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.

Chapter six- Fangspire's whisper

Anabelle Pov

Morning crept through the walls, the bird chirping around the tree and the sun shining so hard through the window. The brightness of the day glanced at my face.

I picked up my drawing paper to illustrate my pain, it has always been my best friend. It always interprets my pain, my language and everything I went through.

Since my childhood, I have always dreamed of building my artist empire. My parents understood me so well, despite preparing me to be the future Luna, they encouraged me to pursue my dream.

And just like that coming to the Fangspire pack where women aren't allowed to pursue skill or education, they only serve their husbands.

“But that can't be me,” I whispered.

I would definitely get him to approve my skill, even if it means me going against fangspire rules.

“Please open the door,” a voice said from behind the door interrupting my train of thought.

“Who would this be now?” I asked myself.

“The Fangspire seems to know how to interrupt someone's morning, it's like they don't know the importance of alone time.” I whispered.

“Good morning Mrs.,” I opened the door, glancing at a tall lady.

“Anabelle, you've been sent for,” She said.

“Please tell me who sent you to disturb my alone time,” I smirked.

“My lady, there's nothing like alone time behind Fangspire walls, when the alpha calls everyone replies.” she said pitifully.

“That's not the right thing, but we all abide by Alpha's order.”

“Okay, tell your alpha I am having my alone time,” I replied, closing the door behind me.

Leaning on the closed door, with my heart beating heavily.

I immediately dashed into the bathroom to prepare myself for today's encounter. I have to fight for my dream.

“Where's she?!” Roman's voice echoed through the walls.

“Alpha, she's having her alone time.” The slim, fragile maid replied.

“What's the meaning of this?” He asked.

“In fangspire’s pack, there's nothing like alone time. Everyone must abide by it , including her.”

“Where's she?” He asked, rushing towards the top of the castle.

“Alpha, she's……..in her room.” She stammered.

“Anabelle, come out of this room immediately!” a loud bang from the door.

“It's Alpha Roman voice…” I whispered, drying my hair with my towel tied on my waist.

“Alpha, I'm getting dressed.” I said.

“Open this door right now!” He roared.

“Good day Alpha Roman,” I opened the door immediately, with my towel tied across my shoulder, my hair leaning wet on my back.

Roman, frozen on the spot, stood at the door for seconds staring at her, like someone scanning his properties.

“Why are you still inside the room?” He asked in a shocked tone, like someone waking up from a dream.

“Alpha, I usually have alone time in the morning. Where I draw and prepare for the day.” I said lowly.

“There's nothing like alone time in my castle. And you must follow the rules laid down.”

“Today is your welcome party to the Fangspire pack, you will get to meet the elders and members of the pack.” He replied in a strict tone.

“I don't want you to move stupid, so you have to follow all my orders. And if you don't abide, you will be thrown into the dungeon.”

“Okay, Alpha” I bowed down, my towel revealing my fair shoulders.

Roman, staring at the beauty before him, had never seen the beauty of a woman since his mother died. Probably his resentment towards women swallowed every desire.

He immediately left the room, leaving me behind the doors.

The castle was filled with many wolves, focusing on their various activities required for the welcome party. Elders centered around the silver rock table discussing.

Roman and his family were seated between the elders. Everywhere spoke royalty and respect, indeed Fangspire was a kingdom with so much order.

“Good day, elders and members of the pack,” I said facing them.

“Good day,” some said and others replied sarcastically.

“isn’t she the future Luna of Kam's kingdom? That was traded by her kingdom to the Fangspire's.” One of the people whispered.

“I heard they've been betrothed even before their birth,” one of them said sarcastically.

“I wonder how she would win his heart, we've always thought the Alpha was a gay that never loved women.”

“How will he love this one….” They laughed.

Their whispers crept to my feet, I stood still with each of their words piercing through my heart.

“How would I survive the fangspire,” I thought.

“My daughter, come sit beside me,” my father in voice out, interrupting my thought. Pointing at the crystal chair beside him.

“Okay sir,” I replied, moving toward his direction.

All eyes on me, like people scanning my every move sarcastically.

“Welcome the only daughter of Aiden, future Luna of Kam's kingdom.” One of the elders said, raising his hands up.

“You are welcome to our kingdom, twenty years ago your bond with our son was made here. Right in this council we made that alliance.”

“And now you both are ripe enough to form an alliance.” One of the elders said, clearing his throat.

“Please let's go straight to the welcome speech, I've told you guys I'm not betrothed to any woman.” Roman spoke up.

“Don't say that Alpha, we respect all your decisions for the kingdom. But this is destiny.”

“We've made this alliance before you guys were born, an oath sworn by your parents.” One of the elders said,

“My son, that's the tradition, that an Alpha must have a fated mate.” His father touched him lightly.

“I object to all this!” He shouted.

The castle was filled with tension, whispers echoed through the walls.

“You two are given five years to love each other, but after this appointed date. There's still rejection of mate, your bonds will be broken.”

Hearing the five years played through my heart, five years of exile. All this was for my father's legacy.

I stood there still, assessing every move of Roman.

“I accept the bait,” he said in a mocking tone, like he knew this would never work.

“Elders, I have a plea.” I said.

“When I was in Kam's kingdom I always did my artistic skill, my dad prepared me to be the Luna along side with it.”

“And I promised to push the dream further.”

“A woman can't be allowed to pursue a skill in Fangspire,” one of the elders said.

“In Fangspire's pack our women focused on house chores, not education nor talents.” His voice echoed through the walls.

“But–” I hadn't finished my sentence before Roman cut in.

“I’ve told you that's not in our rules. Don't push this further.” Roman voiced out loudly.

“Please I have to, it's the only thing I could do for my late parents.” I said in a sad tone.

“The only way you can do it, is to undergo a rigorous training for one month.” He suggested.

“After passing the test you will be allowed to enroll at the artist academy in Fangspire.” He said.

That idea rang in my head, I've never been trained on a field. Neither have I held weapons in my life.

Winning this battle was harder than I thought.

The training room smelled like hell even from afar.

“Would I be able to win this?” I whispered.

Fighting the Alpha on a battlefield, was like a death sentence I signed up for.

A death to no return, it's either I crack the wall or forget my dreams.

Chapter seven - Bait on the artist skill

Anabelle Pov

“I accept the contract, Alpha Roman.” I replied, bowing my head.

The castle hall stood silent, no single voice was heard but only their eyes were seen glued to me.

Their eyes scanned my every movement in shock. Like I had said something that was hilarious and shameful.

“I hope you know what you are signing up for,” Roman’s voice broke through the quiet hall.

“Yes, Alpha Roman, I am ready to take that bait for my artistic skill.” I said boldly.

“The training academy isn't a baby place, even men who go there don't come out the same.” He said sarcastically.

“What makes the only daughter of the late Alpha Aiden think she can surpass that?” His voice echoed through the walls.

His expression was so mocking, acting like he was happy I fell directly into his trap.

“I'm Anabelle Aiden, you should know I am not a weak woman.” I said, my inner wolf shaking.

“I will accept this bait, and try my best to win every task.” I said bowing my head.

“That's okay Anabelle, let's see how a mere woman wins this.”

The way he addressed women was different, treated them like mere objects that don’t have a say in every conversation.

His resentment towards women grew every day.

“My bodyguard would show you the location of the academy as well as the rule book would be given to you.” He said, snatching his teeth together.

“With this, the welcome party can start,” He raised his hands signaling a go-ahead.

Instantly music filled the room, everyone dancing to the music. Elders centred the table talking about their political meetings.

I stood still observing their every move.

“How will I survive through Alpha's training academy?” I asked myself.

Last I heard, the only woman that was thrown to the academy died before reaching the end.

I breathed heavily, then cheered myself up. After all this party was hosted for my presence.

The party that was made to welcome me turned into mockery. I stood close to my father-in-law.

“My daughter, come nearer.” He said, pointing to the chair beside him.

I moved near him instantly.

“Why did you take such a bait, my daughter?

Don't you think that was too extreme for just a skill?” He said lowly.

“Sir, that's not just a skill but a life dream I always cherished since childhood.” I said sadly.

“Before my parents died, they always supported my dreams. I was sent to the fashion academy in Kam's kingdom.”

“But after their death, everything changed. I promised them to pursue my dream.”

“But my daughter, how were you planning to balance your Luna role with that?” He questioned with his eyes scanning my words.

“My parents prepared me for that, they taught me how to balance my role.”

“My daughter, your parents were truly good wolves, they ruled with discipline and order. I really wished they lived to see you successful.” He said, tapping my face lightly.

“Sir, I would make a piece for you in my free time. You will be the first to get a piece of my talent.” I smiled lightly.

“That's nice, I would want to see how good you are.” He smiled.

And we started gisting about the history of fangspire's pack. I really loved the bond we were forming, it reminded me of my parents' presence.

“Anabelle come here!” Roman’s voice echoed through the hall.

“Follow my bodyguard, they will show you the academy location as well as the rules guiding it.” He ordered.

Immediately, I left my father-in-law in their direction.

The muscular-built bodyguards moved before me, their faces lay straight like people ready for a war. With their crystal marks identifying their Fangspire's breed.

“How would a woman fight for a talent in fangspire?”

“I’ve never heard since my birth in this kingdom,” one of the wolves whispered.

“This bait was a trap, she's going to lose it anyway.”

“No woman has survived the training academy, that place is hell itself. A place where women are thrown to death.” One of the wolves whispered.

Hearing their words hit me deep, my heart beating. I could feel the heat running through my thighs.

“Walk fast Anabelle,” one of the bodyguards commanded.

“The training academy is not for sluggish people. Acting sluggish won't help you but lead you to your death ground.”

I took a sharp step immediately. I don't know if I will survive this danger, all I cared for was my dream.

The entrance of the training academy was filled with red carpets lying on the marbles. The building was painted red, signifying danger.

The pattern of the building described enemies that had been killed years ago. It was a historic danger site.

Outside the room was filled with muscular built soldiers, even their hands were enough to break a rock. They stood fearless with weapons across their chests.

I stood still like someone that froze at the appearance of things.

“Anabelle, this is the entrance of the training academy. This place is highly restricted, it's out of bounds to others.” he said, pointing at the board that clearly showed the restricted zone.

“Enter this place,” He pointed at the entrance door.

The room was filled with weapons, with dead skin lying on the floor. My wolf could feel the tension in the walls.

I stood still at the entrance of the room, my heart beating so fast that I could feel my pulse.

“Be fast Anabelle!” one of the bodyguards shouted, signaling me to increase my footstep.

“The training academy is made of ten doors, each of them has their various functions.” He said pointing at a book label that showed the rooms.

“You are only allowed to enter the first door,” He said seriously.

“Entering the other rooms is determined by your grade, how well you pass our tests weekly.”

“Every week you will be tested, and Alpha said you must reach the tenth door. That's the only way the bait will be completed.”

“These are the ten rooms, each has a stature before it. But we will stop at the first room for now.”

“RULES OF THE TEN ROOM,” I read it loudly. I held the large book, glancing through the cover page.

It was a metallic red book describing the historical use of the academy.

“Read the rules carefully, because you will apply them during the course of the training.” One of the bodyguards said.

“Rule 1: Do not eat in the training rooms

Rule 2: You must practice wolves’ abilities daily.

Rule 3: weapons must be kept close.

Rule 4: No one is allowed outside this hall, until a battle is finished for the day.

And other rules started must be abided to.

Ensure confidentiality is kept within these walls.”

I read them one at a time, each rule crept my thighs with fear. I can't stay here for an hour.

“So how will I stay here, training the whole day?” I whispered.

“I hope you've read them properly, Alpha Roman doesn't play with his rules . Any default you make leads to death.” The leader of the guard signaled.

“You start your training tomorrow at 4:00am, lateness demands a fine.” He ordered.

“This is okay for today, let's go and meet Alpha for further instructions.” He said.

We walked through the corner leading to Alpha council.

“Alpha, we've oriented her about the academy,” he said, bowing to Roman.

“I hope you listened carefully,” he said in a strict voice.

“Because every default calls for punishment.”

“Tomorrow you will begin the training at 4:00am, no reason will be accepted for being late.” He said coldly before drifting his attention.

One month in the training academy I just saw felt like hell, I could feel the suffering even before entering.

A bait for my dream is about to take my life, but how would I succeed without fighting hard.

Reaching the tenth room was a difficult game on it's own, the first room smelt like war.

“How would I even reach the tenth room, when I could not stand the first room.”

Winning Alpha requires me cracking walls, either leading to my death or a victory.