Chapter 5

~Eira POV~

I woke up to a cold water splash on my body. My eyes shot open and I sat up, my body dripping with water. I heard someone shouting at me to wake up. I got up and walked towards the castle, my body shivering from the cold water.

When I got to the castle, I saw Luna Emilia waiting for me with Emma and Daryl by her side. I quickly went down on my knees and said, "Luna Emilia, you sent for me?"

Luna Emilia looked at me with a stern expression and said, "Yes, I did. My son reported to me that you stole his golden bracelet."

I looked up in shock and said, "No, I didn't. Why would you accuse me of stealing?"

Emma and Daryl immediately spoke up and said, "Stop lying. You took the bracelet."

I could feel my anger rising, and I asked them, "Why would I steal something I have no use for? These little brats-"

Before I could finish my sentence, Luna Emilia slapped me across the face and said, "How dare you speak to my children like that? You're just a worthless slave."

I stood up, not feeling intimidated, and said, "I am not a thief. You can accuse me all you want, but I am innocent."

Luna Emilia then ordered her followers to throw me into the dungeon and make sure I received punishments. I didn't flinch, knowing the dungeon like the back of my hand. "It's not a big deal to me. I am used to staying in the dungeon anyway," I said as I was taken away and thrown inside the dark, cold dungeon.

I sat alone in the darkness, I couldn't help but wonder why they would accuse me of stealing. I didn't steal anything, but they seemed to believe otherwise. I sighed and leaned my back against the wall, feeling defeated. It seemed like there was no escaping the cruelty of the castle's inhabitants.

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~Alpha Michael Pov~

Liam and I were standing outside my castle, he brought up the topic of Eira being a slave in Alpha Ethan's territory. "Is this how you're going to allow Eira to continue being a slave at Alpha Ethan's territory?" Liam asked. "According to what you said, I'm so sorry Alpha Michael, Eira is your mate. We can fight and bring her back."

I told Liam to calm down and reminded him that according to the rules, I couldn't just pick a slave and proclaim her as my mate. Liam said, "I know, but you're more powerful than Alpha Ethan."

However, I still tried to tell Liam to calm down, and then I asked him to call Rachel for me. Liam called Rachel, and she quickly came and bowed before me.

I asked Rachel if she had any feedback about Eira, and she said that she hadn't seen anything unusual, but it looked like Eira would listen to the warning that had been given to her. I then asked her if she noticed anything at Emma's birthday party, and Rachel hesitated for a moment before admitting that she saw Ashley, Alpha Mondragon's adopted daughter, talking to Eira. It seemed like Ashley was trying to get close to her.

I smiled, thinking that it could be a good thing, but then I realized that I needed to come between them. I told Rachel to tell others to prepare my horse. I needed to visit Alpha Ethan right away and buy Eira as a slave to bring her to my territory. Rachel was shocked by my statement, but she quickly left to deliver the message.

After Rachel left, Liam looked at me and asked if it was really necessary to buy Eira. I explained that it was the only way to bring her to my territory without breaking the rules. Liam nodded in understanding, and we headed to the stables to prepare for the journey to Alpha Ethan's territory.

Rachel quickly went to inform my rogues to prepare my horse for my visit to Alpha Ethan's territory. As I got ready for my trip, I couldn't help but feel anxious about what I was about to do. I knew that buying Eira as a slave would be a difficult decision, but I also know that I couldn't let her suffer any longer in Alpha Ethan's territory.

As soon as my horse was ready, I mounted and rode off towards Alpha Ethan's territory. As I got closer, I could feel my heart beating faster and faster. I knew that Alpha Ethan was not going to let Eira go easily, and I was prepared to face any challenges he throws my way.

When I finally arrived at Alpha Ethan's castle, I was greeted by Alpha Ethan himself. "Alpha Michael, what brings you here?" Alpha Ethan asked with a hint of suspicion in his voice.

"I'm here to talk to you about your slave, Eira," I said calmly.

Alpha Ethan's face turned cold. "What about her?" he asked.

"I want to buy her as a slave for my territory," I replied.

Alpha Ethan laughed. "You think you can just come here and take my property?" he said, his voice laced with arrogance.

"I'm not trying to take anything from you," I utter. "I'm willing to pay a fair price for Eira."

Alpha Ethan's expression softened slightly. "I'm sorry, Alpha Michael," he said. "But Eira is not for sale."

I felt a surge of anger rise in me. "What do you mean she's not for sale?" I asked, my voice rising.

"Eira is a valuable asset to me," Alpha Ethan said. "She's a hard worker and she's obedient. I can't just let her go. Forget that she once ran away."

"I understand that, but I'm willing to pay you any amount you want," I said, trying to keep my temper in check.

Alpha Ethan shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alpha Michael. I'm not selling her," he repeated.

I could feel my patience running thin. "Fine," I said. "If that's the way you want it, then I'll have to take matters into my own hands."

"What do you mean?" Alpha Ethan asked, a hint of fear creeping into his voice.

"I mean that I'll do whatever it takes to get Eira out of her even if it means, waging a war!" I spat, my voice firm.

With that, l turned and left Alpha Ethan's castle, my mind racing with ideas on how to rescue Eira from her captivity.