Chapter 8: Castle’s Arrival

Words : 1032 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 8: Castle’s ArrivalAva’s body froze. How had she not been informed about this? Why would a punishment involve only the king and... her sister? Why? Why did her sister want to take everything from her? Now, one thing Ava did not realize was that she was actually getting jealous because of a Punishment—not to mention the fact they would be staying alone together. Her mind raced as her mouth opened and closed in shock. She exhaled and inhaled loudly, struggling to stay composed. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the carriage slowed to a stop. Ariana looked out the window, eyes widening. She had never seen anything like this before. Other carriages were lined up, and as it began to move forward slowly, it felt like they were being inspected. Her gaze drifted to the carriage next to hers. Her body stiffened as a bald man in a suit inside turned to look at her. Why is he so scary? she wondered, as her hands moved to her chest, trying to calm the sudden jolt of her heart. But she could not blame him—she was the one who had looked inside. ’What were you expecting? For him to smile at you?’ her inner thoughts screamed at her. But why was her body feeling different? It was like she was experiencing some unknown feeling. Is this because she’s in a new environment? she wondered. She shifted her gaze. After several slow moments, her eyes finally met the royal fence. It was long. She looked up, her mouth falling open in shock. The castle was enormous, breathtaking—nothing like she had ever seen. It was so large, she thought she’d look like an ant if she stood beside it. Ava, who had been watching Ariana all this while, finally spoke, her voice filled with venom. "Shut your mouth, sister. It seems you’ll want a visitor in there. If that’s what you want, you’ll see plenty back at the village—not here," Ava hissed. By ’visitor,’ Ava meant flies and houseflies. Ariana slowly placed her hand on her chest and began raising and lowering it evenly, signing, Calm down. Ava’s face flushed red with anger, disbelief crawling over her like ink dripping into clear water. "Father..." Ava’s voice was tight as she tried to keep her emotions in check. "Ariana, stop this foolishness this instant! Why do you have to be dumb everywhere you go? At least act like a lady for once," he said irritably. Ava’s wolf finally growled softly with satisfaction, reminding her that Ariana had no chance when it came to her—Ariana had no wolf. Ava’s gaze shifted to her father, who was now staring blankly out the window, then returned to Ariana once more as if searching for a Flaw. The carriage stopped as Ariana noticed a guard standing at the gate. The driver handed him a golden card, and the gate slowly opened. As the carriage moved forward, Ariana’s eyes widened even more—the view of the castle was now even more breathtaking than from the outside. "Wow," she mouthed in awe, taking in the sight. The gardens were stunning, with freshly cut flowers that seemed to glow softly. Her lips parted, then she quickly pressed them shut. "Ladies, don’t forget what you prepared. Behave well. Eyes will be on you," their father said sharply. At once, Ava straightened her chest, her cleavage now more prominent. They all stepped out as the sunset began to fall. Ariana noticed many other carriages arriving; some guests stepped out while others moved toward the grand doors. "We haven’t even reached the palace yet, and sister is already disgracing herself. Don’t look at people like that—perfect, what a typical village woman," Ava sneered quietly. Ariana signed back sharply: You’re from the village too. Ava’s face twisted in anger but quickly masked it with a smile as she glanced around, checking if anyone had noticed. She could not let anyone see her like that, as rumors could easily fly at occasions like this. "Ariana, if you disgrace me here, filled with nobles and people, or do anything that will make your sister not see a suitor, I will disown you." Immediately, those words left his lips, Ariana’s body stiffened. Did her father just say that? She bit her lower lip and blinked rapidly, as if that would help keep her eyes from stinging. Her throat felt like a lump had formed, and her chest squeezed. No, Ariana, no, please don’t cry here, please, her inner thoughts whispered at her as she managed to keep her emotions. "Let’s go," their father then spoke as some gazes began to move towards them. "Ariana, show confidence. Chin held up high," he muttered quickly, realizing it was because Ariana’s head was low. Ariana inhaled and exhaled as she raised her head. A quiet confidence surged through her surprisingly as they walked toward the large door. The guards who stood there moved aside as they opened the door. Just as Ava had been taught, she walked inside with grace. Immediately, Ariana followed. Her body tingled softly as the gentle sounds of piano and violin filled the large hall, making the place feel even more grand. The chatter of voices floated through the ballroom—people holding glasses of wine, engaging in quiet conversations, while others spoke to themselves. The room was a sea of different faces, gowns, and accessories. The chandelier lit up extravagantly, the worth that could change their life and make them never suffer, stood tall at the ceiling—filled with perfectly lit candles, the kind that could be turned off with a switch instead of the ’usual blow on it and off.’ Ariana, don’t stare too much, she reminded herself. Eyes turned toward them. Ava maintained her poise, her look and expression flawless—after all, to her, all eyes belonged solely to her. For some unknown reason, Ariana suddenly felt like she had to pee—a strange and urgent feeling for someone usually able to hold it without trouble. Before Ariana could say anything, she heard her sister’s voice. "W... Where is the Alpha King?" Ava stuttered, her eyes scanning the room before finally landing on the throne.

Chapter 8: Castle’s Arrival

Comments (0)