chapter 2
1041 Words
Freya's POV.
It had been two days since I was away from home and Rowan was not responding to my numerous calls.
I could no longer rely on my own strength. I needed help. But who would help me in this dark forest? Who do I call? The only person was Rowan.
I sighed, deciding to connect again.
"Rowan," I thought, reaching out with all my might through our bond.
If there was anyone who would save me, it was Rowan, because he was my mate. I needed to try again.
The image of him appeared in my mind, so vivid and clear.
"Rowan, please. I need you. I'm in trouble."
But the silence that followed was heavier than the night around me, so much that it felt as though I might suffocate.
"Rowan, I know you can hear me. I really need your help this time."
I pushed harder, reaching deeper, the effort making me feel dizzier than ever, as I had to use up all the strength in me to link my mind with his.
I could feel his presence, and alas, there was hope. Or, so I thought.
Then, suddenly, his voice reached me, shattering the little hope I had.
“Freya, what are you doing?” The words echoed in my mind, tinged with irritation, as though I was a clingy pest. “I don’t have time for games. What do you want?"
"Rowan, I'm in trouble. I really need your—"
"Freya, stop it! You just left the house, and expect me to play the dog and fetch you. Why do you have to go through such route to get my attention?" He responded, coldly.
Did he really think I was making it up, just to seek attention?
I could feel my heart crushed by betrayal.
"This is not just about me, but the baby too. Rowan, please."
"Now, you are using our baby to get my attention? Really now?"
“Rowan, I swear, I’m in danger. You have to believe me.” My mental voice was filled with desperation, my heart tightening as I waited for his reply.
But there was a silence, one that seemed to last for eternity.
Then his voice came again. This time, it was colder, cutting through the cold air. “Enough, Freya. You need to stop doing this. I don’t have time to be chasing after you every time you want attention.
You've done this before, I won't listen to you this time.”
The link snapped closed, leaving me in a confused state, and with no hope.
I tried to connect again, but it all proved abortive. I tried again for what seemed to the umpteenth time since the day I was kidnapped, but there was no hope of getting any help from him.
The rogues had taken me away, and bound my broken body.
The pain I felt was not that of the torture I endured, but of the betrayal from someone I least expected.
Tears welled up my eyes, and I couldn't hold them back anymore.
"Why, Rowan? Why did you choose to turn your back away from me, now?" I cried, choking on my tears.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the cave, and I looked up. One of the rogues approached me, putting on a wicked grin, as he crouched to my level.
“Still hoping the alpha will come charging in to save you?” He laughed. “He’s not coming, princess. No one is. It’s just you… and us.” He leaned in close, his voice an evil whisper. “And we’ve barely gotten started.”
A shiver ran down my spine, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing my fear. “Do what you want,” I spat, “I’ve faced worse than you.”
The rogue laughed again. “Oh, I don’t think you understand.” His eyes glittered maliciously. “This isn’t just a random attack. Someone very specific wants you gone.”
The words hit me like a physical blow, and for the first time, I could feel the horror of what was happening.
Who would want me dead?
I had enemies, I knew that. But none that would stoop this low, to send rogues into the heart of the pack lands just to harm me.
"Who sent you?" I asked immediately, looking at him, curiously.
He scoffed, "who else, if not the witch? You're so dumb!"
The name rang in my mind like poisonous venom.
Amara, the one who had always looked at me with disdain, had made it clear that she would do anything to take what I had.
My voice fell off, less than a whisper, “Amara... sent you.”
The rogue’s smirk deepened, and he clapped his hands slowly, yet mockingly.
“Ah, there it is. It took you long enough. Yes, it was her. She is tired of you standing in her way, tired of that bond you have with your dear mate. She wants everything you have, Freya.” He leaned closer, his voice dripping with contempt. “And soon enough, she’ll have it.”
My heart twisted as the reality sank in. Amara’s hatred was not just petty jealousy, but a deeper feeling of jealousy that would cause her to stop at nothing to see me destroyed.
And Rowan... Rowan didn’t believe me.
A new wave of pain swept through my soul, not from the bruises and cuts, but from the bitter betrayal that surged within me.
I had always believed in Rowan, trusted him with every part of my being. Yet, when I needed him most, he had turned away.
One of the rogues stepped forward, a dagger glinting in his hand.
"Here," he said to the leader of the rogues.
He lifted it slowly, dragging the blade along my arm, slicing my skin, leaving an eternal scar to remember.
They could hurt me, and try to break me, but I wouldn’t give Amara the satisfaction of seeing me crumble.
"I will survive this," I told myself. "I will find a way out, and when I do..."
I had something to live for, someone to protect.
"If Rowan won't save me, I will save myself."
- Writer
