Damien
I ran as fast as I could in the direction the sound came from. Guards also rushed to the scene.
As we all got there, they surrounded me, as protection against the danger— whatever this danger was…
"What's happening?" I growled scanning the space.
"We don't know, my lord," the captain replied.
I broke away from their ranks and moved to Bailey. She was standing there, and I knew it wouldn't be good. My eyes instantly narrowed in irritation as I found nothing around or in front of her, worth a scream.
"This is rubbish! I can't tolerate it!" Bailey screamed.
"What's wrong Bailey? You shouldn't be screaming like that." I growled, hating the turmoil she had thrown me into.
"My lord! Arielle has been wasting the good food that we have been giving to her! That ungrateful witch!"
I covered my face as the irritation within me, grew even stronger. "Is that why you sent half the manor in a panic rush— Because of food?"
Her lower lip curved upward in disgust. "It's a big problem!"
"I do not see the problem here!" I hissed. Why did they all enjoy torturing Arielle?
My response caused her eyes to widen in shock like I had said something wrong. When they were the pathetic ones, I could not understand why they enjoyed torturing Arielle.
"Alpha Damien, with all due respect, even your father wouldn't appreciate it! It is cause for alarm!" She cried out.
My brows could only stay furrowed as I watched her spit out all her nonsense.
"This means she is becoming more audacious and that requires me to scream down the manor! Think about it, sir— A useless witch and daring to do this? If we count this as nothing, what do you think will happen next?"
"I'm sure we could just punish her. You don't have to shriek like that—" I tried to say when a cold breeze wiped through the space around us.
My father's aura suddenly washed down the stairs opposite me, and his voice soon seized the space.
"What's going on here?" Father's voice boomed. Even at his age, his aura was enough to fill the room.
I glanced at Bailey— a wicked smile played on her lips and my heart sank. Whatever chance I had at downplaying the situation was lost.
"Your grace." Bailey bowed her head in respect. "That silly witch, she has been wasting the food we've been giving to her!"
"That is very ungrateful of her." My father grunted as his eyes scanned my reaction.
"Every day, the farmers, the workers work several hours, under the sun and wait for the seasons before they can harvest what they have worked hard for." Bailey went on. "Let's at least think about these people. She can't insult their hard work, your grace."
"Then it's decided. Don't feed that wench anymore," Father announced as his eyes fixed on me. "Isn't that right Damien?"
My wolf growled within me, but I maintained my external composure.
"Indeed, Father. She must be punished," I answered almost immediately. "But rather, the food isn't that important. Why don't we reduce her rations and—" I stopped halfway as my eyes met Father's glare.
Bailey was puzzled at my sudden silence and glanced at my father. "Your grace?"
"Do what I instructed, don't feed that wrench." His eyes never left mine. The way he stared at me; I could feel him searching my soul for my deepest secrets.
"Yes, your grace!" She chimed happily and left along with the guards that had been with me.
I turned to take my leave, but Father stopped me.
"Damien, come to my office. We must talk." His voice commanded. It was absolute.
"Yes, father," I answered as I followed behind him.
He turned away and I followed right behind.
As we got to the study, the guards stayed outside while Father and I entered alone, my wolf already anticipating the scolding he would give me.
As soon as the door closed, he grabbed my throat and slammed me against the wall. Hard.
My wide eyes were met with his murderous glare. And it took control from every part of me not to harm him for daring to do this.
"Damien, I have worked too hard to get to where I am today, I won't allow my stupid son to ruin it for me! Do you understand?" He roared.
My wolf took control, and I easily pushed him off me. "I know what I am doing—"
"Oh yes, you did say that the last time, but I sense you have grown compassion for that wench! You have a weakness for her, and that is unacceptable!"
"Listen, father, whatever you sensed was probably the bond! Nothing else." I protested.
"Rubbish! Your stupid mate bond doesn't matter to me. On the day of your coronation after-party, you must reject her! I don't want any more excuses from you!"
"I already told you that I am working with the priest's apprentice. All I ask from you is some patience!"
"Again, you said that the last time! If you keep dragging this matter, then I will have no choice but to fast-track everything myself." My father snarled before walking out of the room.
As the door kicked close behind him, my wolf spun inside me in irritation.
I had to find that damned apprentice and convince them to lift the Hex and somehow, clear Arielle's name even if she was amongst those who hated Arielle as well.
Quickly I made my way to the apprentice and the moment she saw me; she bowed with a face that told me one thing— she knew why I was there.
"Alpha Damien, it is a pleasure to see you—"
"How do I lift the hex on Arielle?" I asked, going straight to the point.
She raised her head and her wise eyes glowed as they met mine. "We can't force lift it, just as we can't kill her. It will go away on its own or by the goddess's mercy."
"But I need it to get lifted as soon as possible," I hissed.
She lifted her hands, carrying along with her the long robe she had on. Her eyes began to glow even brighter, and my wolf shifted inside of me.
"Dear Alpha, you have to keep in mind that, this issue with Arielle should be the least of your worries…" she let out.
"What do you mean?"
Her eyes suddenly met mine. "We need to find a way to break your bond with her or… it might kill you."