a clue and had no idea what to say.

The alpha sure enjoyed seeing her in that state for the reason that it made Danielle realise her worth. His ego got satisfied upon witnessing the filthy woman kneeling in front of him. How could she, someone who had bedded numerous men for just some rubies and gold could be his mate!? Alpha Cyrus did not dig into the matter assuming that there was no way being associated with a brothel would have kept Danielle pure.

'Yes, kneel. And beg for mercy! You do not deserve to be my mate!'

Cyrus muttered to himself figuring out that she did not know anything about her being the possible future Luna. The alpha could possibly guess that she was unaware about the whole mate thing. The way Danielle was pleading for mercy and was sweating from temples it was obvious that she was still stuck over the beta count Hawthorne kill.

And the certain thought put him at ease because now he did not require any major plan to torture her. The alpha could do anything now he wanted to make her life miserable and hell. The alpha looked at her intensely with his golden flickering eyes, Cyrus slowly stepped closer to her as he traced his thumb over his lips.

The alpha Cyrus was willing to do every possible thing in his hands if that satisfied his thirst and carnal desires. Because no matter what he needed her touch at every cost and had to keep his reputation too. After all, he could not afford to call a brothel dancer his luna, his ego could not bear it that his mate had already been with numerous men. Whereas he had been keeping himself for his mate who would understand his curse and the desires.

Like literally everything about him.

'I like seeing you vulnerable, beg me the same way I would like to see you in my bed!'

Cyrus gritted while the air refused to brush against his clothes or to pass by that particular balcony. The sudden chilling atmosphere made it impossible for Danielle to say anything further. All she could see was the alpha smirking at her, she could not translate his mocking grin into anything else other than her death.

The alpha's expressions darkened upon hearing the pleas from the woman who was kneeling on the cold floor. Danielle’s tears did not move him even a slightest bit that could melt his heart. If it had been anyone else they would have given in to her tempting looks. Cyrus could clearly see her tears rolling down over her exposed cleavage. The alpha could only gulp down his rising carnal desire because he did not want to give in to the succubus in front of him!

But he hesitated to take a strict action over her or attempt a cold behaviour with her, the alpha wanted to punished her for appearing as his mate. However, the way he had planned to execute his punishment was the most unnatural method. The alpha wished to lay a finger on her first to figure out if he could feel the spark from her or not. That was the utter indication of Danielle being his genuine mate but the woman appeared to be shit scares of his presence.

Cyrus took a step towards her but a pungent scent made him halt while Danielle fell back on her butt in fright. Of course, after witnessing that frightful reaction he leaped at her. Danielle immediately assumed that the alpha Cyrus would eventually kill her. And for that purposes he plunged towards her using his supernatural speed.

She stared at his handsome face when the alpha embrace her into his strong arms. A small pearl crawled down from her green eyes on her pink cheek and travelled down towards her cleavage. It made her appeal to him as the symbol on his forehead shone bright red and Cyrus' eyes glowed bright golden as he felt the spark. A surge of energy ran into his body as if he had been fed some powerful drug which enabled him to recover within seconds.

Seeing his iris changed into a slit lens and a blood red mark appearing kn his forehead, Danielle knew she had to save herself. Or at least die less painfully since and alpha’s bite was the last kind of death one would choose. As soon as Cyrus bared his fangs Danielle consciously pushed him and without hesitating she jumped off the balcony!