010. No Way Out
1081 Words
Alexa
He had looked into my eyes as if I was the most mesmerizing thing he had ever seen.
"Get some sleep, Alexa," his voice lingered in my ears.
I hurriedly left the room after he left, searching for Nana. We couldn't stay here any longer. Something felt off, and the walls of this place were beginning to suffocate me. I was losing my mind.
"Where could Nana be?" I muttered under my breath, speaking to no one but myself.
After leaving Kendell's room I slipped into a flowing gown. It felt soft and silky against my skin, almost like a second layer of protection.
"Nana," I kept whispering, peering into the dimly lit corridors, searching around, but found nothing but silence.
A sudden chill ran down my spine as I felt a strong, unseen presence looming nearby.
I turned to see no one there. I walked again, this time slowly, turning my back repeatedly.
My hands grabbed onto my sweater, my body trembling.
As I made to turn again, a hand went over my mouth, muffling my scream.
"Shh!" The voice whispered.
"I will let you go, but don't shout."
I nodded, my breathing ragged.
Slowly, the grip loosened, and I spun around, my eyes wide in alarm.
"Nana!" I exclaimed.
"You should have seen your face," Nana broke into laughter, the sound echoing through the corridor.
"Forgive my manners, Alexa," she gave a slight bow, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"What is the Luna of the Silver Wolves doing outside this late?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Where have you been, Nana?" She threw me a weird look.
"Me?"
"Of course, you! Who else?" I slapped her playfully on her shoulder.
"I have been searching all over for you. Come, let's go," I whispered to her, but she stayed still.
"Come on, Nana, let's go." I pulled her, my impatience growing, but she remained rooted to the spot.
"We can't, Alexa. There's no way out."
Her words hung heavy in the air.
I shook my head. "There's always a way out, Nana. Let's try harder."
I was still speaking when I saw Rose coming my way.
"Your Highness, it's late already. Please go back to your chambers," she said as she gestured toward my room.
"I will. Just catching up with my friend."
"Yes, yes," I winked at Nana before she spoke.
"Do that in the morning, Your Highness."
With reluctance in my steps, I followed Rose back while Nana slipped away into the shadows.
...
Kendell must have noticed my absence, I thought as I shifted uncomfortably on the bed.
But why didn't he come after me? Did he care if I was safe or not?
Questions kept swirling around my head like a storm.
A light knock came on my chamber door.
I stared at it blankly, then noticed a small white envelope being slid beneath the door.
Curiosity got the best of me, and I hurried forward, picking it up.
As I opened the envelope, I noticed it was written in cryptic letters. I had to use my hands to spell the words out.
It read: "KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, LUNA. SOON, YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU SEEK."
Who might this person be? Could it be Brad? Or who?
...
The Next Morning
"Your Highness, you look a mess," Lucy remarked bluntly as she walked into the room.
"Your eyes… Didn't you sleep last night?" She cupped my face as she inspected me.
"I'm fine," I responded.
"No, you are not, Your Highness."
"Today is a special day in the palace, and you need to look outstanding."
"Special day?" I arched my brows. Why didn't anybody mention this before? I thought to myself.
"I asked you a question, Lucy."
"A ceremony is held on the fourth night of every 11th month in remembrance of the King and Queen’s demise."
Wow. And nobody cared to tell me?
"I'm sorry about that, Your Highness."
"This year's celebration is going to be extra special since His Highness will have you by his side," she said, her voice optimistic.
"Well, sorry to disappoint you, Lucy, but I won't be attending."
I collapsed back onto the bed, throwing my arms over my eyes. "As you can see, I didn't get enough rest last night."
"So, if you can, please excuse me. I have a beauty sleep to catch."
"Your Highness..."
I didn't wait for Lucy to conclude. "You can leave, Lucy."
"I will call you when I need you."
I couldn't hear her response, but when I opened my eyes, I was met with his golden orbs.
"I see my Luna is getting some rest?" he spoke, his hair neatly styled.
Oh God, he was such a sin.
"Alexa, don't test my patience," he warned.
"Or what?" I threw the question at him.
He smirked before replying, "Or..." He trailed off when he looked past me, coming closer as he picked something up.
I turned to see what he had in his hands—the envelope from last night.
"What is this, Alexa?" he asked as he made to uncover the letter.
"Uhm—I don't know. I just found it last night."
"Your Highness," a guard rushed in. It appeared the door was left ajar.
"I'm sorry to have interrupted you," the guard said.
"What brings you here?" Kendell asked as he folded the letter into his pocket.
"Your Highness, you are needed at the banquet. Guests are trooping in."
"Which pack hasn't arrived yet?" he questioned.
The guard quickly went through his list. "The Crimson Pack, Blood Moon Pack, The Chlad Pack, and Bright Claw Pack."
I raised my head at his words. Bright Claw Pack attends these events?
"You may leave. Ensure the protection of the pack from unwanted guests," Kendell said as he dismissed the guard.
"Didn't you sleep last night?"
"Uhm, I did." Despite the fact that I hardly closed my eyes last night.
"Get dressed," he retorted.
"Can I please ask you a question?"
He paused, then turned to me. "What?"
"How long has this event been taking place?"
"Over two decades now. Why?" he asked.
"No, nothing." I quickly dismissed him.
So that meant Norman has been attending this event without me.
Now, I had two missions to accomplish—to get the letter from Kendell before he read it, and...
"Your Majesty, please let’s start getting you ready." Lucy came into view.
Sigh... "Please help me, Moon Goddess.”
- Writer
