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Trapped Once Again

Alorea was in disbelief that her meticulously devised plan had come to such an abrupt halt. She had plotted her escape for so long, fear and indecision lodged in her heart, yet overshadowed by her desperate yearning to be a free werewolf once more.

Even though the wolf within her tried to convince her that there might still be a chance with Nathan, that a day would come when their love would bloom, she could no longer endure the torment she had suffered for so long.

But now, her plan to escape forever seemed to have reached an impasse, and she was on the verge of returning to even greater suffering than she had ever experienced.

No. This couldn't happen. She had to find a way out. Her heart started to hammer wildly.

The three wolves were drawing nearer, and soon Alorea could see them right below her, prowling around the ground, trying to scent her out.

They can't see me? She wondered.

For a while, they lingered below her, pacing in circles. It was as if they were aware of her presence there, they just didn't think to look above their heads.

This could only mean one thing... They didn't set the trap. Alorea felt her heart race even faster.

If those three witches didn't do this, then who did? She couldn't conjure an answer, but whoever it was, she was certain that falling into their hands would be far better than being captured by the trio and taken back to Nathan.

Eventually, the wolves moved on, continuing their search elsewhere. She watched as they vanished into the night.

Once they were far enough away, Alorea began to search for ways to escape her new cage. She needed to get back onto the soft green grass of the forest as soon as possible, before whoever set the trap could find her there.

"This looks like it was meant for an animal."

Perhaps a wolf. Or a werewolf. But who would set a trap for a werewolf this close to the pack? She couldn't fathom the answer; all she knew was that she needed to find a way out.

But there was no way. After a long period of struggling, Alorea gave up.

"Is this the end? I won't get out of here?"

Then she heard a noise from below. Immediately, she glanced in the direction of the sound. Staring up at her was a tall man.

His eyes were red and glowing, but he wasn't an alpha. In fact, he wasn't a werewolf at all, for he had pale skin and growled softly. She recognized him at once, or at least what he was.

"A vampire..."

"Look what we have here!" His voice was loud and robust, accompanied by a chuckle. "A beauty!"

"Please, spare me..." She attempted to plead, even though there was little to no chance that a vampire would aid a werewolf. But when several other pale faces emerged from the shadows, she realized it was too late to ask for help.

"My king!" One of them gasped, referring to the tall vampire. "One of them has finally fallen into our hands!"

"King?" Alorea murmured to herself. The tall man must be the infamous Lycan king. She knew a few things about him, none of which were comforting. He was Nathan's well-known enemy, his greatest rival who had vowed to destroy everything and everyone associated with the alpha. As if her troubles weren't enough already.

This man must not discover who she was, she told herself. If he found out that she was Nathan's mate, and queen of her people, then her fate in his hands would be far worse.

"Finally," he said. "You are here with me. I have waited so long for this day, Alorea."

"What?" Alorea gaped in shock. Her cage was dropped back down to the grass. Gravity took hold of it, and before she could comprehend what was happening, she hit the ground with a tremendous force. And she blacked out from the impact.

When she regained consciousness, she found herself in a large room. It was adorned with red curtains and dark rugs. She was seated in a chair in the center of the room, bound with chains yet again.

There was no escape; her hands were bound with a magical restraint. It was far stronger than the chains that had imprisoned her for three years. She couldn't break through it with her strength, nor could she transform into her wolf form.

"Don't bother, dear luna," a voice advised her from behind. As she lifted her gaze in its direction, she saw the tall man enter the room.

The tall man said, his gaze full of malice, "There is no miracle that can free you from these chains. None whatsoever."

Then he seized her hands and brought his face close to hers. "Do you think I haven't prepared for this day? No, Alorea, I have planned all of this meticulously. With you in my possession, I will destroy that son of a bitch. It's only a matter of time."

"How..." Alorea stammered. How did he know her name? Even the betas of Nathan's pack didn't know that her real name was Alorea. How then did this man...?

He only laughed. "Didn't I tell you that I've prepared thoroughly for this day? Just wait and see what I will do to him, what I will do to that bastard!"

Was he referring to Nathan? Alorea wondered. Did this vampire king intend to use her as bait to lure Nathan into a trap? Did he genuinely believe that Nathan would come to her rescue?

"Good luck with that," she shook her head. "He doesn't care about me in the slightest. You're wasting your time."

Again, he laughed. His laughter echoed loudly off the high ceiling of the room. "You know nothing, woman. I know everything. I've been planning all of this for a long time."

"What are you talking about?" She demanded, with no fear in her heart. She might not love Nathan as she once did, but hearing this man threaten his life ignited a fury within her.

The tall vampire circled her. He placed a hand on her shoulder and continued in his eerie voice. "I should've introduced myself properly. Forgive me. My name is Demeatris. I am the greatest king of my kind, the one who..."

"I know who you are!" She interrupted impatiently, her anger flaring.

He chuckled, "Well then, you might know that I am your husband's nemesis. From the very beginning, he was destined to die by my hand. And I was destined to fulfill this prophecy, using you as bait. And my plan is working, slowly but surely."

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