Chapter 2: The Moon Called
1134 Words
It was dark and freezing in the dungeon. The air smelled of old secrets and rust, and the walls were lined with damp stones. Rose's hands were bound in front of her as she sat on the ground. Silver light pulsed beneath her flesh, still glowing faintly on her wrist. Her fingertips were dried with blood.
In front of her, the three brothers were arguing.
Arthur moved next to her and declared, "She's mine." Grabbing her arm, he raised it and brought her wrist to his mouth. His tongue moved slowly and warmly over her skin. Her blood was tasted by me. That has some significance.
Arthur was thrown back against the wall by Ares, who caught him by the collar.
"Avoid touching her," Ares snarled. "I am the heir. I own her.
Arthur rubbed his throat and laughed. Do you now believe that bloodlines have any significance? The Moonmarked is her. She has a choice.
Ares growled, "She has no say in the matter." "We do."
Artemis remained silent as she stood in the shadows. His face was unreadable, his arms folded. He observed Rose as though she were a riddle that he had yet to answer.
Rose's heart was racing. She had no idea what they were discussing. didn't comprehend the reason behind their argument about her. She was just aware of her want to run.
The door opened with a squeak.
With her shoes clicking on the stone, Luciana stepped inside.
"Enough," she shouted in a hard, piercing voice.
Ares took a step back. Arthur ironed his shirt.
Luciana's eyes were a light gold as she approached Rose gently. As she moved, her long black dress glistened.
Luciana stated, "She's more than just a mate." "The Moonmarked is her."
The room became silent.
Rose blinked. "What is meant by that?"
Luciana turned in the direction of the brothers.
"Whoever asserts her becomes Alpha."
Each of the three brothers stiffened.
Arthur remarked, "You cannot be serious."
"She works as a servant," Ares yelled.
Luciana grinned. "No longer."
Artemis remained silent.
Rose looked up into their eyes. She muttered, "I don't want to be claimed."
Luciana gave her a downward glance. "Dear, that's not your choice."
The door slammed behind her as she left.
The brothers remained silent.
Ares then pivoted on his heel and bounded off.
Arthur glanced back at Rose before following. Fire blazed in his eyes.
Only Artemis remained.
Long moments passed while he gazed at her.
Then he muttered, "I apologize."
He also went out.
That night, Rose didn't sleep. Her clothing were pricked by the cold. No matter how she attempted to rub it off, the dim glow on her wrist persisted. She had no idea what Moonmarked meant. stated. Alpha.
None of it sounded nice, though.
She awoke the following morning to the clang of shackles.
She was somewhere else. A desk, a bed, and heavy velvet drapes. The smoke and spice of Ares's fragrance filled the air.
She had her hands shackled to the wall.
In front of her was Ares.
He questioned, "You want freedom?"
Rose remained silent.
A knife he threw at her feet. The floor clattered beneath it.
"Show it."
She gave him a look. "Prove what?"
"You are valuable."
Behind him, the door opened. The chamber echoed with a snarl.
Rose stopped.
They pulled in a rogue wolf, its eyes flashing with madness, its bones visible beneath its fur. Its lips pulled back in a snarl, and its ribs protruded.
Ares gave a nod. "Death or death."
He moved out of the way.
The wolf sprang forward.
Rose's fingers slipped as she fumbled for the knife. The thing leaped, and she caught it.
She wasn't quick enough, though.
The wolf's mouth was wide open as it flew—and then it came to a standstill.
The room crackled.
With its neck twisted, the wolf fell to the ground.
Artemis was standing behind it, panting. His hands trembled and his eyes were dark, black, black.
"Run," he said in a whisper.
Rose gazed at him. "What?"
"Now," he murmured. "Before he returns."
She didn't hold off.
She took off running.
Through the back door, past the guards, down the hall. She sprinted through the trees, across the yard, and into the stables, her feet slamming into the ground.
Her nostrils were overwhelmed with the scent of horse sweat and hay. Chest heaving, she slammed the stable door behind her.
A voice said, "You're late."
Arthur leaned against the wooden post and stood next to one of the horses.
Rose took a step back.
"You anticipated my arrival?"
He grinned and added, "I was hoping."
"What are you looking for?"
He took a step toward her. "To strike a bargain."
Rose's eyes narrowed. "Why should I have faith in you?"
Because Ares wants to take advantage of you. The goal of Artemis is to rescue you. However, I He grinned. "I wish to set you free."
She didn't think he was real.
"I am paying attention," she responded softly.
Arthur remarked, "I want to be Alpha." However, not in Ares' manner. He desires authority. Power is what I desire.
"Is there a distinction?"
He gave a shrug. "You'll make it through with me."
Rose folded her arms. "And from me, what do you want?"
"Assist me in removing Ares." At least in name, be my mate. Enough time for the others to follow suit. I'll then let you go.
"What if I decline?"
Then you'll be chained like a dog for the rest of your life. Perhaps worse.
Rose took a swallow.
Arthur extended his hand. "Agree?"
She gave him a look.
He was dishonest. A serpent.
He was giving her an escape route, though.
She took a step forward.
"All right," she muttered. "Agree."
Grinning, he drew her near.
Sharp and hungry, his lips smashed into hers. She didn't pull away, but she also didn't return his kiss.
He sharpened his teeth and pressed them on her lip as their mouths moved.
He had a warm tongue.
His breath was too hot.
Then— She sensed it.
They're watching her.
She abruptly twisted her head and broke the kiss.
Outside the stable, a guy was standing in the shadows.
Artemis.
observing.
He no longer had gray eyes.
Bleeding with something ancient, they were dark as night.
Something strong.
And furious, furious.
Rose felt her heart pound in her chest.
She took a step away from Arthur.
"What is it?" Arthur inquired, perplexed.
She didn't respond, though.
Her gaze remained fixed on Artemis.
He remained silent.
remained motionless.
Nevertheless, she was aware.
He was more than simply the reserved one.
He was more than his younger sibling.
He was a completely different person.
The real Alpha.
And all along, he had been concealing it.
- Writer
