CHAPTER 6

Isabella’s POV

The silence in the room was deafening after the door slammed shut behind him. I stood frozen in a spot, my pulse thundering in my ears.

I stared at the empty doorway, my mind racing with confusion and fear.

What had just happened?

I had felt it—my wolf awakening for the first time, calling to the stranger who had walked into the room with such power and presence. It was undeniable. He was my mate. But why did he leave so abruptly?

Have I done something wrong?

My hands clenched the edges of my thin dress,my knuckles turning white. The ache in my chest felt unbearable, like something precious had been torn away from my grasp before I could even understand it.

The sound of approaching footsteps snapped me out of my thoughts. The door flew open, and Octavia stormed in, her icy blue eyes blazing with fury.

“You ungrateful little wretch,” Octavia hissed, her voice low and venomous. I barely had time to react before Octavia’s hand cracked against my cheek, the force of the slap sending me reeling. The sting was sharp, my skin burning where Octavia’s palm had struck.

“What—what did I do?” I stammered, tears pooling in my eyes. Octavia’s lips curled into a sneer.

“You embarrassed me! Do you have any idea who that man was?” She barked at me. I shook my head slowly, my voice trembling as I tried to speak.

“I didn’t do anything wrong, I swear.” I cried out in confusion. Octavia leaned in, her expression cold and cruel.

“You’re lucky he didn’t demand your head for whatever nonsense you just pulled. But don’t think for a second that you’re off the hook.” I braced myself for more punishment, but to my surprise, Octavia straightened and gestured to the guards standing just outside the door.

“Take her to the East Wing,” she ordered, her tone clipped.

The East Wing? I had never heard of it before. The guards entered the room and grabbed my arms, their grips firm but not too rough. I cast a wary glance at Octavia, but the woman’s expression was unreadable.

“Don’t think this is a reward,” Octavia said, her voice laced with disdain. “You’re being moved because of him, not because you deserve it.”  I didn’t reply, I couldn't, I have no idea what was happening, my heart were pounding in my chest as I was led through a maze of corridors.

The familiar dampness and decay of the dungeon gave way to a cleaner, brighter halls. The stone walls were replaced by smooth marble, and the flickering torchlight was replaced by elegant chandeliers. It was like I had time traveled to another realm.

My confusion grew with every step. I had never imagined that a place like this could exist within Hell’s pit.

The guards finally stopped in front of a large oak door. One of them opened it, revealing a room so beautiful it took my breath away.

The walls were painted a soft cream, adorned with delicate gold accents. A large canopy bed with silk sheets stood in the center, flanked by polished wooden furniture. A plush rug covered the floor, and a chandelier sparkled overhead.

It was nothing like the dungeon I had been kept in.

Where the hell am I?

“Go inside,” one of the guards grunted. I hesitated but stepped forward, my bare feet sinking into the soft rug. The door closed behind me, leaving me alone in the magnificent room.

I turned slowly, taking in every detail. The warmth of the space was almost disorienting after the cold, dark cells I had grown accustomed to.

Why have they brought me here? My mind wandered back to what Octavia had said.

I was moved because of him? It can't be true, Octavia could be lying to me, the few weeks of me staying here I have come to realize nothing is free in Hell’s pit.

A soft knock at the door startled me, and a moment later, it opened to reveal a young girl I assume is a maid because of her outfit, she walked in carrying a tray of food.

The young woman had kind eyes and a nervous smile as she set the tray on the table.

“Eat,” the maid said quietly. “You’ll need your strength.”

I stared at the tray—freshly baked bread, roasted chicken, and a bowl of steaming soup. It smelled heavenly, but I couldn’t bring myself to touch it.

“Why am I here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The maid hesitated, glancing toward the door as if to make sure no one was listening.

“He requested it,” she said softly.

“Who?” I asked.

“The man who came to see you,” the maid replied. “He’s powerful—someone even Octavia respects. That’s why you’re here. He’s different.”

My heart fluttered at the mention of him, but my confusion only deepened.

“Who is he?” The maid’s expression turned wary.

“I don’t know much. People call him Don Lucifer. That’s all I’ve heard.”

Don Lucifer. The name alone sent a chill down my spine. I don’t know who he is or why he had reacted so strangely to me, but something about him felt different—almost as if he was as trapped in this strange bond as I was.

The maid left shortly after, leaving me alone with my thoughts. As I laid on the soft bed, my gaze drifted to the chandelier above me.

I had so many questions. Who was this man? Why did he stormed off after I called him my mate? And what did he intend to do with me now?  My wolf stirred restlessly within me, the newly awakened presence both comforting and unsettling. It had taken me eighteen years to feel my wolf for the first time, and now, all it seemed to want is him.

I sighed, wrapping my arms around myself as exhaustion began to take hold of me.

Whatever was happening, I couldn’t escape the feeling that things will get more complicated now.