Why would Nigel do that?
He was naturally going to be the alpha because of his exceptional skills. But as the traditions demanded, an Alpha could only take the chosen wolf as his Luna. There were no restrictions about how many lovers he could take.
But none of them would exercise any sort of authority.
Nigel had someone else in his heart. He did not wish to be tied with a 'crippled wolf'. However, the customs always ritualistically chose a luna.
He thought the best way to pave his own path would be by removing the unwanted person. It didn't matter to Nigel how Aesther's life would take a drastic turn because of his actions.
The reigning alpha buried the matter in silence but things turned much more harsh and hellish for Aesther. More restrictions, more contempt.
She could still remember the way the Alpha's eyes would burn from bitter disappointment whenever he looked at her.
Aesther lightly chuckled at those memories and turned towards Nigel. He innocently blinked and she noticed how the unease and confusion were there once again. It gave her a small sense of satisfaction.
"What year is it?"
"Sixty Eighth?" Nigel laughed, "I suppose you are still dizzy. Let's finish our drinks and head back to Alkazar."
The sixty-eighth year was the same year Aesther had officially entered the Alkazar. She was a student of the castle even before that. But she did not remain there often. Her studies were overseen inside the shrine.
It was a place nestled in distant isolated groves.
Each chosen luna had to live her life there as a shrine maiden. She was required to serve the goddess until her inauguration as the 'Luna'.
This ceremony occurred when the chosen maiden comes of age and marries the Alpha.
Before that, she was not even supposed to step outside the shrine.
However, things are bound to change with time. Aesther was allowed to get formal education and training in the most prestigious institute of Nesmeria; The Alkazar.
But the more Aesther thought about that now, the heavier her heart became. It was a bitter realisation.
'Have I really reincarnated into my pitiful younger self?'
Aesther creased her brows. She placed the goblet back on the tray to Nigel's puzzlement.
He was used to receiving attention and admiration from the young Aesther, and it surprised and almost irritated to see her so lost in her thoughts and ignore him. Nigel's frown deepened when Aesther brushed past him without another glance.
"Wait―"
Aesther stilled as he grabbed her hand and then she let out a small sigh before hiking her skirts slightly and roughly pulling him in.
It happened faster than a blink, Aesther gracefully spun, her white robes twirled like blooming lotus before her leg struck Nigel on his temple and he collapsed down cold.
Aesther grabbed the lamp she had discarded earlier. It had a sturdy and hard iron rod and she had spent years learning a thousand ways to kill a man and make it appear like an accident.
Her lips curved into a beautiful smile.
It would be a favour upon the world if she gets rid of Nigel. She could still remember his betrayal that left deep scars. She still remembered the future where he had taken countless innocent lives and manipulated fragile hearts to do his bidding.
It isn't before six more years that Nigel becomes the alpha.
But by the time he does, things have gravely worsened. If she kills him now…
Her grip on the rod tightened but the curve of her smile dimmed as she realized what she was doing.
Her mind thought of a certain someone.
The war had changed her. It changed everything.
It took her a few moments to fight the lingering daze of the bloodshed and violence she was accustomed to.
Aesther was so used to killing and eliminating threats, that Aesther had forgotten for a moment that she was given a second chance. Life was new and perhaps it could be changed for the better.
The past had not yet worsened.
Her grip over the rod was so tight that the cold scrapped iron dug on her skin and as the pain grew with each moment, Aesther realized more and more that what she was seeing was indeed true.
She had reincarnated.
Aesther lowered the rod and tossed it aside.
Nigel appeared calm as he slept and the night lights from the window cast soft shadows over his face.
Aesther glanced outside the windows.
The night was still young, the skies have not been inked into the endless black. It still carried some of the blue, the faint stars, and the bright moon. A cold gust of breeze kissed her neck, making Aesther feel more alive than ever.
Every loss she suffered, every regret that clung to her soul. and every misery that shackled her heart, has not yet happened.
Her world was not in the shambles yet.
Ezrahl had not ruined everything.
And she had not soiled her hands into blood, she had not sacrificed everything.
Not yet.
To fight the devil, Aesther had sinned as well, she had descended to the depths of hell to take her vengeance. But it had been too late back then.
He deserved the infernal hell, and Aesther knew it awaits her too.
But―
Her thoughts were scattered.
Even so, there was hope.
She savoured the soothing breeze, the soft winds that carried the nostalgic scent, and the town that was alive and in peace.
Aesther lifted the drugged goblet and poured it inside Nigel's slightly parted lips. The red wine spilt out and she watched as the smallest of tension dissipated from his face. It was a drug that made her beg for forbidden desires.
"I am letting you off easy."
She smiled under the moonlight, a wicked glint dancing in her eyes as she took off his rings and jewels and pocketed them.
When Aesther stood up, she realized that her clothes from the past were rather distasteful and plain and so she took off Nigel's long coat and wrapped it over her shoulders before leisurely walking away.
The Alkazar rested over the near hills in a majestic way, with the moon watching over it and the waves of the distant sea crashing against the cliff.
"Ezrahl…" she whispered darkly, "I am coming."