Writers POV

The sky was overshadowed by dark clouds, and no ray of sunlight could penetrate the thick layer of clouds. Rain was pouring down with no signs of abating. Rain fell, soaking the streets and cleaning up nature. There was no breeze or wind. The rain was pouring and pouring. She stood behind the thick glass windows, her gaze was drawn to each raindrop that glazed the earth. The day was gloomy, just like she felt; only the sky could cry to its heart's content, while she couldn't. She had no idea how long she had been standing there by her window. Ahe was jolted out of her trail of thoughts when her stomach growled loudly. She looked back at the clock, it was 3 in the afternoon and now when she thinks how long ago she had breakfast, it only makes her stomach growl louder. She walked into her kitchen, the sink still has the dirty dishes she left that day. Going through the cabinets, fridge, and pantry she found nothing good enough to use. Only spoiled milk, eggs, and vegetables. It has been over a month since she was here, so that explains this situation. The next thirty minutes she spent searching for her phone that was lying under her bed somehow and was dead. Putting it on charge she went through her contact which consists of only one number. After three rings, someone on the other end answered the phone, and a soft feminine voice spoke up.

"Fina?"

"Hello, Mia,"

"I was starting to worry at this point, where have you been? You should have at least told me you'd be gone for so long," Mia said, her voice tinged with worry and a hint of rage.

"Urgent work came up and I had to leave; don't be mad? Please forgive me for not informing you beforehand."

"You know I can't stay mad at you dear, just don't leave without telling me again," Mia said, sighing.

"I won't; now, could you please get some groceries for a day or two and cook me lunch?"

"You don't need to ask, silly girl; that's my job."

"Hurry, I'm starving," Ariel says, Mia chuckles at her antics.

"Just give me a few minutes," Mia was about to disconnect the call when Ariel said again

"Oh and cover your scent," Mia notes that and they disconnect the call.

After twenty minutes, there was a knock on her penthouse door, when she was busy in her studio killing time. She knew exactly who it was and ran excitedly to open the door. When she opened the door, she found a six-foot-tall muscular man standing in place of Mia. The glee on her face had faded and been replaced by a scowl.

"Didn't I say I would kill you if you come in my sight?"

"Please accept my apologies, my lady, but this woman wants to see you." He moves aside, revealing a woman in her late forties with dark brown hair and pale skin. Her eyes were a soft brown color that glowed when she saw Ariel standing there. When the other two guards standing behind Mia move, she drops the grocery bags and rushes to hug Ariel.

"I'm so glad to see you, dear," Mia said as Ariel hugs her back

"Me too."

"And don't you dare leave next time without telling me." She scowled Ariel

"Yeah yeah, I said I was sorry. Now your scowls aren't gonna fill my stomach." Mia shook her head when and Ariel started walking towards the kitchen grinning. One of the guards took the bags and followed them inside. After putting the groceries on the counter he bowed and left. Mia started taking out the ingredients and Ariel sat behind the counter on a counter chair.

"So, you were at the castle this whole time?" Mia asked without taking her eyes off the vegetables she was chopping

"How did you know?"

"I raised you since you were a baby, Fina. Your scent, it's different. I know your scent better than mine. And the Royal Guards aren't standing outside your door for no reason." Mia raises her head to look at Ariel, her brows arched, waiting for Ariel to begin speaking.

Ariel sighs and lowers his gaze.

"I found my mate..." she pauses and Mia raises her brows waiting for her to continue

"And?"

"And his is the Prince,"

"Fate has finally returned you to your rightful place after all this time," Mia says nodding in approval and focuses back on making lunch

"Not at all! I'm not supposed to be there! That is not where I should be residing! Those walls hold a lot more than just fancy decor!"

"Fina, sweetheart. That was a long time ago, and that is...

"No! What happened to my parents will stay with me for the rest of my life! They suffered because of me! What happened with them is my fault. I'll never forgive them or myself for what I did!"

"He's your mate, Fina! And you've already suffered enough for things you aren't responsible for! You are leading a life that you do not deserve. Moon Goddess gave you the gift of a mate and she paired you with the right person. You know I saw quite a handful of Alpha's who didn't mark their mate at first sight but look at your Prince he's waiting for you, giving you time and not forcing himself on you"

"Yeah, he's literally keeping me captive there. A lot of space." Ariel rolled her eyes.

"You must have done something for him to do such a thing?" Mia raised her brows

"I may or may not have run away twice." Ariel looks down and Mia sighs

"Listen to me, dear. I know you're punishing yourself and I can't stop you no matter how many times I try, but I will continue to say that you don't deserve this, nobody deserves to live like this. Give it a chance, give him a chance, stop running and live for a while. I know you hate the castle but that's where you truly belong."

Ariel had returned to the master bedroom after their conversation in the kitchen. I'm staring out the window, watching the rainfall relentlessly. The haunting memories of that night began to resurface in her mind. People's terrifying screams, the strong odor of smoke, and the sudden soul-crushing pain that wrenched her out of her sleep.

"Fina, darling?" Mia knocked on the door, and Ariel closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts.

"Yes?" she replied.

"The food is ready, come on," Mia said as she walked away. She took her time and went to the kitchen, where she found Mia dressed and ready to go. Ariel approached Mia and she wrapped her in a motherly hug.

"Look after yourself okay? And consider what I said." Ariel gave a small smile and nodded

"Don't forget about my existence and try to call me."

"I will." Ariel gave her another soft smile and Mia started walking towards the main entrance

"And call in the boys, I cooked for six so you will have a lot of food to share." Mia winked and walks out of the door while Ariel rolls her eyes.

The guards standing outside the door glances at Mia and she gives them a warm smile before leaving.

Ariel finishes eating, leaving just enough food for three people, and washes her dishes, leaving them to dry on the rack. She opens the main door gaining the guards' attention, she opens the door wide and gestures them to come inside.

"Come in." The three guards looked at each other confused. Ariel rolled her eyes and said again

"I won't kill you, come on." She starts walking inside and looks back the Royal Guards hesitantly started following her to the kitchen

"There's food on the table and beer in the fridge. You can eat the food if you like or search the pantry for whatever you like. And don't call me until someone is dying or giving birth."

"Sayonara," she said as she walked away, not waiting for them to respond or looking back.

A few hours later

The entire day had been traumatic for Prince Aiden. From attending the commemoration service to meeting Alphas from all over the world. Not to mention his brief encounter with his father, King Bruce. But this day always brings back the bitter memories of the assassination of their late King, Queen, and young Princess. And the raging anger and frustration at the assassins that continue to go unpunished. They still don't know whether or not the murderers are still alive. Prince Aiden was becoming increasingly agitated by the end of the ceremony. He couldn't wait to see Ariel again. There was a small worry inside his heart that he might not see her when he goes back.

When the ceremony ends and the guests begin to depart, Aiden quickly summons his car and returns to where he left Ariel. After an hour of driving, he arrives at the building and proceeds to the private elevator that Ariel had previously used. The elevator takes him to the top floor, where he finds himself in an empty hallway. At the end of the hallway, there was only one double door. As soon as he steps out of the elevator, a strong smell of metallic blood fills his nostrils, along with a faint scent of Ariel. His beast awakens, and a strange feeling enters him. He dashes towards the double doors, which were slightly ajar, and slowly pushes to open the doors.

He didn't expect to see what was in front of him. The house was a complete mess, with broken furniture and glasses spattered about. There was blood everywhere, and there were a lot of dead wolves and lycans lying around. His heart began to race, and he felt a mixture of rage and fear. He took a few steps inside and discovered the three guards he had left. Bloodied and injured, they sat in the midst of the chaos, tending to the wounds of another guard who had been severely injured. His chest heaved and his eyes changed colors. He let out a deafening growl, and the guards cowered in fear before him.

"Where is she?"

__________________________

He

Don't forget to,

JOIN THE PRIVATE GROUP: (Author Daisy Chaseley) www.facebook.com/groups/authordaisychaseley

LIKE & FOLLOW MY F B PAGE: (Daisy Chaseley) www.facebook.com/daisychaseley/

Happy reading,

Daisy Chaseley