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Caspian's POV
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the Wolfsbane's grand hall,...
I walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, the soft glow of the white chandeliers casting a warm glow on the dimly lit room room. I pushed the dark curtains apart, the velvet fabric making a soft, rustling sound as I gaze out to see the sea of heads on the first floor. The crowd was a blur of color and movement, the sound of their laugher and chattering drifting to me like a distant hum.
My lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. A satisfied one. They were finally hooking the bait.
I turned to Luke, who stood at my shoulder. "What about this woman?" I asked, my voice low.
Luke's eyes flickered to the woman lying on the bed sleeping. "Alpha Caspian, we found her unconscious at the restricted area with a bloody knife beside her," he paused, his eyes locked onto mine. "She must have come from a crime scene.."
My eyes drifted to the petite woman sleeping soundly on the king-sized bed, her fragile appearance a sharp contract to the turmoil that brought her here. "But the physician said she has a weak pulse. Could a weakling like her have the ability to kill?" I asked.
Luke sniffled a chuckle, "Alpha Gideon, you underestimated the skills of an assassin. They act under the pretense of being weak, making them less suspicious."
My eyes flashed with fierce intensity, narrowing, "Is that so?" I paused slightly,"Then she is a prime suspect as of now and she'd be taken with us. Till she's thoroughly investigated.."
I turned back to the window, my gaze scanning the crowd, then I saw him. Alpha Gideon. Standing out of the crowd like a dark beacon. I felt a jolt of surprise, my mind racing with questions. I beckoned Luke closer with a curt gesture. "Luke, come here," I said, my voice low.
Luke walked over to me, his eyes curious. "Isn't that Alpha Gideon?" I asked, my gaze still fixed on the figure below. Luke was also surprised, "He is.. But what could he be doing here?"
My gaze turned to a cold, calculative strike, observing him. "Probably he sent this girl here?"
Luke nodded along. "It is not impossible, judging by how he had never attended our parties, except today.."
I lit up a cigarette within my fingers, exhaling a puff. "Interesting. Go and prepare the guards, we are leaving in the next thirty minutes," I ordered.
"What are you planning to do with Alpha Gideon?" Luke asked, his gaze on me, trying to know what I was thinking. But the smoke had covered my face and my expression was unreadable.
I turned to Luke, my eyes narrowing into silt. Luke took as step back, eyes wide open in fear as he lowered his head in apology.
Luke pursed his lips, forcing back the words hanging in his throats. " Yes, your highness.." he left afterwards, closing the door with care.
As I turned back to the room, I caught the sight of the woman stirring on the bed. She slowly sat up, her timid eyes meeting mine. My gaze dropped, my eyes glinting like ice in the dim light.
I strode over to sit on the one-seat cushion, extinguishing the cigarette butt in the ashray. I poured myself a wine, the wine flowing like liquid gold, filling the glass with a rich, fruity aroma. I overlapped my legs as I leaned back, swirling the wine in the glass as my gaze locked onto her's, like predator watching it's prey. "Who are you?" I asked.
Vesper's POV:
Pain coursed through my head, making me to wince as I struggled to sit up. My breath caught, my eyes darting wildly around the strange room, landing on a figure, whose long silhouette was casted by the dim light.
Countless thoughts raced through my mind. Was I kidnapped from the venue, then brought here? Then he was the kidnapper?
The air seemed to vibrate with tension, making my skin prickle. I was supposed to be in the hall now, completely willed off to my mate. Even though I wasn't pleased with it, but at least, it would appease my parents.
But here I'm, kidnapped for who knows why. Pain throbbed my head, making every movement a struggle. I raised my trembling hand to my forehead but the sound of irons rubbing against each other pierced the silent room. I was chained?
The man who has been standing with his back to me turned, his piercing eyes locked onto mine with an unnerving intensity.
Then, with precise movements, he strode forward, the clicking of his polished shoes echoing in the silent room. I etched back, my hand trembling as I grasped the bed frame.
He settled on the sofa, facing the bed, his gaze pinning me in place. I watched him warily, my heart racing with anticipation. He extinguished the cigarette butt in the ashray, the smell of smoke lingering in the air.
"Who are you?" He asked, his voice low and even.
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. My eyes dropped to my lap in silence, my nails digging into my palms.
He smirked, gulping down the wine, before setting the glass on the glass table. "Don't want to answer?" he asked, his voice dripping with amusement.
I raised my chained hand, the metal clanking sofly against the soft bed. I made a muffled sound, trying to convey my frustration.
He strode towards me, his towering height making me feel small and insignificant. He lifted my chin up, his nails digging into my skin with a force that made me wince. His eyes turned glacial, freezing me in place.
"As expected of the top assassin," he whispered through gritted teeth, his voice dripping with venom. "You're not only weak, you're also mute."
My eyes welled with tears, one rolling from the corner of my eyes into my hair. I tried to speak but only muffled sounds escaped my throat. I stared into his deep, golden eyes, pleading for mercy.
He threw my head to the side, his expression twisted in disgust. He straightened his back, picking up a tissue to wipe his hand clean. A simple gesture that indicated that he saw me as nothing more than a dirty, filthy thing.
"By the time you get to witness my methods, you'd show your true self.." he whispered softly, his voice low yet firm.
He disappeared into the bathroom, followed by the sound of running water.
I collapsed my head against the headboard, racing through my memories. I recalled standing at the entrance of Wolfsbane's party hall with my family, then left outside. A dull noise had caught my attention and I walked over to investigate, only to be strucked by something on the head.
My eyes widened in shock as I realized the truth. The assassin must have made me fall unconscious to take it's place.
My hand rubbed my forehead roughly, realizing the gravity of what I had been caught in.
Soon, the sound of water stopped. Caspian emerged from the bathroom, and I couldn't help but stare. Drop of water from his trimmed black hair fell lazily on his perfect abs, down to his abdomen. His skin was white and tender, his towel hanged loosely around his thin waist.
"Watched enough?" he scoffed, walking into the dressing room without sparing me another glance.
I quickly came back to my senses. I felt a flush rise to my cheek as I looked away, trying to compose myself. But my gaze kept drifting back to him, my heart racing with mixture of fear and attraction.
"Alpha Caspian, we are all ready.." a voice came in from the outside.
"We'd be waiting for you at the stairs..."
Caspian hummed from the changing room, and I felt a spark of surprise and shock ignite within me.
The title echoed in my mind, and I couldn't help but shiver in fear.
Alpha Caspian- the name was synonymous with ruthlessness and brutality. I'd heard whispers of his merciless tactics and his ability to strike fear into the hearts of even the most bravest warriors.
His word echoed in my mind; "By the time you get to witness methods...."
How would I be treated in his cold hands if I'm unable explain myself to him that I was innocent?