Chaptertwo
1130 Words
Chapter 2
Valery's POV
My heart leapt and my eyes shone, “On the third day?” I repeated, trying to steady my voice. “That soon?”
He nodded, a spark of pride in his gaze. “Yes. They’re moving fast. I’ll be training with the best, learning everything I need. After I graduate… after I survive the academy…” His words trailed off, but I knew what he meant. He would finally step into the role he was born to. Crowned as king, the rightful Alpha of our kingdom.
I couldn’t stop myself from grinning. “Rafe… this is incredible,” I breathed. “You’ve worked so hard for this. You’ll… you’ll make it, I know you will.”
He reached across the table, briefly taking my hand in his. "Thank you sister, this means the world to me" he said, looking so excited by this news,
I leaned back slightly. “I’m proud of you,” I said quietly.
The clatter of footsteps drew out attention. Our uncle, Malric, appeared at the end of the hall, his sharp gaze sweeping over us. He leaned casually against the doorway, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Well, what is going on?" he asked, with a grim look on his face.
"Great news uncle!" Rafe said, getting up from his seat. "A letter has just arrived, I have been accepted at the academy" He announced happily. After Rafe made his announcement, the room went incredibly silent, so silent I could hear a pin drop. We both stared at our uncles face, waiting to see his reaction but he was a master at masking his expression.
"The academy?" He finally spoke up.
"Yes! The academy" Rafe said, sounding so happy. He walked towards an old portrait of mom and dad on the wall and touch it softly. "Mom, Dad, I am now one step closer to continuing your legacy" he said softly while I saw irritation flash in uncle Malric's eyes.
"Well, congratulations young prince" he said, clapping his hands in a slow yet, loud way. “But I shall give you a quick advise. Don’t count your chicks before the egg hatches,” he said, his voice carrying a venom I didn’t like. What did he mean by that? It seemed like Rafe had not heard or just chose to ignore him as he didn't speak.
I frowned, my excitement dampened slightly by Malric’s remark. What did he mean by that? This was huge news for Rafe, for the family, yet he didn't look happy or excited one bit.
"I shall go prepare for the academy, I have so much to do and pack. This is truly amazing!" Rafe said, bringing me out my thoughts as he walked out.
Uncle Malric met my eyes and his lips pulled up in a little smirk for a single moment before he turned and walked away.
Time flew after that, and before I knew it, it was the eve of my brother's departure.
After dinner, I went to my room. Rafe had been absent from dinner again. I had barely even seen him since he received the acceptance letter that day. I knew it was all because of huss preparation but a part of me hoped he would at least have this last dinner with before he left. I didn't want to cry, I was going to suck it all up and hold it in. I went to my room and fell on my bed, not even bothering to take off my clothes and change into my nightwear.
I knew I could just call the servants to help me change as a princess, but I would have to endure their bully and crude remarks. Rafe couldn't save me here, in the changing room. There was only one person I could trust, one person I could call. Allison.
I rang the bell by my bed side and waited a few minutes before I heard a knock on the door. "Come in, Ally" I said and the door was pushed open gently.
Ally stuck her head in, and gave out a smile before coming in fully. "Your highness" She bowed and I waved my hand.
"You don't have to do that here, Ally. It's just us two" I said to her. Ally was perhaps the only friend I had. She was the only servant who treated and respected me as the princess. The only one who was gentle and didn't make snide remarks about me. The only one I could trust enough to comfort in. I let out a side smile, at least I would have Ally after my brother leaves for the academy.
None of the ladies of the upper class in the kingdom wanted to associate themselves with me. They saw me as a weakling who ranked no higher than a lowly servant omega. The ones who did get close to me only did so in hopes of charming my brother who had no interest in them. I was the princess of the kingdom and I couldn't even shift into my Wolf. I was indeed a disgrace and failure.
"Don't tell me you're having such thoughts again, Valery" Ally said.
"I'm quite sad he will be leaving me tomorrow" I confessed.
"It's for your sake, he is trying to be king so have more power to protect you even more my lady" Ally said, trying to cheer me up. She took my hand in hers and smiled.
"Now let us get you into more comfortable sleeping clothes" She said and I nodded. However after Ally helped get me changed and left, I still couldn't sleep. I decided to head to my library.
I had just settled into a chair near a window, opening a book at random, when a strange sound reached my ears. At first, I thought it was the wind shifting in the hallways, but then I heard it again—low, uneven groaning. My heart skipped a beat. It sounded like someone in pain.
“Rafe?” I called softly, rising from the chair. My voice trembled slightly. “Are you there?”
The groaning continued, sharper this time. Panic prickled at the edges of my mind as I ran toward the source of the sound. It was coming from Rafe’s chambers. My footsteps quickened, but I paused briefly outside the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open.
The sight that greeted me stole my breath. My brother was hunched over the edge of his bed, clutching his stomach, his body shaking violently. Blood stained the sheets and dribbled from his mouth. The sight made my stomach lurch, and I stumbled forward instinctively. "Argh" He groaned out as he threw up blood.
“Rafe!”
- Writer
