Found By The Lycan King

Episode 4

ADRIANA’S POV

I sat nervously at the party, trying my best to blend into the background and avoid the notice of my father. I had always known that my fate was not my own, and that I would one day be married off to a wealthy or powerful man as a way for my family to advance their own standing. But I never could have imagined that my father would go so far as to sell me to the Lycan King, a notorious and feared figure rumored to be as cruel as he was wealthy.

Much later into the party, I finally saw my opportunity. The party has been going on for hours. The ones that weren’t on the dance floor or filling their stomachs were wasted, reclining anywhere they could rest their backs. I made my way out of the hall as quietly as possible, my heart pounding in my chest.

I quickly changed out of my elaborate party dress and into a simple, plain outfit that would help me run through the woods easily, after I got back to my father’s. Thank God they had moved to his office with Alpha Xadner and the other notable figures. I gathered up my supplies – a few changes of clothes, some food, and a small amount of money – and stuffed them into a backpack.

Then, with a deep breath, I opened the door to my room and stepped out into the bustling hallways of the castle. I kept my head down and my pace steady as I made my way through the maze of corridors, trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible. It was empty, but it didn't hurt to be extra careful.

I finally walked out, grateful the pack house wasn't very close to the mansion. If no one was out, it wouldn't be very easy to spot me. I hesitated for a moment, looking out at the dark forest beyond. I have never been outside of the pack before, I rarely even left the house.

I’ve come too far to back out now. I told myself and without a second thought, trudged into the forest. It thankfully extended from the trees surrounding the house. I’ve overheard Carlson tell his friends how to sneak from there multiple times.

When I was far enough and far from the house and the rest of the pack, I began to run. I had no idea where I was going with nothing to guide me through the dark but the moon. My sight wasn't that good but it didn't make me stop. I tripped over branches and fell but I picked myself up each time, pushing myself beyond my limits.

Since I’d been old enough to understand pack politics, with the little exposure I got, I’d known it would be hard for my father to let me find my mate and when I didn’t get my wolf at sixteen, the dream dulled until it wasn’t there anymore. It became clearer every day that went by that my father would find a man for me, to be a slave to or a partner, he wouldn't have minded. My father wouldn’t bother to find me a worthy man.

My escape plan wasn’t the best and the small bag held the barest minimum. I couldn’t sleep in the woods so I hoped to find someplace safe to hide till I could go into the human town.

I ran for what felt like hours, my feet pounding against the ground as I pushed myself to the limit. I was exhausted and out of breath, but I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.

I reminded myself they would have realized I wasn’t there any minute and the pack warriors would be sent out to look for me.

I pushed myself further, but my body couldn't handle all of this at once. I wasn't in the best of forms, and I didn’t have the resilience of a wolf.

Despite my best efforts, I began to feel dizzy and weak. I stumbled, my legs giving out beneath me, and collapsed to the ground. Darkness worked in my vision and as much as I tried to blink it away, it felt like I wasn’t doing anything. My head felt heavy and the ground seemed to sway beneath me.

I lay there, struggling to stay conscious. I blinked a few times and forced my eyes to stay open. The moon seemed hazy but I could see it, shining brightly in the sky. I wish it could help me.

I heard something from behind me and I tried to force myself to turn, my limbs refused to heed to my command, everything went black after that.