Atasha’s POV

I witnessed a great slaughter as soon as I left our house. Bloods and dead bodies were all over the place, houses were burned by the fire and cries could be heard anywhere. I looked above the night sky and it was aglow with the full moon shining brightly as if the Moon Goddess approved this tragedy.

As I took a few steps while roaming my eyes to the horrible end of our small community, Crimson’s pack suddenly appeared and surrounded me like a criminal being cornered. Some of them were still in their human forms while the others have shifted into their ferocious wolves.

My gaze darted on Alpha Samuel, whose body was beaten up to death, on his bent knees while tied up. Our Alpha got defeated, this means that our pack is doomed.

Two warriors held my arms. I tried to pull them off but they were so strong that a slight move could already break my bones.

“I-I’ll come with you,” I announced firmly, fisting my hand to get all the courage I needed to face these dangerous wolves. “But you have to do what you promised . . . that you’ll give our pack the peace we want! That there will be no war between us from now on!”

My decision to be Astrid’s replacement is final as this is the only way I can protect her from any harm. If becoming a slave to the new Alpha is the only way I can save my sister, I won’t hesitate even a bit. Comparing her life to mine, hers has more essence.

She needs to live . . . that’s how I love her so dearly.

I looked back at our house. I hope our father will do the right thing this time. I let him escape with my twin sister in his arms so that no one from the Crimson will be able to harm them.

“I like your sudden bravery, young pup.”

A tall man with a ruthless spartan-like physique slowly walked towards me. He was in full armor clothes that scream dominance and power. I didn’t even have to guess who he was. Based on his glowing red pair of eyes, pointed fangs and lethal aura, I know that he’s Alpha Gregory, the old leader of our rivals, which our pack has been trying to defeat, but to no avail.

“I need your assurance, Alpha,” I stated, biting my tongue to fight the fear that’s trying to creep in me. “N-No more wars. . . .”

He touched my chin and made me look up at him. “For now, yes.”

My eyes widened with his remarks. “No, that’s not what my father told me! The peace needs to be perma–”

“Tie her up. Blindfold her eyes and tape her mouth. I don’t want to hear loud whines on our way home,” he ordered in full authority.

From the scent of smoke, down to the scent of mist in the forest . . . chilling road and then the sunlight slowly burning my skin after a long time, it took me hours of walking barefoot until I heard them singing a triumph song, indicating that we reached their territory.

“Slave, welcome to your new hell, the Crimson Moon’s territory,” said by the Alpha who laughed devilishly before I heard the metal gates open.

***

ALMOST an hour passed and I could still see the darkness of being blindfolded. The Alpha ordered his men to take me in the ‘cage’. My heart was pounding aggressively inside my chest. The hallway where we were walking was so silent and cold that it made me feel so bothered.

One of them walked towards me and finally removed the garments in my head. My eyes immediately roamed around the cell I’m in. Everything is painted black. The little sunlight coming from the window was the only thing that lightened up the place a bit. It’s cold and every wall is whispering death . . .

“Pup, this will be your room, the same place you’re gonna die eventually,” said the werewolf who forcibly removed the tape on my mouth.

I groaned and glared at him.

“Should I be scared now?” I talked back bravely, as I gathered all my strength not to stutter. I don’t want them to see that I am afraid of them. If they see me trembling even a little bit, they would try to scare me more.

A warrior ran towards me and pulled my hair. “How dare you talk back to our Beta that way? You’re just a fuckin’ slave from the pack we defeated. You’re good as a hopeless dog from now on, don’t you know about that?”

“Oh, thanks for reminding me about it. That’s very kind of you,” I said in full sarcasm.

“Brace yourself, slave. The soon-to-be Alpha will devour you soon.” Beta grabbed the black garment and put it back in my head.

I was just lying down on the cold ground, growing tired as a lot of thoughts were whirling through my head. I stayed there, crying myself to sleep until I heard heavy footsteps walking towards my cage.

I heard them unlocking the cell door which made me get up despite my weak and trembling body.

They entered the cell. My breath hitched when I felt that someone knelt in front of me. And when he sighed, my heart started to thump aggressively.

“What the hell did they do, Joaquin?” He asked. His deep voice sounds ruthless but euphonic at the same time. I never heard such a comforting voice like his before . . .

Who is he? Why does he sound . . . concerned?

He removed the rope tied on my wrist. I was relieved the moment my hands were both freed. His large veiny hands then removed the garment on my head.

I gasped upon seeing the face of this unfamiliar werewolf in front of me. For an unknown reason, I turned red when his wayfarer-blue eyes glanced at me. This is the first time that I have seen a werewolf this close. It looks like we are the same age, even though he has facial hair. His eyes squinted; I guess I had already looked at him for a long time and more than I should. What did I do? My hands were shaking, and I embraced myself as I felt nervous. His face comes closer and closer. I'm not yet ready to die.

"State your name," he commanded as his eyes were still locked in mine; it's as if it's trying to connect through me. I could no longer look at him as I felt beads of sweat on my forehead keep pouring in. My rapid heartbeat is the only sound that I'm hearing right now.

"You heard the soon-to-be Alpha. State your name, young lady," said the other werewolf behind him, who seems to be his servant. I came back to my senses and tried to open my mouth.

"M-My name is . . ." I swallowed the lump in my throat as I tried to gaze at his piercing eyes. "A-Atasha . . . f-from the Silver Moon pack."

"Atasha . . ." he repeated, which made me more nervous. Why does my name sound endearing when he says it? I want to hear it again.

His cold gaze is screaming danger, complete destruction . . . yet I don't know why I feel a sense of comfort. Something inside me is telling me that I am safe now. But why?

He is the soon-to-be Alpha, the same werewolf who will own me.

"Y-Yes . . ." I said with my mouth running dry.

"Joaquin, let's walk her to my room so she can take a bath. Call the pack doctor to treat her wounds. She won't heal on her own." The side of his lips curled up; a ghost of a smile escaped from it that made me confused a bit.

Does he know I can't shift?

"You also need to prepare good clothes for her. She's my guest. She'll be joining me in the banquet later."

"But she's–"

"That's an order. She should join us. She's a birthday gift to me, after all.”

An hour before the banquet . . .

Elijah’s POV

“YOU look like someone who will be entering an execution chamber,” said Joaquin, who was helping me with my black tux here in my room. “Try to plaster a little smile on that face, Elijah. Your father has returned and it’s best to hide your disapproval of this arrangement. Be a grown up.”

My brows furrowed as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. At this age, I realized that some birthdays don’t mean to bring happiness but misfortune, typically the same goes for me.

“So you’re saying that to be a grown up, I have to follow his every command like a fucking robot? Are you fucking real, Quin?”

“Sometimes, you just have to man up and face the reality, Elijah. Not all situations would go on your side. There are times you have to forget your beliefs and adjust for the betterment of many.” He patted my shoulder and then sighed.

“Are you done preaching me?” I turned to him and threw daggers on him.

He tilted his head and shrugged. “Done rubbing the truth on your face, birthday boy. Anyway, your mother prepared some presents for you and for Margaux. Luna Hera wants you to give it to her.”

“Whatever.” I shook my head and walked to the balcony of my room to breathe some fresh air.

“And your new slave is already here. Would you like to check on her?”

I couldn’t help but smirk. I can’t believe my father really took someone from the pack they attacked. “So he really brought me a new slave, huh? Interesting. Where did they take her?”

“In the cage on the east wing.”

***

Present Time . . .

“WE all know that slaves will be only called from their cages, but now you want to have her stay in your room?” Joaquin asked the moment we transferred my new slave into my room. I can see the tracks of her tears from her face, and she is dripping with sweat just by looking at her hair.

“You asked too many questions, Joaquin. Just do what I told you. She will be my guest at the banquet, and that's final.”

He nodded, giving up on whatever it is he's trying to argue about. “I will go ahead and pick up the dress from our tailor. I already called the pack doctor, and he'll be here in no time. I'll be back in a minute.” He said.

“Okay, make it quick. We are running out of time.”

When Joaquin left my room, I looked at my new slave sitting at the edge of my bed. I already told her that she'd be coming to the banquet as a guest on our way here. She will be assisted by Joaquin and get her dressed formally.

“My M..a...Master, I want to get this off my ch-chest; I think . . . I cannot go with you to the p-party. My family never let me go out, and it will be my... first time seeing other werewolves . . .” Atasha's face turned pale as she said it, then she rubbed the side of her neck.

“I hate repeating myself; just call me Elijah. It’s an order that you must follow. Do you understand?” I remarked in my serious tone.

“ Yes . . . master, I mean . . . El-Elijah.”

I massaged the bridge of my nose as I closed my eyes for a bit. This were-woman is a pain in the ass. Hopefully, my plan will work.

When I opened my eyes, I saw the look of confusion on her face. I couldn’t help but observe her. Her whole being does remind me of someone I know, speaking innocence and courage. I'm not sure who it was, but all it tells me is a warm feeling, walking in the woods, running in crisp golden leaves, the earthy scent; it feels like home.

As I glanced more at her, I noticed her amber eyes even though it conveys defiance . . . her nose, and sculpted lips, skin so pale and unkempt brown colored long curly hair due to the torture she received . . . that tiny scar in her neck, yet I must admit she still glows even from a distant.

“I need to leave now. You can take a bath first and wait for the pack doctor. See you at the party, my slave.” I cleared my throat and went to the door.

Before I close the door, my eyes can't help but peek and look at her face.

Elijah, you have to keep your cool, damn it!

I then decided to leave her and walked away. While I was already in the hallway, my mind kept telling me to go back for some unknown reason. I stopped for a moment and had to fight the urge to follow my mind; however, it seemed like my body followed my mind more than my well-built pride, and so I went back to my room so that I could see her again.

My eyes widened like an owl at night as soon as I opened the door. She turned to me and screamed as I saw her totally naked while standing in front of the mirror.

I gulped down as my eyes drifted in her slim yet intoxicating body. Hers is just the same with all other were-women I bedded, but it seemed like something was wrong with me as I could not stop glancing. I guess I had to stop drinking that forbidden liquor from Quin.

“I-I’m going to take a bath!” she said as she covered herself using her tiny hands. That made me come back to my senses and look away.

“Hurry up, then!” I closed the door and palmed my face.

What the heck, Elijah?

This isn't the first time I saw a naked werewolf . . . why do I feel so nervous and excited? I scolded myself repeatedly as I walked towards the hallway.

This isn't the right time to play around, I told myself.

***

AS I stepped into our garden where the banquet would be held, I already felt all the eyes glued to me. It is uncomfortable at first, but I need to get used to it as I will be the next Alpha after this day.

There were some hot were-women, and they looked like they wanted to have some fun with me, but as soon as I started getting excited, my father approached me with my fiancee Margaux.

“My son, I want to introduce you to your fiancee, Margaux Deveraugh.”

“I already know her, so let's cut the formal introduction, shall we?” I said and gave Margaux a cold stare.

I didn't feel any fear as she looked me in the eyes. She then smiled seductively, the same smile I see from most of the were-women who want to end up in my bed.

“It's been a while, Eli. You never changed. You're still the cold-hearted guy I know. But I must admit you look even more handsome this time,” she said in her soft voice.

“You two should catch up a bit. I need to join my Luna to welcome some of our friends from the allied packs. I'll excuse myself for now.” Father smiled sincerely to Margaux, and when he turned to me, I instantly heard his voice in my head.

‘Treat her well,’ he said as his mind linked me.

I shook my head and let him blend into the crowd while looking for my mother. Margaux then cleared her throat to get my attention.

“Happy birthday, Eli. This one's for you.” She handed a small box to me. I accepted it and led our way to one of the VIP tables.

“I appreciate the present.”

We casually talked . . . I mean, she kept talking, and I only answered when needed. The banquet is just starting, yet I feel the urge to go back to my room. I bet it would be much interesting to talk to the new slave rather than staying here with this were-woman who's exposing her motives too early.

Margaux Deveraugh is a head-turner, sexy, and her aura is powerful among the single were-women out here. However, despite her impressive physique, I still don't feel anything for her.

Minutes passed, and I started talking to the other werewolves who greeted me. There are other royals from the other packs which came and gave their respect to us.

It's closed in the evening when the food is served. My father then went on the stage and was ready to make some announcements.

I was looking around and still did not see my slave. I felt worried as I did not know what had happened, and probably my butler knew my plan and sided with my father. If that's the case, I'm screwed.

I clenched my jaw as I watched my father finish his speech. Our eyes locked afterward. . . I guess I need to accept my fate, to marry someone I didn't like at all.

Suddenly, I saw a stunning were-woman walking inside the garden. She caught my attention as other werewolves were also looking at her and asking who she was. My feet moved on their own, and I ran towards her as I saw Joaquin holding her arm.

A-Atasha!

I could have sworn that my breath hitched upon seeing her in the champagne-colored long dress. She looks stunning . . .

I grabbed her hand and ran towards the stage. My father was confused as he looked at me. I stopped in the middle of the platform and faced the crowd, still holding Atasha's hand.

Different packs looked at me with confused faces. Old werewolves are whispering, and some of them locked their eyes to my slave.

“As the soon-to-be Alpha of the Crimson Pack, I'm here to proudly announce that I already found my Luna,” I proclaimed confidently.

I turned to her. I must confess, her face looked charming when she had this sweet naive look . . . I smiled inwardly and held her waist so I could pull her towards me.

“Mate . . .” I whispered and leaned in to kiss her soft lips.

A loud gasp from the crowd occupied the garden, but I can hear more clearly the piercing heartbeat that I also feel from her chest.

Atasha’s POV

MY mind was completely haywire as I couldn't seem to grasp what was happening. The soon-to-be Alpha, Elijah, wanted me to join the banquet for an unknown reason. One thing's for sure; this will be my very first time attending a banquet; for a moment, it felt like I'm a normal werewolf.

Another thing that bothered me the most was that he saw my naked body earlier . . . when I think about it, I can't help but feel the heat engulfing my face. I can't erase that scene from my head; I wonder if he finds me attractive? I grabbed the pillow and shoved it in my face.

What the hell was I thinking? By his reaction earlier, it looks like he doesn't even see me as desirable like other were-women. But since he will be an alpha, I wonder what will happen to me if he already found his Luna?

Someone knocked on the door. Joaquin entered the room while holding a beautiful dress, and he is with the pack doctor.

After the pack doctor treated my wounds, Joaquin gave me the dress, and he waited for me outside. I was still hesitating with the idea of intruding in that party, but Joaquin said it was Elijah's command, and I had no right to defy him. I believe that Moon Goddess has a plan for me; no matter what happens, I will protect my family.

I wore a champagne-colored long off-shoulder dress. My curly hair was braided perfectly, and my face became livelier because of the makeup that the housemaid put on it. As I glanced at my reflection in front of the mirror, different emotions started to whirl inside my chest. Is this really me?

For someone like me who was held captive, and with the fact that family is still in danger out there, I am not certain if it's right for me to go to a party and act like nothing really happened. I fisted my hand and gasped . . . I wish Astrid is safe wherever they are right now.

"It's time," stated Joaquin in his cold tone.

I breathed heavily, nodded, and turned to him. We went out of Elijah's room and headed to the hallway that would bring us to where the banquet would be held.

"Just follow the other guests going to the banquet. I have to go check the gates to make sure no intruders will come. Please wait for me at the entrance once you're there. "

Before I could speak, Joaquin had already made his way somewhere else. I shook my head and embraced myself. What should I do now?

I continued walking and tried to blend in with the crowd who were walking in a wide hallway. They were all dressed formally like royals. My eyes roamed around the interiors and paintings on each wall. As I walked together with other guests, the echoes in the hallway would be heard because of the chats from different packs.

What I noticed with them is that they have this aura of peacefulness and calmness, which I found bizarre as I always think of them as destructive and ferocious beasts. Their demeanor was pleasing to my eyes, and it's hard to comprehend as someone from a poor family, and I have never seen the world like this before. Their territory was completely different from ours, as we're like commoners living in rural rustic land.

While I was walking, I accidentally collided with someone. It was a beautiful were-women, and she just simply nodded and smiled; I was not able to apologize right away because it left me speechless of how stunning she was. While I was looking at them, I then realized that even if I tried to blend in, even if I dress like them, there's really a huge difference between rich packs and me. Despite the fact that I'm invited here to the banquet, the truth is... I don't truly belong here.

I was about to head to what seemed to be a huge garden when I saw a passage on the far left side from where I was standing. The thought of escaping made me feel stiff. I stopped moving, contemplating while looking at that dark passage . . . what if there was a way out there?

I gazed back at the entrance of the vast garden where the banquet was being held. Joaquin hasn't come back yet, and with the heavy crowd in here, I assume no one would notice that I left.

The face of the soon-to-be Alpha crossed my mind. I inhaled heavily as I couldn't seem to understand why it felt as if I would lose my breath if he heard that I had escaped . . . as a matter of fact, he's not an important werewolf to me. He's still . . . an enemy. Trust should not be given to him, especially to his family. I must know if they're telling the truth; I need to see my family.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I stepped back and ran into the dark passage with my heart thumping so loud. I kept looking back as I ran, afraid that someone might have seen and chased me.

Your family is more important, Atasha . . .

I reached the end of the passage. My disappointment arose when I realized that I had entered a greenhouse filled with exotic plants and flowers. I slowly walked into the place, hoping that there might be a door but to no avail. I looked up at the ceiling and watched how different butterflies glided as if they were dancing without any worry.

How could I even escape from this place? I sighed in defeat and sat on the wooden chair. I embraced my knees as I lowered my head. Silence engulfed the whole place and somehow brought peace in me. I stayed there for a moment, seizing the peacefulness as if I won't be able to do it after this day.

I couldn't help but feel worried about my twin sister and my father. At the end of the day, they're all that I have. I'm also hoping Astrid will be fine as I'm unsure if I will be given another chance to see her. I hoped they really fulfilled their promise that they would not hurt them. As I watched the butterflies, memories flashed before my eyes, walking in the mountains with a lovely warm feeling, the shade of autumn that felt like home.

As I came back to my senses, I looked at my wrist and caressed the bracelet Astrid gave to me.

“Guests aren’t allowed here, were-woman,” a raspy voice suddenly spoke that startled me.

I turned to the man who had gray eyes, a perfectly sculpted nose, lips and jaw, and long blonde hair tied up half. Fear started to creep into my system as he glared at me.

“I . . . I got lost. I-I’m sorry!” I said with my quavering voice.

Without further ado, I walked past him, but my heart almost jumped in fear when he stopped me, holding my arm in an instance. His hands, though, were warm and gentle; my skin felt his soft fingertips as they slipped through my hands.

“A beautiful were-woman like you shouldn’t wander here all alone. No one can be trusted in this place,” he said as his piercing eyes glanced at me. He then smiled, “Let me escort you to the banquet–”

“N-No, please . . .” I panicked. “I-I’m completely fine alone,” I said and removed his hand from me.

“I haven’t seen such beauty before. I assume you’re not part of the Crimson Moon . . .” he stated playfully.

“No, and I am only here to protect my family.” After that, I ran away from him and went back to where I was supposed to go.

“Where did you go?” Joaquin walked towards me as soon as he saw me. His brows furrowed. “You look so pale. What happened?”

I shook my head. “I-I got lost and had to find my way back here.”

Based on how he looked at me, I knew that he wasn’t that convinced with my reason, which made me feel agitated.

“I suggest you not do anything that will make your situation even worse. The banquet has started for a while. Let’s go,” he said coldly and made his way to the party.

I bit my lips and sighed. I followed him, and I started to blend into the crowd of royals.

***

The sight of the soon-to-be Alpha and a beautiful were-woman by his side made my chest feel so heavy. I was just around the corner, trying to observe how Elijah looked at his partner. She might be his Luna . . .

Almost an hour passed and I remained low profile. I didn’t know how to interact. That's why even though there were werewolves trying to exchange conversations with me, I ended up avoiding them.

I saw Alpha Gregory entering the stage and making his speeches. Just by looking at his face that screams of greediness, I couldn’t help but feel the disgust for him . . . no, I despise him because he’s the main reason why I am here . . . My hands were literally shaking out of anger by only watching him. I had to hold my wrist and make a fist.

I gasped when I noticed that my bracelet wasn’t on my wrist anymore.

“Where did it go? Oh, no,” I mumbled. My gaze landed on the floor, trying to find my precious bracelet. It was Astrid’s gift for me . . . that’s the only remembrance I had from her! I can’t lose it, too!

I walked to the other corner where I’ve been too but was interrupted when someone grabbed my hand.

I turned to the owner of that hand and my eyes widened upon meeting Elijah’s soulful gaze. A ghost of a smile and hope lingered on his lips that made me breathe heavily. Despite the unfamiliar emotion he’s making me feel, it bothered me that a lot of eyes were on us . . .

What is he trying to do?

“W-Wait, E-Elijah!” I whispered when he dragged me onto the stage suddenly.

Being on a stage was like a dreadful experience for me. I looked at Elijah who caught everyone’s attention. I felt how he held my hand tighter and then the next thing I knew, he announced to everyone here that he had found his Luna.

My mouth was half open when he turned to me.

“Mate . . .” he uttered and pulled me closer to him.

I was about to protest, but then in a flash, I already felt his soft lips claiming mine. My heart pounded more aggressively, and my knees went jelly because of what he did.

That was my first kiss!

His persistent mouth parted my shaking lips and sent wild shivers down my spine. He tilted his head, and his other hand caressed my cheek. A rushing wave of warmth left me stunned. It's as if everything went blurred, and I was drowning into wide oblivion. I was about to withdraw from him, but the way he snaked his arm around my waist, it was as if he was telling me that I had to cooperate.

I was completely out of breath after that unexpected kiss! I tried to compose myself as his gaze was still at me. Shocked by what had just happened, I blinked several times and eyed him in confusion.

"I-I am your new slave, not your fiancee or L-Luna . . ." I whispered enough for him to hear.

"You don't feel it yet, but my wolf does." He licked his lips which sent another sensation deep within me. I looked away and saw how the crowd was still in shock because of what they had witnessed a few seconds ago. I stepped back and cleared my throat. My eyes darted on his father, who was eyeing me accusingly; he was throwing a dagger as if I ruined the night when in fact, his son dragged me into this . . .

"May I know who the hell she is?" A beautiful were-woman then suddenly grabbed Elijah's arm and pointed her finger at me as if I was a criminal at this point. In my mind, as I respond, I'm not here to steal him from you.

I was about to run away with them when I heard someone whistling. The crowd turned to the familiar werewolf who was walking charismatically on the stage. My brows furrowed as he was the same werewolf who talked to me in the greenhouse.

What caught my attention was the thing he was holding in his hand . . . my bracelet!

"Zach, you're here?" the beautiful were-woman said.

He walked past her and went straight to me.

"I think this is yours," he said.

A smile of relief escaped my lips, and I walked towards him. He stopped in front of me and took my hand. I gasped and looked back at Elijah.

"This bracelet symbolizes your inclusivity to the Silver Moon Pack." He put the bracelet on my wrist. "Take care of it. I know it's important," he stated and kissed the back of my hand, which made me stunned.

He then stood proudly and leaned forward enough for him to whisper something into my ears, "If you want to save your family, please remember that you can count on me . . ."

I slowly turned to him. He smirked and then walked away, leaving me completely dumbfounded.