Aurora's POV
Aman stood out in the crowd and tinkled a glass with a fork. He was the beta of the park.
"Attention everyone".
The hall fell quiet in eagerness to hear what was to be said.
"We have been summoned here this evening for an occasion; we wait to hear from our Alpha." He spoke and left the stage for Alfred.
"Mmm Mmm. He cleared his throat. As you all know, we've had a pest for two years, and it's high time to get rid of her. Bring her forth.".
My face was drawn and pale as betrayal and humiliation weighed me down. My eyes were filled with a look of utter despair as the guards grabbed my arms and pushed me towards the stage.
"I'm suggesting a death sentence." His voice bore no emotion.
"Aaah". The park member gasped.
"She's pregnant!". A feminine voice yelled from the crowd.
Everyone turned their gaze in search of who the voice belonged to.
"Annie". I whispered, sobbing.
Annie emerged from the crowd with her eyes facing the ground.
"Repeat what you said!". Alfred yelled.
"She's pregnant, Alpha. And it's against the rules of this park to labor a pregnant woman.".
The park members began to whisper and murmur immediately after Annie made the speech.
"She's right; we can't enforce labor or a sentence on a pregnant woman. We should look out to see if she's really pregnant and who the father is." A park elder spoke.
"Mmm! Alfred sighed as he ranged in anger. Throw her back into the dungeon, and a confirmation will be made. Including her!. He pointed at Annie.
*Five minutes later*
"Aurora, are you okay?". Annie ran towards me as I sprained my arms due to the push from the guard.
"I'm okay. I smiled. You shouldn't have done it.".
"Done what? I only told the truth. She paused. Don't tell me you weren't going to say.".
"It wasn't necessary; it's not like the father cares. I threw my face. And you don't deserve to be here.".
"He's so cruel; how can he turn his back on you and forget how you stood by him when no one did?".
"We shouldn't be thinking about that, but how to get you out of here.".
"You, little brat. Come out". The guard in charge pointed at Annie.
***
It was the third day I've lived in the dungeon alone without food or water. My stomach grumbled and growled, begging for food. My eyes were heavily lidded, and my limbs were weak and shaky.
I sorely regretted everything. I wished I had listened to my father and Camel and not my emotions. Alfred was a rogue wolf, and I believed he changed but was wrong.
"Are you okay?". I heard a voice.
I turned around but saw no one. "Camel!". I called in shock.
"It's me; I'm back.".
"Oh my goodness!". I cried; it's been two years since I heard and felt her last. My wolf is back. I smiled.
"I warned you." She said,
The dungeon door creaked from outside as the sound of the key turning into its lock was heard, which kept me alert.
A guard walked into the dungeon and lifted me to his back. He carried me till we got out of the park. I couldn't scream or struggle because I was too weak.
He walked further into the forest and got to a path where there was no trace of lights.
"You, scumbag! He threw me to the ground. You've drained me of energy.".
He brought out a sharp blade from his side pockets. "Finally, you've got a chance to reunite with your parents." He scoffed as he pierced the blade straight into my heart.
I gasped for breath as I felt the knife in me. My life flashed through my eyes. "Maybe the goddess also wanted this' '. I told myself as I gave up on my own life.
The skies became blurry, and I waited to bleed to death, but it didn't come. I felt a strong aura from within. It was a mixture of dry wood and orchids.
My eyes were blurry and weak, but I felt a presence beside me. I slowly opened my eyes; I couldn't see properly, but I saw a muscular figure who kneeled before me.
He lifted me into his arms and transformed me into a wolf. His fur was silk and gave me comfort as I lay on it. He ran with speed deep into the forest.
***Next Morning***
The ray of the sun showed on my face and woke me up. I slowly opened my eyes and found myself in a different and strange environment.
It was an old, dilapidated house. The walls were cracked and covered in cobwebs, including the windows. The ceiling was covered in moss and lichen.
I suddenly heard footsteps approaching towards the room I was in. My eyes popped open upon seeing him. He was tall, broad, and light-skinned. His hair was oily and curly, and his face was well carved. His eyes were golden, like they were made with fire.
"How do you feel now?". His voice shook me off my thoughts.
"Yes, I feel better now." I answered with my eyes still on him.
"I made soup." He pointed to a bowl that was beside me.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"I think I like him." Camel teased.
"shhhh. I said, shutting her up. He's a total stranger.".
"No, I'm not." He smiled.
I darted my eyes towards him in shock. "Did he just read my mind?". I immediately suppressed my thought after being aware he might have heard me.
"Your soup is getting cold.".
My stomach began to mumble aloud before he finished the sentence. I darted my gaze towards him and caught him scoffing.
"You can go ahead and punish yourself, but not me." Camel sobbed.
"Who are you?". I asked in a polite and eager voice.
"I am the cursed Lycan king.".
"Oh! No". I took a step back and pushed the bowl of soup, causing it to fall on the floor.