Aria
I slowly blinked my eyes open, greeted by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. My initial grogginess began to fade as I became aware of my surroundings. But as I tried to stretch and shift my body, I quickly realized that something was different today.
I couldn't move.
Panic fluttered in my chest as I felt the unmistakable sensation of two strong arms wrapped securely around me, pinning me to the bed.
The arms holding me felt warm and comforting, but the lack of control over my own body left me feeling vulnerable and anxious. I struggled to free myself, wriggling slightly, but those arms only tightened their hold.
And then I remembered. I was sleeping in the same bed as Nathan last night, and he must have been hugging me in his sleep.
"Ugh...let go of me, you Brute!" I groaned and tried to free myself from his embrace, but he seemed to hold me even tighter.
"Five more minutes," he mumbled into my hair, his voice heavy with drowsiness and a hint of playfulness.
His warmth enveloped me, and the sensation of his breath against the back of my neck sent shivers down my spine. "Nathan...let go..." I whined. He promised he wouldn't touch me last night, and yet, here he was, holding me like this.
He stirred slightly and then released his hold. "You are irritating," he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep. "I was having a great dream."
I rolled my eyes and jumped off the bed. "I don't care about your stupid dream. You promised me you would help me find my sister, so get up and tell me what we should do next."
My fists clenched as Nathan yawned and arrogantly proclaimed, "Calm down, little slave. What's the rush here? You will see your sister when the right time comes."
"And when will that be? After she is dead?" I hissed, my fury boiling over at his callousness. I couldn't take any more waiting. He didn't understand how much I missed her or why this was so important to me.
"Dead? Don't be dramatic. Alpha King won't murder her," Nathan said, still not phased by my anger.
"And how can you be sure? You said he murdered your mate," I reminded him.
"Yes, but he likes your little sister. I could see it in his eyes. Besides, she is his mate. And he is very protective over his own things," Nathan said.
I flinched at the idea of Destiny being someone's possession.
"I refuse to sit here and wait. I can't let her be treated like a piece of property," I said determinedly, my voice wavering with emotion. "We have to do something to rescue her."
Nathan sat up, running his fingers through his messy hair. "Fine, then. I will go to the Alpha King's palace and check on her."
"I am coming with you," I declared.
Nathan shook his head. "It's too risky now."
"You can tell him I am your escort or something. Please? Let me come with you. I just want to see her. I will act obediently so he won't know that you are helping me. He will just think I am your slave," I pleaded. I hated to plead with Nathan, but he was all I had for now.
"Oh, I don't think so, love. Remember, I'm your master, and I command you to stay here," he said and grinned.
I glared at him. "You command me?" I shrieked in disbelief.
"Holy hell, you look like you want to bite my head off. " Nathan laughed out loud. "Did you forget what kind of situation you are in? I bought you in an action. So no matter how tough you think you are, you are still at my mercy."
Rage boiled inside me, but as I stared at his face, I started to figure it out.
He was messing with me again, teasing me.
"Can't you ever be serious?" I said through gritted teeth as I tried to calm my anger.
He grinned, flashing his dimples. "Nope. Go ahead and get dressed. I will let you come with me, but just stay quiet and keep your head down. You don't want to piss off Alpha Aldric."
I released a sigh of relief and nodded my head. I will finally get to see my sister again.
~-~
As we made our way towards the palace, I could feel my heart racing. The guards outside the palace gates looked imposing, but I knew I couldn't show fear.
"Beta Nathan, Alpha Aldric is waiting for you in the planning room," one of the guards said.
Nathan nodded and motioned for me to follow him. We walked through the palace's grand halls. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable in this luxurious place.
We finally arrived at the planning room, where Alpha Aldric was seated at the head of a long table. I reminded myself to keep my anger in check as I looked at the cruel Alpha who took my sister from me.
"There you are, Beta Nathan," he said and paused as his eyes landed on me. "And you brought..."
"I bought her at the auction, Alpha Aldric. She is the sister of your little mate," Nathan replied smoothly.
The Alpha's eyes flared with anger. "I remember who she is," he growled. "The girl who dared to disrespect me. I am surprised she is being obedient right now. I take it you put her in her place last night, Nate?" He grinned.
"I've had her submit herself to me, Alpha Aldric." Nathan's eyes gleamed. "One way or another."
I felt the urge to lunge forward and claw his eyes out. Why did Nathan have to gloat like that?
I knew better than to fight back. If I pissed him off, he would hurt my sister. I had to let him be. I was just here to see Destiny.
I sidestepped my rage. I didn't even bat my eyes at his angry glare. I wanted him to think I was submissive. "I am sorry for being disrespectful before, Alpha Aldric. I was just worried about my sister. Is she...is she okay?" I asked meekly.
Alpha Aldric let out a deep chuckle. "Oh, don't worry about her. She's doing just fine. In fact, she's been so obedient and pleasing. You would be proud of her," he said with a smirk.
I gritted my teeth, trying to hold back my anger. "Can I see her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
The Alpha leaned back in his chair, studying me with his cold, calculating eyes. "Hmm... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let her see you. But you must remember who's in charge here. One wrong move from either of you, and I will not hesitate to punish both of you severely," he warned, his voice low and menacing. He stood up. "Follow me."
I nodded silently, trying to hide the fear that was building up inside me. Alpha Aldric led Nathan and me out of the room and down a long hallway. My heart was pounding furiously against my chest as we approached a door at the end of the hallway.
"Your sister is in there," he said as he opened the door and gestured for me to go in.
I stepped inside the room, and my heart stopped at the sight in front of me. My sister was sitting on a small bed, her face pale and tear-stained.
"Destiny!" I breathed.
She looked up at me, and her eyes brightened. "Aria! Oh my god. Is this really you?"
I rushed over to her and wrapped my arms around her. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry."
She bawled in my shoulder as I pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm just so glad you're alive, Aria," she cried.
I held her as she burst into tears. But every second I was with her, I felt cold. I wish I could snatch her away from here and run away, but I couldn't. Not yet.
I looked at Destiny, her face streaked with tears. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Destiny didn't answer my question. Instead, she gripped my shoulders and asked: "Are you here to take me away?"
"Oh, Destiny. I want nothing more. But I can't right now. But I will try everything in my power to rescue you," I whispered in her ears.
I turn to Nathan and Aldric. "Thank you for letting me see my sister, Alpha Aldric," I say in a fake gratitude. A shard of hatred clings onto my words. "For that, I am grateful," I murmur and toss the words like a seed onto his soul. I want to slice through his throat right now and rescue my little sister, but since I can't fight him, I'd have to pretend like a humble servant.
A smile spread through his lips as my words pleased him. "Good. I see you've trained her well, Nathan," he said.
Nathan cleared his throat and looked at me. "Come on, Aria. We should leave now."
I turned to my sister for one last time before leaving with Nathan. "Be strong, sis. I will come back for you."
Destiny closed her eyes and bit her lower lip to stop herself from sobbing. "I love you, Aria," she whispered.