CHAPTER3
1118 Words
Father spoke softly, his strength gone. I had to strain sometimes to hear his voice and it broke me to see him so weak.
“We can't oppose the rogues alone. We need help and support. There's a task we need to carry out.”
Why did all this have to happen, I pondered. The thought of our pack engaging in a battle made my heart ache. We weren't strong enough for it. My brother had gone for the training to be an Alpha and it was just Father who could lead us.
But with him so weak…
“Whatever it is, I'm equal to the task,” Ryan murmured.
“No,” father shook his head. “Only Millicent can get this done.”
“Me?” I was puzzled.
What could that be? I'd been left in the dark about almost all things concerning the Pack. So what could I help with?
Ryan should be the one taking the tasks, not me.
"You will pay a visit to the Alpha King." My father said, his voice grim, and I vaguely felt Ryan stiffen beside me.
"Alpha King?"
The Alpha King was the Alpha of all Alphas, and he was responsible for the warfare of the packs. But what does he have to do with this?
I could remember the time I'd followed Father to the Blood Moon pack where the Alpha King ruled. I was so scared. I could remember seeing dozens of Alphas present and their very presence had left me shaking and cowering.
So what business could I have with him?
“But how… how can he help us, Father? How?”
“I have some information that he'll want and it has to be you that would go. There is also a treaty that needs to be signed by him.”
I frowned at Father's vague words. I could faintly feel that there was more that he didn't say but I didn't ask.
Ryan frowned. "But it's not safe, what if…" he didn't finish his words.
I stiffened. “What if I get attacked on the way?” I completed Ryan's words.
He took a deep breath, "Why don't I go instead? It would be safer."
"No, of course not, you won't be safe either." I disagreed immediately. I couldn't let him bite the bullet for me while I stayed here, cowering in fear.
"I'd rather it be me than you," Ryan smiled at me.
I shook my head stubbornly. I wasn't going to let him risk his life for me.
He smiled again, seeing my determined refusal. “Okay, how about we go together then?”
“That's a good idea,” my Father said from the bed. “You'll be able to look after each other. Ryan, please go see to the preparations for your departure.”
Ryan walked out to get things arranged for our departure.
Father began to speak to me, his voice bearing the seriousness of the matter on the ground.
“Ryan can escort you for your safety but remember, the Alpha King is very dangerous and to be respected. Choose your words carefully around him. It's of utmost importance that the treaty gets signed."
I took a deep breath. "I won't let you down, Father."
Father smiled weakly, ”I know,“
He proceeded to tell me everything I needed to relay to the Alpha King.
"I'm scared, Father, I don't want to let you down," I whispered. Any sign of weakness with the Alpha King would no doubt jeopardize the mission. ”But how sure we are that he's going to help us? Why would he choose to help us? And what is this treaty about?“
"In truth," Father began, "You just need to be careful, that's all.” He attempted another weak smile. “The pack's counting on you."
My shoulders already felt heavy from the responsibility Father had just put on me. I wasn't used to this, but somehow, here I was - the survival of my pack resting on my shoulders. Maybe this was what I needed to keep my mind off what had happened.
I kissed Father's cheek and I walked out.
Ryan was waiting for me. He was done with the preparations.
"We'll set off now," he said as he walked beside me.
I wanted to ask him why it was so soon, but I held my breath. The sooner, the better.
He stopped suddenly and stared at me. "You don't look fine."
I shook my head. "I'll be fine. Let's go."
Soon the car was ready.
Ryan had selected two warriors who would also accompany us. The two looked grim and serious. We were just about setting off when Loveth, the healer, walked up to us. She passed me a note secretly.
"It's from your dad," she whispered in my ear. From father? I frowned in confusion. But I just left him. I held back the urge to read the letter immediately.
Ryan and I sat in front, the two warriors sat behind. I stared into space as we drove out. Heavens knew if we'd come back in one piece. The road was silent, both sides flanked by trees. To be expected, I thought, our pack was located deep in the woods. We'd bought off acres and acres of the forest, keeping our base far away from human contact. The drive was silent.
Ryan looked tense. He kept a steady lookout for anything as he drove. I decided to check the note Loveth had passed to me.
My eyes slowly widened in shock as I read.
“Dear, Milicent,” the letter began, “I just couldn't bear to tell you this treaty can only be signed on the Condition that you become the Alpha King's mate. I'm sorry, Mili girl, but as this concerns the future of our pack I can only take this course of action. And I'm sorry if I ever made you feel like an outcast in your own family. I just couldn't bear to see her face on yours. Your loving Father.”
What was this? How could this be? My hands holding the note trembled.
"Is everything alright?" Ryan glanced at me with concern.
I cleared my throat and I tried hard to keep my voice from breaking as I replied, "Everything's perfect."
But nothing was. Not only had I had my heart broken today, but I was also to be auctioned off in exchange for a treaty.
What would happen if the Alpha King didn't like what he saw? What happens if he didn't want me as father had said? Then we were all doomed without any shred of a doubt.
- Writer
