Ruined By My Three Billionaire Alphas

Chapter 5: His Dark Solace

~Aquila~

A week later.

I leaned against the metal door, the tiny finger-width slit’s cover swayed backward and forward as I placed my hand through it to someone—

How I felt something—anything—but I came back empty.

My stomach growled with impatience.

I clutched it, sighing. They had missed the frame for today’s meal—again.

I licked cracked lips; my throat was parched. When I swallowed, a sharp pain sliced at my lungs.

No food. No water.

I craned my neck this time, pressing against the chilly door. I could hear faint joyous laughter down the hall properly.

Just then, two passing servants carrying sumptuous-looking dishes passed by.

“The Alpha has been really happy ever since he came back from the north.”

“Yes,” the other concurred, “this is the fourth—I mean fifth—celebration, right?”

“Not like before when everywhere was dark and gloomy and we were walking on a tightrope, fearing for our lives, and he hasn’t even had any relapse.”

“I think I might work here a little longer… it wasn’t this comfortable even when he’s mate—”

“Shh,” the older-looking one immediately shot a glare at the younger one, making a shushing sound.

His head tilted here twice. Silence reigned for a second; maybe something was shared as their footsteps increased, fading out of hearing.

I slid down the metal door. Tears brimmed up in my eyes. I could feel myself withering away at times. The time stretched and I lost track of it.

Some minutes after, maids passed by, their white skirts swishing.

“Have you fed the Alpha’s mate?”

“No such wicked being. I’m sure she can afford to stay some more days without food.”

“Did you hear Mira’s story from their childhood? My goddess! I can’t believe the goddess actually gave the Alpha such a wicked wench! Pushing her elder sister down a tree because she didn’t want to share apples, leaving poor Mira to suffer the pain of a broken arm.”

“And I heard she wasn’t even remorseful but laughed at her… Mira said if not for a kind stranger that passed by, her arm would have been completely useless…”

Their voices grew smaller until it faded. Mira for some reason spread lies. My already tainted reputation was smeared and shattered.

Locked in such a small room, bare walls staring right at me, was driving me mad.

Cradling my empty stomach growling in hunger, I sat on the floor, pulling my knees to my chest, my head resting on my knees.

The emotions were as monotone as the walls of this room usually, but there were times like this that it took a dip.

It was then I wondered, what was the reason for living further? My eyes searched the room.

Rather than going through this endless suffering, why don’t I? Voices whispered to me in the confines. I knew they were wrong.

I knew I shouldn’t be indulging them. But I was really tired.

I picked the fork I was able to sneak away from my last meal days ago. Black spots danced at the corner of my vision.

I brought up the fork, placing it on my throat.

Just then.

A dull soft knock sounded. I let out a wry smile, perhaps I’ve finally gone crazy, thinking I’m hearing a knock in the middle of the night.

The stories of death whispered by the elders under trees flashed through my mind. Has death finally come for me?

Suddenly I discovered I didn’t want to die. I am not ready yet.

I’ve not freely run through the woods in my wolf, allowing air to brush through my fur. I’ve not eaten all delicacies yet.

I’ve not—.

Knock knock.

It came again.

Wait—it’s not my illusion. I scrambled up, plastering myself to the door. Just then the door flap moved, and an unbelievable sight entered my view—steaming hot meal, placed on a tray, was pushed in.

My mouth dropped open in shock. With trembling hands, I snatched it to myself.

It’s really food! Not my eyes!

‘What if it’s poisoned?’ a voice whispered, but I shrugged it off. Well, it’s better to die on a full stuffed stomach anyways.

Burying my head into the bowl, I gulped spoon after spoon until there was nothing left.

That’s when I finally remembered—who was that person just now? I rushed to the door but there was no one there.

That day I slept with a full stomach and a satisfied smile drawn on my face.

But that wasn’t the last of it. Ever since that night, every single night I looked forward to the person’s arrival.

Today too, when the tray was slipped in, my focus washy on the food but on the kind stranger.

“Wait—” I called out, “can I— I have your name?” I stuttered out, blood rushing to my cheeks even though I knew they couldn’t see me.

‘I was too forward— what if he sees me as too desperate and—’

“Ronan,” his words came down— that was the only answer I got, and the next day, the tray came with something else—a novel.

My lips stretched into a smile, joy bubbled up from my insides. ‘So good people still existed, I have to see him… one day but… I think I might have found another reason to keep living.’

‘His name is Ronan.’ I traced the edges of the book; ‘He must have held it right here.’ A residue heat still remained.

“Ronan,” I whispered his name over and over again, curled up in my bed, the book in my hand, and for the first time, I lost track of time—in a good way—lost in adventures, dreams, and Ronan.

As time flew by, I was no longer as concerned about my mate’s blatant betrayal. He hadn’t marked me after all.

That’s why I was surprised when.

Creek.

The door swung open with a sharp grating noise.

The Alpha had decided to lift up your shackles but you aren’t allowed to leave your room without permission.

I balked at the guard who delivered his speech without emotion and sped away after he was done, but I didn’t miss the disdain and contempt he made no move to hide.

Regardless, it was a small win for me, and when the time came for Ronan to arrive, I held my breath in anticipation, my heart drummed in my chest.

But that night he didn’t show up. My heart turned icy. Has he left because of my freedom? Will he never show himself again?

I didn’t realize it at this time, but I had begun looking out for him. The longing in my chest only grew like weeds—wild and unstoppable—until it occupied every crevice, even stretching to my dreams.

Luckily, the next day he came, but before I could open the door, he slipped away. The next day he didn’t come, leaving me soaking with regret.

But when he arrived that night, to my surprise, my body acted out in instinct.

Just as the food was slid through, I held it with the other hand; I yanked sharply at the door. I didn’t give him the chance to react.

The door swung open and there was the man—Ronan. His eyes widened, stunned. He didn’t expect it. My lips curved into a smile. Before me was a tall, brown-haired male with forest green eyes.

“Ronan,” I called out, my finger reaching out, halting just short of his exposed skin, hovering.

“Ah,” he grinned, eyes sparkling like stars, “it seems you caught me.”

His grin was so infectious I couldn’t help but flash a beam of mine too.

And that marked the beginning of a new life. Damon did his things and I did mine.

While Damon hosted banquets parading Mira around— his prized trophy, Ronan and I climbed up to the tallest part of the tree, overlooking everything.

While they ate sumptuous meals, we intertwined fingers, shyly blushing.

While they slept, we had our first kiss.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked one night after stargazing.