Asher’s POV
“Is everything alright with your little wolf mate?” Becca asked, her tone dripping with fake concern. “She wasn’t at breakfast or lunch, and now dinner. Did something happen?”
I clenched my jaw, refusing to acknowledge her words. But before I could dismiss her question, my mother chimed in, her voice filled with curiosity.
“Yes, Asher. Did she finally realize she didn’t belong here? Or did you decide to reject her at last?”
I sliced through my meat with more force than necessary, exacting my frustration onto the poor beef. I could feel my restraint thinning with every word. Their questions were hanging in the air, causing a choking atmosphere.
I wasn’t going to tell them that I locked my mate up, neither could I have told them that I didn’t have plans to reject her- at least not yet. I just tried my best to act deaf.
“You know,” Mrs Blackwood continued, her tone airy but purposeful, “I’ve always wondered what made you keep her around for so long. It’s unlike you. Usually, we only hear of your mates when you’re ready to reject them. I was almost scared that you had fallen in love with a werewolf.”
I gripped my fork tighter, willing myself to stay calm.
“Honestly, I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses,” Becca added smugly, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “She never had what it took to fit in here anyways.”
Her words ignited a spark in me that threatened to become an inferno. My grip on the cutlery tightened as my claws threatened to surface. But before I could snap, a deep growl erupted from the other end of the room.
“Enough!” Cain’s voice thundered, cutting through the volatile atmosphere.
All eyes turned to him as he slammed his hands against the table, his gaze searing into Becca.
“Can we, for once, have a quiet, drama–free dinner?” he snarled, his voice vibrating with restrained fury.
Becca’s smug expression faltered for a moment before she masked it with a forced smile. Her discomfort was palpable as she shifted in her seat, throwing a venomous glare at Cain, who met it head–on, unflinching.
Even my mother, who rarely let anyone challenge her, glanced at Cain in shock, knowing that he almost never reacted to any situation. But she didn’t do anything to defend herself. Rather she sinked further into her seat as she turned her gaze to her food.
Mr Blackwood remained quiet throughout the dinner, but I could tell that he had a lot to say and that he was just waiting for the right time.
Since they had brought up the topic, I couldn’t help but think of her now. I kept on explaining to my subconscious self that the punishment was all for her good, but my wolf wouldn’t stop whining. I just couldn’t stop myself from getting restless.
The image of Gemini’s trembling figure from last night flashed before me, all images of defiance gone as fear enveloped her entire being. She was a mess, an enigma I couldn’t figure out.
“Have you gone to check up on her?” Alan asked, noticing the worry on my face.
“Who? What are you talking about?” I tried to sound clueless, but then my voice betrayed me.
Alan raised an eyebrow, his expression knowing. “Your majesty, you’ve been staring at a blank paper for the past ten minutes without saying a word. You’re obviously worried about the young miss.”
I scoffed, leaning back in my chair. “Stop talking trash, I know she is fine, I already ordered the maids to cater for her needs even while in the dungeon.”
“Your majesty, I still think you should check up on her. The dungeon isn’t what you knew, having someone you care about stay there doesn’t seem like a good idea.”
I huffed at his reply, feigning annoyance. “Care? Who said I cared?”
“It’s probably just the mate bond.” I defended, trying to sound as convincing as I could. “You of all people should know how that shit works.”
“Whatever you say, your majesty.” Alan bowed before taking his leave, allowing me to ponder on my thoughts.
That was the third day-
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8:00 PM
Chapter 18
九
Fourth day
The fifth day came and I grew even more restless. It felt like I was the one under the punishment and not her.
The sixth day.
And then the seventh.
I woke up at 5 am, freshened up and hurried out of my room. There were a lot of pending jobs, but the only thing on my mind was getting Gemini out of that hell of a place.
“Unlock the doors!” I ordered the guards in front.
The dungeon’s heavy doors creaked open, revealing a thick black hall. I switched on my phone’s torch, making my way to the last cell in the dungeon. The air inside reeked of dampness, an irritating odour that lingered in the back of my senses.
As I stepped further, the sound of scurrying rodents echoed through the corridors. The prisoners were on alert, each one holding their cell their eyes pleading for mercy.
Truly, It had been a very long while since I was here-
The smell of decay and rot hung heavy, a constant reminder of the suffering that had taken place within these walls.
gate,
I couldn’t help but wonder how Gemini had endured this unforgiving environment for so long. The thought sent a feeling of guilt through my chest, and I quickened my pace, my heart pounding with anticipation and worry.
On getting to her cell, my heart twisted painfully at the sight before me. Gemini lay crumpled on the floor, her usually stubborn and vibrant presence now eerily still and silent.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt it–fear.
*Gemini!” I called, my voice cracking in a way I hadn’t heard in years. But she didn’t move. Not even a twitch.
The guard fumbled with the keys, his hands trembling as he unlocked the cell door. “Hurry up!” I barked, the sound of my growl reverberating through the stone walls.
As soon as the door creaked open, I rushed in, kneeling beside her. My hands hovered over her for a moment, unsure where to touch. Her body felt extremely cold and pale, a sight that heightened my worry.
“Gemini,” I whispered, shaking her gently. Still nothing.
I pressed two fingers to her neck, desperate to find a pulse, any sign of life.
Still nothing.
And in that moment, reality dawned on me.
“Get the pack healer!” I roared.
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