Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
Ashen's POV
I paced around my chambers, my thoughts consumed by Zara. She has done something to me, unravel me so much in ways I didn't understand. I had never thought myself capable of love, but when I looked at her, something inside me softened.
She brought me peace, comfort and quiet I hadn't known since my childhood. I didn't fully understand my feelings yet, but I knew one thing—i would never let her go. I would protect her, cherish her, and earn her trust. There would no rushing, no forcing. I would love her properly, just as she deserved.
A knock interrupted my thoughts, and Darius, my Beta entered, his face pale.
"Alpha," he began, his voice tight with urgency. "There's a problem."
I straightened immediately. "What Is it?"
"It's ...the Luna. She has been kidnapped," he said.
"What!" I screamed, his words sent a cold fury coursing through me. "Who did this?" I growled, my voice dangerously low as I made my way outside.
Darius trailed behind me. "We don't know yet, Alpha."
"Find her right now!" I ordered sharply, my fists clenched. "Don't come back until you do."
"Yes, Alpha," Darius replied bowing, before rushing off with the warriors.
Whoever dared to touch her would pay. No one messed with me—or my Luna—and lived to tell the tale.
"Alpha... we didn’t find her," Darius said, his voice low, shoulders slumped in defeat.
I stopped pacing and fixed my sharp gaze on him. "Are you sure you searched the forest thoroughly?" My tone carried the edge of frustration, my emotions tightly wound.
Darius bowed his head, not meeting my eyes. "Yes, sir. We covered every inch."
I clenched my fists, the weight of helplessness bearing down on me. My mind raced, turning over every possibility. Who could have done this? What could they want? The questions spiraled, but one thought stabbed through them all—Selene. Could it be her?
Dropping into a nearby chair, my legs gave way under the strain. Regret clawed at me, merciless and unrelenting. I should have gone with Zara that day. Maybe this wouldn’t have happened. My chest tightened as another thought whispered, dark and cruel. Why does happiness always slip away when it’s within reach?
"Darius," I said, my voice softer now. "Go to the Nightshade pack and escort Selene here immediately."
He nodded, bowed, and left the room, his steps fading into the hall.
I pushed myself up, forcing my body to move despite the weight in my chest. Gathering the warriors, I led them into the forest once again. The icy air gnawed at my skin as we moved through the dense trees, the darkness pressing in on all sides. My eyes scanned every shadow, my ears straining for the faintest sound.
"Zara!" I called out, my voice echoing against the trees, but the forest responded only with the rustle of leaves and the hum of distant creatures.
Turning onto another path, I followed the trail of moonlight cutting ominously through the underbrush. My gut twisted as I realized it was another dead end. No signs. No clues. Just emptiness.
I stood still for a moment, staring into the darkness ahead. My hands trembled with frustration. Where could she be?
Hours later, I returned to the house. Standing on the balcony, I gazed into the forest, silently willing her to appear. My thoughts were interrupted by the sharp beep of a message notification. My hand shot to my pocket, pulling out the phone with haste. An unknown number flashed across the screen.
I opened the message, and my breath caught in my throat. It was a picture of Zara—strapped to a chair, her face pale, her eyes filled with fear. Beneath it, bold words chilled me to the bone: Vacate the throne if you want to save your bride.
At the bottom of the message was a name: Magnus.
Magnus? My mind reeled. The name stirred no immediate familiarity, yet it carried a weight that sent unease coursing through me. I dialed the number, my hands trembling, but it went straight to voicemail. I tried again, each failed attempt stoking my frustration.
Who the hell is Magnus? My thoughts clawed at memories buried deep, searching for answers. Then, an image flickered in my mind—the boy I saved sixteen years ago. Could it be him?
Fear gripped me as a bead of sweat rolled down my temple. My heart pounded as the truth began to take shape. It has to be him. No one else would dare ask for the throne. After all... it was his father’s throne.
My past came rushing back with cruel clarity. Saving him had come at a steep price—one I paid in blood and pain. My father had despised me for it, his fury manifesting in brutal punishments. I was locked in my room for days, his voice a constant reminder of my inadequacies and the destruction I supposedly brought.
Seven years ago, during one of our hunting trips, fate presented an escape. My father stumbled over a root and fell toward the edge of a cliff. I had rushed to his side, calling for help, but as I saw him unconscious, an idea took hold. If he dies, I’ll finally be free.
My hands trembled as I rolled his body toward the edge and watched him disappear into the river below. The guards came running at my call, and I feigned despair, convincing them of his accident. No one questioned it—not even the pack. Relief spread through the kingdom like wildfire, everyone eager to be rid of his oppressive rule.
I was seventeen. And my father was my first kill.
But that relief was fleeting. Seven years later, his death still haunted me. Every night, the memory of pushing him into the water returned, a nightmare I couldn’t escape. I told myself it had been necessary, that it was him or me. Yet the guilt never faded.
Another beep pulled me back to the present. The message read: Is the people of Frostfang ready to welcome their true king.
My hands tightened around the phone. My teeth clenched as anger burned away my hesitation.
I typed back a single message: Magnus, don’t hide like a coward. Show your face.
His reply was immediate: Fine. Meet me at Shadow Veil Lane. Come alone, let's talk.
An icy smile crept onto my lips. "You’re a fool if you think I’ll bow to your threats," I muttered, rising to my feet. My gaze hardened. I owe you nothing—not the throne or anything. Saving you years ago already cleared whatever debts I owe you.
"Get ready to move in ten minutes," I barked to my warriors. "We’re bringing Zara home—and anyone who dares stand in our way will pay with their lives."
Their voices rose in unison. "Yes, Alpha!"