Chapter 7 Desire for strength
/-Ayla-/
My wolf was gone.
Whether slain or simply silenced beyond reach, I could not say. I tried once more, as I had many times already, but all that echoed back was an eerie silence that chilled my very marrow.
Selene had really gone all out. She had not only sought to ruin me, but she intended to erase my very existence. To strip me of every remnant of identity and strength I had left, until I became nothing but mere dust under her feet.
My knees buckled slightly, and I instinctively reached out for something to steady me, only to be caught by Eldra. Her hold was firm, and her eyes had a hint of concern.
How pathetic I must have looked.
How could I be so weak? I failed to protect my pup, and now, I failed to protect even my wolf, the very essence of my existence.
How was I even to exert my revenge in this state of utmost weakness?
The Northern lands were unforgiving. They revered dominance and strength, not delicate and broken women. And even if I bore the title of the Alpha King's mate, I knew titles meant nothing without real power. I needed to be worthy of it.
Hot, bitter anger churned through me, and I balled my fingers into fists, clenching them so tightly that my brain failed to register the pain as my nail dug into my palm.
"My lady, are you unwell?” Eldra's voice reined on my thoughts, forcing me out of my reverie.
Stifly, I replied in a hoarse tone, “I am okay; I just need… rest.”
"My lady, would you like to take a walk? I can show you around the pack house, you might need fresh air.” She suggested with that same naive smile. The kind that reminded me so much of Amy.
Behind that smile, I had learned, there was always something hidden, something vile.
I turned to her, voice sharp but hollow, “No.”
Yet, she remained persistent, “You seem sick. Going out might be of help. Moreover, there are many interesting things that could lighten your mood here. You might want to try it out.”
Could she not read between the lines, or was she just pretending to be blind?
"I said, no.” This time, my tone was sharper.
I knew I was being unreasonable, as she was merely looking out for me, but I couldn't take it. Not when I had grown used to knives dressed in clothes of compassion.
To me, kindness had a cost. Every single person who extended it to me had their reasons. Even the guard that helped me out of that dungeon had his reason, Eldra might too.
Eldra tilted her head slightly and added, “Then, forgive me, but I must tell you. It's an order from the Alpha King himself. He's worried.”
At that name, my thought process froze for a single second.
Of course, he must have known that I'd try to lock myself away in silence and grief.
But, worried? More like pity.
When I remembered those piercing golden eyes, I shook my head. He doesn't strike me like one who could be worried, at least not for someone like me.
"Where is he?” I whispered softly, unsure why the question escaped my lips, but Eldra was quick to reply.
"In the council. He has been for most of the morning.”
I stared at the wall blankly for more than a minute before rising slowly, “Fine, lead the way.”
Eldra led the way with light steps, her braids bouncing behind her, and I merely followed in silence.
It was only at that point that I noticed that the chamber I had stayed in seemed to be the only one in the east wing, which was quite surprising.
How could I have a whole wing all to myself? Even Selene did not enjoy that luxury.
As we walked across the long corridors, I finally understood why the Vulkaria kingdom stood to be one of the richest kingdoms in the world.
The walls seemed to be made with gold, and the velvet tapestries swept the floor like red wine.
"This,” Eldra finally stopped in front of a large wooden door before pushing it open with both hands. “Is the heart of the mansion. Well, according to the beta. The Royal Library.”
Before I even stepped inside, the smell of ink, parchment, and old scrolls had already wafted into my nostrils.
Next was the east-wing balcony, which overlooked the great hall.
“Far beyond this corridor is the guest chamber, and then you will find the garden. We should visit there one night, it's most beautiful under the moonlight.”
As we made our way forward, the hallway gradually became busier, and maids walked past me while whispering.
I could feel their gazes, following my every movement.
But, instead of the sharp, slashing look I had grown accustomed to, these were softer.
More like they were accessing me, curious.
Whenever I glanced over, they would quickly avert their gazes.
I furrowed my brows, slightly puzzled.
Why was it so different from the rumors? Shouldn't they scowl at the presence of a stranger in their territory?
Eldra chattered, completely unbothered, “Finally, we are here.”
I had forgotten how we got here, but by the time I realized it, we'd already arrived in an open space. The sound of metal clashing and barking orders reached me, and I knew.
"The training grounds.”
Eldra answered, “Yes.”
From the top of the rise, I could see them. Dozens of warriors sparring in pairs. Male and female likewise, whether old or young.
That was when I saw her; Adelaide, at the center of the field, the woman who had treated me. She was standing over a much larger male, her boot pressing down against his chest as he groaned. The warriors around, male and female, booed and laughed, not mockingly.
Adelaide was still in her dress, but it did not hinder her movement in any way. With a smirk at the corner of her lips, she helped the man up.
Surprisingly, the man felt no embarrassment to be defeated by a woman, and the others only had teasing smiles on their faces.
"Tch, Adelaide has done it again.” One said with a laugh.
Another echoed, “She's strong, man. At least, the strongest female in the camp.”
“That's why she can stand beside the Alpha King. What do you expect?”
My throat tightened, finger curling into fist once again as I stared at the valiant Adelaide.
She had defeated a full-grown warrior twice her size effortlessly, even Selene will not be able to achieve that feat.
A fire burned within me instantly.
I wanted to be like that. I wanted to be the kind of woman who could crush people like Selene with a single look. The kind that no one dared to strip and chained in a dungeon.
So, I stepped forward, abandoning all reasons, “I wish to train.”
And, just like that, silence fell across the field as heads turned to me.
