We all filed out of the vehicle into a large courtyard. My eyes scanned over all those gathered around; all their beautiful faces unsmiling.
They were all dressed like warriors, the king's guard.
But they weren't here to protect the king, they were here to kill us, no correction to kill me, or worse.
I felt like I was walking on eggshells trying not to stumble and scare the monsters that awaited us at the bottom of the steps.
"This way"
Hans lead the way past the guards to the large double doors.
Inside was an enormous room, with stone benches everywhere and large tapestries hanging from every wall.
A huge statue of some sort of wolf in silver armor and a crown on its head stood in the centre of the room and towered above us all. It wasn't the type of thing to intimidate the people, rather to show the power of the crown, and the King it belonged too.
"So where are we?" Asked Melody.
"In shadow land" replied Dryden with a sour expression on his beautiful face.
My eyes widened, the word'shadow' sent shivers through my body.
"Shadowland, huh" I murmured, my gaze drifting up the giant wolf statue.
"This way" Hans motioned once more for us to follow.
"Hey, don't worry, we won't let anything happen" said Dryden softly.
As we walked deeper into the maze, the walls began to darken and the shadows grew longer.
Soon it got quite difficult to see my feet in front of me, I had no choice but to take a step forward. The air got thicker and colder, I couldn't breathe properly.
"Don't panic" said Dryden. He placed his arm around mine and lent me his shoulder.
"Take it easy, we'll be out soon" he patted my shoulder gently.
The darkness began to recede, a soft glow emitting from the torches set on each stone pillar.
I could finally make out the shapes of people and the sound of hushed whispers filled the hallways leading to more massive doors guarded by more men armed with weapons.
"Almost there kids" Hans called back.
As we walked closer to the door I could feel a sense of dread build inside of me.
When we reached the door Hans bowed before it respectfully.
"Come in,"
Hans pushed the door open, revealing an immense library lined with bookshelves filling almost the entire length of it.
Seated behind a large oak desk sat a man, no not just a man, the King.
his face covered with a golden helm, with only to small slits for his eyes.
He oozed power.
"Your grace, these are the criminals" Hans said, but I could see his eyes cut sadly to Melody, his mate.
"And the crime?" the King asked, his voice deep and commanding.
"The girl Beta Essie Clint broke the pact, she attempted to run from her pack and in turn to run from your command my king" Hans proclaimed, bowing deeply.
The King looked up from the book in his hand, his piercing blue eyes met mine for a brief moment.
"Why did she attempt to escape" The king demanded.
"She wishes to escape to the human world to pursue a like as an artist"
He raised his brow, waiting for further explanation.
"I am sure that she didn't understand the gravity of the situation your grace!" Dryden explained, his voice fearless and bold.
A loud slapping sound echoed in the room as Drydens head snapped to the side "Do not address the king unless you are spoken too!" Hans bellowed, his eyes black as coals.
"Stand down Beta" the King said, a note of irritation in his voice.
"You girl step forward"he spoke directly to me, his aura slamming into me forcing my feet to move.
"Young lady where are your clothes?"
my face heated at his question.
"Oh um, shredded in the woods somewhere" this was the worse situation ever, not only did I break a royal pact, but I was practically naked in front of my King.
The king let out a deep belly laugh, which put me a bit at ease.
"Well I suppose the punishment is fitting isn't it?" He smirked at me before turning his gaze to Hans.
I watched as Hans shifted slightly uncomfortable under the attention, the King rose from his chair and walked across to the window gazing out at the sunlit meadow outside.
"Beta, I feel she ment no true harm" he paused looking back to me his eyes finding mine, burrowing into my soul " did you mean any harm Ms. Clint?"
my voice was lost, as I stammered over my words " No my King I didn't" the word were forced from me by a silent command.
"Good then your punishment will be light, The chains that we placed on your hands and and neck will remain in place, your supernatural ability and connection to your wolf muted for the remainder of your time here, till the end of the games". He turned to face us once again, his gaze hardening as he studied me, I was afraid to say or think a single word.
"Is there anything else you wish to ask Ms.Clint?"
I shook my head, too scared that what I may say it may come out wrong and I might lose my freedom or my life.
He clapped his hand together "Good now Hans, please escort our guests to their rooms" Hans gave him a quick nod, pulling a small gold key from his pocket "Alpha Dryden be a dear and unchain your woman" he made a face at him, as he tossed him the key.
But to everyone's surprise the King let out a low growl as Dryden came towards me "Your grace?" Hans questioned, as his eyes went blank.
Which could only mean one think he was mind linking his Beta.
"W-what's wrong" I spoke trying to keep the fear from my voice.
The king came around the desk all but ripping the key from Dryden.
"No man is to touch the criminal for the remainder of your stay, all but me and my Beta" he declared, Dryden didn't like that as he stood almost chest to chest with the King.
"Ahe is my Beta!" Dryden growled "and I will not be kept from my Beta, Your grace" he said the tile through clenched teeth, anger rolling off him.
"I would watch how you speak to me pup" he growled right back "I will not be defied, do you wish to challenge my order?" Dryden stood his ground for a moment more, then turned away storming out of the room with my pack mates right at his heels calling after him.
"Hans see to them" the king ordered, then I was all alone with the man, with no way to protect myself.
"Your heart is beating so fast" he exclaimed "Do you fear me flower?"
Did I? did I fear this powerful man, he held my very life in his hands, yet the longer he stared down at me the calmer I felt, that same feel from earlier.
The feeling of home.
"No I don't fear you" I said with as much confidence as I could muster.
"Good you never need fear me" he continued brushing my hair back and behind my ear.
Hus touch left trail of fire of my skin, his power was filling the space.
"Turn so I can free you little Flower"his was much softer then before.
Once he released my wrists I let out a long sigh, my shoulders no longer in pain.
"Your grace?" I asked
"Yes?" he answered
"Why flower?" I questioned his odd pet name he had given me.
I wish I could see his face so I could read his expression as he said one word
"Honeysuckles" he whispered "Now go, find your pack, and your bold defiant Alpha"
He finished.
Then Without hesitating I hurried off through the corridors of the old castle searching for my pack.
After about ten minutes of running I reached the large wooden door at the top of the stairs, I slid it open slowly and peeked through the doorway.
Almost immediately I was in someone's embrace, I figured it was Melody, but when I looked up my lips where covered by a very worried Dryden.
He kissed me with everything he had, he didn't need words, and normally I would love this.
Yet now his touch felt wrong.