15

Diana.

The river side, which Nadine had brought me, was just like the one I could remember from the first time that I was here. It was peaceful. “This is a second home to Alpha Valen.” Nadine informed.

And I can honestly see why. It was nestled between rolling green hills and the forest that only whistled to the wind, the riverside unfolds like a painting.

The water flows gently, its surface shimmering under the bright sunlight, reflecting the blue sky and cotton clouds above. Along the riverbank, wildflowers grew in vibrant colors—lavender, daisies, and bright poppies swaying in the direction of the wind.

The soft murmur of the harmonies with birdsong, creating a soothing symphony of nature.

Tall trees arch over the path beside the river, their leaves rustling like whispers, offering shade to those who wander close. The air is crisp, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and fresh grass, and time seems to slow down in the serenity of this riverside haven.

“Thank you for bringing me here.” I whispered. The edge of the river welcomed me with a light wave hitting my legs.

I shivered at the sudden touch. “The water gets cold at this time of the year, no one knows why because it is summer, it is meant to be hot.” Nadine explained.

Maybe this is a way of their comfort. Taking a rest around the riverside when things are hot for the person. “There should be a reason, we just don't know.”

“Oh.” She exclaimed. “My father was once sober and he told me that the goddess blessed us with it because of the birth of Alpha Valen. That was all he told me and I wasn't allowed to ask more than that.”

I nodded my head, it made so much sense. “I love it here.” I revealed.

The peace here made me forget about the crisis that I was going through, the pain that I had just conceded to be here. It was nice to know that something can actually take away the pain that you are feeling.

“I knew you would. You should rest here while I get us some exotic fruits from the forest.” she pointed at the forest.

From afar, it would scare you off and make you run away but coming closer to it, I was seeing a different thing. If it wasn't for the fact that I was already tired, then I would have followed her into the forest.

As she left me by the riverside, I laid down on the clean grass, my legs not leaving the water even for a second.

I closed my eyes, breathing in the fresh air. The idea of leaving my legs in the water was simple, to be able to stay awake until Nadine was back.

But I was f*****g wrong because my eyes began heavy in less than ten minutes, my body going weak and finally, my system gave in, betraying me entirely. “Just a few minutes of sleep before Nadine comes back.” I muttered to myself.

When I opened my eyes, I had found myself somewhere else. I had no idea where it was but the scent that lingered around pointed a finger.

My heart dropped from its ribcage, my body shook in fear as I tried to deny what I had just thought over. It can't be right?

I can't be close to the monster. I tried to stand on my feet, but my legs had betrayed me, and I realized that my both legs were tied together, not to talk of my hands.

My nightmare was right, I am back with the monster that destroyed me the first time. “guess who is finally awake.” Alpha Lucien clapped as he walked into the room.

“if not the Runaway princess that thought i wasn't going to come after her. I admire so much of your courage.” he mocked.

“Why are you doing this? I am no longer your wife because I signed the damn papers the time Beth gave it to me.” I cried out.

After finding out everything, there was no way that I was going to sit and let them do whatever they wanted to in front of me. “Well, that is the thing.” He drawled

“It is my say to let you know when you can walk out of the relationship. You don't have a say in it.”

I was so blinded in a way that I had never seen this other side of him. It was always traumatizing. “I am no longer your wife, Lucien. I even left the kingdom for you so why are doing you”

He let out a laugh before his palm came in contact with my face. “You are mine, Diana. You have always been mine.” The way that he had been said it and grabbed me by my hand scared the s**t out of me.

I breathed out heavily. “Now, let's see how your love would be able to get you out of here.” Lucien laughed wickedly.

Never in my life had I seen someone as wicked as Alpha Lucien. I had seen the fact that he is clearly self centered and would whatever it is to get what he wants.

“For now, I will leave you to rest but when I am back, we will be going over the rules that you have to follow to stay in this house.”

I cried out, biting the inside of my lips. “But I don't want to stay here. I don't belong here when you are here.” I told him

This place would never be a home for me after everything. “That is your own business to take care of. And if you manage to annoy me.with the way that you are acting, trust me.” His tongue clicked together.

It meant only one thing, I would be suffering for that in a way that I had never imagined, even if it means I would lose my life after.

This was the monster that I had once adored and fallen in love with, now I regretted everything that I had ever done for love.

Just zero points to me.