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1579 Words
Alyssa's POV The night passed exceptionally slowly, every ten seconds lasting a thousand years. I was in a wee bed, and all I could think of was how I could get away from there, and how uncertain everything was. I had been captured by Fenris Kilmartin, the alpha of the Northwest pack, and I understood that if I did not figure out a way to escape, I would most likely remain trapped within this horrific dream forever. The sunrise was gradually climbing over the horizon and some light was spilling in through the window and the sheer curtains, creating pleasant little shadows in the room. I drew my breath and sat up. This time I have to get intelligence; I need to know Fenris and his pack; and I have to figure out the way to play the odds in my favor. The idea of being played by another man made me sick. Sitting on the bed, adjusting the dress they had provided for me, I finally stood and opened the door to my chambers. The hall was rather empty and quiet, and after a few moments, I cautiously stepped out, trying to listen for any movement. The need to get out of this position and find some who can help me, some who may actually care about the situation, was growing ever more desperate. After a while walking down the corridor, I heard a pair of voices from a nearby room. I leaned against the door and listened sharply. “Fenris is totally crazy over her,” a low tone spoke. “He believes she’ll be the one to end Killian’s reign.” “She is nothing more than a means to an end,” said the other voice. “But she’s a liability if she gets in too deep.” Their words struck fear within me. I was merely a piece on their chessboard, and yet I felt that I cannot let them use me like that without a struggle. I drew back from the door with my heart pounding and made my way further along the corridor. The establishment was quite spacious and had plenty of artistic woodwork and ornaments, but I did not have the luxury of such appreciation. I had to seek for a means of reaching out to hands that were not inside this place. Maybe there were attendants that could be convinced to assist me. After walking a few more corridors, I went into a kitchen that was filled with things going on. Several women, who appeared to be making breakfast, were laughing. I stood on the threshold for some time, not knowing how to approach the women. I happened to make eye contact with a rather chubby woman with a soft expression on her face. “You ought to be the newly wedded wife! Come inside, dear. We are short-handed here.” I thought about it for a few seconds. It could also be that helping them would translate into chances of obtaining intelligence, and maybe gaining their confidence. I walked into the kitchen, but the smile previously etched on my face was now removed. “Thank you,” I said, steadying my voice from the torments within me. “I’d love to help.” I also stood up at the counter, cut vegetables as well as stirred sauce in pots as I eavesdropped. Conversations included how life was within the Northwest pack and the leadership of Fenris and the two clans’ relations. At the same time, I was keen about any tidbits about Fenris and what he intended to do with me. “I overheard that Fenris intends to use the bride to blackmail Killian,” one of the younger females spoke in a low voice while shifting suspiciously. Another female laughed contemptuously. “He’s a crazy gambler. What a ridiculous proposition to even think that Killian would be swayed by a bride.” I listened to them with keen interest, my brain working overdrive. If Fenris was indeed blackmailing me, then I had to think of a way to make that useful. Maybe I would be able to convince him of my devotion but actually scheme my way out. "Do you think Killian would take revenge?" I asked in a nonchalant manner. The women looked at each other apprehensively. “He’s not one to take things lightly,” the chubby woman spoke. “Someone like Fenris will incite him and there will be blood.” I also started to panic. It was awful to consider that the two packs would feud, and in the process, innocents would perish. I had to find a way to smooth things over. I continued working as I noticed a young guy by the door, looking at me. He was dark-haired and sharp-featured, and there was something curious about him. He walked in, easing the heaviness in the air. “Are you finding the place comfortable?” he asked playfully. I smiled, rather awkwardly, debating what to say. “I guess there is no choice… one has to.” "You should know, you have our attention," he said while relaxing in the doorframe. “Such a thing as this, Fenris does not normally.” Upon his words, I was interested and raised an eyebrow. “How so?” He laughed a little. “Because he likes you, I presume. After all, one does not sneak in a spouse from an opposing clan every other day.” The effect of his words sent chills down my spine. Fenris’s interest was one that came with risks when he expected me to play some part in the war he waged against Killian. “Just stay out of trouble,” he added, his expression turning serious. “Sometimes, Fenris is unpredictable.” I nodded, feeling my heartbeat accelerate. I needed to proceed with caution. “I appreciate the heads-up.” Some minutes later, breakfast arrived and the mood in the kitchen changed to a more comfortable and social one. I sat down with the ladies at the table as well, since I wanted to know more about them and their hierarchy and various layers of the pack at that. While eating, I had an uneasy sensation that somebody was looking at me, however. I looked around space and finally found the dark-haired boy, who was watching me as well. He stood still, his expression unreadable. Then, out of nowhere, the door burst open, and Fenris made an entrance into the kitchen that demanded respect. The playful atmosphere was cut short as he began looking around the room, his attention now clearly aimed at me. ‘What have you so engrossed in conversation?’ He questioned me in a low, threatening voice. The women nervously looked at one another and my heartbeat began to race. I am afraid I have to act fast, and remain calm under pressure. ‘We were simply getting acquainted,’ I said, struggling to keep a cheerful expression. ‘I was just interested in what it was like, being a part of the Northwestern pack.’ Fenris still stared at me for a bit longer than necessary, and I swear there was a hint of mirth in his eyes for a split second. “I see there is some curiosity. He moved nearer to me, filling the air with his masculine energy. I trust you are not engaged in anything ridiculous.” As my eyes met his defiant ones, I felt the air leave my lungs. I would not be defeated by that intensity. “I’m not a fool,” came my retort. “All I seek is to adjust to my new environment.” He assessed me for a few moments more before looking at the male who had been following my every movement. ‘Watch her,’ Fenris ordered, and walked out of the kitchen. Margaret was a little more comfortable, although his words rather crumbled me inside. I felt his gaze. I had to be careful. Later, that same day, I sought to look for more information. However, I knew that this had to be done quickly. Fenris was bound to make use of me in his game with Killian, and I just knew that I had to do something before that. Later that night, in bed, the plans for action swirled in my mind. There was no denying that I had to get out of here and tell Killian about Fenris’s schemes. But, how can I accomplish that without attracting attention? Just then, I heard a strange sound from the outside, by my window. I slowly moved to the window, and looking outside, I could see very little. Then, I spotted a person’s silhouette near the trees, and instantly, my heart began beating faster. Was it the same as the guy at the gates? Or someone else entirely? I paused in shock, all my instincts demanding I turn back; yet, temptation propelled me forth. I had to find out who it was. As I quietly opened the window, the figure turned and I froze. A shadow in the moonlight looked way too familiar and I felt shocked. “Killian!’ He was here; where did he come from? I was still going to call him, but before I could, he put his finger on his lips and shushed me. Blood rushed to my heart, thrumming in excitement, terror and confusion. Why was he here? To save me or was this the reason for the threat?
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