The Alpha’s Dark Revenge

Liyah’s POV

The binds on my wrists pierced deeper into my skin as I struggled to sit up, pushing my back harder against the wall. I readied myself for what was in store for me, scared for myself but still not regretting helping that little boy.

In the place of my captor, I saw a beautiful woman walk in. Trying to look through my blurred vision, I recognized her as the woman from the day before, Elyan trailing behind her.

“Get up,” She ordered as she got to where I stood. I obeyed. The last thing I wanted was another round of punishment.

My ears burned as she looked me over. For some reason I felt so small and comfortable standing next to her intimidating form. A few moments later she motioned Elyan to release the binds, and I gasped from the combination on pain and relief when they fell off.

“You have orders from our superior to heal one of the members who is wounded. It should be done quickly and by the hour.”

My brows furrowed as I turned to her confused. I was shocked that he would permit me to even lay my hands on any member of his household, more so to heal them. And why did they think I was a healer? I looked up to ask but the stern expression on her face stopped me.

So I nodded.

As Elyan grabbed me and began to lead me out of the basement, I was held back by a firm grip. I turned to see the the woman glaring intently at me. “And if you try to harm him or do anything stupid, rest assured you won’t live to see another day.”

I could only nod. Before long, I was whisked out the basement and into a room in a secluded part of the house. I had told them I needed to see how bad the wound was to know what herbs I needed. They led me into the room, occupied by a woman who looked to be in her fifties, and a tall figure lain across the bed, a hot towel on his face.

I could only catch a glimpse of his plump lips which were beginning to pale. Quickly, I examined him, noting that most of his bones were fractured. But I knew it wouldn’t be much of a problem. The real problem was the silver dagger buried in his abdomen. It looked like it had been stuck in there for so long, the area around it had started to turn black.

“W-we need t-to take out the dagger,” I whispered, the glares I was receiving from all over the room making me uncomfortable.

“What was that?” One of the men barked at me.

“The dagger…”

“For fuck sakes are you dumb?” He roared at me again. My grip on my dress tightened as tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

“Hey!” The elderly woman back. “All of you, out! Can’t you see you’re scaring her?”

They all muttered amongst themselves, and then grudgingly they filed out of the room. I felt like I could finally breathe. Turning to the elderly lady, I thanked her.

She nodded. “I know you need a clear head to work.”

Nodding, I moved my hand over the wound, pressing the skin and pulling the dagger out with the last bit of strength I had.

The elderly woman held my waist in support to stop me from falling over.

“I’m okay,” I muttered. “I’ll need some herbs from the back.”

She assented, quickly leading me to the back of the house. When we came back in, she silently watched as I grinded the different herbs I had procured. I needed to prepare a concoction that would help take the silver out of his blood. If that was done, his wolf would strengthen and help heal his broken bones. I explained all of this to the elderly woman and she only nodded, watching me carefully with what seemed like awe in her eyes.

Convincing myself that I was misreading her expression, I proceeded to the man laid on the bed. Swirling the mixture I had prepared in a small glass, I carefully pulled off the hot towel placed on his face.

My breath caught in my throat when his face came into view, and for a moment I could feel myself swoon. I couldn’t help but stare. His black hair, although disheveled and damp with perspiration, clung to the top of his forehead and temple in tiny swirls, framing a defined face, thick eyebrows and a day-old stubble. I swallowed with difficulty, and for a slight moment I longed to see what color his eyes were.

Struggling to focus on the job at hand, I carefully tipped the cup to his lips letting some of the mixture run into his mouth and spill on his chest. Scared of being reprimanded, I quickly wiped it away. It was then that I saw the long scar running across his chest. I curiously ran my fingers over it but then catching myself, I returned to my work.

I massaged the rest of the mixture in the area around his wound, pressing against it so that the silver contaminated blood would flow out with ease. My hands shook as I worked on his body until the sallow began to fade and his vibrant bronze skin came into view. I had never seen anyone so gorgeous.

When I was done, I felt the rag drop from my hand as I nearly collapsed onto the floor. The woman was at my side in a second. She gave a wide smile as she looked over at the man who had begun to breathe with ease.

Turning back to me, she asked, “When was the last time you had something to eat? You look like death.”

I didn’t remember so I said nothing.

She gently helped me up, laying me on a sofa and exiting the room. I nearly sobbed in pain when I realized she might have gone to summon Elyan to take me back to the dungeon.

To my surprise she returned bearing a large tray. She placed it in front of me, helping me up and tipping a glass of cold water to my lips. I gladly opened up, flinching from the pain when the water filled my mouth. My throat was so parched it hurt to swallow.

The woman watched with pity-filled eyes as I greedily launched at the roast chicken and potatoes, downing the bowl of chicken soup in nearly one gulp. It was as though I had forgotten what food tasted like.

“Why are you crying, dear?” The woman asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.

And true to her words, I was. “I-I guess I’m just really tired…” I trailed off, trying unsuccessfully to wipe away the tears that filled my eyes as I ate.

The woman gave me a curious look, and I thought I saw concern flash in them for a moment. “Eat up,” She smiled, rubbing my shoulders gently.

I listened to her words, gulping down another cup of water and sparing one last glance at the man on the bed.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.