Chapter Four : The Alphas Command
476 Words
The courtyard remained eerily silent after the Oracle's prophecy.
Every wolf stared at Vesper as though she had become a walking curse.
Kaelen's expression never changed.
But inside, his wolf was restless.
She is ours.
His jaw clenched.
She is the daughter of my enemies.
The Oracle slowly stepped back, refusing to meet his eyes.
"I have said all I was meant to say."
Without another word, she disappeared into the crowd.
The whispers began immediately.
"She'll destroy the pack."
"The Moon Goddess has cursed us."
"We should kill her before it's too late."
Vesper heard every word.
She lifted her chin.
If they expected tears, they would be disappointed.
Kaelen turned to Darian.
"Clear the courtyard."
"My Alpha?"
"I said clear it."
Within moments, the wolves reluctantly obeyed.
Soon, only Kaelen, Darian, and Vesper remained.
Kaelen approached her.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
He stopped close enough to see the rainwater still clinging to her lashes.
"You've brought chaos into my territory in less than an hour."
Vesper folded her arms.
"I don't remember asking to be hunted."
A dangerous smile tugged at his lips.
"You crossed into Blackthorn."
"I was running for my life."
"And now you're in mine."
The words lingered between them.
Neither looked away.
Finally, Kaelen stepped back.
"You'll stay here until I know exactly who you are."
"And if I refuse?"
His grey eyes darkened.
"You don't have that luxury."
Two female guards entered the courtyard.
"Take her to the east wing."
One of them hesitated.
"My Alpha... the east wing is..."
"I know exactly what it is."
The guards exchanged nervous glances but obeyed.
As Vesper was led through the castle, she noticed something strange.
Every corridor was lined with portraits of former Alphas.
Strong.
Proud.
Untouchable.
Then she reached the final hallway.
At the very end hung a portrait unlike the others.
A young woman.
Silver hair.
Piercing violet eyes.
Around her neck...
The exact same pendant Vesper wore.
Her breath caught.
"Who is she?"
The guards froze.
Neither answered.
Vesper stepped closer to the painting.
In the bottom corner, almost hidden beneath layers of age, were four faded words.
The First Moon Bride.
A chill raced down her spine.
She reached out instinctively.
The moment her fingertips brushed the frame—
The portrait's eyes opened.
A whisper echoed inside her mind.
"Run... before he remembers."
Vesper stumbled backward, her heart pounding.
The portrait looked lifeless again.
As though nothing had happened.
Far across the castle...
Kaelen suddenly stopped walking.
The mark on his wrist flared with searing heat.
He looked toward the east wing.
His wolf let out a furious howl.
She touched it.
Kaelen's face drained of color.
"No..."
He turned and ran.
Because there was only one portrait in Blackthorn Keep that had ever answered anyone.
And the last person it spoke to...
Had vanished without a trace.
- Writer
