chapter 19 Punished to death

With a voice as warm as the sun's first light, Prince Ezekiel said, "Calista, I know this might sound strange to you, but I truly have feelings for you. You are the only woman in my heart."

Calista's gaze locked with his for a fleeting moment, her heart skipping a beat as his words sank in. The sincerity in his eyes caught her off guard, leaving her in a trance. But reality hit her like a splash of cold water. Her eyes darted away, and she shook her head as if to dismiss the weight of his confession.

"Please… get this engagement annulled immediately," she said, her tone trembling but firm.

Ezekiel's brows furrowed, taken aback by her sudden resistance. Calista quickly realized the harshness in her words and fidgeted nervously, lowering her gaze. "I mean… I'd like to explore the world… and help those in need. I can't be your Luna," she said softly, her fingers twisting in her lap. She reminded herself of the promise she made to Aurora; she couldn't break it, even if he was kind and attentive.

Prince Ezekiel's deep laugh broke the tension. "You're so cute," he said, his smile lighting up his face as he reached out and gently ran his fingers through her fiery hair.

The unexpected gesture made her blush, and before she could react, he added, "You're beautiful, Calista." His voice softened, his face drawing closer to hers.

She froze as their faces were now just inches apart. His eyes fluttered shut, and her own lids began to close. The air between them was electric, hearts pounding in unison. It was a magical moment—until—

"Ah!" They both yelped in pain.

Ezekiel clutched his left eye, stunned, while Calista groaned, her back strained from her sudden reflex. She had punched him.

"I'm so sorry!" she stammered, guilt painted all over her face. "You… you were too close, and I panicked!" Her words tumbled out quickly, her eyes wide with regret. She chewed on her bottom lip nervously, peeking up at him through her lashes.

Ezekiel chuckled, rubbing his eye. He was amused more than anything. "It's fine," he said with a grin, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're full of surprises, Calista."

Her green eyes met his, and for a fleeting moment, he found himself falling deeper for the fiery spirit that seemed to set her apart from anyone he'd ever met.

Before the moment could linger, a knock came at the door, and the healer announced his presence. Ezekiel excused himself, leaving the room with a smile still playing on his lips.

A week passed, and Calista's condition had improved steadily. Prince Ezekiel visited her daily, doting on her and filling her days with kindness and attention. She found herself growing comfortable with him, even starting to depend on him in ways she hadn't anticipated. But deep down, she knew she couldn't stay. Once her health was fully restored, she planned to leave, to disappear before she grew too attached. Yet fate had other plans.

That night, as the moon hid behind a veil of clouds, Ezekiel was on his way to her room. His heart was light, his face glowing with happiness as he recalled their shared moments over the past week. He was smitten, and the thought of seeing her again filled him with warmth.

But as he approached her door, his steps faltered. His eyes widened at the gruesome scene before him. One of his trusted maids lay wounded near the entrance, her body limp. The lifeless bodies of his guards were strewn across the hallway, blood staining the once-pristine floors.

Fear gripped his heart, twisting it painfully. He pushed open the door to her room, and his world shattered.

The room was in chaos—furniture overturned, blood smeared on the walls and floor. Calista was gone.

He turned to the closest conscious maid, his voice trembling with anger. "Where is she?"

"The Alpha King…" she managed weakly. "He ordered her to be taken…"

The maid passed out before she could finish, leaving Ezekiel trembling with rage. His hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms as his eyes burned red. The beast within him threatened to surface.

"They will pay for this," he growled under his breath. His voice was low, laced with barely-contained fury. "If even a strand of her hair is harmed, they will all pay."

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At the Alpha King's throne room, Alpha Caleb sat regally on his throne, adorned in a red robe embroidered with golden threads. He exuded authority, his cold gaze sweeping the room. His subordinates stood in silence, leaving a clear space in the center.

There, on her knees, was Calista.

Her fiery red hair framed her pale face, her eyes swollen from tears. She trembled, confused and terrified. She didn't understand why she was here or what crime she was accused of.

"Do you admit your guilt?" Alpha Caleb's voice echoed through the hall like a death knell.

"I've done nothing wrong, my lord," Calista said, her voice breaking as fresh tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Lies!" Beta Mateo spat, his tone dripping with disdain. His piercing gaze bore into his daughter, void of any affection.

Calista's heart sank. She glanced at the man she called her father, hoping for even the slightest sign of compassion. But there was none. His indifference stung more than any blade could.

Her head bowed in resignation, her red locks covering her tear-streaked face. "I walk this path alone," she thought bitterly, her heart breaking further. She refused to drag Ezekiel into this mess. He didn't deserve to be tainted by her misfortune.

"You seduced my son and corrupted his judgment," the Alpha King declared coldly. "For this crime, you will be punished by death."

Calista's body stiffened as the words pierced her. She felt her world crumble. A hollow laugh almost escaped her lips. Even now, she couldn't muster the will to beg for her life. What was left for her, anyway?

Alpha Caleb thought to himself, though his eyes remained hard. " You have nothing to blame but your fate. You were born into the wrong family and loved by the wrong man."

Calista raised her head slightly, her green eyes dim but defiant. If this was how it ended, she would face it with dignity.