Unfeeling Luna, Ruthless Alpha

CHAPTER 3: The Harsh Truth

FORSYTHIA’S POV

The dungeons sat on the edge of the forest, far from the primary living quarters of the Silver Fang pack members. My prediction was that once Alpha Gianis bid farewell to Alpha Makarios, he would come here to kill me. My cries would be swallowed by the sound of the insects chirping outside.

Actually, even the insects were gradually fading away.

My family was on the other side, ready to welcome me into their arms. I pulled out the knife my father had given me. I examined it closely; on the hilt, a small ruby, no larger than a grain of rice, protruded. I wondered why my father had given me this knife instead of letting me know he had been in danger.

Jill’s words continued to hover in my mind. Suddenly, I noticed a seam in the hilt. I gripped the ruby and twisted it several times until a third of the hilt opened easily.

A piece of paper with my father’s handwriting lay inside.

“My dearest Forsythia,

You are the most radiant gift the gods ever bestowed upon my life. When I saw the withered rose branch revive under your touch, I understood that your miracle was a treasure that men like Gianis would stop at nothing to turn into a weapon.

Therefore, I beg you to hide that light and train in silence. I have traded everything just to buy your freedom. Gianis may take my life for this choice, but as long as you live and remain yourself, I will depart without regret.

Never surrender yourself to him, my little miracle.

Love you more than life itself,

Your father, Gregory Greenwood.”

Father...

I covered my mouth, tears staining my cheeks. What had I done to myself? I had been grateful to Gianis; I had given my virginity to the son of the man who murdered my father.

Father gave up his life to bring me freedom. Now, I was letting Gianis take mine. No, Gianis would use this "forgiveness" to demand that I display my power for him. Then, I would become his weapon.

“Dad, Mom, Admun. I am so sorry. I’m sorry I only just found out.” I clutched the letter to my chest and sobbed like a child. Guilt tore my heart in two. How could I endure this? How could I avenge my family with nothing but tears and remorse?

The sound of footsteps echoed from a distance.

My God, I didn't even have time to mourn my parents. I tucked the letter back into the hilt, shoved the knife into the thigh rig, and covered it with my servant’s dress.

As the footsteps grew louder, I intentionally sobbed harder. I would not let Gianis use me. I would avenge my family and reclaim the freedom my father wanted me to possess.

No one would deceive me if I didn't trust them. No one would crush my heart if I didn't love. From now on, I had to be a cruel, ruthless Forsythia. Everyone would learn to fear being near me!

“Omega Forsythia,” a man called.

“Yes?” I whimpered. “Am I going to die?”

Lifting my face, I looked at Beta Jack. Did he kill my family along with Gianis?

“The Alpha is a generous man. You will be fine if you are obedient. Stand up and follow me.” His eyes radiated sympathy as he opened my cell door.

“I can’t walk.” I slid my hand under my skirt, gripping the knife tightly. Mom, Dad, please give me strength!

“What?” Beta Jack grumbled. He approached and hooked his arms under my armpits to pull me up.

“I was bitten by a snake. I’m going to die anyway.” I wailed.

Beta Jack let go and cursed, leaning down to check my leg. The moment he bent over, I drove the silver knife straight into his back and pulled it out.

He screamed in agony. He struggled to stand, but I rammed him against the wall. Using all my strength, I slit his throat.

Blood splattered onto my face; the smell was disgusting. My hand could barely hold the knife as his eyes rolled back and he slowly slid down the wall.

He was the one who had brought me from my home to Bloodmoon Mansion when I was ten. I couldn't bear to watch him die; I had to run.

So, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

“I’ve killed someone. I’ll have to kill more if I want to be strong. I can’t be afraid of killing.”

Self-reassurance didn't make things any easier. Once I was deep in the forest, I realized someone was pursuing me.

“Forsythia, what are you doing here?” Draco blocked my path. His large frame lunged and snatched me. The knife in my hand fell to the ground.

“Blood? Whose blood is this?” Draco roared.

He was going to kill me.

But something wasn't right. It felt as though tree roots were reaching for my power—the power I had hidden for so long because of my father’s warning. They wrapped around me gently.

“I asked you whose it is!” Draco squeezed my wrist.

They were coming. They were on the ground.

“Go to hell, Draco!” I hissed.

Draco suddenly jerked; a mass of vines was rapidly coiling around his body. I backed away. What had I just done??

My current desire was to strangle Draco and hang him from the trees. I wanted to send a warning to Gianis for murdering my family.

Draco coughed and sputtered; he couldn't breathe anymore. He was about to die... I was going to kill two men today...

Suddenly, my heart constricted. My entire body turned burning hot. A sensation of euphoria flooded my chest, distracting me.

The vines weakened, and Draco seized the opportunity to escape. He could have killed me if he hadn't been too cowardly to do anything but run back to his pack.

Once he left, I could no longer feel the vines. The only thing remaining was a bizarre, urgent need I had never experienced before.

Then, through the brush, a man appeared, limping with a hand pressed to his chest. I looked at his face.

His black hair was drenched in sweat, his gray eyes were magnetic, and the snake tattoo stretching across his neck became unmistakable.

When we looked at each other, the pain vanished, and the world felt saturated with magic. A scent flooded my nose—a scent I realized after a moment was his.

Was this man, who was as hot as hellfire, my fated mate? Fate certainly had a twisted sense of humor for someone as lowly as me.

I picked up my knife and lifted my skirt, indifferent to the man's gaze. The silver blade slid into the sheath on my thigh before the dress fell back into place.

Taking a deep breath, I raised my eyes to the Alpha and stated firmly, “Alpha Makarios, you are my mate.”

The corner of his mouth quirked up.