Chapter 3

Lyne knew that this wasn't going to be a good idea. Following her sisters to the South Jungle was only going to be the same as before. Full of teases, taunting, and more bullying.

Her father could only do two things to help. Call her a weakling for not being able to stand up for herself or repeat the story about how she was nothing like her late mother.

Lyne watched all her siblings shift into wolves and run through the jungle, going to hunt. She so much wished she could do the same.

Going inside her room, she grabbed her bonnet and her boots. She was wearing black pants and a yellow long-sleeved top to protect her skin from the biting sun. She went under her bed and brought out a box which had her mother's name in bold.

Gillian.

Opening it, she grabbed the bow and arrow that was inside it and admired it at first as she ran her fingers through the weapon.

Looking through the corridor, she realized it was empty.

Lyne wasn't certain what she was doing but she hoped it wouldn't lead her into trouble. Passing through the back of the building that stood erect behind a fence built with large rocks, she passed through the shabby grasses that rose in the middle. She passed by scattered flowers that were so pulled together she wondered if there was a path there.

When she couldn't get through, she knew she had no choice but to climb the fence. Wearing her hair up in a ponytail, she climbed the wall and jumped down to the other side. A dangerous attempt, all to prove her worth.

For a moment, she felt free and able to do whatever she wanted. She ran through the woods and into the forest as the morning air brushed through her hair. This was it. Freedom. That was what she'd always wanted. She felt the moment in her skin, her head, and her heart until a spear crossed her front and went deep into a tree.

She gasped and missed her steps, causing her to fall.

"I'd suggest you watch where you're going, next time missus." A deep voice that sounded angelic seeped through her eardrums and for a while, she felt shy and didn't want to look back at the owner of the voice.

"Are you okay?" The voice called again and hearing footsteps, she knew he was coming towards her.

What if he was one of her father's armies? What if he was sent to kill the Royal family and he recognizes her? He'll surely kill her.

"I won't hurt you," she heard him say and this time, his voice was firm but assuring.

Slowly, she let her eyes meet his and her heart skipped many beats for she had never seen such a handsome man before.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Intelligent ocean-blue eyes gaze back at him with such innocence he was forced to feel pity for her instantly.

Her straight blonde hair worn up gave him a perfect view of her stature. Long beautiful necks that looked soft enough to be rubbed, plus kissable lips.

He tried to comport himself as he remembered he had a woman at home. Clearing his throat, he stretched his hands forward and helped her to her feet.

"Pardon me, ma'am. I just couldn't help but be security conscious." He tried to explain, sounding normal.

"You could have killed me!" The woman's reply shocked him to the bones. A soft-looking woman with an authoritative attitude. Being a King, he wondered why he found her amusing.

"Next time, you and your horse can wear medicated glasses before you commit murder!" She dusted her clothes, looking visibly angry, but trying every means to avoid looking into his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I already said that before. I didn't think you'd still be this upset," he looked at her confused but the lady's reply got him in the belt.

"What? I didn't know there was a certain number of times you should apologize for attempted murder. If you have a stinking ego, you should know who to direct it to, not me!" Lyne spat before running back to the way she came from, back to the palace before the others returned.

She glanced backward and saw the man climbing his horse back and riding away.

The trip to the South Jungle just kept getting worse.

Zeidan kept wondering who the lady was and how she got that kind of confidence. He couldn't push her away from his thoughts and soon, he found himself smiling as he remembered her action.

His other men had caught up with him and as Wikh rode beside him, he twitched his lips wondering what his King had found amusing.

"I see you just finished watching a comedy show. What happened to your Highness?" He inquired from Zeidan who just looked at him and raised his brows quizzically.

"Oh goodness me!" Wikh clicked his tongue in disbelief at the King's change of attitude.

The large royal house in the jungle was becoming visible to them as they rode.

They got to the large gates that guard the place but were surrounded by Wolves who gritted their teeth, ready to pounce and attack.

As furious as he felt, he tried his best to remain calm. The cries of his people and his father especially rung in his head once again. His Father's last words as he closed his eyes to rest in eternal bondage. His gums were aching again, veins popping out of his forehead. He tasted blood in his mouth and as he licked his lips, he realized his fangs were out and he had bitten himself.

"How are you doing, Korba?" Zeidan stared hard at one of the wolves with brown spiky fur and a bony cheek. His face held so much confidence knowing how his vampire powers always helped him read thoughts.

The other wolves gasped as they all stared at Korba.

"You know him?" One of them with muddy-colored fur queried, eyes widened.

Korba stood her ground as she stared into Zeidan's eyes, her slant eyes dilating.

"I believe you are preparing for your wedding with Azrael and you're trying your best to prove you are capable of being the wife of an army chief." As they all gasped, Korba, still confused, he jumped down from his horse and walked up to them majestically.

They all clenched their teeth in defense but were surprised to see the tall handsome man smile and bow.

"Your Highnesses, I've only come for good and not for evil. I'm here to see the King." He began, not missing his captivating smile.

"And who are you?" He looked up to see the owner of the voice and he saw a big black Wolf.

He couldn't miss the description of the most ruthless army of the pack. One whose name has been on the lips of his subjects for ages. The one who killed his father. He narrowed his eyes.

"Azrael!" He called. "Good to see you. It's me, King Zeidan of Vampire City. I'm here to see the Alpha," he was startled as the smallest of the wolves howled loudly.

Another one that was on the building started beating a big drum and immediately, he knew they were announcing the arrival of a stranger. Slowly, the gates were opened and he was led in with his entourage, the wolves pinning their eyes on his every movement.

Once they were assured their horses had been led to a safe stable, they were led into the palace. They walked through the long corridor that was lined with doors on each side. When they got to where they would turn to where the King would always sit, He didn't miss the detailed decoration.

From the silver ornaments to the golden curtains that beautified the windows. The chrysanthemums, the lily flowers, and the sunflowers all laced the tables and a red rug spread on the floor. He was deeply engrossed in his observation that he didn't know when he bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" he heard a tiny voice and he knew he couldn't miss it.

"Aggressive queen?" He called as he laughed at her.

His men looked at him, surprised. They had never seen the King laugh this heartily.

"Hey, arrogant idiot!" Lyne called back, already regretting her words as she saw that he looked like royalty.

"What are you doing here? Serving the King?" Zeidan inquired mockingly, his lips twitching.

Lyne shot him a glare before moving close to him as if to attack him, eyes not leaving each other.

"Lyne!" She heard someone call and she closed her eyes tight as she almost cursed the person who interrupted her best moment.

"Well," she faced Zeidan. "This isn't over yet." She walked away but not without shouting, 'Arrogant idiot!'