Chapter 2: Those Eyes

Words : 1212 Updated : Sep 9th, 2025

The moment those words left her father’s lips—Ariana’s throat began to tighten. It clenched deeply, as though invisible hands were slowly strangling her. Her eyes widened in alarm as her hands flew to her neck, clutching it as if trying to soothe the unseen pain. It felt like someone had taken a razor blade and sliced through her throat—not just any blade, but a hot one, intensifying the agony. The pain was unbearable. She began to gasp for air, her breaths coming in short, shallow rasps. Her father’s eyes widened slightly in response. Then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wrap—something like a tightly bundled packet. It was a bottle of herbs, something he always carried with him, just in case something like this ever happened. He had done so for years, ever since Ariana’s condition had begun—something far more complex than anyone could truly understand. He handed it to her. As he did, he muttered something quietly to himself, helping her uncap the bottle. Without hesitation, Ariana gulped it down. The moment it hit her throat, it felt like a massive stone had been shoved down. Her body tensed. Her eyes squeezed shut as tears leaked from the corners. Her lips trembled as she bit them, trying to focus the pain elsewhere. One hand pressed tightly against her gown, as if willing the pain to transfer to the fabric instead of her body. And tomorrow was her birthday. In fact, one of the reasons her father had arranged her marriage to Frederick was because, according to him, she was cursed by the Moon Goddess. Unlike Ariana, her sister had a wolf. But strangely, both their mates had been delayed. Typically, wolves found their mates at the age of 18, but in their case, a seer had revealed that their true mates—or rather, her twin sister’s true mate—would appear only on their 21st birthday. Her sister was to awaken her wolf tomorrow—at the coming of the Blood Moon. Meanwhile, Ariana was to face the Alpha King for her punishment. Tragic. Another reason her father had forced her to marry Frederick was simply that she was a wolfless human and, in his eyes, worthless. She would never have a mate, so she was to be married off before she turned 21. But even more cruelly, it had also been to pay off her father’s debts. It was always about him—about what suited him best. Then he spoke again. "Open your eyes. Stop crying. You are not a child," he said sharply. Ariana’s chest squeezed, but she obeyed, blinking through the tears. "We’re going home," he muttered angrily. She nodded silently, and together they left the council building. Outside, the only light came from the dim glow of lanterns—it was already nighttime. The village square had been lit using a makeshift structure: large light frames housing lanterns that guided the way. Without warning, a soft drizzle began to fall, droplets tapping gently against the earth. Could today get any worse? The drizzle wasn’t so bad, but the wind that followed was strong enough to flicker the flame inside the lantern her father was holding—all thanks to the small hole in its casing. Ariana’s blonde hair moved with the wind as she pushed the strands covering her face behind her ear. Her father broke the silence. "When you meet the king tomorrow, don’t do anything foolish," he warned coldly. "The Alpha King is brutal. Don’t expect mercy—not even because of the child. Don’t expect him to reduce your punishment. Just pray his mood isn’t foul. Besides, things could be worse. Your child is just a week old." Then he added, voice low but full of resentment, "You’ve brought more misfortune to this family than you ever have good." Ariana walked beside him in silence. She would be lying if she said those words didn’t hurt her lips parted softly as she looked up at the starless night. The only sources of light were the small lantern in his hand and a few placed along the path, thoughtfully provided by the village chief—surprisingly considerate, given his selfish character. Her father continued, "Tomorrow, make sure to act your best is that clear" Ariana felt dread settle deep in her bones but nodded slowly as she moved her hands. ’Yes, Father.’ She was in more trouble than anyone knew. What she had done bordered on abomination in their community. Getting pregnant before marriage—especially in a place where being a virgin bride was a symbol of honor and loyalty—was disgraceful. It brought shame not just to her, but to her entire family. There was no denying it—this week would be the "latest hot tea," as the villagers called it. No doubt her family would be the talk of the week, if not the entire month. She wouldn’t be surprised if her punishment was worsened because of this. She truly wouldn’t. Another silence fell between them. The only sounds now were the soft crunch of their footsteps on the rough ground, the chirping of crickets, and the gentle patter of drizzle hitting her head like a reminder of what was to come. Ariana’s hand moved slowly to her stomach, gently caressing it. Tomorrow, the Alpha’s words were going to seal her fate. But one thing was sure—she would protect her child by all means. There was one thing she would never forget—that night. That man. His touch. Yes... those eyes. Those darkish gray eyes that still made her heart race wildly. She couldn’t forget them. It had all happened on a night when she’d gone to the local motel for a cleaning shift. She had been desperate—needing money after the fruits her father had sent her to buy fell into a gutter. Not to mention, the neighbor’s chickens had rushed over and eaten them, especially the corn. The fear of returning home empty-handed had driven her to find work—anything that would earn her enough to replace what was lost. Surprisingly, she had been given a task: clean a room where wine had been spilled. And that was where she met him. The man with the gray eyes. For some unknown reason, she had wanted it. Needed it. She had begged for it. She had told him she wanted it—willingly. On a piece of paper. Something about that moment was unlike her—so unlike the girl she knew herself to be. She had never imagined her first time would be like that. With a stranger. In a motel room. But it happened. Who would have thought a one-night stand could lead to her getting pregnant with a stranger’s child? Definitely not her. And she couldn’t forget the way it felt. The strokes. The touches. The way he had stared right into her soul. The way he had made her feel something she had never felt before. The fireworks in her head—that was the first time she had ever been close to a male. To the opposite gender. So those feelings... they had marveled her. She was sure—even if she never saw him again—she would never forget him. And definitely not the words. Words that still echoed in her memory as clearly as if they had just been spoken. "Spread your legs wider.., Snowflake."

Chapter 2: Those Eyes

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