A Queen's Dark Prison

Note: This series is a darker werewolf series not following the usual "plot" of fated mates. Be aware of darker elements such a described violence, k*dnapping, s****l abuse, and death. *Also just to make sure you guys won't be confused. Whenever I write about a dream or a memory, I write in present tense and italic, but whenever it is in past tense, is it something that happens "now". And while this book centers around Octavia and Valerio, you will also read from our other stars' perspective.* -Octavia- It was so dark. I couldn’t see... All I knew was pain. It was everywhere, crawling through my body, like I had animals living under my skin, picking at my flesh and tearing it apart slowly. My mind didn’t feel like mine anymore. It was like I was living in someone else’s body. I couldn’t see, yet sometimes glimpses of someone torn apart or being torn apart appeared. I would hear their screams, and they would remind me of my own. It would remind me of the time I was kept in chains and inflicted so much pain that I couldn’t take it. I just wanted it to go away... It needed to go away... I didn’t know what happened, though. For a moment, it was like the pain went away completely, but I no longer felt like myself. It was like I had gone to sleep, only to wake up to a nightmare, but I couldn’t pinch myself or force myself out of it. I was trapped once again, unable to do anything. I wasn’t myself. I knew somehow that I wasn’t myself, but I didn’t know how to find my true self again. I wasn’t even sure where I was. I was just trying to survive the pain. Valerio... Where was he? Where was my mate? I needed Valerio. I needed his arms around me, and his strong body pressed against mine, keeping me safe and warm. I was just so cold all the time now. It felt like I was back to living in the woods again, always on alert, always running. But why? Why was I back there? Where was I even? I couldn’t understand anything. I felt so confused, trapped in this darkness. I constantly had the taste of blood in my mouth, unable to tell where it came from. Why did I have blood in my mouth? Why did I crave more? I didn’t want to feel like this. It was like I had gone back to the past, when my father taught me all of these things—to like to watch people suffer, to like to watch blood flow. Valerio had taught me a different way, though. His love had taught me it was okay to let down my guard and accept the warmth he could bring me. I wanted him... But I couldn’t find him. I tried calling out to him, but I was trapped. I couldn’t hear his voice or anyone else’s. I was completely alone again. I hated the loneliness. Once, I liked it, thinking it was my only friend. Now I hated it. I hated it so much, and I just wanted to go away, but I couldn’t find my mate. I couldn’t find my friends. Where was I? It was the question I asked myself all the time, but there was no one to answer me because I really was alone. Suddenly, it was like I got my vision back for a second. “Please...” Someone in front of me was begging me for mercy. I could hear it in their voice and see it in their eyes. It was just a young male, and from the scent of it, a lone wolf, but I didn’t listen. For some reason, I believed he was a threat, even though he didn’t look that way. He needed to be removed, so I removed him. His blood filled my mouth. I tore through his flesh, and soon he wasn’t moving. Good. He shouldn’t be moving. Or should he? I didn’t stay to watch the body. I was pulled back into darkness again, unsure of what had happened or why I felt the need to remove the male. When I could see clearly, I knew I needed to harm him, but now, trapped in darkness once more, I questioned why I had inflicted harm. Why was he perceived as a threat again? I had no explanation for the events unfolding. I simply knew I needed to be somewhere... or flee from something. Was I fleeing? Pursuing something? I had no comprehension of the situation, and I wasn’t certain I wanted to comprehend it. I just... I just wanted the pain to cease. -Valerio- As I disembarked from the plane, I was greeted by the sight of my friends: Garrett, Evan, James, Damien, Lucian, and Chris. They were all present. After Hunter had agreed to search for Octavia without lethal intent, he dispatched Raiden and Kenzo to pursue her. However, I had no need to follow them. Instead, I had accepted some food, which I managed to consume, fresh clothing, a shower, and a bed for the night. Yet I declined the bed. I needed to return. I needed to coordinate with the others, conveying the message that our objective regarding Octavia was her capture, not her demise. Now that Hunter mentioned the possibility of helping Octavia, I harbored a glimmer of hope. I couldn’t let her die. We had endured so much. Abandoning her now was inconceivable. My mate possessed a resilience unmatched by any. If anyone could survive what she had endured, it was her. “Welcome home,” Garrett greeted me with a smile as I descended the stairs. He approached and embraced me tightly. I returned the hug, having missed my oldest friend. The others came over to greet me as well. It had been months since our last encounter, during which time I had been preoccupied. Locked away in my office, I could only dwell on Octavia’s whereabouts and well-being. Now, my focus was singular. I was resolved to rescue my mate, and these comrades would assist me. “How are you feeling?” James inquired. “Exhausted as hell,” I admitted, eliciting a faint smile from him. “No sleep on the plane?” he queried. I shook my head. “I won’t rest until she’s back with us.” The mood turned somber, but they hadn’t heard Hunter and I’s conversation. “Alpha...” “No!” I interjected, cutting off James, whom I suspected was about to mention what Hunter had said before we agreed to save my queen. “Don’t even mention it.” “Just wondered if you’d like something to eat on the way home,” James amended, raising his hands in surrender. “No, we’re heading straight home, and then I’ll talk with all of you.” “Does that mean everyone?” Chris inquired. I nodded. The females needed to be informed of the situation as well. They were all close friends with Octavia, and I had no doubt they were prepared to assist in any way they could, even if it only involved convincing their mates. We all piled into the cars they had used to drive here and headed straight home. I didn’t wait for any of them. I walked inside, feeling anxious about sharing my plans. The others quickly noticed my arrival and emerged from various places. “You’re back!” Lily exclaimed excitedly. “Yes, and we’re having a meeting. Gather the others,” I instructed, then ascended the steps two at a time. I reached the second floor where my office was located, and it wasn’t long before the rest joined me, dispersing throughout the spacious room as I settled behind my desk. The last person closed the door, and then all eyes turned to me. “So, what’s going on?” Garrett inquired. “I found her,” I announced. Expressions of sorrow and shock filled the room as I recounted the news. “And?” Isabella pressed. “Is she...?” “She got away,” I admitted. “Hunter’s men, Kenzo and Raiden, were sent to eliminate her, but I intervened.” “Alpha, we do need to...” “James, no!” I interjected. “I won’t put a bullet in her head until I’ve exhausted every other possibility.” “Do you have a plan?” Damien inquired. I nodded. “Hope.” “What about Hope?” Lara questioned. James had informed her to meet us here. “Well, she might be able to assist,” I explained. “Given her abilities as a Spiritual.” “They removed my mark,” Selene interjected. “And she cured Hunter,” Lara added. “This could be a good option.” I offered a faint smile and nodded. “So, the plan is to capture her?” Chris clarified. “Yes, capture her first, and then we’ll explore if Hope can use her powers to aid Octavia. She’s our best chance at the moment,” I affirmed. “Have you spoken to her?” Lara inquired. I shook my head. “I needed to return here first, to ensure none of you were attempting to harm Octavia.” “We were all searching for you,” Chris reassured me. “We hoped to discuss the rest together.” “She’s killing, though,” Selene interjected. “There’s turmoil within the community. Rumors of wolves and humans meeting untimely ends are circulating.” I sighed, acknowledging the grim reality. It was how I had tracked her down, following the trail of bodies. I had encountered a few of Connor’s followers and had to dispatch them before they reached Octavia. Unfortunately, Kenzo and Raiden had proven to be formidable opponents. Especially Kenzo... When I attempted to strike him, he effortlessly seized my fist with his hand, a sinister smile gracing his lips, his red eyes gleaming. There was something peculiar about him... I couldn’t quite place it, but he possessed abilities beyond those of an ordinary male. He nearly matched my strength. Red eyes... I thought. Who bore red eyes? I knew the answer lay within my grasp, but it eluded me. It was a puzzle for another time. For now, my focus was on Octavia. I was determined to reclaim my mate. There was no room for doubt.