'Hurry!' The scurrying footsteps, prompt commands, and yells, panic in the atmosphere, and worrisome face of the jerk who has ruined millions of lives is an amusing sight for me.
As much as I try, I cannot curve my lips downwards. The grin is naturally pestered on my face and true to express the absolute delight my heart thumps with. Happiness floods out of me in visible waves.
Nagini wants to break through the barriers and crawl her way to the top of the hotel. It's desperate for her freedom and proud...of me.
One wicket down! I smirk.
'Move out of the way! Aary! Aary! Wake up! Open your eyes! Aaaryyy!' The jerk jerks his mate's limp body by the shoulder to get a response out of her. None came. None will come!
'WILL SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? WHY IS MY MATE NOT RESPONDING?' Alpha Rudransh snaps at his beta as he gave another violent jerk to an unconscious and visibly swollen Luna.
It's all vivid after that. A scene straight out of an Action/Thriller movie. Alpha's crestfallen expression. Beta's alarmed gestures. The shuffling of feet when the medical team of Taj Mahal saunters inside and the unshakeable hope with sparks of despondency in Rudransh's brown orbs.
It's pictorial. I wish, I had my mobile with me. I would have recorded it and watched it on the loop every morning the first thing and every night before I go to sleep.
The wine glass fallen from her hands spreads the contents on the floor and her swan white dress has patches of it on the front and back. On the brim of the exotic crystal rests the star of tonight, a bee. It's a shame that such masterpieces have to be ruined to execute trifle plans like this one.
The Vina and sitar music in the background slowly fade away as people gather around the royalties forming a tight circle. Everyone has a different expression on their face. Concern, fright, indifference, and uneasiness—nonetheless, tension is thick in the air.
A woman with a lab coat on kneels beside her. She checks the pulse, her orbs, and then the side of her neck where a tiny sting has swollen a vein.
Something has happened to their beloved Luna.
'We have to take her to the hospital.' She nods at the Alpha with a bow.
It is a peculiar culture of werewolves. The dogs respect their Alphas like anything. Alpha's commands become the law of the region. His words are obeyed by the spirit and at the cost of living. They follow a strict hierarchy and cannot tolerate someone trying to break through it.
Even in a democratic country like Cape Comorin, for the designation of Alpha King; only Alphas of different packs are allowed to contest. None even suggested letting a wolf below the rank should participate. At the time of war, it was Alpha King Atharva and Luna Queen Laxmi who were ruling the chair. Atharva and Laxmi are Rudransh's parents and the biggest threat to my life.
I have seen Alpha King Atharva twice—first, when he visited the Palace to negotiate trade dealings amongst the countries and second when the wolves had suggested a peace treaty.
Both the times, he'd brought his mate and Alpha Rudransh's mother, Laxmi with him. The were-woman was kind, very hospitable, and easy to chat with but her mate, Alpha King was a living satan. He never smiled, never talked without frowning, and was adamant as a tree on his terms.
If only he'd agreed to a couple of conditions, the whole war could have been avoided.
I try to shake off the image of that old lewd and cherish my moment of victory. My soul is at peace and joy.
After all, God does exist!
It is probably the first time in three years that I have grinned with my heart, from ear to ear. I want to leap in joy, waltz on the dance floor, cut the cake, and distribute sweets. I want to let the whole world know what an accomplishment I have attained tonight, but I bottle up my emotions for some time later.
Avika elbows me in the rib playfully. When I look at her, she wiggles her eyebrows—trying to ask me how did I do it. I mouthed 'later' and nurture the thrilling moment of Alpha's aggravation when he lifts his mate on the stretcher. Luna Aaradhya is on her death bed—if not, she is fatally ill. She must be hospitalized. I know reaching her without being caught is still a challenge.
However, at least I see a flicker of hope than the terrifying darkness. I have bought some time to figure things out. I am going to make it work.
You have to, Sarvayoni or you are dead to me. Nigini hisses in my head. I have been waiting for this minute for three long and miserable years. I have endured the mortifications and torture all at your faith and words. I cannot survive a day more seeing the punk smiling in triumphant at his achievements.
I will, Nagini. I promise. I shut her off. Instead, I thank my LORD for striking the chords at the perfect time.
Every one of us has been stung by an insect at least once in our life. An article from The Virangana, a cosmopolitan magazine that follows celebrity gossip, fashion, and lifestyle at an inch's distance, read.
Every week, it publishes an article about 'The lesser-known facts' where it claims to reveal a secret that has never been told. I remember one such article that came in handy. It often results in itching, swelling, and redness at the site of the sting. Medically, it is normal to some extent. But do you know that some stings could be deadly? Apparently, merely disinfecting the area, keeping it clean, and applying some ice won't be a useful remedy.
It can make you fall so ill that a visit to the hospital promptly will become mandatory. In worse cases, it can kill. Yes! You read it right. A nail size insect as beautiful as a bee can kill a mighty werewolf in seconds.
And no, we are not kidding! Numerous cases have been reported every year. As per the data published by the Ministry of Health, each year at least a hundred and twenty wolves die following the same reason.
Unfortunately, Aaradhya Satyam Mittal, our beloved Luna is the worst of such cases. It is a known fact that Luna Aradhya has Insect Sting Allergies and that her wolf is intolerant to sharp stings of insects. Hailey, her beautiful white wolf, is slow in making antibodies that can combat the slow poison.
Ordinarily, the allergic reaction to an insect sting varies from person to person. According to Prof. Sarah Williams, a graduate from Brakatullah University, Southern Lahore, symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives, flushing of the skin, tingling or itching inside the mouth, and nausea or vomiting.
Prof. Sarah has been researching allergic reaction symptoms for two years and her publications are officially available on the University's website.
The most serious allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. When stung, Luna Aaradhya is directly exposed to such reactions that can make her lose consciousness. It includes, but is not limited to, difficulty in breathing, swallowing, hoarseness, swelling of the tongue, dizziness, and fainting.
Lack of saliva is a sign of a severe allergic reaction too. These types of reactions usually occur within minutes of the sting but have been known to be delayed for up to 24 hours. Prompt treatment is essential, and emergency help is often needed.
So far, no impromptu medicine has been introduced. We can just hope that Prof. Sarah and her apprentice introduces us to a medicine soon. Till then, we can only pray for our Luna's and her likes better health. May Moon-Goddess never lets an insect fly near our mighty Hailey and the kind.
I got the spontaneous idea to bring Luna down all blessed to the information published in the magazine.
'Step aside everyone! Emergency! It's an emergency. Luna Aaradhya needs your prayers. Pray and move out of the way this instance. The convention is hereby announced adjourned. Please, co-operate. Move away!' Beta Shantanu announces behind the Alpha's back.
Four bulky guards all dressed in black appear out of nowhere and guard the Alpha and Luna against each side. There are murmurs and hushed gossip. People in the crowds make speculative comments about Luna's health without knowing a thing about it.
'I think the Alpha has exhausted her.' A woman from the back commented.
'She could be pregnant. When I was having Johnny, I could not walk without stumbling. I used to feel lightheaded all the time.'
The other agreed. 'Alphas are too hard to please. They are strong, energetic, and always looking for adventure. It can be exhertion or she is having her pups.'
I want to gag at the comment. However, I cannot deny that it's true to some extent. The ass exploits each of her talents in the toughest way. At twenty-six, she is appointed chief of the Ministry of Education and Child Welfare. She heads the Department of Law as a presiding member and has been recently nominated as a member of the Upper House of the Parliament.
Even tonight, she was here for the purpose of officially discussing the policy on education for slums. It was all over the news in the exact words along with the members of the society Luna was supposed to meet. They were about to open a school for children of Appy Lane.
The project and children of poor prostitutes, thieves, burglars, drug peddlers, and Mad-Manish has to wait.
'Aren't we following?' Avika asks, staring at the space where Beta Shantanu was standing a while ago.
'What's the need? They won't let us slip. We will be retreating to Appy Lane with the women and taking a bus to Alpha City. Remember to pack only essentials. If I am right, Luna will be there for at least three days. The fever will weaken her body. We have plenty of time to make it there.'
'You are so clever, Sarva.' Avika praises me with a small smile that she hurriedly masks into a stern pointed look.
'I am your queen for a reason, love. Now, we just have to prepare ourselves for the Alpha City. The place isn't anything ordinary. Keep a close eye on the news.' I tell before mingling with the ladies to get more gossips.