ELORA
“Gael. Why are you doing this?” I asked as I was led through the ornately tiled castle. It seemed I had been taken to some kind of private wing because I could hear no other footsteps or sounds of life.
Where the bloody hell were we?
I knew we couldn’t have been in Alkarod because I’d been in all the castles in Alkarod and even though I’d been a slave for a while, none of the Alphas had enough gold to afford such expensive interiors.
“Gael, where are…”
“We’re here.” He informed, ignoring my question like he had the past hundred times I’d asked this morning.
Was it even morning?
He rapped the polished wooden doors and they were opened by unseen staff, leading into a chamber resembling an infirmary.
It was painted a shade of white so bright, I had to squint my eyes to see anything.
It was empty save for one bed at the end of the room where a lone white haired man was bent over the occupant of one of the beds.
My guards pushed me forward as our party strolled into the room.
Alpha Rasmus and his wife rushed towards the bedside looking frantic and I wondered why until the patients face came into focus.
Ethan?
I froze, unable to move for the amount of memories bombarding me.
My wolf whined within me as if remembering how it had hurt to be rejected by our mate.
Thank the goddess we have a stronger mate now. My wolf spat.
Indeed. I couldn’t help but agree.
Alpha Rasmus and his wife were glaring at me as the white haired man spoke to them still not turning to face us.
“This is all your fault, you stupid girl!” His wife cried, running over to me with a speed I hadn’t expected and slapping me.
The strength behind her hand sent me to the floor, my face erupting in pain.
The woman had always seemed helpless and soft all the years I’d known her.
Who would have guessed she was this powerful?
“It’s all your fault. It’s all your fault.” She screamed as Gael held her back.
“Woman control yourself!” Alpha Rasmus yelled.
“No.” She countered. “That little bitch hurt my son!”
“Stop this.” He soothed holding his wife to him. “She’s going to pay for what she did very soon, dearest. It will all be well soon.”
I watched in surprise as the woman calmed in her husband’s arms, sending me one final dirty look.
“Pick her up, please.” I heard a calm voice say, the melodious tone washing over me like cool water.
The stinging on my face suddenly didn’t seem as bad anymore.
The guards helped me to my feet just as the white-haired man turned.
I gasped as his features came clearly into view.
He was an… Elf?
“Yes, child. I’m an elf.” He answered smiling. “My name is Yaris. You’re welcome to our home, Elora.”
I was still awestruck by this discovery.
Elves were real?
I thought they’d all been wiped out in the Great war.
How…?
“That’s a long story to be told, child.” He answered again.
Was he reading my mind or was my face just so obvious?
“It’s a little bit of both actually.” He laughed. “Come. We have much to discuss so let’s do it over some nice tea.”
He turned to leave and my guards pushed me forward to follow after him.
“Gael, if you would be so kind, do fetch your brother for me. I have a feeling we’ll be getting some unwanted guests soon.”
Gael had a brother that was still alive?
Just how did this Elf know…
“Yes, Father,” Gael answered, stunning me so soundly I stopped in my tracks.
This Elf was Gael’s father?
How…?
What…?
Gael was an elf?
Was everything he had told me a lie?
“Gael, what…?”
“Come, Elora,” Yaris called. “There’ll be plenty of time to answer your questions later. For now, you must eat and regain your strength.”
“I don’t need her regaining her strength!” Alpha Rasmus yelled. “I need her to heal my son! It is what you promised me.”
“Patience, Rasmus.” Yaris laughed. “You waited this long to bring her here. What’s a few more hours?”
Why was Rasmus working with the elves?
Weren’t they our enemy?
My head swam as all this information was too much for ms to process at once. I fell but before I could hit the ground, someone caught me.
I opened my eyes and met the lusty cold gaze of Lord Kain.
I stumbled to my feet dusting myself as if I could rid myself of the memories of his hands on me.
“You’ve gotten fleshier since the last time I held you, Elora.” He laughed. “No wonder Rome won’t let you out of his bed. Perhaps you’ll be warming mine once we’re done with you.”
I glared hard at him.
“The king will find me.” I spat, not knowing where I got the courage from.
“Oh really?” He laughed. “And how will he do that?”
I frowned.
How would he be able to find me?
Wouldn’t he think I’d run off with Gael?
What would happen to my siblings then?
Oh goddess.
How do I get out of this?
“Oh child.” Yaris cooed, coming to lay a deathly pale yet surprisingly warm hand on my shoulder, pushing me towards what looked like a drawing room. “You mustn’t think such sad thoughts. Come. A little bit of cinnamon will cheer you up.”
I followed after him, numb, because I couldn’t picture a scenario where I could return to my normal life at the palace.
To think I had ever thought my life at the palace bad.
What would happen to me here?
I sat on one of the soft sofas in the large drawing room and accepted the delicate china cup handed to me. The sweet spicy scent of cinnamon did calm me but I was too scared to drink.
What if it was poisoned?
“I can assure you child.” Yaris smiled pouring himself a cup and taking a long sip. “It’s not. If I wanted to kill you, I’d use more direct means.”
I decided to trust his words and took a sip, the flavor a welcome reprieve for a moment.
“I believe you have a lot of questions that need answering.” He smiled knowingly. “I separated you from the others because I knew you’d be more comfortable speaking with me.”
I nodded.
“What do you want from me?” I asked setting my cup down. “Why am I here?”
“Oh. I want nothing from you.” He answered pouring himself another cup. “You’re only a means to an end for me. My other guests on the other hand all want something from you. You’ve led quite a troublesome life up to this point.”
A means to an end?
What end?
“Yes indeed. I needed certain people on my side and they needed my help.” He explained. “I’m sorry it has to be this way. I feel really bad that in all this, you’re actually innocent.”
I gasped, my eyes widening.
I had only thought him able to read minds.
Was he a seer also?
“Yes, I am.” He answered, nodding. “Which is how I know a lot about you and how I also know you’re carrying that Lycans child.”
What?
“She’s what?!” Alpha Rasmus yelled coming into the room.
I placed my hand on my belly not sure how to feel.
I was pregnant?
“Yes. That is quite the complication.” He mused, steeling his hands under his chin. “I don’t know whether I consider you fortunate or the unluckiest girl in the world.”
“What does that mean for us?” Alpha Rasmus’ wife asked.
“It means quite likely that she won’t be able to help cure your son.” He answered, rising. “Her blood’s been tainted with Lycan blood.”
“You whore!” They yelled, hitting me to the floor.
I placed my hands on my belly to protect mine and the King’s child as they attacked me with kicks.
I was pregnant with the king’s child.
Somehow even in the haze of pain I was under, hope and love kept me warm.
But will I ever see him to tell him?
A lone tear escaped me just as Alpha Rasmus struck a sound kick to the back of my head.
Will he ever know I was carrying his child?