The Noble Heiress & Her Ancient Foe

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

*Third POV*

Sahil was outside of the castle, when a strong wind kicked up around him and his men, forcing them to their knees. “Wow,” Sahil acknowledged, “that’s a strong sensation.” Junaid nodded, “yes, I believe they have just connected and formed the Alpha and Luna bond. They are bound to be a powerful union being ascendants of powerful ancient packs.” Sahil nodded. Even though he was here on what seemed to be a ‘rescue’ mission, he couldn’t shrug the feeling that something was amiss. Nevertheless, he waited till midnight. 

Soon, he saw Alina on a balcony looking out to the garden. She saw Sahil and his men and disappeared back into her room. Soon enough, she headed out into the garden and hugged Sahil. “Don’t worry, Lena,” Sahil said as he stroked her hair, I’m here now and we can go home.” Alina pulled away from the embrace and looked at him puzzled, “Wait, what do you mean? I thought you sneaked here to meet me because I couldn’t invite you to the Luna Ceremony.” “What do you mean? I received an invitation -- Oh s**t!!” Sahil yelled as he ran a hand up and down his face. “This was an F-in setup!” Alina was even more confused than before, before she could even say anything, a loud voice interrupted them, “There! You see, she is meeting her lover from her former pack to let him into the castle for a sneak attack!” The voice belonged to Jeffrey, and behind him stood an angry and confused Armaan, and countless other warriors. “Wait,” Alina started to talk, but Armaan interrupted her, “No, you wait! I can’t believe you would betray me like this,” Armaan glared at Sahil and then at Alina. “I will talk to you about this later, but first I need to take care of these attackers!” 

Armaan let out a loud howl and shifted. Sahil followed suit. Alina was even more scared than before, it was a scary scene, an auburn wolf and an even larger dark grey wolf were circling around each other preparing to attack. Alina quickly shook her fear and used her powers to intervene. She quickly moved in the middle of the two, raised both her hands up to chest level with her palms facing each wolf causing both wolves to freeze mid-air as they pounced on each other. “ENOUGH!! YOU BOTH SHALL SHIFT BACK NOW!!” Instantly both wolves tumbled to the ground and were replaced by two men. Both men looked up at Alina in fear and admiration. Zafar quickly handed a pair of boxers to Armaan and Sahil. He nodded at Alina and stepped back. “I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU HAVE COME HERE ALPHA SAHIL, BUT I DID NOT INVITE YOU HERE FOR A CEREMONY, AND MOST CERTAINLY DID NOT INVITE YOU HERE TO ATTACK MY PACK!!” Alina’s voice boomed with authority and even Jeffrey was scared of her now. Her hair flowed in the wind, and there was a soft glow around her, she looked every bit of the goddess that she was. 

Sahil bent on one knee in front of Alina and kissed her right hand. “I didn't mean to offend you, nor attack your pack. I received two notes that warned of you being in danger, one from a well-wisher, and one supposedly from you asking to be rescued. I now know that this was a trap. I will accept any decision you make regarding this transgression I made upon your pack, and Alpha, unknowingly.” Alina nodded and looked at Jeffrey and instantly paralyzed him, “HE WHO ACCUSES IS OFTEN THE CULPRIT BEHIND EVERYTHING!!” Alina couldn’t believe how much power was radiating out of her, but she allowed it to flow, and rectify this situation. “I HAVE NEVER EVEN THOUGHT OF HURTING YOU,” she began looking at Armaan, “MUCH LESS ORCHESTRATE A COUP.” Armaan stood next to a still kneeling Sahil but kept his eyes cast down to the ground. He felt embarrassed enough that he doubted his mate. But, at the same time, her power was awesome and fearful at the same time. “BETA ZAFAR,” Zaffar nodded and stepped forward, “Yes, Luna, even he kneeled at her feet and kissed her right hand, “TAKE JEFFREY AWAY TO THE DUNGEON, I WILL SPEAK TO HIM WHEN I COMPLETE THIS CONVERSATION WITH BOTH ALPHAS.” “Yes, Luna,” Zafar replied as he stood and completed her order. “THE BRAVE WARRIORS OF THE BLACK MOON PACK!!” All of the warriors knelt on one knee to submit to their Luna, “Yes, Luna!” They shouted in unison waiting for their orders. “YOU ALL HAVE BEEN VERY BRAVE TO FOLLOW YOUR DUTIES AND PROTECT THIS PACK, PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS NO THREAT FROM THE GOLD CRESCENT PACK’S WARRIORS. TAKE THEM INSIDE AND TREAT THEM WITH HOSPITALITY AND RESPECT.” “Yes, Luna,” they replied. As each by rank greeted each other and escorted them inside. Junaid gave a curt nod to Alina, which she returned. “NOW, RISE ALPHA SAHIL,” Sahil rose from his spot, never once did he move from where he knelt to symbolize his respect to his sister, and powerful Luna. Alina held her hand out to Armaan, which shocked him but he took it. She pulled him closer to her, and held both of his hands, Armaan could feel the power vibrating through her, he couldn't help but fall in love with her more. Even though he wasn’t used to seeing Alina this way, he couldn’t help but admire and respect her more. She slowly closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to calm herself a bit and center herself, Armaan’s presence helping her to feel more grounded. Soon, the glow faded, and Alina seemed calmer. When she opened her eyes, the golden glow radiated in them. She was keeping her power contained because she still had to interrogate Jeffrey. She smiled softly at Armaan, “Let’s go inside.” She led him inside, and Sahil followed.

…

Armaan lent Sahil some clothes, and now Zafar, Armaan, Junaid, Sahil, and Alina were in Armaan's office. They were each seated on the sofas in his office to discuss what just happened. Alina’s eyes were still glowing and every once in a while she emitted a low growl, especially when she heard what Jeffrey said about her. Armaan was sitting next to her, and when he placed a hand on her back, rubbing circles, she calmed for a bit. “So, will you be able to recognize the person you met in the woods?” Alina questioned Sahil. “I never saw his face,” Sahil began, “but, I would be able to recognize his aura.” Alina nodded, knowing fully well that Sahil also had inherited magical powers as well. “Again,” Sahil began looking at Armaan, “I apologize, brother. I meant no harm or disrespect.” Armaan extended his hand and shook Sahil’s hand, “No need for an apology, your intentions were pure, but we were both tricked.” Both men nodded and resumed their seats. “It’s a good thing Zafar came to me after you and Jeffrey had that discussion this morning.” Alina looked at Zafar who had a proud smirk on his face and nodded at Alina. “I knew in my heart you wouldn’t wish harm for Armaan and our pack. That’s why I insisted that Mira call me to meet you after you got ready. I’m glad our plan to intercept the confusion worked.” “Wait,” Sahil said, “you knew I was going to be in the garden, and still pretended you didn’t know why I was there?” Alina laughed at his question, which caused all the men to smile. “No, brother. I knew you would be coming, because of the information Zafar told me, but I still didn’t know the true reason you were there. I truly believed that you were only going to sneak in to meet me, and Jeffrey being a sorcerer-wolf hybrid picked up on your plans and misinterpreted them.” Sahil nodded in understanding. 

“Now,” Alina began as she stood up, “we have cleared up the misunderstanding but we still have to find out the cause behind them.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the golden aura returned, instantly, Zafar and Sahil felt compelled to kneel. She smiled at them and signaled them to rise. Armaan and Junaid felt the power but did not feel compelled to kneel. “How come we don’t feel compelled to kneel to your power, my love?” Alina smiled at Armaan’s question. But, before she could answer, Junaid stepped in. “It’s because she views us as an authority higher than herself. All elders and her husband and Alpha will never be compelled to kneel because she internally respects us as an authority.” Armaan nodded. He couldn’t help but feel like more a jerk and a dumba** than he already did. Her core being, every cell of her body respected and loved him, yet he doubted her. Through her mind link, Alina spoke to Armaan, “No my love, you have done nothing wrong.” Armaan was stunned for a moment, his gaze rising to look into Alina’s eyes as she continued, “You trusted me, but had to fulfill your duty as an Alpha. The evidence presented to you was skewed but you had to act on how you saw it.” Armaan felt comforted by her words, and even more so when she placed her hand on his cheek. This time she spoke out loud, “THE ONLY CULPRIT HERE IS AWAITING ME.” A sinister smile adorned her lips, and her aura felt deadlier and more threatening than before. “LET’S GO AND MEET HIM, TOGETHER.” The men nodded and escorted her to the dungeons.