Chapter 3
Olivia was lying on the ground, bleeding. Not more than a few hours ago, she'd been sitting in this room watching me and Jack fight. What happened now?
"Olive?" I breathed out in shock, unable to believe what I was seeing. Where was Jack?
A dagger was embedded in her chest, a pool of blood surrounding her.
I frantically turned her around so she was lying on her back. My eyes widened at the sight of her pale lips and skin. Olivia was always tan. Why was she pale now? I reached for the dagger, pulling it from her chest.
I closed my eyes as I tried to take her pain, but I felt nothing. My eyes widened in shock as I tried again—still, nothing happened. Olivia was dead. No, she'd been dead for hours. Who could've done this to her? So many questions swarmed my mind as I stared at her body, which was turning blue.
Just then, the door flung open, and a maid rushed in. She froze in her tracks, eyes widening as she brought her hand to her mouth.
"What have you done?" The maid asked.
"I…. I…help me. Let's take her to the hospital."
"You killed her!" the maid wailed.
"W–what?" I quickly stood up.
"You killed her!" she repeated.
"No, wait. It wasn't me. I—"
"Someone help!" The maid hurried outside. I looked between Olivia and the door, trying to decide what to do. Why would the maid think I killed her when I had just arrived?
Hurrying to the door, I stopped halfway upon seeing Jack and two guards standing behind him.
"Jack, I just found—"
"What have you done?" Jack demanded, closing the distance between us. An heavy slap landed on my cheek. My eyes widened as I realized Jack had hit me.
"I…. I found her like this."
"Like what?" Jack asked. "Don't lie to me when the evidence is right there. There's blood on your shirt."
I looked down, my eyes widening in shock. "No... no... what?"
"You killed her," Jack said.
"Why would you think that?" I asked.
"The Beta told me you didn't show up at his house," he said. "You must have waited until I left the house to kill Olivia."
"No!" I shook my head, my eyes burning with tears.
"Is this payback for what I did to you this morning?" Jack asked, his voice deep. "Why?"
"Jack, I didn't do anything," I said, taking a step back. I should have realized my dress was stained with blood before going near her.
"Guards!" he yelled.
Everything in me slowed as realization sank in. I'd been accused of something I didn't do. The two guards gripped my arms, dragging me out of the room. They forced me down the hallway, maids whispering to each other as I was led downstairs.
Everyone followed behind as the guards escorted me outside the house. I looked up at the sky, wondering what I had done to deserve this. Was this punishment from the Moon Goddess? Shouldn't I have healed that man?
They shoved me down, and I fell to my knees, cursing under my breath at the looks people gave me. I had no idea what Jack was up to or what my punishment would be. But where was everyone when I arrived? Where were they when Olivia was killed?
Shaking my head, tears rolled down my cheeks.
"Bind her," he ordered.
The guards brought chains, shackling my wrists. My heart raced as I felt the intense stares from the crowd.
"It wasn't me," I said.
"Why lie when the evidence is right here?" Jack asked. "Your dress is covered in blood, Aaliyah."
"I... I..." My voice faltered as I realized no one would believe me, even if I told the truth.
"Why did you take her away from me?" Jack asked, shaking his head.
I shook my head as tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"That's why I'm going to give you a slow death," he said. "A very slow, painful death—just like you gave Olivia."
Was he serious? Was he really going to kill me?
A guard stepped out of the pack house, handing a long cane to Jack. He was going to beat me to death. No. No. He wouldn't. My heart started to pound as I pulled against the binds around my wrists.
"You'll learn today," Jack said. "In your next life, you won't come as bad luck."
The place was silent, except for the sound of Jack's heavy breathing. I heard the soft whistle of the cane cutting through the air, and then it landed on my back. My body jerked as fiery pain shot through me, burning my skin. I shuddered, telling myself I could handle it.
"Look at you," he spat. "If I had known this was your plan all along, I would have killed you the moment I had the chance this morning."
I turned my head to the side, feeling my hair fall across my face.
"Jack," I said between gritted teeth. "Olivia was my best friend. I would never harm her."
"You think I'll believe your lies?" he asked. "You better start talking."
"I didn't kill her."
Another sharp pain tore through me, and I bit my lip, holding back a cry. I bit so hard I tasted blood.
"Please," I begged, struggling against the binds around my wrists.
"Stupid girl," he spat as he struck me again. I gasped for air as the excruciating pain spread across my back. I panted, bracing myself for another hit.
When the next blow came, I couldn't hold back my cry. Feeling something wet trickle down my back, I knew immediately that my skin had broken. My head dropped as I struggled to breathe properly. The pain in my back was unbearable.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to suppress the agony. I heard the cane drop from Jack's hand, and he stumbled back. What was happening?
Someone cried out, and I heard footsteps. The hairs on my body stood up as I sensed someone's presence. Prying my eyes open, I caught sight of black shoes.