Chapter 6
Aria pov
My fate was irrevocably intertwined with Alpha Kael, and just the mere mention of his name sent an icy shiver coursing down my spine. Without a moment's hesitation, I found myself bowing before him, feeling like a complete possession; I was now a breeder, stripped of autonomy—my freedom sold for a future I had not chosen.
"What's with the bow?" he inquired, his voice laced with authority as he stood directly across from me. I felt compelled to keep my gaze fixed firmly to the floor, unable to meet his piercing eyes.
"Aria?" he prompted, his tone shifting, and I knew I had to respond.
"I'm now yours, Alpha Kael. My fate wasn’t sealed at an altar; it was sealed here, at this moment," I whispered, my voice trembling with fear and uncertainty.
A feeble giggle escaped his lips as he took an hesitant step back, but his voice sliced through the air like a whip. "Your fate was sealed long ago, so get the hell up and face me, now!"
Instantly, I snapped my head up, my heart racing like a wild drum in my chest. The sudden chill of his presence enveloped me, and I felt a cold sensation wash over me as he grasped my arms, pulling me closer.
His lips brushed against my forehead, and my mind reeled in confusion. What was that?! I questioned silently, my eyes widening with disbelief. He leaned down so our gazes locked, a storm of intensity swirling within his deep eyes. "Don't ever think of running away, understand?"
I nodded slightly, my voice barely a whisper in response. "Understood."
"Good," he replied, releasing his grip on my arms. Just when I thought he would leave, he strode to the wardrobe, yanked the handle, and swung the doors wide open. My jaw dropped in astonishment; the dresses inside gleamed with opulence, each one more exquisite than the last. They sparkled like the stars in a night sky, reminiscent of the lavish gowns my stepmother wore to high-profile events—dresses that always seemed to shimmer with an air of royalty.
Heat surged to my cheeks as a smile tugged at my lips; for a brief moment, I allowed myself to dream that they might be meant for me. But my musings came crashing down as Alpha Kael's authoritative voice broke through, clearing his throat to regain my attention.
"These are yours," he declared, his tone firm yet laced with a hint of promise. "I want you to dress like royalty, but know this, it does not grant you the freedom to disobey me. I will reclaim everything I have given you in an instant if you dare to disrespect me."
I nodded obediently, stealing a quick glance around the room as excitement pulsed through me. The view was breathtaking; everything about this place felt surreal, and a flicker of hope ignited within me. This was my reality now, and I couldn’t help but think, maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to navigate it, give him an heir and have my life later run.
A sharp knock shattered the heavy stillness in the room, and we instinctively turned our gazes toward the door, our hearts pounding in unison.
“Alpha!” a breathless voice called out from the other side, urgency lacing every syllable. “There’s an attack at the border—thirteen Omegas have been brutally slaughtered. The officers stationed there are all dead.”
A cold wave of fear washed over me, my breath hitching in my throat as the grim reality sank in.
“Daniel?” Kael’s voice was low and menacing, an ominous growl that resonated with barely contained rage. I could sense the tension in the air as his fists tightened, knuckles going white.
“Yes, Alpha.” Daniel’s voice echoed back through the corridor, but even from behind the closed door, I could sense the trepidation woven into his words. The slight tremor in his speech was unmistakable; he was frightened, and rightly so.
Kael took a step forward, his movements measured and deliberate. “Open the damn door, you bastard!” he barked, his tone leaving no room for disobedience. The force of his command seemed to hang in the air, thick with the weight of our impending crisis.
I quickly nestled myself behind him as soon as he issued that command, feeling a chill run down my spine. He truly was an enigmatic figure, exuding an icy demeanor that both intrigued and terrified me.
Suddenly, the resounding crash of the door swinging open sent me into a frozen state, my heart pounding in my chest. Honestly, I found it impossible to grasp his true nature; one moment, he spoke with a calm authority, and the next, his tone transformed into something feral, almost animalistic.
As Daniel entered the room, he offered a deep bow, his eyes cast down. “Take her to the library and lock her inside. You know where the keys are kept.”
“What?!” The question tumbled from my lips as I took a hesitant step back, my mind racing in disbelief. Was he referring to me? He didn’t even glance my way, simply turning on his heel and departing. Panic surged through me, and I shook my head, hurriedly retreating as Daniel advanced toward me.
“No, don’t take me anywhere!” I inwardly screamed as I hesitated, tears spilling down my cheeks, leaving streaks of despair on my skin.
“You trusted his words,” Daniel murmured in a steady voice, almost soothing, as he effortlessly lifted me off my feet. I felt myself being hoisted over his shoulder, my heart racing with a mix of fear and confusion.
“The library can only be your dwelling place because that’s where the Alpha resides as well.” His calm tone contrasted sharply with my chaotic thoughts as he carried me away from the room.
How could the library be both my prison and his sanctuary? Questions swirled in my mind as I was swept away, the weight of my uncertainty heavy upon my shoulders.