Chapter 15: Chapter 15

DUSK.

Thanks to Lucuis and his rough handling, the next few days left me feeling sore. I turned paler, and my head hurt. He banned anyone from seeing me for the past few days, and he sent me medication. I didn't use them. I hate him, and I would not use any of his medications. I am quite sure he would come back another time, inflict me with more pain, and then send me medications. Now I wish I wasn't born; I should have died instead of my mother.

What's the use of being a werewolf without having contact with your wolf or having your wolf sealed up because of constant abuse and torture? What's the use of being a princess and an Alpha's daughter when all that came into your life was endless amounts of suffering? What was the use of having a mate when all he does is make you regret ever being created and slowly kill the bond?

But still, it didn't feel right to me. It felt as if there was something in me that was locked away and kept far away. Could that be why he hated me? Could that be the reason why my life was miserable? Could that be the reason why I felt a blockage whenever I practiced?

With all this thought running only in my mind, my brain throbbed.

I sat heavily on the couch and tried to rearrange my expression into something that would convince Seline that everything was okay. But when she looked at me from across the room, her brow furrowed in concern, I knew it was hopeless.

Yes, Lucius surprisingly lifted the ban and allowed people to see me again. Of course, Seline was the first one to come see me. When she entered, her face darkened with anger, but she said nothing. I could tell she was angry. She walked harshly, taking a cup and stomping it on the counter while I filled it with cold water. She hit items, but then she finally settled down on the couch opposite where I sat on the bed.

"What happened to you?" she asked, her voice a little less steady than usual.

"I'm fine," I said, trying to shrug it off.

"Don't even try to pretend with me," Seline snapped. "You look like you've seen a ghost. What happened?"

I hesitated, not sure if I was ready to say the words out loud.

"Did Lucius do something to you?" Seline asked, her eyes narrowing.

I jerked my head up, startled by the question. "What? No, of course not. Why would you even ask that?"

"Because you look like someone who's been violated," she said bluntly.

I flinched at the word, but I knew she was right. There was no way I could keep it from her now.

"He did."  I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "He forced himself on me."

Seline's face turned red with fury, and I could see her fists clenching at her sides. I knew she wanted to rush out and attack the wolf who had hurt me, but I stopped her.

"Lucius Is the alpha," I said quietly. "You can't just tackle him down like that. It would only cause more problems."

Seline slumped down beside me, her anger deflating. "I hate that he has that kind of power over us," she muttered.

I nodded, knowing exactly how she felt. But there was more to it than that. It wasn't about power; he probably hates me for being weak and pathetic.

"What are you going to do?" Seline asked, her voice gentler now.

"I don't know," I said, feeling lost and helpless.

Seline put a hand on my shoulder. "Remember what we promised each other during our last training? That we would be sisters no matter what?"

I nodded, feeling a little more hopeful.

"It's time to keep that promise," Seline said firmly. "I'm going to train you. We'll make sure you're strong enough to stand up to anyone who tries to hurt you again."

I looked at her in disbelief. "You'd really do that for me?"

"Of course," Seline said, smiling. "We're sisters, remember?"

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I realized how lucky I was to have someone like Seline in my life. Maybe, just maybe, I could be happy again. Maybe he would not treat me like scorn or a trash bag, and most importantly, I would be able to get back at Ardiane and Dalia for putting me through this mess.

"Thank you," I whispered, leaning my head on her shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Seline wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer. "You don't have to worry about that," she said softly. "I'm not going anywhere."

I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath, feeling the weight of my worries slowly lift from my shoulders. Maybe, just maybe, I could be happy again.

A few weeks had passed since Seline and I had our heart-to-heart talk about Lucius. Since that fateful day, I have been a changed person. The weight of my past seemed to lift, and I was finally able to move forward. I blanked out the hard stares I received and focused on my training.

Seline had taken it upon herself to teach me everything she knew. From magic to hand-to-hand combat, she was determined to make me a formidable opponent. I was grateful for her guidance, and even though I was sore and bruised from our training sessions, I felt more alive than I had in a long time.

One afternoon, Seline walked in with a glass of lemonade for me. It was a hot day, and the cool drink was a welcome relief. We sat down together and sipped our drinks, enjoying the momentary break from our intense training schedule.

"How are you feeling?" Seline asked, her eyes studying me carefully.

"I'm good," I replied, smiling. "I feel like a new person."

Seline grinned. "That's what I like to hear. You're looking brighter too, you know. Before, you were always so tired-looking."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Thanks, I guess."

Seline chuckled and finished her drink. "Alright then, time to get back to training. Are you ready?"

I nodded, feeling a surge of energy course through my veins. Seline and I went to our designated training area, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through me. We started with some basic magic exercises and then moved onto physical training.

I was surprised at how much I had improved in such a short time. Seline had been an excellent teacher, and I was grateful for her guidance. We decided to have a spar, and I could feel the excitement building within me.

We started off slow, but soon our movements became faster and more fluid. She was nimble and quick, but I was able to keep up with her. We traded blows and dodged each other's attacks until, finally, we both landed simultaneous hits on each other.

We both fell back, panting and laughing.

"Looks like it's a tie," Seline said, grinning.

I nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "That was amazing. I can't believe how much I've improved."

Seline clapped me on the back. "You've come a long way, Dusk. I'm proud of you."

I felt a warmth spreading through my chest as I smiled up at her. Maybe, just maybe, I had finally found my place in the world. Mostly, I found myself planning a secret revenge mission in my head. That no one knew about.

…

LUCIUS.

I never thought I'd be the kind of person to be so easily fascinated by someone. But lately, I've found myself fixated on Dusk. I couldn't help but notice how she seemed unaffected by the way I treated her and trained with Seline, like I didn't exist.

"What's on your mind?" Ethan asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. After the day I lashed out on him, I felt guilty and treated him to a drink where we made up for our differences.

I looked up from my work, meeting his gaze. "Have you noticed anything about Dusk lately?"

It was no news that she was changing. I heard some side talks about how she glided away smartly from Ariadne and Dalia.

Ethan furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"She has changed. She isn't bothered by what I do to her anymore. It's just so suspicious thinking about it." I asked, a hint of frustration creeping into my voice.

Ethan shrugged. "I don't know, man. Maybe she just doesn't care about what you think of her, or she's probably found her new reality."

I scoffed, doubting the accuracy of his statement.

Ethan chuckled. "Maybe everyone but her. I don't know, Lucius. Maybe you should just talk to her and find out for yourself."

I considered Ethan's words for a moment before standing up. "Yeah, maybe you're right. Thanks, man."

I left Ethan and began walking down the hallways aimlessly. As I was lost in my thoughts, I heard a sound that made me stop dead in my tracks. It was a laugh.

I recognized it immediately as Dusk's laughter. What was she doing here? I followed the sound and found her sitting with Seline, who was instructing her on some form of combat.

I watched from afar, feeling a strange pull towards Dusk. She was beautiful, but it wasn't just her looks that intrigued me. It was something deeper, something unexplainable. Have I been so blind all this time?

Seline noticed me and nodded in acknowledgement before resuming her training with Dusk. I let out a sigh and continued on my way. What was wrong with me?

As I walked through the halls, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing something. Something important. I had always been so good at reading people, but with Dusk, I couldn't seem to figure her out.

Eventually, I made my way back to my own quarters and collapsed onto my bed, deep in thought. What was it about Dusk that had me so captivated? Was it the challenge of trying to understand her or the thrill of trying to break down her walls?

I didn't have any answers. All I knew was that I wanted to know more about her. And for the first time in a long time, I felt invested in something other than myself. But I didn't know if it was temporary or if it was going to be a permanent emotion. All I cared about right now was making sure I was making the right decision by trying to make things straight with her.