Chapter 4

"Please, Alpha Prince... I beg you. You cannot take that item with you. Gianni's voice trembled like leaves in a storm as he fell to his knees." I'll pass away. She faces certain doom! This house and the Alpha's lineage bear a curse.

When I heard that word, something snapped in me. I tightened my hold on her body.

"You just called her a thing?"

My voice resonated loudly against the walls. She made a soft, pained sound as she stirred in my arms.

"You believe you can discuss her in that way and still be able to breathe?"

Gianni's eyes began to well up with tears. "But you don't get it, Alpha. Alpha Dario locked her down there for a reason. She's not natural.

I looked at her, freezing, bleeding, barely conscious. Is she the other daughter? I assumed she had passed away. Has she spent the entire time trapped underground like a dog?

My heart pounded through my skull like a war drum.

My friend. Was my friend subjected to this?

No. No, they aren't going to leave the situation alone.

Gianni gripped the edge of my pants and pleaded once more, "Please, Alpha prince." Return her. Dario will kill me if he learns."

I glanced down at her face. Livia. Livia was her name. It evoked a sound akin to music enveloped in fire. And in silence and shame, they buried that name.

I growled, my voice low but steel-sharp, "You listen to me." "If you ask me to put her back in that hole once more, I'll rip out your eyes with my hands, I swear on everything holy."

Gianni's jaw dropped. He shuddered like a leaf.

Do you find Dario frightening? I will demonstrate the true nature of fear for you. I am Leonardo, the Alpha King's son. Additionally, no one tells me what I can or cannot do.

There was silence in the room. Livia moved once more, resting her head lightly on my chest. Quieter, I held her closer.

Matteo called out from the hallway, eyebrows raised, "Leonardo, seriously." "She is unknown to us. She could be anything, including ill.

I walked past him with my arms encircling her fractured body and declared, "She's my mate." "And I won't let her leave."

Matteo's eyebrow went up. "Your partner?"

"This day has been in my dreams for years. I assumed I would run into her at one of my mother's elegant balls. Perhaps I would encounter her while dancing under the sparkling chandeliers. Not. I glanced at her clothing, which was stained with blood. "This is not the way."

Matteo's eyes darted around, looking uneasy. "People will converse. It doesn't look good. You're bringing a half-dead person into your room

"I own her. I'm not concerned about the opinions of others.

He was quiet now; he followed me inside.

"You're not really putting her down?"

"Not until I'm certain she's secure. We made this decision immediately.

His voice was softer this time, and he turned away. "I understand. Yes, I do.

I placed her gently on my bed. I ignored her bleeding and dirtiness. She required a bed. She required warmth. That dungeon was the last thing she needed.

Her hair still obscured her face. I didn't even know what she looked like. However, I was aware of her identity. That was sufficient.

"Help me," I said. "Two nurses. These nurses are the finest ones available.

Matteo gave a quick nod. "What else?"

I took a seat next to her. My hand touched the scar on her thigh, and then there was a sudden flash.

Whips.

chains.

Her cries reverberated against the chilly walls.

Anger twisted Dario's face.

Pain. Such suffering.

With my breath stuck in my throat and my heart pounding, I yanked my hand back.

How on earth could anyone make it through that?

Nobody is worthy of that. Not even a foe is worthy of that.

Is it from your blood?

"Dario should be here. Right now.

Matteo moved. "Do you not want a physician?"

"No. Currently, I don't trust anyone. I'll take care of it myself.

He blinked. "You'll cure her?"

I gave a nod. "I've gained enough knowledge. I'll get by. Here, she will be secure.

"All right. I'll take care of it.

He turned and walked away.

I gave her another glance. There was a small broken item on my bed. She breathed shallowly and slowly. However, she was still alive. Seldom.

"Have you never felt like a real bed?"

I reached for her hand to let her know that someone was here now, not to read anything or delve into her thoughts. that she was no longer alone.

"Livia, you're safe now. I've got you.

She twitched her fingers.

"You are no longer required to fight. I'll take care of it for you.

My voice broke.

"I will destroy anyone who has harmed you." Those who merely observed the situation bore witness. Whoever locked you down there was truly monstrous.

I knew she heard me even though she didn't respond.

It was a few seconds before Matteo came back. "Nurses will arrive. Dario has not yet responded.

I whispered, "He'll come."

"What if he doesn't?"

"I'll go to him then."

Matteo's mouth opened, paused, then shut.

"What?"

"I simply... I never imagined seeing you in this state.

"Like what?"

He smiled half-heartedly. "Like a knight in armor made of blood.

I sneered. "This shouldn't be romanticized. I'm not going to save a princess. My goal is to keep her alive.

Still. At last, you located her. You finally found her after all this time.

"Yeah," I replied, maintaining eye contact with her face. "And I almost didn't."

When two women saw Livia, their eyes widened.

One whispered, "She's in bad shape."

"Take action if you can. Tidy up her injuries. She doesn't need much more help. Avoid talking to her. Don't try anything strange. I will be right here.

They gave a quick nod.

I saw her wince as they worked. She shuddered at every touch.

The younger one said, "She's afraid." "She has no faith in anyone."

"She has every excuse not to."

Thereafter, they remained silent.

I remained by her side after the room cleared. She was unable to drift off to sleep. Even the act of blinking correctly is beyond my control.

Once more, her breath caught in her chest, making a sound that was in between a cry and a gasp.

"It's alright," I muttered. "You're secure now."

My mind became twisted and tangled.

Please clarify what occurred in this house. How could nobody have known? Or were they all aware of it and decided to ignore it?

The purpose was to serve as a home. No one intended it to be a place of torture.

I leaned forward and touched her hand with my forehead.

You will succeed.

I'll see to it.

I'll start over and rebuild you if it takes everything I have.

You're worthy of better.

You are deserving of everything.

And those who stole it from you?

They will regret ever breathing the same air as you.