Till Death Takes A Bite

MALIAH “I killed him.” The hall went silent. Dead silent. I could feel the shocked and judgmental gazes fixated on me. My limbs trembled and I struggled to be unfazed. “I killed Lord Zayn.” I added. There was no going back, I had openly confessed to killing Alpha Oziel’s first son, and Alpha Heir. Alpha Oziel’s eyes brimmed with sorrow and shock as he stared at me. “Are you under a spell? Is this some sort of joke? What are you saying?!” Alpha Oziel thundered and my heart shattered. I knew the pain of losing someone so dear to one's heart. i could understand what Alpha Oziel was going through. My eyes brimmed with tears as I struggled to maintain my stand. “I wish it was just a joke, Father,” Byron chipped in before holding his Father on the shoulder. "but it is true. I caught her trying to escape after killing him and I ordered for her to be locked up.” For a minute, I wanted to break down in tears, tell them the whole truth, but I couldn't. At least, not now. “After everything? You dared betray me?!” Alpha Oziel didn't hold back. ** [24 hours ago] “I like you… and I want to make you my mate. You can rule by my side when I become Alpha in two days. Agree to be my woman and I will announce you as my Luna.” Those were the last words Lord Zayn had uttered and I simply smirked before packing his clothes for laundry. Although he was the first son and heir to the Alpha throne, I never liked him. Usually, I would try to say something back but for the first time in a long time, i found no words to say neither did his words matteer. Instead, I proceeded to the laundry room. “I can't believe Zayn is next in line." I shook my head as I arrived at the laundry room. A sigh escaped my lips as i dropped the laundry. Ivy, my best friend looked up from folding a towel, surprised at my words. “Well, he is going to be our Alpha so it's best you learn to live by his rules.” She advised. I chuckled and shook my head. “Learn to live? I'd have died in his bullying hands if Bryon had not stepped in to save me every single time. I think Lord Byron is the best fit for the throne" I snorted. Ivy simply shook her head, "Watch your words. You don't know who's listening." "I'm being honest. Lord Byron is kind, faithful, sweet caring.... he is everything this pack needs." I sighed, sorting the clothes while Ivy confined to fold the white towels. “Pssh!" She chuckled. "Faithful? Who can tell if he sleeps around like Lord Zayn? You know, I heard he is single and…..” “He is not single!” My voice was sharper than I intended and Ivy’s eyes widened in surprise. My face grew hot. “I heard he is in a relationship and he probably.... Let’s just focus on getting this done.” I said, trying to change the subject. Ivy nodded but stared at me with suspicions. I wanted everyone to know Byron was my mate but he had insisted we kept it a secret until the right time. I was a measly maid so I understood that i wouldn't be accepted. At least, not when his Father remained Alpha. “I need to grab something.” I lied to Ivy and she nodded. I needed to see Byron. On my way, I noticed maids gathered in small clusters, their faces somber and their voices hushed. The guards at their post also acted strange. I ignored it and headed to Byron’s room. Whatever had happened, I would find out later. I was struck by the change in Byron as I entered his room. His face, usually radiant with a smile now looked drawn like something had gone terribly wrong. I had never seen him look so troubled. He stood at the window, silently perching outside the window with his eyes as i took several steps further towards him, even till i halted right in front of him. “Zayn is dead.” He suddenly announced. My mind went blank and I couldn’t process his words. I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead. Dead? How? I was barely done with his laundry. How then did he......? I had wanted to tell him to stop joking but he didn't look like he was joking. Yes, I did despise Zayn but I would never wish him death. “How–How did it happen?" “He was poisoned.” He cut me short and my eyes widened. He turned to face me directly. "You were the last person who went into his room and you made his meal.” Byron uttered, his gaze focused on me. “Yes, I….” Realization hit me and my eyes widened. What was he driving at? “I didn’t kill him.” My voice came out in a whisper. “I know.” He held my hands to his lips and relief filled me, “I know you did not kill him.” He pulled back a little, his eyes searching mine and I saw a hint of desperation in his eyes. “I need your help.”