Chapter 2

Anabelle Pov

“Good morning, everyone,” Uncle Raven welcomed the elders.

“Today, we have finally reached the point where my beloved niece has made her decision to save our legacy.” He concluded.

“And I trust she's very smart and would never let us down.” Raven said with his tongue rolled out, playing the innocent look.

I stood at the centre of the council, my heart beating from the decision I was about to take.

I knew it was in my hands, it was either I stayed with my manipulative uncle or my fated mate. Neither of them would treat me nicely, they all saw me as their puppet, a woman and nothing less.

I was just an orphan to be maltreated, played with. An object left in the hand of man, tamed to the direction of their master.

But I knew I would fight for my right, till the end.

The council hall was filled with elders centred around the golden table, all eyes on me, waiting for my final verdict.

“Anabelle Aiden, what's your final decision?”

“We've given you 24 hours to make your choice, and now it's time to tell us what you want,” Raven spoke.

Elders' eyes all over me, waiting for my final verdict.

I stood at their centre for a long moment, swallowing the dry spit on my throat. Deep breath to relax my muscles for what I would say now.

“Good day, my elders,” I finally spoke up boldly.

“My final decision is to leave with Alpha Roman of Fangspire to get my father's legacy.”

“I agree with this contract. I would break the cold heart of the ruthless alpha, my fated mate.” I concluded.

“That's a nice thing to do, my precious niece,” my uncle smirked.

This was the perfect trap laid by my uncle, but either way he would win.

If I don't go, my father's legacy will be taken, and even if I go, I won't be able to break the heart of the cold alpha. Either way, Uncle Raven's plan will work out.

But one thing I knew was, I would rather suffer in the hands of a stranger than my father's beloved brother.

My father has always adored his brother, treated him right. But after his death, everything changed.

“That's a very nice one, Anabelle. I trust you would break his cold heart,” the Elder Maros spoke.

“Now, this is the contract form…” elder Maros pointed. It was a paper wrapped in a wooden frame.

Uncle Raven placed it on my hands….

“Read it carefully,” he said.

“Everything stated there is what we've spoken about. Five years to put into action, to show you aren't just a woman, but have control over your emotions. This contract would determine your entitlement to this pack.” Uncle Raven said.

I felt a sharp numbness in my feet…

Belong?

Like an item traded in an auction.

My uncle traded me for his greed.”

“For now we need an alpha that would lead us. While you go on this mission, we've decided to crown Raven the alpha of the Kam kingdom.” Elder Maros said.

I didn't hear that well….I focused on getting that correctly.

“What do you mean by Uncle Raven taking my place?” I objected.

“This is my dad's legacy, I was destined to rule you guys and not him.” I countered.

“Anabelle, we've told you, a woman can't rule us! We need an Alpha, and he's the right person,” Maros countered.

I stood up angrily, my heart beating fast!

“The meeting is dismissed. Everything said will be abided by every one of us,” Elder Maros declared.

I pushed myself with my last strength, my legs trembling, and I could feel my wolf side suffocating from the weight of betrayal. I rolled to my uncle's side.

He smirked at me.

“My dear you have to protect our name, and you've heard them. The only way to protect us, is to break the heart of the cold alpha.” He mocked out..

“Uncle… Uncle Raven, this was all your plan!” I shouted.

“All my parents did was to treat you right and give you the best life. But all you did was to gloat over their wealth, treat their daughter less humanely.” my voice shaking.

He chuckled. “You are just a woman. Leave these things for the men.”

My stomach tightened at his word, struck my heart deep.

“Uncle Raven, I won't let you have my father's legacy!” my voice heightened.

Because of you, I promise to win my betrothed.

“Alpha Roman? You think you know him? You don't know what you're saying my daughter.” He laughed out.

“You have already closed the door to your father's legacy, dear. Everything would be mine.” His smile sharpened.

“You leave at dawn tomorrow. Tomorrow marks your suffering. It's called ‘from frying pan to fire’ the land of slavery” He laughed out.

He walked away, before I could reply. His head was ravaged with so much happiness. Being the alpha has always been his dream.

I stood still for a long moment, reflecting on my decision…. I inhaled, steadying myself, even if I couldn't stay calm.

Fangspire pack.

Alpha Kael Roman.

Five years of my life.

My fate has just been stripped before my eyes and thrown into the fist of Alpha, a very ruthless ruler of the most powerful pack.

I forced myself to walk, smile and move on, but my sadness overwhelmed that. Each step I took carried the weight of a burden, and finally, I pushed the door open to exit the council.

Kam's kingdom was overwhelmed with silence, as if the sky could read everything happening. Wolves patrolled around the walls, looking for their mate.

I stood outside, watching the place I once called my safe place. The cold air grasped my hair.

Glanced at the area that was once my place, but without my parents, everything changed. They were all betrayal wrapped in Uncle Raven's hands.

Tomorrow I will be delivered like a piece of offering to the Romans, like something sold to an enemy.

Someone out there is watching me.

Perhaps Karl Roman, waiting to tempt his dog.

I had no idea what awaited me within Fangspire walls.

Tomorrow, I step into unknown territory.

Into his territory.

Into his world.

Leaving behind all I treasured in the hands of a manipulator.

The only thing I could get hold of is my talent, moving into a dangerous fate that I have no idea about.

My father's legacy is in the hands of a manipulative man.

Chapter 3 - Departure from the Kam Kingdom

Anabelle Pov

“Anabelle… what am I hearing, my lady?”

“The council has made their final verdict, and you are being sent to Alpha Roman.” Mira, my maid, voiced out.

“My lady, why did you allow it…?” she signaled.

“You've always been strong and bold, but now you allow them to sell you like a puppet.”

“Fangspire is not just a pack but a mighty kingdom. Anything that goes there never comes back, and if it does, it is never brought back the same.” She winked.

I didn't respond, my throat was tightened and swallowed by the truth I was running from.

“Mira, my father's legacy comes before anything. He entrusted everything to me. I can't just sit and watch everything taken away.” I voiced out.

“I will be fine, dear and please take care of the house while I'm gone.”

“Anabelle… I'm going to miss you,” she cried out, and they embraced each other.

“Where's Anabelle,” a voice echoed in the mansion!

“Mira, go back to your station.” Uncle Raven is coming, and I don't want him to see you closely with me.

Mira leaves the door immediately leaving me behind the wall to face his cruelty.

“Anabelle, where are you? This stubborn curse of my brother.” He said.

“Uncle, I'm in my room,” I replied with my voice shaking.

He entered the room, as if it were his, and everywhere was ravaging around him.

“Anabelle, this is the last time I will be seeing you because it's either you come back as a slave or you become their slave anyway.” He laughed.

“But my dear daughter, before you go, you know the usual…” He smirked.

Immediately he said that, my stomach tightened. Reflection of his maltreatment towards me limped through me.

“Please, Uncle not today. You've done what you want, please let me live normally.” I cried out.

“That's not possible, my Child. I would miss having you near,” He laughed out.

“Immediately, he came closer and pinned my cheek down.”

“Uncle that hurt,” I shouted.

“Not as you've suffered me, this few years.” He smirked.

“Anabelle you have to look so good before dawn, you won't be given like who is suffering to the fangspire.” He smirked.

With my cheek burning, I managed to stand up. My inner wolf is burning from this maltreatment.

A life where I would be used as an object by both my uncle and my mate.

I arranged myself immediately…

“Mira come here,” Raven ordered.

“You have to prepare her to look very good, we can't be offering an ugly piece to the powerful kingdom.” He said.

And you guys have to be fast, you leave at dawn.

“Mira immediately came to hug Anabelle, both sobbing!”

“My lady, don't you think it's time to run from all this?” Mira gripped my hand.

“I can't mira,that's what my uncle wants, he's suffering me so I can leave my father's legacy behind.”

I won't give him that benefit of doubt…

“My lady, your parents would never want this; they would never be happy to see what their only child suffers.”

“And what will they do? Fight the council, challenge my uncle or change my story. But no, they're gone and never coming back,” she cried out.

“They left a very smart lady, someone that would win the world.” Mira smiled.

I smiled lightly, the smart daughter they left can't win the heart of the Kingdom.

“I trust you can my future Luna,” Mira laughed and hugged her tightly.

“Okay, enough. Let's pack your things before Raven comes. Let's show how pretty my future Luna looks.” She pushed me lightly.

I hugged her tightly., I would surely miss my personal maid Mira.

“Thanks alot, Mira.”

After she left, I couldn't breathe; the reflection of everything overwhelmed me. Memories flash of my father teaching me about the history of the Kam kingdom, to my mom teaching me how to carve out a design.

Everything felt unbreakable, but now my all life is shattered.

I really missed my parents, I sobbed.

A sudden knock woke me up, and I was just as if morning came so fast, it was as if even the world was against me.

The knock became louder…enough to block my ear.

Immediately I stood up to open it.

My expression changed instantly, “Uncle Raven, why this early?”

“Don't question me, not in my house nor my kingdom. My command rules the world, and you are not an exception, darling.” He smirked his lips.

“I just received a message from the captain of the Fangspire Pack. They're coming in less than three hours. I hope you are prepared for what is coming,” He smirked.

“My dear niece, you would manage as usual,” he touched my cheek lightly. Acting like he was a nice person, my stomach cringed from his deceit.

How thoughtful of you to update me, I said with my face blank.

“I promise to get everything you are in control of, from my father's business to the kingdom. Nothing would be yours.”

And when I'm back, you will know I'm the bloodline of Aiden.

Something strange showed on his face, a hint of fear!

Immediately he left the room, banging the door on me!

She stumbled, and she took a deep breath. Glancing at the room, she made her way from her artist area to the bathroom and then her wardrobe. One thing is for sure, I would surely leave with this memory no matter what happens.

After a long moment of adoring them, she flicked the curtain apart, viewing the sky closely.

The border of the Fangspire Kingdom is very far from here, but I could feel the tension and darkness ravaging.

I dashed into the bathroom and after my departure.

“Good morning, my lady,” it's time to dress you nicely for your fated mate, perhaps he would fall in love with you, she chuckled.

I smiled lightly.

A line of carved horses moves along the wall of Kam kingdom, moving sequentially. Wolves shadows moving in one order.

The fangspire soldiers have arrived.

A cold shiver went down my spine.

And I would be the outsider stepping into his world.

Just survive. That was the last whisper I could say before they drew closer.

Having a glimpse at the soldiers shows there's much danger waiting for me.

It presents an aura that ravage sorrow, my fate is in the palms of ruthless Alpha.

Chapter 4

Anabelle Pov

The closer their horse got, the more I could feel the weight of the walls, as if something mighty were there.

The small council was already occupied when I entered. Elders were centred around the golden table with the warriors of the Fangspire pack. Exchanging updates, mapping territory and sharpening weapons.

No one paused for me. Not a single soul acknowledged my presence.

And just before they started their discussion, the door of the hall banged open.

A tall, athletic-looking man walked in, his tone cold. Giving no acknowledgement to anyone in the hall.

“Good day, Alpha of Fangspire Pack,” the elders said, bowing to him.

He paid no attention to their greeting before he sat in the chair facing the entrance.

I could feel the weight of his arrogance, even without speaking to him.

I started shaking, and my heart beat so fast.

He was not looking at me, but was commanding his warriors on what to do. But I could feel the gravity of his presence all over the room.

His aura radiated authority in a way that doesn't need a response before action. Just by standing there, everyone obeyed him like a god.

His jaw was tight, eyes ravaging with hatred when he finally turned my direction. As if one was plotting for his prey.

I opened my mouth to speak to him…

But he turned his face towards his warriors' direction again.

He kept me waiting.

I already wanted to test my fate immediately.

Minutes dragged, and we hadn't left yet.

The room became quiet all of a sudden, and he dismissed all the elders and his warriors after the welcome speech.

“Anabelle Aiden…” he echoed, teeth clenched.

He walked closer to me, each step was measured. He didn't stop until I could smell a dark, coated fragrance, towering the scent clinging to him.

His gaze moved from up to down, assessing and calculating my every move. As if he was assessing a piece of object he did not remember ordering.

I stood in that position, not letting his aura intimidate me.

No warmth. No welcome. Just calculation!

“Anabelle Aiden, he said loudly.” Even the wall could feel the weight of how he called my name.

“I was sent a political inconvenience last week. And I thought what the fated mate everyone is talking about would look like, or perhaps I never cared.” He said.

“I'm supposed to be honoured by your people for taking their daughter in….” He said in a sarcastical tone.

My stomach tightened, his arrogance alone turning me off?

“Guards, prepare everything. Let's leave,” He ordered.

“Good, my lady. Till we see again.

Trust me you can do this.” Mira hugged me.

“Goodbye Mira, please watch over my father's things and take care of yourself.” I said

And immediately we bid them farewell, the horses began to run through the wall leading to the border.

And just like that, I bid Kam kingdom farewell.

Immediately, we reached the Fangspire Pack; everywhere was busy. It was like a different part of the world itself.

Wolves gossiping as we passed…

“Ooooh, the presumed only daughter of the Kam kingdom has been sold to Alpha of Fangspire.” one of the wolves whispered.

“I heard she was betrothed to him since birth. She doesn't know what she signed up for.” They laughed out loud.

Immediately we entered the house I was welcomed by their glare, nothing here felt like home. Everyone was after their lives and nothing else.

I continued staring at the building, well-organised layers filled with golden rocks and woods, the ceiling properly aligned and colored. One thing I know about the Alpha of Fangspire Pack was surely organised.

He walked into the castle before me.

“This fangspire pack, do not cause any trouble to my people,” he said.

“You're a mere object and you should behave that way! He voiced out.

That statement pierced my heart, but I maintained my boldness.

“I didn't choose to come here, alpha Roman,” I said.

“But you came anyway.” Roman voiced out.

“I came because I have no option…”

“I came for a reason best known to me.”

“I came… because we are bonded by destiny even before we were born. “

“Don't ever say that again. I'm not destined to be with any woman, nor you, Anabelle.”

So know your place in my castle, He raised his voice!

“Remember you aren't here for your council but because they have no option but to give you a way.”

“What was your use to them anyway?”

His words struck me deep, more than the humiliation I faced in my uncle's hands.

“Anabelle Aiden ... a mere object,” my inner wolf cried silently.

“Let me make one thing clear,” I don't want any Luna. I won't love you, talkless of marrying you.

“So… whatever reason that made your people offer you to me.” it's pointless, my dear.

I couldn't breathe, hearing his words, which means my uncle has won.

But one thing I know, I would rather become a slave to an unknown man than my dad's favourite person.

“This Kam kingdom where rules must be followed, no one is favoured, regardless of where you are from. No special treatment. No protection.” He said.

His words were clear and precise, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

“My warriors would tell you the structure, what you are allowed to do and not.”

And everything they tell you must be followed accordingly, do not let this kingdom regret picking you.

“Survive here if you can,” he said. “No one would help you.” Immediately he moved out of the room without glancing at me.

I stood there staring at his back, what kind of man is this? This trap is deeper than I thought.

A warrior brushed through my hands.

No response. No sorry. Just an awkward look.

“I won't let these people get to me,” I whispered.

“Follow us lady,” one of the warriors said.

During the orientation, I overheard Alpha Roman speaking to his other guards.

“She wouldn't last here for a week, talk less of five years.” That's never possible.

Maybe that was what he believed.

That was the pack thought.

But I have survived a council that wanted me gone, an uncle who maltreated me.

I would survive the Fangspire pack, too.

Even if it gets me killed!

I would know I fought for my father's legacy till my death.

I'm ready to counter Alpha Romans' words.

Ready to take anything he throws at me.