Chapter 4

The months within the palace had been a twisted dance, a constant battle between hatred and desire. I played my role as informant, all the while plotting my escape, knowing that my heart was a fortress of vengeance.

One fateful evening, as I returned from another mission, Eric was waiting for me in my chambers. His presence sent a shiver down my spine, a mixture of anger and anticipation. We were two souls locked in a dangerous game, and there was no predicting its outcome.

"What do you want, Eric?" I demanded, my voice laced with defiance.

He approached me with a predatory grace, his eyes locked on mine. "I have a task for you, Seraphine."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical but wary. "A task?"

Eric nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. "There's a gathering of a rival pack happening in the nearby forest. I want you to infiltrate and gather information about their plans."

I hesitated, knowing that such a mission was perilous. "And what's in it for me, Eric?"

His lips curled into a knowing smile. "The knowledge that you're serving your purpose in this alliance. And the satisfaction of knowing that you'll be out of my sight for a while."

I agreed to the task, a mixture of dread and determination coursing through me. Little did I know that this mission would lead to a shocking revelation that would change everything.

As I ventured into the rival pack's territory, I found myself surrounded by hostile eyes and wary glances. I was in danger, but I pressed on, determined to fulfill my mission.

The night was dark, and the tension in the air was palpable as I overheard snippets of conversations and gathered information. But as I attempted to slip away, I found myself ambushed by a group of hostile werewolves.

My heart raced as I fought to defend myself, but I was outnumbered and overpowered. Just as it seemed all hope was lost, a furious roar echoed through the forest.

Eric appeared, his eyes blazing with a deadly intensity, and he unleashed a savage fury that left the rival pack members scattered and defeated. He fought with a brutal efficiency, a stark reminder of his ruthless nature.

But then, something unexpected happened. As the threat was neutralized, Eric rushed to my side, a stark contrast to the cold, cruel Alpha I had known. He pulled me into a protective embrace, his arms a refuge of warmth and security.

For a fleeting moment, I thought that he cared, that he was capable of something other than cruelty. I let my guard down, allowing myself to believe in a glimmer of hope.

But that hope was shattered in an instant.

As I looked over Eric's shoulder, I saw the true extent of his brutality. The rival pack members, defeated and defenseless, were mercilessly slaughtered, their lives taken in a relentless display of violence.

My heart plummeted, and I realized that I had been a pawn in Eric's game all along. He had used me to infiltrate the rival pack, and now they paid the price for their perceived threat.

In that moment, I saw Eric for what he truly was—a ruthless Alpha who would stop at nothing to maintain his dominance. I had been a fool to let my guard down, to believe in a shred of humanity within him.

As we left the forest, Eric's gaze was cold and unfeeling, and I knew that I had witnessed the true depths of his cruelty. Our alliance was a perilous dance, and I was determined to use whatever means necessary to achieve my ultimate goal: vengeance.

The days that followed were marked by a chilling silence between us. Eric had revealed his true nature, and I had no choice but to continue playing my role, all the while plotting my escape and the fulfillment of my vow to avenge the man I had loved.

The palace had become a prison, and my every move was watched with suspicion. I was bound by a cruel desire to break free from Eric's grasp and take my revenge.