chapter 13

Lexi pov...

I couldn't believe it—my own wife had struck me. The rage boiling inside me was almost unbearable, and if I had her in my hands, I would've made her beg for forgiveness. But she was gone, vanished without a trace.

I doubted she'd find refuge in the village. Those doors were always sealed, and no one dared let a runaway bride inside. Yet still, I searched everywhere, desperate to feel her touch again, but she eluded me at every turn.

Frustration overwhelmed me, and soon, I reverted to my old ways—threatening the villagers with death if they didn't return my wife. The fear in their eyes as I stormed through their streets brought me a twisted sense of satisfaction, but it wasn't enough. A day passed, and still, no sign of her.

Then, the heavy gates creaked open. I rushed toward the sound, my heart racing with anticipation, only to be met by another girl.

I shifted into my human form, staring her down as curiosity and anger swirled within me. Her eyes were filled with fear, wide and trembling.

"Who are you?" I demanded, stepping closer.

Her voice wavered as she whispered, "I am your bride."

The fury in me flared instantly. Another bride? No. I didn't want this girl. I wanted my original bride. I shoved her to the ground, watching her crawl away in fear. Where was my wife? Why couldn't I sense her?

I yanked the girl off the ground, staring into her frightened eyes.

"Are you a virgin?" I asked sharply.

Her body trembled as she shook her head.

"Speak up!" I roared.

"No, I'm not," she whispered, "but people think I am."

A smile crept onto my face. "Well, then it won't be an issue having a bit of fun, will it?"

I dragged her along despite her protests, ignoring her pitiful cries. The anger bubbling inside me needed an outlet, and I didn't care what she had to say. I turned her to face me, locking eyes with her.

"If you scream or cry, I'll kill you. Do you understand?" I growled.

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I understand."

Once we reached home, I locked the door behind us. There was no way she was escaping like my wife. I dragged her to my room, throwing her onto the bed.

"Please don't," she begged, tears already forming.

I struck her for her disobedience, leaning in close. "Since you're no virgin, this won't hurt."

I stripped her down, unbuckling my trousers as I prepared myself. Her struggles meant nothing to me—I was too far gone in my rage. With brutal force, I entered her, ignoring her cries of pain.

Tears streamed down her face, but I pressed on, savoring the sounds she made as I took what I wanted. She moaned, a broken mix of pain and pleasure, and I smiled. It was almost enough to quiet the frustration raging inside me.

Once satisfied, I dragged her from the bed and threw her into the cage I had prepared.

"You'll stay here until I find my wife. Once I do, I'll set you free."

As I turned to leave, she screamed something at me. I stopped in my tracks, turning slowly.

"What did you say?" My voice was low, my eyes burning with anger.

"You're insane!" she spat, her voice shaking with defiance. "You need help. You're a psychopath!"

Rage exploded inside me. I ripped the cage open, grabbed her by the neck, and lifted her off the ground. She gasped, struggling for air.

"You stupid girl," I hissed. "You should've been grateful I wasn't going to kill you. But now, you've left me no choice."

Her eyes widened in terror as I smiled darkly.

"Where's your bravery now, girl? Gone?"

With a quick motion, I snapped her neck, ending her life in an instant. Her body went limp in my grasp.

"Foolish girl," I muttered, "you could've gone back to your family alive. But now, your dead body will have to do."

I dragged her lifeless form out of the house and hurled her over the village gate. The terrified screams that followed filled the night air, and I laughed. The fear I caused—there was nothing quite like it.

But despite the chaos I created, my mind still buzzed with confusion. Where was my wife? Why couldn't I sense her?

Just as I turned to leave, a familiar scent hit my nose. My heart stopped, my senses sharpening. I closed my eyes, breathing in deeply. There she was—her scent still lingered, faint but unmistakable.

A slow smile crept onto my face as I opened my eyes, their red glow returning.

"Don't worry, wife," I muttered. "I'm coming for you."

I turned away, a plan forming in my mind. I would leap over the gate tonight, slip into the village in my human form, and find her.

A sinister grin spread across my face as I imagined it. Soon, very soon, she would be mine again.

"Time to return home," I whispered to myself, letting out a manic laugh that echoed through the empty night.