Chapter 3 A Taste Of Freedom

Chapter 3

Alyssa's POV

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes again was the lights creeping in through the small window. My body ached from the cold stone floor, but it was nothing compared to the pain in my chest.

"Do you feel better now?" Elara asked, her voice sounding weak and I nodded slowly. Compared to how I felt the previous day, I was in a much better shape but I couldn't say the same about her. Her eyes were sunken like she barely got any sleep.

"What happe..." I started to ask, but the loud sound of metal being hit against the door, put an end to the question I had in mind.

We jumped to our feets, and several thoughts of why they were here passed through my mind. But before I could conclude, Ryder’s gamma, Rowan spoke.

“Bring them out.” He ordered and soon enough the door to some stall opened and some people…all girls were brought out. They were crying on top of their voices which only made me more confused.

Our stall was next and Elara stiffened beside me, her expression turned to that of horror, “n-n no…” she whispered but her plea went unanswered as one of them held her hand, yanking her toward himself.

“This will do,” he muttered, his lips curling into a smirk making my stomach turn. “But I think she is better suited for Alpha Zach.” He continued, his eyes taking me in.

“You're right,” Rowan agreed, his gaze meeting mine before moving to the rest of my body. “She'll be next since the Alpha's done with her.”

My face scrunched up in disgust, but nothing came out of my mouth. The men laughed like they weren't just discussing using our bodies as a tool to satisfy themselves. Although I've heard the rumours before now, this just convinced me.

The warriors dragged the crying girls away, leaving me to retreat back into the stall, hugging my knees to my chest. I wondered what Elara was going through, guilt churning at me for not doing anything to help her.

I found myself thinking less of Ryder, instead, Elara now filled my thoughts. I wasn't sure for how long I remained in that position, but I was jolted back to the present by loud footsteps and before I could grasp what was happening, the door opened and Elara was thrown inside.

The first thing I noticed was the different outfit she had on, her hair has also been made as well. There was a bit of makeup…now smudged on her face from all the crying.

“You good for nothing b**ch!” The warriors spat, glaring at her.

“I…I'm–” she stammered, which only angered the warrior. He ran towards her, kicking her in her stomach,

And before I could stop myself, I jumped in front of her. “Leave her alone.” I yelled, earning myself a low chuckle.

“Trying to play the hero, uh?” He asked, his eyebrows arched in amusement. “This should be fun.” He added

Before I could process what he meant by that, he grabbed me by the arm and yanked me off the ground. My body slammed into his chest as he dragged me toward the door. Elara reached for me, trying to pull me back but against his strength, it was useless.

Just as I began to murmur a quick prayer to whoever was listening, the warrior stopped and his hand that held me loosen. “Beta,” he called and my snapped upward, my brow furrowing in confusion.

“Was he here to end what his Alpha started?” I thought.

And as sadly as it sounded, it didn't scare me…not anymore. The worst that could happen had already happened.

“Leave.” Jace commanded and the warrior scrambled away without looking back. Then he turned to me, his eyes lingering on me but he didn't say anything. Instead he motioned for me to follow him which I did without a word.

Between Jace and Iris, I wasn't sure who hated me the most. Because while Iris made it obvious that she wanted nothing to do with me, Jace avoided me like a plague. Even when I was with Ryder, he just pretended like I didn't exist which I was grateful for…until now. Him showing up in front of me could only mean one thing.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice he'd stopped walking until I walked into his back.

“Sorry.” I murmured, not raising my head.

“Look at me.” He ordered, his voice gentle…but it was probably my imagination. “You really couldn't stay put for two days?”

“What?” I asked, not hiding my confusion. “I wasn't exactly given a chance.” I snapped before I could stop myself, my voice harsher than I intended.

His jaw clenched as he ran a hand through his hair. “Just follow me.” He said, swallowing whatever he had in mind and I nodded. If he was angry, he didn't dwell on it as he led me out of the dungeon. The warriors standing at the door let us pass without any questions…he was the Beta, they wouldn't dare.

With each turn that we took, my confusion grew but he already looked irritated so I kept my opinions to myself. The Pack was mostly quiet which was weird especially after a big ceremony that had the Lycan King in attendance.

“We're here.” Jace announced.

“Why are we here?” I asked. I couldn't bring myself to move.

He looked at me, debating if I was seriously asking me why we were at my house…the place I spent the first nine years of my life before moving into the Pack house.

“Now's not the time for your questions,” he replied and to prove his point, he held my hand, pulling me inside the house after picking the locks.

Several images of my dad's lifeless body lying on the floor…an image I’d try to forget came rushing back. My chest tightened and I found it hard to breathe.

“F**k Alyssa!” Jace cursed, wrapping his arms around my shoulder and supporting my body with his. Even in my Panic state, the concern in his voice was evident. “Are you okay?”

I shook my head, not trusting myself to be able to make a complete sentence. Without waiting for him to reply, using the energy I mustered, I dashed outside where I was finally able to breathe properly again.

“I’m sorry.” Jace apologized, another thing I never thought was possible. “I should have thought this through properly.”

“Are you going to sell me?” I asked and I didn't miss the way his brows furrowed.

“Did you get that from what I just said?”

I shrugged, if I was going to be sold, I might as well speak my mind freely. “What's the catch? Why are you being nice to me?”

He looked away, but didn't respond. “They're waiting for you.”

I had so many questions, none of which he provided answers to. He led me towards the Pack borders, stopping to talk to a few members before we continued on our way. Soon enough, we got to the borders and he turned to face me.

“Whatever you do from now on,” he started, his expression turning gravely serious. “Do not turn back…whatever the reason.” He warned.

My jaw dropped, he wasn't…of course not. He hated me, so there was no way he'd help me escape.

“Y-you’re h-helping me escape?” I stuttered, “why…I mean how.”

“How did you manage to survive this long?” He asked, eyeing me. But who can blame me? The last time I had any type of conversation with him ended with me getting locked in a room until I learnt my lesson. “If you survive, call me.” He continued.

I nodded, “thank you.” I told him, and I meant it. But he just shrugged and nudged me to start going, giving me several other pieces of advice that I was certain I won't remember in an hour.

“And Alyssa,” he called after I had walked a few steps. “Try not to die.” And he was gone.

A small smile brushed my lips, “maybe the moon goddess hadn't abandoned me yet.” I thought, as I began my journey with high hope that wherever I ended, it was better th

an living in the dungeon and not knowing what to expect.

But I spoke too soon.