Gerald's POV
I stormed into my chambers, my mind replaying — reeling in everything that had just happened
First, I felt her pain—and now, somehow, she's the only one who can take it away
What atrocity is that?? Against me!
The Alpha!!!
The Goddess has a hell of a lot to explain. And even more questions to answer
As I reached my door, I was stopped
A presence stopping me mid stride
Not now. I don't want to see or hear anyone,
"My Alpha," a voice called from behind me
I turned slowly, locking eyes with Grace, Her presence, Once a comfort,irritation surged through me.
Why am I irritated? I've never been irritated by Grace before
I arched a brow, giving her a silent permission to speak
"I've come to ask what punishment the thief will face, My Alpha," she said through clenched teeth
I could feel her rage. It pressed against me, making my skin crawl. It was palpable, pressing against my already strained nerves
"My punishment is my business," I growled
"And you know I hate being questioned." This time, snapping
My voice came out sharp—too sharp. She flinched, but I felt no guilt
"Is that why you stopped me?" My wolf stirred, snarling in my chest, begging me to tear her apart for daring to confront me
It craved blood and it didn't mind who it came from
She's lucky she's my wife. If she weren't, her head would already be rolling
"I'm sorry, My Alpha," she muttered, bowing stiffly. I could see her jaw clench as the apology left her lips
I scoffed and turned, entering my chambers without another word
My gaze dropped to my healed hand. I walked to the mirror. Just as I suspected—the red mark around my neck was gone too
How dare she heal me without my consent??!!
Anger stabbed through me. She had the power to harm me… and heal me?
"RHYS!" I barked
My right-hand man appeared almost instantly, breath caught in his throat
"Alpha," he said, voice trembling
He could sense my rage. I didn't care
"Bring me the damn Goddess," I ordered. My tone was venomous. He flinched but nodded
"Yes, Alpha." He disappeared, faster than he'd arrived
My eyes glowed yellow—then deep, burning red
Whatever this is… it has to be broken
If she has the power to hurt me, she also has the power to kill me
And that makes her dangerous
••
Emily's POV
A smirk curled my lips as I watched the vision of Gerald's fury
He'd summoned me—and I would appear. But not just yet. First, I needed to reassure Marigold's father
I knocked lightly on the door of the hut. A cough, then a faint whisper: "Come in."
I stepped inside
He sat on the bed, the letter trembling in his hands, tears glistening in his tired eyes
"Did she… *cough*... tell you?" he asked
I nodded, though I noticed—he couldn't look at me
"Yes," I said softly
His emotions hit me all at once
Sadness. Anger. Disappointment
"Why did you let her go?" he asked, trying—and failing—to keep his temper contained. He knew he couldn't afford to snap. Not now
"She was stubborn," I lied. Half-lied
"I told her I'd pay for her medicine, She refused my help"
"Is she safe?" he asked with a shaky sigh
"I believe so," I replied carefully
Their fate was already in motion. Only they could change it now
"It's time for your medicine," I said gently, stepping forward
I helped him, hiding the truth behind calm hands and soft smiles
I could heal him. I could even end his suffering with a whisper
But fate had spoken
I'm sorry, Marigold… Your father is bound to die
And even I cannot rewrite what the stars have already linked
•••
Marigold's POV
I sat curled on the floor, knees drawn tightly to my chest
My tears had dried, leaving only emptiness—and a dull, aching hole in my chest
Exhaustion tugged at my limbs. But I couldn't sleep
What if they killed me while I slept?
The door creaked open. My head snapped up, alert
Grace Silver. Radiant in her menace
Her pale skin contrasted with her tall, slim frame. Crimson monolid eyes, cold and cruel. Her dirty-blonde hair was tied in a perfect royal bun
A wicked smile curved her lips as she approached
Goosebumps erupted on my skin. My stomach twisted
Danger was in the air
She stopped in front of me, and I had to lift my head to meet her gaze
She crouched slowly, coming down to my level
"Marigold," she whispered
"Sweet, sweet Marigold."
My eyes widened
I never told anyone my name
"How do you know my name?" My voice came out steady — Bold. Not like when I was with the Alpha
Her eyes flared, but she didn't touch me. She couldn't. The Alpha's command still held her back
So why was she here?
"That shouldn't be your concern, Marigold," she hissed
"Who sent you? What charm did you use on the Alpha?" she demanded, fists clenched, eyes wild
Charm? What was she talking about?
"What do you mean by charm?" I asked.
Wrong move
With a snarl, she stood, then stomped—her heel crashing down on the back of my hand
Pain shot through me
I screamed
She smiled in satisfaction
I yanked my hand back—and regretted it. Her heel ripped my skin as it slid, leaving a gash
Blood dripped
Tears stung my eyes. I held my injured hand close
"Let me warn you, darling," she spat
"Never answer my question with a question."
Her words hung in the air like smoke—dark, suffocating
She turned on her heel and strutted out
I looked down at my bruised hand. My bones throbbed. Just moving it made me wince
••
Gerald's POV
My leg bounced restlessly as I glared at the clock above my portrait
"I was summoned," a voice said suddenly
I didn't flinch. I turned to face her—the Goddess
"You know why you're here," I growled. "Start talking."
"Alpha," she greeted calmly, bowing Completely ignoring my demand
It made my blood boil
"I said talk," I seethed, stepping closer
She didn't flinch. She looked amused
A dangerous silence stretched, testing my patience which had stretched to a very thin line
I was about to explode when her eyes sparkled
"Oh—you mean Marigold."
My brows furrowed
Who the hell is Marigold?
"I'm not in the mood for games," I snarled
She rolled her eyes and walked over to my bed, sitting like she owned the place
"Your little thief," she said nonchalantly
The realization hit me hard
"Go on," I ordered
"It's wild," she said with a grin, "how your mate could be right in front of you and you didn't even notice"
"Mate?" I snapped. My eyes widened
Before she could reply, pain bloomed in my right hand
I lifted it—only to see a forming wound. A small, circular mark… like the bottom of a heel
Then blood. A bruise. A searing pain
What the—?
Then I hear a chuckle
I looked up. She was watching me. She'd seen it all
Her eyes locked onto mine. The air shifted—cold, dangerous, serious
Then she said it
"Your mate seems to be in pain."
The words echoed in my head.
And when they settled…
My wolf cried out.