A crushing wave of guilt settled over me, whispering that I had caused my parents unbearable pain. That my reckless choices had hurt them more than they could bear.
But what other choice did I have?
This was the only way to save my people. To save my parents.
My mother’s tear-streaked face haunted my thoughts, making me waver, making me want to turn back.
But it was too late.
There was no turning back now.
The Alpha King was not a man to play games with.
Sacrificing myself to him had been my decision, and there was no turning back, no matter how much regret weighed on me.
I could only hope I hadn’t made the wrong choice.
I could only hope my parents would forgive me.
A replacement would have been ideal, but my father had long since abandoned the idea of taking another mistress, and my mother-despite every effort-could never conceive again. No matter how strong my father was, her body simply would not allow it.
I was a miracle child.
That was why they had spoiled me, indulging my every wish, fulfilling my every desire.
A small smile formed on my tear-stained face when the warriors returned with their report-our pack was finally safe.
It was astonishing how the Alpha King’s soldiers had annihilated hundreds of enemies in less than two hours.
But my relief was fleeting.
As the weight of reality sank in, my fleeting joy turned into dread.
The rapid victory meant my rapid transfer to his castle.
My heart pounded violently, and a shiver ran down my spine.
In a matter of hours, I would become nothing more than a possession-a mere object in the hands of the most ruthless Alpha King.
Fear gripped me when I realized I might never see my parents again.
Running wasn’t an option. Hiding wouldn’t work. His soldiers would find me, and when they did, my punishment would be far worse.
Suicide? No.
If I tried to take my own life, he might turn his wrath on my parents.
Who knew what he was capable of?
What if he enslaved my mother as punishment?
Goddess, what had I done?
I was on the verge of drowning in regret when a sudden knock on my door jolted me from my spiraling thoughts.
Covered in sorrow, I sat motionless, refusing to respond.
I wasn’t in the mood for condolences.
I didn’t want to see anyone.
The sound of footsteps echoed in my ears, and I turned, my eyes landing on Nathalia as she walked in-hand in hand with the boy.
A wide smile stretched across his face, pure joy radiating from him.
“Thank you,” he said before planting a kiss on my forearm.
My eyes were pinned on him as he took a few steps backward, his small hands rising in the air to salute me. My breath hitched at his actions, and my eyes watered as my emotions overwhelmed me.
“You are my hero,” he affirmed. I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore; I let them flow freely. When I was drowning in regrets, his salute revived my spirit, filling me with pride.
“You did the right thing,” Nathalia said before pulling me into 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, accepting the glittering gown from Nathalia before muttering a thank you as she took her leave.
“Good luck,” the boy said, blowing me a kiss before leaving the room.
“You might want to hurry up. The Alpha King is on his way,” Nathalia added before shutting the door.
It was as if my heart stopped beating and my lungs ran out of air when her words replayed in my head. I slid down the wall, clutching the dress in my hands as my legs began to fail me.
I remained motionless for a long time, fear crippling me and paralyzing all my muscles. I stared at the feathery gold gown in my hands, my mind 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 to lighten my mood throughout the celebration.
Songs, writings, and poems of my bravery were recited to me, while some opted for a mock drama reenacting the decision I made to save the pack.
It was an emotional sight when my dad was wheeled in by my mum to give their speeches. But her words were interrupted by tears, making it hard to understand what she was saying.
A forced smile was plastered on my face as I tried to appear brave before everyone, while inside, I was crying and panicking.
“Mum,” I called, running to meet my parents and 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 glanced through the window and saw two black electric SUVs parked near the fountain. I was sure a little moment with my parents wouldn’t cause trouble.
“I’m scared,” I admitted, letting my tears flow freely. “I was wrong. Maybe running away was the best decision. Gosh, I feel so dumb and selfish.” I broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably.
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 said, forcing a smile.
Confusion filled me as I looked at him strangely. “You’re not mad at me?”
“I’m proud of you.”
“I love you,” my father said before hugging me tightly. I relaxed under his touch, allowing myself to feel him for the last time.
“Don’t forget us, okay?” my mother said before joining 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 toward us.
In the blink of an eye, he snatched me away from my parents, dragging me toward the door.
A scream tore from my lips as I realized what was happening, and I started kicking my legs in all directions, trying to break free from the hefty man.
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