Chapter 22
Aurora
It was crazy how news spread rapidly like wildfire.
It didn’t take a minute after the Beta gave my words to the King before results started pouring in.
A state of emergency was declared to keep everyone safe in their houses while the war was going on.
We had lost so many people and losing more wasn’t on the list.
I watched in silence as the smoke from the exploded bombs rose up from my window, destroying the territories of the unknown enemies.
Bullets flew in all directions and soon. Our pack was filled with extremely skilled warriors deployed by the King.
After much pleading with my father, I was handed a device by his Beta to keep track of the progress of the war.
It was a piece of great news to know that we were on the winning side. The warriors were so much that they greatly outnumbered the enemies.
Soon they began to retreat into the portal they came out from, but the warriors found them and spared no time in exterminating them.
A heroic feeling consumed me when I saw relief on my people’s faces. I couldn’t help but be more proud of my decision, even if it was a reckless one.
No one had to die anymore.
I heaved a sigh of relief when the devices beeped, indicating that my father was receiving treatment.
In no time, he would recover since there was no need to hide and run away.
My mother on the other hand wouldn’t stop crying her eyes out. Unable to withstand her tears, I left the room, leaving her with the Beta.
Poor Mum. She was about to lose her only child most cruelly.
The sad feeling of guilt flooded me, accusing me of causing my parents a lot of pain but making dumb and reckless decisions.
But that was the only way to save my people…and my parents.
My mother’s teary face filled my head once more and I almost reversed my decision.
Except it was too late to reverse it.
The Alpha King was a dangerous man to play games with.
Sacrificing myself to him was my decision and there was no turning back no matter how bad I felt.
I hope I haven’t made the wrong choice.
I hope my parents will forgive me.
A replacement would have been the best option but my father was done with mistresses and my mother’s eggs wouldn’t fertilize no matter how healthy my father’s sperm was.
It was a miracle that I was conceived. That was the reason they spoiled their offspring rotten, satisfying me with all I wanted.
A smile formed on my sad face when the warriors reported that we were free from intruders and declared our pack safe.
It was shocking how the Alpha King soldiers could wipe off hundreds of enemies in less than two hours.
But my happiness was replaced with grief when the realization sat in my head.
The rapid victory meant my rapid transfer to his castle.
My heart started to beat fast and a cold breeze ran down my spine.
I would become a mere property to the most ruthless Alpha King in a matter of hours.
Fear shook me when I realized I was never going to see my parents again.
Running and hiding wouldn’t help because his soldiers would fish me out and it would only double my punishment.
Killing myself was not an option, instead, he might hurt my parents badly.
Who knows if he would enslave my mother?
Goddess! What have I done?
I was about to wallow in regret and self-pity when the knock on my door brought me back to life.
Covered in regret, I sat in silence, ignoring the person.
I wasn’t in the mood for consolations and visits.
The sound of footsteps reached my ear and I turned to look at Nathalia and the boy walked in.
A wide smile was plastered on his face as happiness radiated in him.
“Thank you,” he said before planting a kiss on my forearm.
My eyes were pinned on him as he took a few steps backwards, before his small hands went in the air, saluting me.
My breath hitched at his actions and my eyes watered as my emotions got the best of me.
“You are my hero,” he affirmed. I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, I let them out.
When I was drowning in regrets, the salute revived my spirit, filling me with pride.
“You did the right thing,” Nathalia said, before pulling me in a warm embrace.
“I’m sorry for touching you-” she started to apologize, but I waved it off.
“In appreciation of your tough decision, the pack decided to throw you a party before you leave.”
How nice.
“It’s our little way of showing gratitude. Here is your dress. Since it will be your last day, I wanted you to look like a queen.”
I forced a smile, receiving the glittering gown from Nathalia before muttering a thank you while she took her leave.
“Good luck.” The boy blew me a kiss before leaving the room.
“You might want to hurry up. The Alpha King is on his way,” she said, before shutting the door.
It was like my heart stopped beating and my lungs ran out of air when her words replayed in my head.
I slid down the wall, holding the material in my hands when my legs started to fail me.
I remained motionless for a long time as fear crippled me, paralyzing all my muscles.
I stared at the feathery gold gown in my hands before going blank with indecision.
Was I ready for this?
***
The party was over and everyone scurried to prepare for the arrival of the Alpha King.
Despite their sadness, they masked it by doing things that would lighten my mood all through the party.
Songs, writings, and poems of my bravery were recited to me while some opted for a mock drama of the decision I made to save the pack.
It was an emotional sight when my Dad was wheeled in by Mum to give their speeches. But her words were interrupted with tears, making us unable to understand her words.
A forced smile was plastered on my face as I tried to appear brave before everyone, while I cried and panicked on the inside.
“Mum.” I ran to meet my parents, hugging them tightly.
Fear gripped me when I was told the Alpha King’s subjects had arrived and were waiting for me downstairs.
In confirmation, I looked through the window, only to see two black electric SUVs packed across the fountain.
I was sure a little moment with my parents won’t cause trouble.
“I’m scared,” I admitted, allowing my tears to flow freely. “I was wrong. Maybe running away was the best decision. Gosh, I feel so dumb and selfish.” I broke down completely, wailing my eyes out.
My dad’s strong hand held my chin up as he fixed his grey eyes on me.
“You did what no one has ever done. You broke history in this pack. You are the bravest girl I have ever known and I am proud of you,” he admitted, forcing a smile.
Confusion filled me as I looked at him strangely. “You are not mad at me?”
“I’m proud of you.”
“I love you,” my father said, before hugging me tight. I relaxed under his touch, allowing myself to feel him for the last time.
“Don’t forget us, okay?” my mother said before she joined the hug.
“I will never forget you. I love you dearly.” I sniffed, swallowing the bile in my throat when I heard footsteps approaching.
“I told the Moon goddess to guide you and I know she will.”
“I’m happy to have you as my daughter. Whether here or not. You will always be our beloved daughter-”
“You mean ex-daughter.”
A strange voice cut us off. Our eyes turned to meet an enormous man walking towards us.
In the blink of an eye, he snatched me away from my parents, dragging me to the door.
A scream tore off my lips when I realized what had happened and I started throwing my legs in all directions to refrain the hefty man.
“Aurora!” My parents screamed in fright, struggling to meet me but a group of bodyguards restrained them.
“Mum! Dad!” I cried, screaming harder while beating the man.
In anger, he grabbed my hands, twisting them before throwing me into the car like a bag of potatoes.
I hit the tinted window several times, calling out to my parents to save me from my abductors.
I didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye.
How cruel!
A feeling of dread consumed me as reality hit me hard.
I was no longer the beloved daughter of the Alpha and Luna. I was now known as the Ruthless Alpha King’s property.