Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Sierra pov.

I still can't believe that I kissed Henry. What was I thinking?

I started packing a few clothes into my bag. I was feeling better now, and I thought it would be best if I just went to Nora's place.

The smell of musty air in this castle was becoming unbearable, and I couldn't stand to see it happen.

I ran around my room, searching for what I could wear in a week after I arrived at Nora's place. I knew Henry would be alone, but I just needed a place to cool off a bit. Seeing William all the time made me regret ever being here in the first place.

After I was done packing, I let out a heavy breath and tried to think, looking around to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything else.

I picked up my bag and opened the door to walk out, only to see Henry standing in the doorway.

"Do you have to go?" he asked, and I could see the sadness in his eyes. I smiled and moved a bit closer to him, staring into his eyes before speaking.

"I'm only staying at Nora's for a week, Henry. It's not like I'm moving there to live forever. This is my home, and it will always be. But I just need a place to stay and get away from all that's been happening lately. Don't worry, when you feel bored, just call me and I'll always pick up, okay?"

As I was about to walk past him, he held my hand and turned to face me.

"If it's about what happened the other time at the library, let's just forget it and act as if nothing happened. If you leave, this place will be hell without you."

I moved my hand to his face and smiled. I knew he was right. Leaving would only make Alex act more freely this time as the woman of the house. But if I stayed, she would always find a way to make my life hell.

I know I didn't get pregnant for William, but I still can't believe he slept with my friend. I kept looking at Henry, and a little tear dropped from my eyes. I quickly wiped it away.

"Hey," Henry said as he lifted my face to look at him. "Remember what I said, no crying. It doesn't make your face look good."

I nodded as I tried to laugh and playfully hit him on his shoulder.

After a while, I stopped laughing and whispered, "Thank you, Henry. You've been a great friend ever since I came here."

I walk past him, tears threatening to spill from my eyes, but I have to be strong and show Alex that I am not weak. I hurry to leave the castle, my footsteps echoing in the empty corridors. The sight of William standing near the gate catches my eye as I make my way towards it.

I try to walk past him, but he grabs my hand, and I look at him with concern. "I am so sorry, Mate," he says, tears already streaming down his face. It's the first time I've seen William like this. Even as a beast, he rarely cries. Is he trying to make me feel sorry for him?

I pull my hand away from his grip and step back, not wanting him to come any closer. I had expected him to love and care for me like any other mate, but instead, he's acting foolishly. He tries to approach me again, but I quickly move away, avoiding his reach. I look into his eyes, and it seems like he's on the verge of madness if I were to leave.

Just then, I notice Alex walking towards us from the corner of my eye, coming out of the castle. I don't have time for her insults, so I decide to leave before she causes any more drama.

As I turn to walk away, William grabs me, holding me back. I look up at him, frustration and hurt swirling inside me. "Let me go, beast. I have somewhere to be." It hurts to call him "beast" again, but I can't help it. He looks taken aback, hurt evident in his eyes, and I can't help but feel a pang of sadness alongside my anger.

"There is a mistake, and I promise to find out the truth," he said, as if there was hope in his voice.

Just then, Alex walked over to where we were, staring at us.

"Why are you leaving so soon, Sierra?" she said, laughing. "I thought you were stronger than this, but by the way, it's better you're leaving. At least I won't have to see your face anymore."

I felt tears falling down my eyes when she said those words. This was the same person I called my friend, the same one I did things together with. I closed my eyes as I tried to stop the tears from coming out. I couldn't let her see me this weak in front of her.

"That's it, Sierra, keep crying like a baby," she continued.

Just as she said that, William left and turned to face her, his voice cold as he called out her name.

"Alex."

I turned to see how angry he had become and how upset he was. His face was now like that of a scary beast that everyone fears.

Alex chuckled without even moving a bit as she walked over to William.

"What? Why are you yelling?" she shouted in his face. "Poor you, instead of being happy that I now have a child for you, an heir to your throne, rather than this bitch of a wife who can't even bear a child."

Without a word, William raised his hand, and a sharp slap landed on Alex's face, causing her to stagger and collapse onto the cold, hard floor.

"William!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with disbelief and anger. I couldn't fathom how he could be so cruel to a pregnant woman. Dropping my bag, I rushed to Alex's side, my heart pounding in my chest, and checked if she was alright, my hands trembling with concern.

As I knelt beside her, I took in the sight of her pale, tear-streaked face and the red mark left by William's slap.