Theo stayed at the entrance of the guardhouse I was placed in, discussing with the leader of the rogues and Matteo. They spoke in hushed tones, and I could barely discern what they were saying.
The shackles were no longer on my wrists, as Theo had ordered their immediate removal upon setting his eyes on me. It didn't make me any freer though, as I was just shoved into the territory, a number of men trailing behind me.
I noticed that Theo looked malnourished, looked like he had been suffering from insomnia lately, and yet he looked angry. It was a mix I was yet to understand.
My heart raced wildly at how the memories came rushing back. The ceremony, Theo publicly disgracing me, and the hurt look on Ravenna's face as I made my decision to leave.
"Where's Ravenna?" I immediately asked, swiping my head to face Theo. Before, his presence breathed life into me, but now it just drained and infuriated me.
"She's out with Fenrir," Theo answered, an edge in his voice as we trotted to the Alpha's house. There weren't a lot of folks out today and even if there were, the men huddled round me like a lost puppy, drowning me in their godforsaken scents.
"Fenrir?" I repeated in disbelief, a little chuckle escaping my lips.
"Shut up," Theo said, leaving me both stunned and infuriated.
"You don't get to capture me and treat me like an object," I shot back, surprising some of the men with the intensity of my response.
He said nothing to acknowledge my outburst and continued walking until we reached his house.
Apparently, Aleena wasn't home and neither was Theo's father. In the house I once called mine, I met Giovanni sitting on one of the sofas and he sneered at me once he saw me.
"Runt," he jeered, getting up the chair but immediately being pushed back down by one of the rogues. I had definitely not missed that mistake of a wolf. I knew they were taking me
To the guardhouse.
It was just behind Theo's place and I just somehow knew they were going to keep me in there.
Giovanni made faces at me, trying to trigger me like he did in the past as I was sat down. He was to keep an eyes on me and ensure I don't do anything funny while those three discussed.
The guardhouse had a practical and no-nonsense feel, with stone walls that seemed to absorb the faint light, giving the space a dimly lit atmosphere. The low ceiling was supported by sturdy wooden beams, and the floor was made of rough-hewn stone, which felt cold beneath my feet.
"What's the name of the pack you stumbled into?" Theo broke into my line of hearing, appearing in my front with his arms folded across his chest. His gaze was fierce and demanding, and I bit my lip from the intensity.
"I can't tell you that," I answered, relishing the manner in which Theo's face contorted into a frown. I truly couldn't tell him anything, and I was going to keep it that way.
They had stayed hidden for a reason even I didn't know, so I couldn't mess it up.
"See?" Matteo echoed.
"I told you she wasn't going to tell you," he continued, joining Theo in front of me.
"We'll see about that," Theo said with a grimace, a promise of something unpleasant in his tone. It was like he was a completely different person, and it began to frighten me at out easily people here just went a whole 180. First Matteo, and now him.
"Bring her in," Theo ordered Giovanni who then nodded his head and left the cell I was placed in.
In less than a minute, he reappeared with a figure trailing behind him. It had a horrifying appearance, with features that seemed like a mix of the grotesque and the monstrous. Its skin was unnaturally pale and seemed to cling tightly to its emaciated body, making it look almost like a corpse.
The creature had long, twisted claws that extended from its bony fingers, and its eyes had a sinister, greenish glow, lacking any hint of human warmth.
A Malefica.
"You must be Unatha," the creature began with a cracked voice, extending one of its bony fingers toward my face and gently stroking it.
In that chilling moment, fear clawed its way into every corner of my mind and my heart pounded like a relentless drum, each beat echoing through my chest as if to signal an impending threat.
Theo was aligning himself with an increasing number of Malefica, which was an absolute abomination within our kind.
The Malefica's soulless eyes bore into mine, as if they were sifting through my very essence, almost as though they could read my thoughts. I felt violated and under attack, as if my innermost self had been laid bare before this malevolent presence.
"Did Theo tell you why you were rescued?" It asked, an intent of malice hiding behind it's shrewd smile.
"Rescued? You're out of your mind," I managed to say despite the chills going down my spine in that moment. Giovanni, Matteo and the leader of the Rogues, who I had come to know as Gus, then left the cell, locking the door behind them.
"Hmm, she holds a key to this-"
"You have told me that a dozen times!" Theo thundered, interrupting her with an emotionally charged voice.
"Patience, young one," The Malefica warned, stealing a quick glance at him.
"I remain resolute in my stance regarding her, and there's nothing you can do to change it," She asserted firmly.
"Told him what?" I asked, curiosity gnawing at me as to why Theo had suddenly ordered for my return. He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with me.
"You, Unatha, are the key to Theo solidifying his position as the Alpha of this pack," The Malefica explained to me, extending her fingers once more. I immediately recoiled, unwilling to endure the sensation of her disgusting fingers on my face again.
"What do you mean solidifying his position?" I asked, thoroughly confused.
"He's already the Alpha. What stupid position does he need to solidify?" I asked, glancing at Theo who continuously avoided my gaze.
"He, is not the rightful Alpha of this pack."
I'm sorry, what?