Chapter 2 Two

RHEA

I glared at Father as the men dragged me away. Like a criminal, like a subject, like I wasn't a future bride and the daughter of the alpha.

But that was the problem. I gritted my teeth. He never really saw me as his daughter... just a tool he could use and discard at will.

"Tarek, make sure you remind the alpha twins of the deal once they arrive," Father continued, his voice now distant as the door slammed shut.

"Let go of me," I snapped at the men pulling me, their grip unflinching, forcing me across the hall towards the east tower.

The sound of metal grating filled the air along with a coppery smell, and they let go of me. I stumbled back into the dark cell just as it was pulled shut.

"Stop, wait..." I rushed forward immediately, gripping the bars. They were wide enough for me to put my arms through and see the faint smirks on their faces clearly, and narrow enough to assure me that I would be here until Father deemed it fit.

"Happy birthday in advance, wolf princess," one of the men mocked, as they stepped back, their footsteps retreating.

I threw myself against the door twice. The stubborn slab of metal didn't budge. This is crazy! My eyes burned with unshed tears.

Upstairs, I could still hear the sound of footsteps and furniture being shifted, all in preparation for tomorrow. The grand day when I would be sold off.

I should be happy... at least I would finally escape from Father. Straight into the arms of two ruthless men.

The reality burned. I slid down, my back against the door. The tears flowed freely now.

The minutes ticked by in near silence. I didn't remember how long. But one moment I was curled on the ground, hugging my knees, and the next I was scrambling up to my feet.

The shadow of a man loomed outside the bars. A key was clicked into the lock. And the door was pulled open.

"Rhea, seriously..." Cassian spoke, stepping into the dark cell, a tinge of disappointment in his face that immediately softened when he saw me.

I didn't think. I rushed forward, hugging him tight.

"Rhea, I..."

"Don't say anything."

He fell silent. His arms went up, wrapping around me in a way that felt like home. Warm, present. Then he pulled away, almost immediately.

"We shouldn't be seen like this."

I nodded, stepping back from him. But at the moment, I didn't really care.

Falling into step behind him, we didn't speak again until we were in front of my room door. I entered inside, expecting him to follow like he usually did. But instead he stayed outside, making me turn to face him.

The look on his face was conflicted. "Alpha Alaric is assigning Theo to guard your room tonight," he said.

"What? Why?" I raised an eyebrow, dread rising in my stomach. "You're my personal guard. Father chose you himself. Why would he suddenly..."

"He wants to make sure nothing else goes wrong for tomorrow," Cassian replied, not meeting my gaze. "Probably for the best."

"The best," I repeated, letting out a mirthless laugh. "The best? For who exactly... me or you?"

"Stop."

"No," I stepped closer to him, lowering my voice. "Don't you dare act like this is just another assignment rotation. You feel this too. And you're just going to act like it doesn't matter, you coward." My voice broke as I choked out the words.

"Shhh." Cassian clamped a hand over my mouth, glancing around.

No one was close, but I could hear distinct footsteps. Anyone could be anywhere at any moment.

For a moment, we stared at each other, then he stepped back from me carefully. "Theo would be in to check twice. Before dinner and once after lights out. The back door will be open. The train doesn't leave till after midnight. Alaric is exporting new weapons, straight out of the pack."

My heart was racing. "Cassian..."

"Do what you must, Rhea." His voice was firm, decided, but I could see the swirl of emotions in his eyes.

He turned around before I could say anything more. And I watched him go. My heart was racing in trepidation and excitement. I could disappear, before the first light of dawn. But watching as Cassian walked away, I knew that I couldn't leave without him.

That night, I lay awake, listening to my own heavy breathing and the sound of boots patrolling outside.

The only light came from the half-open window in the room that directly overlooked the woods.

I rolled to the side of the bed, remembering the nights Cassian had climbed in, when I woke up screaming and drenched in sweat, crying after a nightmare. He held me through it, never really doing anything else. My heart ached just thinking about it.

Very quietly, I stood, grabbing the bag I had arranged beforehand and swinging it over my shoulder. I changed into something undetectable, the most peasant clothes in my collection, a pair of faded trousers and a black top, pulling on the hood of my fur coat to hide my bright brown hair.

The only notable thing was my mother's pendant, which rested just below my shoulder. Barely visible.

I adjusted the pendant, obscuring it completely, under my shirt.

The footsteps marched closer towards the door. I stopped dead, my heart pounding, but nothing happened. Taking a shaking breath, I pushed open the windows that opened into the balcony.

I had a few hours at most.

A rope was already dangling off the edge, secured to one of the bars.

Throwing myself over it, I climbed down carefully, trying not to lose my footing.

The rush of adrenaline made it hard to focus on anything else, and I didn't feel at ease until my feet hit the cold ground again.

I could go, could escape. Say a final goodbye to the life they had forced me to live in for 24 years.

In fact, I was halfway down the street when I stopped dead.

I needed to go back for Cassian.