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.

Chapter 5

Anabelle Pov

A loud knock was heard on my door, loud enough to wake me from sleep. The sky isn't bright, nor were the birds already chirping.

“Who could be knocking this early?” I asked myself.

I opened the door only to see the sharp reddish eyes of Roman, looking like he was angered.

“Who would have entered his trap this early morning…?” I whispered.

“Didn't you read the law book?” his voice interrupted my thought.

My guards showed you my law book, immediately after your arrival. I hope you went through it; if not, here won't contain us.

“Yes, I read everything.”

“Then why are you still sleeping?” your mate is up doing their morning training, and you are lazing around.

“Do you think this is your kingdom?” My rules must be followed by everyone here, including you.

“It's just 3:00 a.m, Alpha Roman.” It's still dawn when normal people sleep.

“Why would you wake me so early?” I said with boldness.

“Lady, you aren't allowed to question me. He raised his hand so close!

I drew further from him, scared he would slap me.

I'm Alpha Roman of Fangspire Pack, no woman questions my command, and not even you would defile that.

Get ready immediately for your training; if not, you will be thrown into the dungeon for defying my order.

He banged the door at me.

I stood still, memorising what had just happened. “Did he want to slap me?” I spoke to myself.

“ Could Alpha Roman be so heartless that he could hit a woman,” my voice muted.

What could have led him to hate women, neither his stepmother nor maid? I thought.

All these questions gave my head a hit and immediately I remembered where I was.

I wasn't here to figure things out or solve any problem. I'm here to fight for my father's legacy.

I packed my hair into a ponytail ball and exited the room instantly.

Outside of the fangspire pack at this time was very busy, it was like the day itself. Filled with wolves working, some building rocks while some winning their mates.

Indeed this was the reason they crowned them the ruler of all packs.

Everywhere in the hall was dark, yet filled with many wolves, walking with torches flickering on the walls.

“What are you doing there?” a voice interrupted my assessment.

It was the beast… coming my way.

“I said you have morning training. So why are you there?”

“I can see you didn't take the orientation seriously.” He laughed out, like someone applauding his prey for falling in his wing.

I stood there dumbfounded, not ready to exchange words. Because my eyes couldn't believe we're outside at this time.

I walked to his side immediately, the warriors arranging their arrows. Inside the training room, there were boxing coats.

They all concentrated on alpha Roman training.

“Listen very carefully, I don't train losers here.” He said.

“Your very first target should be your enemy, they should always be between your territory.”

After the training, I went to my room to take a nap, I was so tired. I couldn't feel my muscles anymore.

I really missed the time I had good sleep, even if it was obstructed by my uncle most of the time.

I hadn't finished my nap before I heard a large noise from my door.

“Who's that?” I shouted with my sleepy voice.

“My lady…. It's me, petal,” a female voice echoed.

I opened the door.

“Good day, my lady.” I was sent to call you for dinner instantly.

Alpha Roman said you need to meet his people.

I went down, seeing a full dining room. Everyone was quiet, I could feel the enmity between them. I didn't know them but I could feel the weight of tension in this family.

I only gasped… I miss eating with my parents, I miss them daily.

“Why are you coming now, Anabelle?” Do you mind giving me the reason? Alpha Roman’s voice echoed within the walls.

I was taking a nap.

“At this time, you're still asleep? Don't act like someone that has nothing to do in my castle.”

“Weren't you oriented on the dos and don'ts?” He roared!

I kept quiet, assessing the people at the table.

“Don't you talk?” Or perhaps you should be thrown into the dungeon so you won't do it again.

“My son Roman, please don't do that to her. She's just coming into our kingdom, we should be giving her a warm reception.”

“No Dad I should be teaching her a lesson,”

The old man held his arm, perhaps this was the only person who could control his wrath.

“Good day, my daughter. Come sit next to me. Don't mind my son's cold nature.” father drew a chair next to him.

“Good day sir,” I bowed my head.

I went to the seat next to him and sat down, all their eyes were glued in my direction.

My daughter let me introduce you to my lovely family.

“This is my wife, your betrothed stepmother,” He pointed her out.

Good day, my lady. I greeted her with my head bowed.

No response, she gave me a strong glare, such a glare that could kill a prey.

“Don't mind my wife, she's probably down.” He brushed it up.

I nodded, trying to put a smile on my face.

And these are my four sons, one you already know, your soon-to-be husband.

He didn't finish his word before Roman cut him off.

“Father have told you I don't have a wife, nor would I marry this woman here.” My rules should be kept and you aren't an exception.

His father withdrew lightly… okay, so I respect your order.

These are my three sons, Roman's stepbrothers.

They looked at me seductively, like people waiting to feast on their mate.

I greeted all of them.

“Alpha Roman,” I began, please, I want to ask for something.

I have no time to waste.

“Please, I love artistic designing and have been doing it in my kingdom. And I trust I can do better. I want to go to an artist academy to perfect my skills.” I said politely.

“That can't happen in my house, women, ladies here are known to stay at home and not pursue some sort of dream.” He said.

“It's either you join our training academy or remain at home.”

I knew pursuing my talent would be harder than I thought.

But perhaps I needed it, that's my only joy I can secure.

I would fight till the end to go to the academy.

My artist designing skill lies in the hands of a heartless fated mate.

It's either I win him or forget about it.