CHAPTER 5: NOWHERE ELSE.

"What in the name of the old gods has got this town so worked up?" An elderly man asked frustratedly as he walked past a merchant, supporting himself with his cane.

"Haven't you heard?" a female trader asked.

"Heard what?" he asked, halting.

"The Alpha King, Barakar, arrived in Ravenhill unannounced."

"I'm aware. The excessive number of soldiers patrolling the streets gave that off. Is anything spectacular about that?" the elderly man said in an unbothered manner.

"He claimed for himself a mate."

"He did, eh? That still doesn't make it any more spectacular," the man said.

"You're one pessimistic old bigot, aren't you?" The merchant shook her head, pursing her lips.

"If you've lived as long as I have, a few things tend to move you," he responded, and continued walking slowly.

"He claimed someone from Ravenhill."

Hearing that, the old man halted once again and turned, furrowing his brow. "And who exactly is that?"

"The rejected mate of the Alpha - Raya," she replied. The old man furrowed his brow slightly, going deep into his thoughts.

"See? I knew you'd be surprised just as we all are," the merchant said, smiling.

"So he has finally found his fated mate, huh?" he asked rhetorically, snickering. "I just hope she knows what happened to the last one he claimed."

"What happened?" the merchant inquired, but the old man said nothing, walking away.

"Pesky old man!" she scoffed, annoyed at the old man.

The old man pondered as he walked away. 'What actually brought the Alpha King all the way here? He never visits a place without prior notice.'

He sensed there was more to all that was happening.

All of Ravenhill were thrown aback by the recent development. By the time the King left Ravenhill, that was what dominated the conversations of the people.

Talk about making an impression!

_______________

At the palace, Jamey and the leaders of Ravenhill watched as the King and his retinue mounted their horses. Raya, of course, was with them.

Her father could barely look at her now, feeling ashamed of himself. The daughter he loathed and despised was claimed by the most powerful person in all the five kingdoms - the Alpha King himself. That was a shock!

"Farewell, Your Majesty. We hope to host you again sometime in the future," Jamey bade.

"Farewell, young Alpha," King Barakar bade, then they rode off, with some soldiers of Ravenhill escorting the King.

Raya looked one last time at her father and all that did her wrong before they rode off.

'Goodbye,' she said to herself as they left, galloping on their horses. It was indeed goodbye this time. Nonetheless, she wondered what kind of life awaited her.

As the King left, Jamey turned and looked at the leaders of Ravenhill. They didn't know what to say to him. He looked stupefied.

"I shall take my leave now," Fiona bowed and left the palace, smiling as she left.

"I'd like to have a word, Priestess," Jamey said, causing her to stop. Jamey headed into the palace and Fiona followed him.

The elders couldn't say what was in their hearts in Jamey's presence. So they kept mute.

Jamey and the Priestess got to a corner where no one was, and Jamey paced up and down before he stopped.

"You knew this would happen, didn't you?" he asked.

"The goddess reveals what she wills. You defied her will, remember?"

Jamey sulked as he looked at her, but she looked at him unafraid. Unknown to them, Victoria was by the corner, eavesdropping on them.

"Besides, you despise her. And you chose for yourself a mate in her stead. So why does it bother you that the King claimed her for himself - the same 'trash' you discarded?" Fiona asked.

"Don't patronize me, Fiona. I am the Alpha," Jamey snarled, looking at her hatefully.

"I apologize, Lord Jamey," Fiona bowed. "I'll be taking my leave now."

She then began walking away. Victoria quickly tiptoed to avoid being seen. But Fiona was aware she was eavesdropping the whole time.

"So it begins," Fiona said as she cracked a mild smile.

Victoria got to her chamber and angrily slammed the door shut behind her. She paced to and fro, clenching her fists, gritting her teeth. Overcome with anger, she overturned the table close to her. It shattered as it slammed on the wall.

"I was on my knees for that tramp's sake. I'm sure she took pleasure seeing me like that," she began to soliloquize.

"But why? Why her of all people?!" she yelled, puffing. "Why didn't he choose someone else? What's so special about that trash?"

Victoria leaned against the wall as he claws scratched the wall behind her.

"Maybe it is just a ploy to get back at us. Yes, it must be," she said, smiling hysterically. "It won't last. It was just to get back at us. Yes."

________________

The King and his retinue arrived at their camp. The soldiers bowed as they arrived and alighted from their horses.

"Take care of the gift for the young Alpha," the King instructed Ravna. He bowed and walked away to do as told.

He began walking to his tent and halted at some point, turning back.

"Aren't you coming?" he asked Raya as he realized she stayed put.

"Y- Yes, Your Majesty," she nodded, and hurried off, following him into the tent.

King Barakar took off his furry coat and his shirt, standing shirtless. Raya gulped and looked away. He went ahead to pour himself a drink, gulping a bit of it, then he walked toward her. His gaze was fixed on her, making her feel a bit uncomfortable.

He saw how innocent and pure her heart was.

Ravna walked into the tent and met the two of them in that state.

"They've been sent off, Your Majesty," Ravna declared.

"Good," he replied. "Get everyone ready. We leave at once."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Ravna bowed. "But our scouts sighted a possible encampment of rogues about two hundred miles from here."

"Ravenhill has what it takes to keep its city safe as they've been doing all this time," the King responded.

"Okay. I'll go get Roweena then," Ravna said and walked out.

"Um, Your Majesty? May I speak?" Raya requested.

"Go on."

"I uh- I am truly grateful, Your Majesty, for saving me last night. I am eternally grateful, and indebted to you," she began.

"But I am a nobody. I'm not worthy of your affection. I think this is all a mistake. Letting me stay at Winterhill and start my life afresh is all I ask for, and nothing more, Your Majesty."

King Barakar placed his cup down and walked closer to Raya, standing right in front of her. He looked her deep in the eyes. He took her right hand and placed it on his firm chest.

"You feel it too, don't you?" he asked softly, looking compassionately at her. And yes, she did feel the mate bond.

"There's nowhere else you're to be but by my side henceforth, Raya. You're mine!"

Raya's wolf leaped for joy, making her smile as tears ran down her left eye.

CHAPTER 6: WELCOME TO WINTERHILL.

The King's host was up and about as they got ready to leave. Having had everything set, they journeyed from where they were camped to a location miles away.

Raya rose in the carriage along with the King. Sitting quietly, it all seemed unreal to her. She tried her best to quiet down her thoughts, but she couldn't help it.

'Just last night I was rejected, and now, I have been claimed by the most powerful person in the kingdoms.'

A mild smile crept up her face. Looking at the King, she saw he looked out the window. He was seductively calm. Her heart fluttered. As he turned, she quickly looked away. The King had no expression on his face as he looked at her.

"Halt!" a soldier shouted, and the host stopped. Footsteps approached the carriage and the door swung open.

"Your Majesty. We're here," Ravna said.

'What does he mean? Have we arrived at Winterhill?' Raya asked herself as she looked out the window. They obviously weren't anywhere near Winterhill, so she wondered why they stopped in the middle of nowhere.

The King alighted from the carriage and walked forward. Pulling out a green crystal stone from his pocket, he slammed it to the ground, shattering it. Raya, who peeped out of the carriage, looked in perplexity at what was going on.

Suddenly, she saw a portal appear in front of them. Behind the portal was a snowy mountainous region.

The King then returned to the carriage, then the host continued their commute, passing through the portal. As they emerged on the other side, Raya was gripped by a depth of cold she had never felt before.

With wide eyes, she looked in amazement.

"Welcome to Winterhill," King Barakar said to her. She smiled as she looked out the window.

The ice-walled city was a fortress, high up the hill. Raya was astonished at its beauty. The folks she saw outside the city gate were dressed like they were. They bowed as they saw the King's retinue heading to the city.

As they arrived at the gates, a horn blew, heralding the King's arrival. The large streets were cleared and a procession of soldiers took their position as the King headed up.

Not yet having an aerial view of the city, she could tell the city had a well-planned outlay. Shortly after, they arrived at a fortress, where there was a bronze image of the first founding lycan, Kiran.

Raya gasped in amazement.

'So this is the Iron Den,' she said.

The carriage stopped right in front of the palace, and then the King alighted. Offering Raya a hand, he helped her down.

Members of the King's court who stood in front of the palace bowed as we walked toward them.

"Your Majesty," a scarlet-haired woman greeted.

"Talia," he replied. "Quick response on your end with opening the portal as usual."

"I'm always at your service, Your Majesty," she replied, smiling.

"It's good to have you back home, Your Majesty," a chubby and mature man said to the King.

"Thank you, Enock," he replied.

"And if I may, Your Majesty. Who is this?" Enock inquired. He voiced the burning question in everyone's heart as they saw Raya.

Raya could barely look up at this point. They didn't look hatefully at her, but the members of the King's court sure did look terrifying.

"She is my mate," King Barakar responded casually. They were stunned hearing what the King said. But Talia furrowed her brow, smiling as she looked examiningly at Raya.

"Have Raya settled in at the Luna's quarters," King Barakar instructed Ravna.

"Right away, Your Majesty," he nodded. Then the King began walking away. The people quickly bowed as he left. Lifting their heads, they looked at one another, totally perplexed.

"This way, my Lady," Ravna said to Raya, with a gesture of his hand pointing into the Iron Den. She nodded and quickly followed him in.

"What just happened?" a member of the King's court, Jabin, asked.

"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it," another, Corin responded.

"Well, the den needs to be filled with pups, doesn't it?" Talia said, smiling as she walked away. The others left, leaving just Enock who stood there, fuming. He turned and walked in, heading to the Alpha's quarters.

Two of the King's guards stopped him as they crossed their spears.

"Out of the way!" Enock snarled.

"We can't let you in, my lord," one of them said.

"Get out of my way right now, or I swear by the old gods, you'll regret it," he threatened, but the guards were unfazed. They had their orders. Unless the King invited you to his quarters, no one was allowed in.

"Are you both deaf? I said get o-"

"Stop yelling, Enock!"

King Barakar's voice thundered, making Enock startle.

The King walked slowly, his boots sounding throughout the hallway with his heavy steps. He was already shirtless.

"Let him through," King Barakar instructed his guards. They immediately gave way, and Enock passed, following the King into his study.

"Your Majesty, don't you think that this is a bit too spontaneous? You barely even know her."

The King said nothing for a while as he leaned against the table, folding his arms across his chest.

"The only reason I'll entertain this question is because you were her father. It has been too long to keep holding on to the past. There is a whole life ahead of us. We should embrace it."

Enock sighed tiredly.

"Pardon me if I seemed unreasonable, Your Majesty. We all have your best interests at heart. I'll take my leave now."

Bowing, he walked out of the King's study. King Barakar sighed, going deep into his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Raya was brought to the Luna's quarters. She met a train of servants standing there. They bowed when she arrived with Ravna.

"These are your personal maids, my Lady. They shall serve your every need," Ravna said. She smiled mildly as she nodded.

As she walked in, she was stunned at how beautiful the place was. It was a hundred times better than where she grew up.

"Please, go ahead and freshen up. You should be having lunch with His Majesty," Ravna said.

"Thank you very much, my lord," Raya bowed slightly.

"Please, Ravna is just fine," he said with a smile, then he walked out of the Luna's quarters.

Raya sighed as she looked around. Three girls stood, awaiting her instructions. This was going to be the norm, and she needed to start getting used to it.

CHAPTER 7: NEW LIFE.

Sitting in front of a dressing mirror, Raya looks at her image. Dressed differently from how she used to be in Ravenhill, she looked different. She felt different.

Hearing a knock on the door, she got up and answered it. As the door swung open, a more mature woman than the maids who attended to her bowed.

"My Lady. It is such an honor to meet you. My name is Kieran, Arm of the Luna," she said introducing herself. Raya furrowed her brow a bit as she looked at him.

"In simple terms, I am your Chamberlain, my Lady. I oversee the affairs of the Luna," Kieran explained, seeing that Raya did not understand the last part of her previous statement.

"Oh! It's a pleasure to meet you," Raya bowed slightly.

"Please don't ever do that again, my Lady. I'd like to keep my head intact," Kieran chuckled nervously. "I'm sorry for not being around to receive you. I wasn't expecting anyone."

Raya smiled mildly, saying nothing. Of course, she herself wasn't expecting to be in such a position.

"I owe Lord Ravna an apology for making him fulfill my designated duty. I'm sure I'll be getting some scolding," Kieran further said, sighing.

"I'm rambling, aren't I, my Lady? I'll shut up now," Kieran said, feeling ashamed.

"It's okay," Raya smiled. At least there was someone in the Iron Den that seemed pretty normal.

"Oh! I almost forgot. His Majesty awaits you at the dining hall for lunch. If you'd please follow me," Kieran requested.

"Sure," Raya responded. Being followed by the maids, she was led through various huge hallways with very tall ceilings. It felt like a maze to her.

Raya observed that the Iron Den wasn't as brightly lit as the palace in Ravenhill. But it had its unique dark theme that made it feel ominous. It was a testament to the dreadfulness of the Ironclaw Pack.

They finally arrived at the dining hall. It was as large as the great hall in Ravenhill's palace. The Alpha King was seated while the table was being set.

Kieran and the maids halted not far from the entrance, bowing their heads as Raya continued forward. She walked to the other end of the twenty-foot-long table and sat down. Well, that didn't sit quite right with her.

"Kieran?" King Barakar called.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she answered, and walked over to where Raya sat. She knew why the King called her.

"My Lady. I'm sorry, but could you please move a little bit closer to His Majesty?"

"Of course," Raya nodded, getting up hastily, and was led to sit on the right-hand side of the King. She was too shy to look at him.

Before the kitchen staff left, they helped to cut the boar that was grilled whole, serving it on plates for the King and Raya. The flickering candles in the dimly lit dining hall set on golden menorahs made the atmosphere around the table romantic.

"Sorry for the awkward situation you were subjected to. The table is usually set with the seats far apart as I've always eaten alone."

"No. It's all right, Your Majesty. I understand. It was just a minor mistake," Raya replied, smiling mildly.

"Let's eat," he said, then picked up the cutlery and began eating. Raya followed suit. For a while, they were both quiet, eating the delicious meal that was prepared.

Although Raya ate with composure and grace. She ate quite a lot. The King took note of it.

"Are you settling in nicely?" he asked.

"Huh? Could you please come again, Your Majesty?" Raya requested, forcing down the food stuffed in her mouth.

"Do you find it convenient so far?" he rephrased.

"Yes. Yes, everything's okay, Your Majesty. Thank you."

"That means you're okay with the cold, huh?" he asked.

"Well..." Raya's voice trailed off, chuckling. "That will take a little bit of getting used to. Ravenhill isn't this cold during winter."

"I see," he nodded, sipping some wine. "Winterhill has always had this non-stop winter. It has been so from the time my father was a boy, and his father, and his grandfather, going way back to time immemorial. Nobody knows why it has been so."

"Hmm," Raya muttered, astounded by what she just learned.

"I uh- I don't think I have properly thanked you, Your Majesty, for everything. You saved me from the rogues, and you've- Because of you, my wolf finally roared awake. So, for all that, I truly am grateful, Your Majesty," Raya mustered the courage to say.

"It was bound to happen," King Barakar responded, and continued eating.

'Right! Fate,' she said to herself, somewhat disappointed, and continued eating as well.

Not finishing what he had on his plate, King Barakar set down his cutlery and wiped his mouth, then he got up.

"Enjoy the rest of your meal. I need to attend to some things."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Raya got up and bowed. The King was about to say something to Raya, but refrained from doing so, then he walked out of the dining hall.

Raya sat back down and enjoyed the meal all by herself. The moment she was done, the kitchen staff trooped out from wherever they were that Raya couldn't see, and they cleared the table.

Kieran and the maids approached Raya as she left the table and bowed to her.

"Back to your quarters, I presume, my Lady?" Kieran asked. She nodded in affirmation and was led there.

"Permit me to say this, my Lady, but it is honestly strange to find the Alpha King this chatty. He never talks casually to anyone else aside from Ravna," Kieran said.

"I guess things really have changed around here," she said, concluding, wearing a satisfied look.

Raya said nothing all the while they headed back to Luna's quarters. When she arrived in her chambers, she realized that the room was filled with all sorts of ornaments.

The dressing table had a variety of perfumes that she had never used before. She also found boxes of jewelry on the dressing table. They were made of pure gold, of the finest quality she had ever seen.

She smiled as she looked at them. It finally sank into her head that this was going to be her new reality - her new life.