The Desert Wolf and His Princess

Zara's POV The sky wore a cloak of billowy grey, as if it held a secret only the cloud knew. It stretched out like a heavy blanket, weighing down on my heart. The silence in the castle was suffocating, as if the very air held its breath in anticipation. Normally, this time of day would be filled with the bustling sounds of life, but now, it was as if time stood still. Each step I took down the hallway echoed, amplifying the unease that gnawed at my insides. The dim light from the sconces cast long shadows that danced eerily on the stone walls. Every creak and whisper seemed magnified, sending shivers down my spine. It was as if the castle itself held its breath, waiting for the unknown to reveal itself. Fear gripped me tightly, squeezing my heart, as I continued on, my footsteps muffled by the weight of the silence. There were a lot of werewolves there; some of them relatives and the others from the council. I knew my father would be angered if I interrupted his important meeting. Yet, an unsettling feeling had gripped me, a premonition that something bad was happening. Thus, I hid behind the long, dark curtains, quiet as a mouse, intent on hearing what was being discussed. "We’ll have to hasten the ceremony so the people aren"t left without a leader for long.” One of the Lords from the council was saying. "That’s right. Since he had no sons and i am his first cousin, I am next in line for the throne of the Alpha King but just so we be fair and keep the bloodline strong, I’ll be marrying Zara, his daughter." I gasped and then covered my mouth, remembering that I was supposedly in concealment. That was Ajax, my father"s cousin, a despicable, cruel, power-hungry wolf. I instantly realized that not only were they saying my father was dead, but they also planned to marry me to Ajax! No way was that fair. Ajax was old enough to be my father! Bloodline? That p*****t was thinking of filling me with his pups. No one seemed to disagree, not even Aunt Charlotte, who had always been so nice to me. How dare they do this to me? I nearly whimpered but remembered I had to stay hidden. "Will she consent to do her duty willingly?" Lord Alexin asked. “She's submissive and lacks a strong will," Aunt Charlotte replied, her words cutting deep into my heart. "You won't encounter any issues with her.” "We will have to do it as soon as possible." Croaked Lord Juniper, the oldest werewolf on the council. "Immediately after the rite of passage for our dear cousin." Ajax retorted. "Preferably tomorrow.” "Why rush into the marriage?" Sylvio, a second cousin of mine, questioned, echoing my thoughts. “Well, we all are aware that he shall arrive swiftly upon receiving tidings of the old Alpha"s demise." They all murmured, their voices tinged with trepidation, and I instantly discerned the subject of their discussion. It was forbidden to utter his name amongst our werewolf brethren within the pack. The desert wolf. Eric Morgan. The true Alpha of the people, destined to reclaim his rightful throne. He was a resolute werewolf, endowed with patience and strength. At present, he roamed in secrecy, his whereabouts known only to those closest to him. The shroud of mystery surrounding him hath heightened tensions within the pack. "We should resolve this unsightly affair swiftly so that I may commence my reign," grumbled Ajax. As the council members departed, each bidding farewell to my father's memory, I felt a crushing sense of loneliness. My father had been a kind ruler, striving to make amends for his father's transgressions. Now, it seemed Ajax would claim the throne, driven by his insatiable hunger for power. I whimpered in despair, feeling feeble and devoid of agency. I was so lost in the depths of my despair that i didn't hear the sound of the door until Aunt Charlotte’s gentle voice broke the silence. "Still lurking behind the curtains, Zara?" she whispered. Caught off guard, I stood frozen, unable to find words for a moment or two. Slowly, I emerged from my hiding place, my eyes locked on hers with a mix of anger and hurt. "You were part of their plan to marry me off to Ajax?" “Oh, Zara," she sighed, her voice tinged with weariness. "What?" I hissed incredulously. "I overheard you. You were all scheming to wed me to him." "Save your ire for Ajax. We have little time to spare." "What?" I queried once more, my mind struggling to keep pace. "I understand that you are in shock, but, as I said, time is scarce. You must seek out the desert wolf." "What do you mean, Aunt Charlotte?" “You need to know the truth," she said, her voice low and urgent. "You are in danger, Zara. Ajax has no intention of letting you live once he's achieved his goal. If you stay here and marry him, you'll be the next victim of a carefully planned accident." She handed me a concealed bag. "They all think you are still asleep. That should grant you ample time. Keep your hair veiled, and follow the map to the marked location." "What's there?" I asked, my mind racing. "You'll find the desert wolf, Eric Morgan. Plead for his protection, and he'll help you." "Why should I do that?" I asked, feeling overwhelmed. "Because the title of Alpha King is rightfully his," Aunt Charlotte replied, her eyes locked on mine. "You have a choice: stay here and face danger or seek Eric's protection." I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Aunt Charlotte's words were cryptic, but I sensed she was trying to help me. "Why won't you come with me?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Be strong, Zara," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "I have faith in you. Take the omega’s exit, and may the gods be with you."