Strength immediately left me. I struggled to stand, shaky breaths leaving my parted lips. I felt warm liquid seep down my face and to the ground.
The world around me started to blur, my head spinning. When I could no longer hang on to consciousness, I succumbed to the darkness that clouded me.
To the distant sound of hushed whispers and chatters, my eyelids fluttered open. I tried to ignore the throbbing headache and the splitting pain on my face by squeezing my eyes shut and opening them again. Funny, my right eye hurt so much I could barely open it.
Gradually, I sat up. A series of loud gasps around me snapped me out of my disorientation. My heart dropped when I realized where I was. Panic immediately set in; I darted my half-open gaze anxiously to the faces that watched me pitifully.
My clothes had been ripped, almost in shreds. I was being paraded in the Pack grounds of Grim Umbra in a cage carried by a wagon. Out of shame, I threw my face back to the ground, cowering until we reached the imperial castle belonging to their Alpha King, Ariadne Maye.
I sat on the cold ground of the dungeon, pondering deeply. I overheard the guards say that I would be spending the night locked up since Ariadne and my brother would come tomorrow to discuss my verdict.
I couldn't remember anything after Owen struck me. When did we reach Grim Umbra's border? What happened to the families on their ship? A weary sigh escaped my lips. I must've been severely wounded since I passed out for hours.
Nevertheless, I was determined to get through to Daniel the next day.
As soon as the sun came up, the guards came for me. I was bound in shackles around my neck and wrists and dragged to what looked like a courtroom setting.
I was brought to the middle of the room. The Alpha's throne sat before me on a higher platform, while the seats of the elders were by my right and left-hand side.
The air was tense, chatters and murmurs erupting from every corner. The elders stared at me with spite, others pity. The scar on my face drew the most attention. I owed it all to Owen for clawing at me.
Just then, a fanfare of trumpets was played, drawing everyone present to their feet as they welcomed their Alpha and Luna. My eyes narrowed as Daniel and Ariadne made their way to their seats.
They all seemed to have accepted the fact that Ariadne mated with a wolf from their enemy's Pack. Not only that, but she gave him her title of Alpha, making her his Luna.
As Daniel's eyes landed on me, they widened in shock. I noticed a hint of worry in his unwavering gaze, but it faded as quickly as it had appeared. At that moment, a glimmer of hope ignited within me. Daniel still cared for me even if it was a little bit.
The once chatty room turned dead silent as soon as Daniel raised his right hand. He faced me.
"Isn't it ironic Diane?" He asked. "You were born to be high and mighty, but look at you now…. ragged and pathetic. Decorated with rusty old shackles instead of rare jewels" his voice was raw with mockery. He chuckled "I wonder what mum and dad would think of their prophecy child now"
I ignored the looks coming from around me, centering my gaze on my brother. My voice tender and soft, I said, "Daniel, this isn't you, and you know it. The brother I know would never side with the enemy to destroy what our family has built over the years"
My jaw clenched as I shifted a glare to Ariadne by his side. "I'm certain that woman has done something to you" I gritted.
"You're mistaken, Diane." My gaze snapped back to Daniel. He continued "I'm not destroying what our family built. I'm simply reforming it. Only this time, I'm where I'm destined to be"
"Right here ruling beside me" Ariadne added with a proud smile.
I shook my head. "She's manipulating you," my words aroused disagreeing murmurs. "You can't see it, but I can. Perhaps you can't see it, but I do. Dan, Ariadne doesn't love you"
"That's not true!" Daniel cut in angrily.
"It is!" I yelled back. "She's just using you, Dan. Using you to get what she wants! When are you going to realize it? Open your eyes, Daniel!"
"Enough Ariadne!" Daniel glared at me. "That'll be enough from you. You weren't brought here to argue."
I noticed the wide grin sitting on Ariadne's face. My insides gnawed with an uneasy feeling. My voice grew weary "What do you plan on doing with me?"
The corner of lips curled up as he leaned back. "I know you too well Diane. You're…. determined, and you just won't give up. I can't have you running around. Your existence is a threat to my reign in power"
My heart dropped. What was he trying to say?
"We've taken everything from you Diane. There's nothing more to live for" he said. I immediately objected "You're wrong I—" Daniel cut in,
"Diane Cyrille, ex-alpha of Arch Howlers Pack, you have been sentenced to death by decapitation under the full moon tonight. Let the heavens know their prophecy child failed them"
The gavel struck three times.
"What!" My pupils dilated, and color drained from my face. Fear washed over me, my heart pounding. 'This isn't happening' I muttered.
Ariadne gestured with a wide grin "Take her away"
Panic set in. "No.." I let out a sharp gasp, struggling to my feet. The guards rushed close and ceased me, grabbing my arms with strong grips. I struggled vainly against them, gritting "Let me go! Leave me!"
I faced Daniel, tears welling in my eyes "Daniel, you can't do this!" I cried out. "I am your sister! Your blood! You can't do this to me!" I yelled as they dragged me out. I fought hard against them, screaming at him.
He did nothing, watching as they took me away. Not even an ounce of hesitation lingered in his eyes.
They chained me to the wall with shackles made of silver. The pain was excruciating, but as time passed, it no longer stung. However, I still felt my flesh burn.
I had lost all hope. The only thing I prayed for was a last encounter with Leia before embracing death.
"Psst"
The tip of my ears tingled. I thought I heard a voice, but quickly brushed over my shoulders. The sound came again, only this time louder.
"Psst!"
I looked up, my eyes widening at the sight of a person standing on the other side of the dungeon bars.