I looked for Elpis everywhere. I was new to this place so I had to ask around. I went upstairs to all the balconies and the study. But I couldn't find Elpis. I knew he could take care of himself, no doubt; but this was his win and he was not here and that felt strange. I couldn't represent him because we weren't legally married yet.
I didn't allow anyone to distract me. Crane and Eliot tried stopping me but I shoved them away. I had this weird feeling that something was wrong and I didn't like it.
The last place I went to was the garden and I was him. his back was turned to me and there was a bottle in his hand.
"Elpis," I called out. He turned his face and turned away.
I went closer to him. "Elpis, what are you doing here? You are supposed to be inside. Everything happened according to plan."
He didn't say anything. He didn't even look at me. He looked different.
"Elpis, is there something wrong?" I asked.
"Why are you with me?" he asked in a low voice.
"What are you talking about?"
"I saw you dancing with Crane." He told me. "The both of you were the only ones on the dance floor."
And then I realized, this was all Crane's plan. For Elpis to think that we still have something.
"Elpis it is not what you think."
"But you still love him?" he questioned me.
"I don't," I said immediately and I didn't feel guilty or think I was lying. After what he pulled today, I don't think I can love that kind of man.
"But you don't love me," he said softly and chuckled.
He wasn't wrong. After everything that happened with Crane and his brother. I wasn't ready to love. I didn't even want to love anyone. I don't think I can love anyone.
"Wait, are you angry? I promise you it isn't what you think."
"I am not angry."
"You look angry."
"I said I am not!!" yelled at me.
I was a little bit shocked. Maybe I should use another approach.
"I promised you that I would be a loyal wife and I will keep to my promise."
"But I don't want a wife I want a mate."
"Then why did you go through all this trouble of marriage when you wanted a mate?" I yelled.
"Because you are my mate!" he yelled back.
To say I was shocked was an understatement. I didn't understand. "What?"
"Why do you think I wanted to be with you? The first time I saw you standing in that balcony I loved you." He told me.
"I love you Hemera." He said softly, "I love you."
I didn't know what to say. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever said to me but I could give him what he wanted and I knew he deserved it.
"Right, you don't need to answer that." He told me with a sad voice. It hurt me to see him in pain especially when I know I caused it. Revenge or not I didn't want to hurt him.
"Elpis…"
"This is over." He announced.
"What?"
"I will help you find your family but this can't continue. I will get you a place to stay and I will help you find your family but this cannot continue." He told me and looked away; like didn't want to see my face.
I took a deep breath. "If that is what you wish alpha." I bowed and turned around and left without turning back.
I got into my carriage and headed home. I haven't even started and everything was already going south. I put all my hope on Elpis because I didn't see another way.
I remembered his sad face and I felt so bad. What have I done?
"Stop the carriage," I spoke.
"Stop the carriage!!!" I yelled and hit the door still they held stopped. Got down and went into the woods. I needed to breathe.
I went for a walk in the woods to walk for a bit and tried to breathe. I just wanted to walk for a while.
Halfway through the woods, I heard a noise. I looked back but I didn't see anyone. I suddenly had this feeling that someone was following me. I heard the noise again. I looked back but I didn't see anyone. I turned around and was about to go back to the carriage when a man came in front of me.
"Can I help you with something sir?" I asked. He was quiet. I looked down and there was a knife in his hand. I knew there was trouble.
I ran as fast as I could. The man chased after me. when he came nearer, my instinct kicked in, and climbed on top of him, and used his knife to stab him in the chest just as Kai taught me. I looked around and there were more coming. As I was about to run, more came in front of me. I was surrounded. I knew I had to fight to stay alive. All of Kai's training will not go to waste but I couldn't. before I could do anything one of them covered my nose with a cloth. I struggled but he held me tightly. I started feeling dizzy and limp. I couldn't hold myself together.
"Elpis," I called out and everything went dark.