His Witchy Mate

~ Alicia ~

The scent of the dungeon was strong, a mix of muddy dirt and cold stone that brought back a flood of memories, some better left buried. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to find comfort in the familiarity, trying to drown out the growing hunger that had become a constant companion. The hunger wasn’t just for food; it was for answers, for justice, for a way out of this mess that had become my life.

Footsteps interrupted the silence, and for a brief moment, I wondered if it was just another trick my mind was playing with me. Maybe hunger was finally driving me to hallucinate. With a sigh, I whispered to myself, “It’s just hunger, Alicia. Don’t let your mind play games.”

But the footsteps kept coming, growing louder and more distinct. I reluctantly opened my eyes, focusing on the heavy dungeon gates before me. Rein stood there, a figure of both dread and hope. My heart raced as a spark of possibility arose within me. Could this be it? Could I finally be free from this wretched place?

The rush of thoughts was overwhelming – memories of my mother’s betrayal, the anguish of being thrust into this situation, the longing for a life that had been stolen from me. I pushed those thoughts aside, forcing myself to stay in the present. The clinking of keys brought me back, and the gates swung open with a creak.

“The Lycan sent for you. He awaits you in his chamber.” Rein’s deep voice resonated in the damp air. The announcement was unexpected, and confusion mingled with curiosity in my mind. What did Lucian want from me now?

A mixture of emotions swirled within me – curiosity, anger, fear – as I prepared to leave behind the darkness of the dungeon.

“Why does he want to see me?” I couldn’t help but ask. My irritation was thinly lurked beneath my curiosity. Rein’s silence didn’t provide any answers, so I swallowed my questions and focused on the immediate task. He gestured for me to step out, and I obeyed, my steps echoing through the corridor as I left the dungeon behind.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The heavy thud of the dungeon gates closing marked a significant moment. As I followed Rein’s lead through the palace’s hallways, making my way to Lucian’s chamber, my heart raced with a mix of trepidation and anticipation. I reminded myself that Lucian was not the man I once loved. He was an Alpha, a werewolf, and a force that had forever altered the course of my life.

The closer we got to his chamber, the more my anxiety grew. I took a deliberate deep breath, a small act of courage to prepare myself for whatever awaited me beyond those doors. The past was a closed chapter, and I was determined to face whatever was ahead with a clear mind. Even if that meant confronting the man who had broken my heart and thrust me into this unfamiliar world.

Walking alongside Rein through the corridors, I found myself instinctively glancing at the paintings that adorned the walls. Each depicted a different Lycan, a lineage of leaders that I was now a reluctant part of. But there was one painting that drew my attention more than the others. It portrayed an older version of Lucian, his features strikingly similar to the man I had once known. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized it must have been his father, passing on the mantle of leadership to his son. The resemblance between them was uncanny – the same piercing blue eyes, the same commanding presence. If not for the age difference, they could have been mistaken for twins.

Curiosity piqued, I pondered the story behind that painting. The fact that it held a prominent place here suggested that Lucian’s father had passed away, leaving Lucian as his successor. I allowed my mind to wander briefly, imagining the events that might have unfolded to lead to his father’s passing. It was a momentary distraction from the mounting tension that accompanied my impending meeting with Lucian.

As we continued down the hallway, Ena’s hostile glare caught my attention. Her resentment toward me was palpable, and I couldn’t fathom what could have triggered such animosity. I had just arrived at the palace, yet it seemed that my presence was already causing a stir. Shaking off the unease, I decided to put that concern aside for now – there were more pressing matters at hand, starting with facing Lucian.

Rein’s voice broke through my thoughts, announcing our arrival at our destination. I paused before the door, my heartbeat echoing in my ears. This was the moment I had both feared and prepared for – a confrontation with the man who had shattered my heart and set the course of my life on an unexpected trajectory.

Summoning all the strength within me, I lifted my hand and rapped my knuckles against the door. The sound reverberated through the corridor, a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation. With each passing second, my heart seemed to beat faster, a blend of anticipation and nervousness swirling within me.

~ Lucian ~

Lying back against the wall, I waited for the knock on the door. My heart raced with a mix of emotions I struggled to contain. It was foolish, really. After all, I was the one who had summoned her here. But as the sound reverberated through the room, I found myself unexpectedly tense.

“Come in,” I called out, my voice sounding huskier than I had intended. Quickly, I cleared my throat, hoping to regain my usual composure before she entered. The door opened, and there she stood – Alicia, the woman who had once held a special place in my heart.

The scent of roses wafted in the air, a reminder of the floral arrangements that adorned the palace. I watched as she entered. Her head bowed. Her whispered words barely reached my ears. “You asked for me?”

I smirked, about to tease her about her timid demeanor when I realized she was speaking too softly. Clearing my throat for the third time, I held back a chuckle. “Speak up, maid,” I said with a hint of amusement. “The Lycan should not strain his ears just to hear what his subject has to say.”