Chapter 14: Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ROXANNE

Once again I was back to the dungeon I dreaded the most, the very first. After Ryker gave out his orders the Elders became really furious and had an argument.

I had wanted to thank him but when I called for him, he ignored me and walked off. The guards weren't pleased with his decision too but the Alpha didn't spare any one a glance.

His mind was made up.

I wondered why he had showed up again today. He wanted to punish me and I was sure his vengeance was brutal. I was worried whenever someone did the slightest nice thing for me. I wasn't used to having someone come through for me all the time.

I laid still on the cold floor and suddenly remembered the cell I was in previously. The intricate designs and the diary I had found. I was curious. I wanted to know what details it contained. I needed to have it within my reach but I was unsure how.

There were two guards at the door. If only they weren't dullards I would've asked them to help me get it. But they would only ask for something in return. Something I couldn't give.

But then…

What If the journal contained secrets that no one was supposed to know about? Because why would anyone tuck it in so far away and the book had smelled of age. It only meant one thing.

It had been there for ages. Forgotten. Or perhaps, unseen.

“Quiet,” I heard someone say as they approached my cell.

My ears perked up. I was about to sit up when I heard another voice say, “Why did you bring me here? What about the girl? What if she snitches?”

Someone sniggered and the first man spoke again. “She's asleep and even if she does hear anything, no one believes her. She's a lying murderer and a weakling.”

“Did you see how the Alpha defended her today? He's always helping her,” the second man whispered fearfully.

Why were they talking about the Alpha and I? What were they up to?

I stayed as quiet as possible. Who didn't love spilled tea? Who knows if it was something that could get me out of Red Moon Pack? If I dared make a movement or sound they would know I was awake and I wouldn't hear the secret.

At least, that's what it sounded like.

“Well,” the first man started. “This is the only private place. There are prying eyes everywhere. Now show me what you've got,” he urged impatiently.

I could make out their shadows from where I lay. They were near my dungeon and from the hats in their heads I could tell they were guards.

I heard the rustle of something. A bag maybe and a…whoa! My body itched. I couldn't see what they had but I was sure it was something precious.

“Where did you get this?” One asked, almost squealing.

“The Alpha’s staff ?” The other chuckled, “It was easy. Somewhere within these walls. You have no idea how many treasures are secured within these walls brother.”

My heart dropped. They had theAlpha’s property in their possession and what did they say about treasures being in the wall? What could they possibly need the Alpha’s staff for?

“We’ll sell this. You have no idea how the neighbouring packs have been wanting to have their hands on this. We'll sell it for a fortune and the Alpha wouldn't know it was one of us still.”

“What do we do if we get caught?” The fearful one asked.

The other man chuckled, “No one will know except you sell us out.”

“Maybe he won't,” I murmured and walked towards the cell gate, “but I will.”

***

The guards glared at me. Anger and frustration etched on their faces. The scaredy man was beginning to blame the other but the old one shushed him.

“Betraying your Alpha, aren't you?” I spat. “One would think you were without sins.”

“Shut up!”

“What's going to happen if I don't?” I inquired, arms crossed on my chest with my head cocked back.

The first guard sighed, “You won't tell anyone you darn murderer.”

“Will I?” I teased, “Maybe I will. I mean, I've been on the Alpha’s bad side. I also want his favour. Selling out this secret will buy me freedom and soon you guys will be replacing me.”

“You wouldn't dare,” He charged.

I stepped backwards, “You underestimate me way too much. Maybe we should play this game and see who wins then.”

I turned my back on them and was about heading back to my cold corner when one of them spoke up again.

“Fine. What do you want? Don't sell us out.”

I shrugged. “You need a favour from me yet you sound nonchalant. I refuse such an offer. Be polite and ask again.”

“I don't need a favour,” the first guard stated bluntly.

I whirled around to face him, “Remember I'm not the one betraying him. One of my skills is manipulation.”

Okay that was a lie.

“I mean, you know I'm a murderer right? But yes the Alpha still chooses to listen to me. Even if I tell him and he refuses to believe me, it won't take him a day to fish you out. I wonder what your punishment will be.”

The guards exchanged glances as if mulling over what I said. After a while the scaredy one stepped up to my dungeon gate.

“Please, what do you want in exchange for not selling us out? Anything at all, tell us,” He said softly.

My eyes lit up as I approached him, “It's not perfect but we can make do with that for now. But first, you have to do everything I say. If you hear me out we're good to go but if you don't, I'll call the Alpha right now.”

“We agree,” they chorus almost immediately.

Perfect. I didn't know this version of these guards. The aggressive ones was what I knew but seeing grown men become children all in exchange for secrets they wanted to protect was intriguing.

It was nothing but a lesson. If a secret was heavy enough to bring you to your knees, never carry it in your back pocket.

“You said something about treasures being in the wall, yeah?” I inquired.

Scaredy guard nodded. He was a pathetic excuse for a person. How did he get his job in the first place, I wondered.

“Not treasures literally. But a whole lot of them, yes.”

I smiled, “Well there's a treasure I found and just the same way you want the staff in your possession, I want that treasure.”

Bold guard raised a brow, “what treasure is that?”

“None of your business,” I said flatly. “I found it and I want to keep it. But that's where our bargain comes in.”

Scaredy guard sighed, “What do you need us to do for you?”

“Get me out of here.”

***

It felt good to breathe air again. I watched the guards with the corner or my eyes as they followed closely behind.

I may be weak but I had brains and they knew how to work. We walked down the cold and dark passageway till we got to the cell I had spent the night in days ago.

They looked around frantically and brought out the keys and quickly opened the cell gate. I grinned widely as the door parted.

“Keep watch outside and alert me when anyone is coming,” I warned.

“Be on time,” the bold guard said through gritted teeth.

I ignored him and walked in. I wasted no time in locating the place where the diary had been secured. I reached for it and sneezed as I caught a whiff of dust.

I wanted to take it with me but then on second thoughts, it could be Ryker’s plan. There was no way treasures would be in the walls without his awareness.

Could it be a trap?

Acknowledging the thoughts that lingered in my mind, I sat on the bed. I was going to read whatever content was in here before leaving.

“Is that the treasure?” Scaredy guard asked and he neared me.

“I told you to keep watch outside,” I said in annoyance.

“It's nothing but an old crusty book. Who would want this?”

Bold guard stomped his feet on the ground. “Hurry up or we'll get caught.”

“The only person who would implicate us is you with all that stamping of foot,” I said matter of fact.

I traced my fingertips on the brown leather cover. On the front centre part was a silver fancy padlock. Asides from it being a unique design of the journal, I felt it had something. Information.

My hands brushed against the metal and to my surprise the top opened and I felt something metallic inside. Pulling it out, I found a beautiful silver necklace, beautifully designed with delicate wolf motifs entwined with leaves and flowers.

The pendant was engraved with the initials ‘L.W.’ My curiosity piqued and I examined the necklace more closely, wondering about its origin and significance.

I flipped the pendant over and noticed a small latch. Opening it, I found a rolled up parchment tucked inside. Unfurling the parchment, I found a coded message.

This journal, I was sure, had more than what meets the surface.

My heart raced as I deciphered the code, revealing a riddle:

‘Where the moon meets the shadow, Secrets lie beneath the willow. Find the path where wolves once danced, The key to freedom in your hands.’

I opened the first page carefully as bits of it were beginning to fall from being cold and old. The first page had a writing in italics with the name ‘Lilith.’