Vengeance In Vampire’s Dominion

Recap

SOPHIA

FIVE MONTHS AGO

The pack house was electric with joy, everyone beaming with happiness – but I was the one shining brightest. I was on top of the world, my happiness greater than everyone else's.

The excitement was palpable – Ryker's alpha ceremony was just a day away, and I was on the cusp of becoming his Luna. The prospect of taking on this esteemed role, standing by Ryker's side as his partner and leader, filled me with joy and anticipation. What a momentous occasion it was going to be.

“Sophia”

The sudden call broke the spell, and I turned to face her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Her unusual smile caught my attention – Claribel rarely smiled at me like that. As she swayed closer, her hips swishing from side to side, I couldn't help but wonder what was behind her sudden cheerfulness.

"Have you seen Nathan?" she asked, her voice laced with an air of nonchalance.

I shook my head, responding with a simple "Ummmm, no."

Nathan, the beta and Ryker's close friend, had been dating Claribel for a while, despite their weird relationship dynamics, which always left me puzzled. They claimed to be happy, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

I was stunned when I found out Claribel and Nathan were dating. Nathan had been smitten with her for ages, but she had always set her sights on someone more powerful, someone who could offer her the status and prestige she craved.

She often bragged about becoming the Luna to the alpha of the entire kingdom, so it seemed out of character for her to settle for Nathan. He was kind, sweet, and gentle – almost too nice for someone as ambitious as Claribel. Their relationship seemed like an odd match, to say the least.

I was about to leave when Claribel called again.

“Sophia.” I turned back to Claribel, raising an eyebrow in skepticism. "The alpha said I should inform you that he's waiting in his room for you," she said, her smile seeming forced and awkward. Her tone was off, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

This was the first time I heard her referring to Ryker as alpha. He wasn’t alpha yet, but I always called him alpha even before he went for alpha training.

I responded with a drawn-out "Okayyy", feeling like the conversation was weirdly stilted. It was unusual for Claribel to speak to me without a snide comment or insult, so I was on guard, wondering what was behind her sudden niceness.

I didn't want to prolong the awkward conversation with Claribel, but my curiosity about Ryker's summons took over. I had just left his room, and I wondered what could be the reason for him needing me again so soon.

A smile spread across my face as I made my way to Ryker's room, feeling a flutter in my chest. Even though I had seen him just a few minutes ago, the prospect of seeing him again filled me with excitement and joy, making me feel bubbly and light-hearted.

As I pushed open the door, I was met with a scene that made my eyes widen in shock. Whatever I had expected to find in Ryker's room, it wasn't this. My gaze froze, taking in the unexpected sight before me.

Ryker's face was etched with fear, a look I'd never seen on him before.

The sight of the servant lying on the floor, her blood pooling around her, sent my mind reeling. I stuttered out a question, my voice trembling with shock and confusion: "What... happened here?" The words barely escaped my lips as I struggled to process the gruesome scene before me.

Ryker's explanation came out in a stuttering, hesitant tone, as if he was trying to downplay the situation. "She was trying to give me some drinks, like I ordered her to, but she brought the wrong one... I just slapped her, and she fell," he said, his voice shaking with each word. "I guess she must have had some kind of illness or something," he added, his words trailing off lamely. The way he described slapping the servant, combined with the severity of her injuries, sent a chill down my spine. Something didn't add up.

I pressed on, seeking answers for the servant's tragic fate. "But what caused her to bleed this way?" I glanced at the lifeless body on the floor, an expression of pity washing over my face. As wolves, the servants here were typically resilient and robust. I couldn't fathom what kind of illness or condition could lead to such severe bleeding.

Ryker's admission was barely audible, his voice cracking with emotion. "I really don't know, Sophia... I was just angry at her, that's all," he stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush. His fear was palpable, his body trembling like a leaf. I could see the terror in his eyes, a sight that shook me to my core.

Despite the disturbing scene unfolding before me and the multitude of questions swirling in my head, I couldn't bring myself to believe that Ryker was capable of such heartlessness.

I knew he struggled with anger issues, but I also knew he wasn't a monster. He wouldn't take the life of an innocent servant without justification or at least a grave provocation.

Ryker's voice was laced with fear, his words tumbling out in a hushed tone. "What would we do now?" he asked, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an answer.

"You know I wouldn't be made alpha if I were caught being guilty of her death." His words struck a chord, and I nodded in agreement. He was absolutely right; the consequences of being discovered would be severe, and his future as alpha would be all but certain.

As I walked closer to Ryker, I sat down beside him on the bed, my heart racing with a mix of emotions. I took his hands in mine, feeling a sense of determination wash over me.

A bizarre idea was already forming in my mind, but I knew I had to consider it. My love for Ryker was all-consuming, and I would do anything to help him, especially in this moment when he needed me most.

I looked into his eyes, seeing the fear and uncertainty reflected back at me, and I knew I had to act. My mind was made up – I would do whatever it took to protect him.

Ryker's words were laced with a sense of resignation, his voice filled with emotion. "Sophia, I'm doomed," he said, his eyes locked unwaveringly on mine. "Whatever happens, remember I love you and always will." His gaze was intense, his words spoken with a conviction that sent shivers down my spine.

I gently placed my finger on Ryker's lips, trying to silence him. "Shh," I whispered, my voice soft and reassuring. "Nothing's going to happen to you." But he just looked at me, his expression skeptical, as if he thought I was spouting nonsense. I took a deep breath, the weight of my decision settling heavy on my shoulders.

And then, in a voice that was barely above a whisper, I made the shocking declaration: "I'll put it on myself. I'm the one who killed her, not you." The words felt like acid on my tongue, but I knew I had to say them to protect Ryker from the consequences of his actions.

Ryker's face was a picture of utter shock, his eyes wide with incredulity.

"Are you kidding me?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. He looked at me as if I had lost my mind, his expression a mix of astonishment and confusion. He obviously couldn't believe what I was saying, and I couldn't blame him.

The idea that I would take the blame for something he had done was so absurd, so unthinkable, that it was like I was speaking a different language.

He searched my face for some sign of joking or sarcasm, but I knew he wouldn't find any. I was dead serious.

I looked Ryker straight in the eye, my expression serious and resolute. "I'm not joking, Ryker," I said, my voice firm. "I meant every word." But then my tone softened, and I added a request that came from the depths of my heart. "But I want you to promise me something," I said, my eyes locked on his. "Once you become alpha, you'll let me out."

Ryker's gaze lingered on mine for what felt like an eternity, still trying to process the enormity of what I was doing. Finally, he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Of course, Sophia... of course I will." And with that, he wrapped his arms around me, holding me in a tight, desperate hug that spoke volumes about his gratitude. I could feel the intensity of his emotions, the weight of his thanks, and it broke my heart to see him like this.

I was certain he would.