Chapter 3 Chapter Three

Chapter Three

A pretty face with a naive front is the most deadliest combination. You wouldn’t even know what hit you, if faced with an enemy of that nature. I am an enemy of that nature~ Keira Archibald.

Keira

“Keira!” Damien called out loudly as I headed outside the castle, back into the chilly afternoon. I faced him, nose flaring, angry that his wife and son had tried to humiliate me. What was I even saying? He had to be part of them. Why else would he bolt away immediately I arrived?

“Louder. I don’t think everyone in this pack can hear you calling my name.” I retorted, and he slowed down, lips parting and snapping shut again.

I didn’t feel any remorse, and I crossed my arms, waiting for him to continue.

“I am just trying to help, Keira. I would never hurt you.” He said with a sad expression. I scoffed, biting back my remark.

“You’re not allowed to leave Mooncrest,” he began again, and I cut him off with another scoff.

“I’ll see who dares to stop me.” I threatened.

He sighed. “Let me finish. As the Alpha’s daughter who just returned, almost everyone would be anxious about your departure, afraid that you’d try to run away. And some,” he paused. “Some will try to kill you. It’s not unusual. Ruling a pack is a task meant for the strongest and bravest of hearts.” He finished off.

“I’m assuming you didn’t stop me to give me a pep talk about becoming Mooncrest’s Alpha, did you?” I asked. I knew I was being rude, but I couldn’t help it. Betrayal was a thing I realized I had to get used to, and no one, not even blood relations was above it.

“It’s a good thing the Alpha King sent his invitation,” my uncle said.

“You know about it?”

“I’m the one who gave them directions of where to find you,” he said slowly. “Like I said, those with both good and bad intentions won’t let you leave Mooncrest freely. But no one will dare go against the Alpha King. Except for those who have a death wish, of course.” He said, and I didn’t reply.

What could I say? ‘Oh, the Alpha King is so benevolent. He’s my savior?’

“You’re lucky, Keira. You have to accept this invitation.” He advised, and I looked at him, stunned.

“I don’t even know him,” I pointed out. “In person, I mean.” I added.

“But I do,” my uncle countered. “Alpha King Kaelan is young, quite in your age range, and he’s already an Alpha King. An alliance, or a bond,” he watched me, “with him will strengthen your place in this pack. No one will dare to underestimate you.” He said.

“So, you also think I need the strength and backing of a man to prove myself?” I asked bluntly.

He shook his head. “That’s not it. Think about it, Keira. This time, do it rationally instead of allowing emotions cloud your judgment.” He said.

Deep down, I knew he was right. An alliance with this Alpha King would be beneficial to me, to my goals if I decided to take over Mooncrest. Not even Marienne would dare stand in my way. Speaking of Marienne, I guessed she was more angrier than ever, considering the way I’d spoken to her back in the living room.

“Accept the Alpha King’s invitation and see where it leads.” My uncle said with a firm voice.

I exhaled slowly, without giving a definite response. My situation was so ironic. I was all alone and needed every support I could get. It wasn’t like I wouldn’t succeed if I tried, but in the long run, I wouldn’t last. I couldn’t afford to ignore the Alpha King even though I really really wanted to. I realized my uncle was still waiting for a response.

“Alright.” I said, catching his inhale of breath in relief.

My uncle sent me home in a luxurious car and a driver that wouldn’t even spare me a glance. Throughout the ride back home, my mind was filled with different thoughts. As our house—the place I’d lived with that bastard for years, a place where different memories were made—came into sight, I massaged my temple.

The house was quiet as I walked in, stretching my limbs at the entrance. I beckoned at one of the servants. She hesitated for a brief moment before telling me that Aiden had taken Rena and my son—sorry, Erion—out, and wouldn’t be returning home that night.

“I see. And when did they leave?” I asked her. She kept her gaze lowered to the ground.

“Around noon, Luna.” She said. I waved her away.

My phone chimed, and I robotically brought it out of my purse. It was a message from Aiden. My eyes narrowed at its contents.

MY LOVE: Erion was bored, and Rena offered to accompany him in your absence. I drove them to the park. Hope you don’t mind, darling. Sleep early when it’s nighttime.

I felt nothing, just numbness. They were out there, acting like a perfect little family. Beautiful. I changed the way I saved his contact details, and slipped my phone into my purse.

I’d be a bad person to interrupt their beautiful little moment. Their happy times. I WAS the bad person for loving Aiden like my life depended on it. I went upstairs to our room, and began packing. Their absence made my decision even easier. On second thought, I called out to a few servants. Many hands would make the packing faster. I didn’t want Aiden to meet me at the house.

“Are you traveling, Luna?” One of the servants—Freya—asked me carefully. I was fond of the girl. I gave her a small smile.

“I’m leaving for a little while. There’s something I need to attend to. Since I wouldn’t be gone for long, you don’t have to inform the Alpha. He’s quite busy these days, and doesn’t need any disturbance. Can you do that for me?” I asked. They bowed.

I didn’t lie. Aiden was busy, very busy, in fact. Just not…with me.

I closed the last box that contained everything I owned, and felt a cold smile teasing the sides of my lips. It matched the icy feeling that was wrapping itself around my heart.

‘Watch the rest of your days, Aiden. Revenge is a dish best served cold.’ I said i

nwardly.

“We are done here, Luna. What else should we do?” Freya asked, and I pondered over her question.