Chapter 25

Ashely's POV

My hands were slick with sweat—they knew I was here. Hiding wouldn’t save me. Was I going to die? My heart felt like it would burst from my chest. Each beat was a desperate plea for survival.

Their footsteps grew closer, echoing in the cave-like room. My entire body trembled, paralyzed by fear. I couldn't think, couldn't breathe. But with the tiniest bit of courage left in me, I forced myself to stand, my legs barely able to hold me. Without thinking, I took off, running as fast as I could, not daring to look back.

I wasn't strong enough to fight them. That much I knew. The only option was to run. Running away from death—that was the one thing I was good at. I could hear their footsteps behind me, but strangely, they weren’t chasing after me. No pounding of feet, no rush of movement.

It didn’t matter. I couldn’t stop. I was too terrified to turn around and see who was following me—the witch or the man, Anthony. I bolted towards the door that led back into the library, but when I reached the spot where the switch should’ve been, it wasn’t there. The hidden door had vanished.

No... no, no, no! My hands shook violently as I frantically searched the wall, my fingers running over the stone, trying to find the switch. But it was gone. Completely gone.

Behind me, I heard her laugh. A cold, eerie sound that sent shivers down my spine. She was getting closer, and I could feel her presence, the darkness radiating from her. It was thick, suffocating, and it filled me with a dread so intense I could barely stand it.

“Please, Goddess, help me,” I whispered, my voice trembling with desperation. Just this last time, I begged silently. Just let me escape, and I’ll do anything to stay out of trouble. I could sense her dark aura—how, I didn’t know—but it was overwhelming. She was like a shadow creeping closer, and I was powerless against her.

Suddenly, the door behind me swung open. I didn’t question it. I darted through it, and in an instant, I was back in the library. I glanced behind me, but there was nothing—just rows of books, the cave now gone as if it had never existed.

Without wasting another second, I ran, my feet pounding against the floor as I raced out of the library and back to the safety of my dorm. I didn’t stop until I slammed the door shut behind me, my chest heaving, my heart still racing. I was safe—for now.

Tears streamed down my face as I collapsed onto the floor, my body trembling uncontrollably. I sat there for hours, sobbing, my mind racing with thought. I didn’t even know why I was crying. Maybe it was because I had escaped again—barely. Maybe it was the weight of everything.

It wasn’t just a nightmare. The trolls, the attack—it was all real. I had tried so hard to convince myself that maybe, just maybe, it had all been a bad dream. But deep down, I knew. It had happened. I almost died that day, and the memory of it left me shaken to my core. Why does she intimidate me so much.

But why? Why did she hate me so much? What did I ever do to her? And what was her connection to the Lycan King? The more I thought about it, the more confused I became. Everything was so overwhelming. I needed answers, but I didn’t even know where to begin.

And yet, there was something about her—something familiar. I couldn’t place it, but I knew her. Somewhere, somehow, I had seen her before.

After staying in my room for over an hour, hunger finally got the best of me. I decided to head to the kitchen and grab something to eat. My only responsibility here was to tidy up King Zade’s room, so I didn’t have much else to do.

I opened my door and made my way to the kitchen. When I got there, it was surprisingly empty—except for Ashina, the redhead girl. She was busy cooking, and the delicious smell filled the entire space. I couldn’t help but smile as I approached her. She spotted me and waved, her cheerful demeanor making me feel a little more at ease.

"Hey, it smells nice," I said, smiling at her. She gave me a warm smile in return.

"You want some?" she offered, and I nodded eagerly. I grabbed a plate and spoon, and she poured a small amount of soup into the dish. I inhaled the savory aroma, feeling my mouth water.

"So... you’re King Zade’s mate," she said, her voice soft but carrying a hint of something I couldn’t quite place. Hurt? Jealousy? Her smile remained, but I could sense something had shifted.

Her focus stayed on the food, and she didn’t look at me until she finally closed the pot’s lid. Then her gaze met mine, and I suddenly felt a little uneasy.

"Yes... yes," I replied, though even I found it hard to believe. Who was I to King Zade? I didn’t know. I barely understood our connection myself. She smiled again, and I returned it awkwardly.

Just a few minutes ago, she had been warm and kind, but now, there was something different—something off. Her hand reached up, and she began playing with my hair, sending goosebumps down my arms. I tried not to flinch.

"You have such a beautiful hair Ashley" she mumble

"Um... are you a beta?" I asked, hoping to change the subject, the tension between us making me uncomfortable.

"No," she replied, her focus now back on the soup, her tone colder than before.

"This soup tastes so good. Who are you making it for?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"King Zade," she muttered, her voice cold but the smile on her face was still there.

Her sudden shift in attitude confused me. Why was she acting like this? A few moments ago, she had been kind and friendly, and now she seemed cold and almost... possessive?

"I’ll be heading back to my dorm," I said quickly, feeling like it was time to leave. She smiled at me again, but something about her smile didn’t feel right anymore.