Chapter 7 A New World

The journey back home was a quiet one. Only the sound of the chariots was heard as the horses raced back to the pack. No one said a word to each other, and I was just too tired to speak or react. The failed escape made me realize that I shouldn’t try anything silly with him till I got another chance to escape. His strength was unimaginable. He didn’t even need to do much before he caught up with me. Thanks to my frail frame, he tossed me over his shoulder like some sack of sawdust and brought me back. His headguard proposed punishment, and he was slammed with the scariest howl I have ever heard. “Don’t you dare open your mouth to propose; she gets punished! She’s only mine to handle. Only I have the say over her,” he declared. The headguard only trembled in fear. His alpha voice rippled through every living thing; even I was afraid. My eyes were closing on their own as we approached the end of another space. I couldn’t control it anymore and just let myself sleep the stress away. There was nothing to do about bondage after all. I could feel his eyes over me as I fell deeper into slumber, but I didn’t care. It’s not like my protest was going to change anything. He’s Damien Blackwood for a reason. The loud noise of the huge border gate sliding apart to welcome us jolted me back to life. The guards were dressed in red uniforms, black caps, and high knee boots. Each was holding a cane-like weapon as they marched carefully to welcome his presence. There were about ten on each side. The line was as long as the convoy that was coming in. “All greet! Pay your respects!” a deep voice hollered from nowhere and it prompted me to stick my neck out of the chariot to see whoever was that loud. He was in front of the lined soldiers but his uniform was different. He was in a dark green uniform with red lanyards on the left arm. His height was something I had never seen before. He was huge, tall, and well-built. The uniform was hugging his bulky chest in the right places. One could tell that he was strict with his body form and appearance. The side of his red cap was decorated with a black feather that was rising above his head. The coldness of his face contrasted with the hotness of his body structure. “Wow!” I didn’t know when I exclaimed but quickly composed myself as Damien’s gaze shifted on me. “That’s the captain of all guards. He oversees the affairs of security, and he’s good at his job,” he introduced. I was disgusted at first, but it shifted to gratefulness because I would at least know who I was feeding my eyes on. The echoes of their united, loud voices made me jerk as they welcomed him back to the pack. It looked like a military base. I never knew a pack had so much protocol because I was mostly inside the pack when I was at home. I didn’t have any reason to go out until the tragic incident happened. “Don’t worry, you will get used to it." he addressed my fear and my eyes rolled on their own. I knew within me that I wouldn’t be staying in the pack after all, because the next time I ended up escaping, he would never be able to find me easily, like today. The chariots resumed their journey after the ceremony, and we went deeply into the pack. The arrival at the palace gate was about another fifteen minutes. The gate was as high as the gate at the border. It took four men to roll it to the side and the most beautiful mansion I have ever seen graced my eyesight. Wo…” I wasn’t done before he interrupted. “Another wow? You will keep wowing at this rate.” Immediately, my stomach churned. I hated how predictable I was to him in just a short period of time. “Don’t you just pretend or ignore? Alphas in the books don’t talk this much." I lashed, but he only smiled as the chariots got packed. He got down from his side and marched to mine to extend his right hand. I was struggling to get down because of the height and unfamiliarity. I ignored his hold and tried getting down by myself until my left foot got caught in one of the edges, plunging me forward. My heart skipped a bit as I struggled to keep my balance but it was not working. I was expecting my chin to kiss the floor but a sturdy frame intercepted and welcomed me instead. I looked up to see Damien’s face boring into mine. His tousled black hair was hanging a little above his shoulder as his golden-amber eyes met mine. Something about his eyes was interesting and rare, but I didn’t have the time to dwell on it. “You should accept help when it’s being rendered, my lady,” his voice lingered in the air and a short moment of silence followed. “Stop saying nonsense and put me down. I don’t need your help,” my harsh voice poked the atmosphere as I kicked the air in protest. He only smiled at my tantrum and helped me down to my feet. As I adjusted my rumpled clothes, a lady hurried out of the main building in the center of the compound. She was dressed in a long, flowing gown made of rich and dark silk in indigo color. The gown was intricately embroidered with silver thread, depicting subtle and mystical patterns that were connected to the pack. I could remember the pattern on the soldiers’ uniforms and the wolves that followed the chariot. A crisp white apron covered her gown and it was adorned with a small, delicate brooch bearing the pack’s symbol. The sleeves were long and flowing with a slight puff at the shoulder, showcasing her elegance. Her height was taller than that of average humans and that got me wondering if height was one of the criteria for working for the royal house. The air around her was quiet and confident, with a large amount of authority. Her dark hair was pulled back into a neat, braided bun, revealing a heart-shaped face with high cheekbones. There were shades of green and hint of gold in her eyes, with a warm skin that had a golden undertone. Her presence was calm and collected; it was obvious that she was in control. Every stride she took was gentle like a breeze but full of an aura that depicted loyalty and dedication. “By the pack’s bond, I welcome you, Alpha.” Her shoulders were straightened, and her head was held high. Her feet were shoulder-width apart, hands clasped together in front of her with intertwined fingers and eyes cast downward slightly. Her chin was slightly tilted upward with honor, and her voice was steady, clear, and firm. Everything was too perfect. She was a woman of high principle and discipline. “Thank you, Niamh. I appreciate your warm welcome,” he nodded with a bright smile. That was the first time I saw him smile brightly in the past several hours I had met him. My gaze was fixed on the woman in front of me. She was everything royal and elegant. “That’s the head maid here. Let her know if you need anything. This is Aria; you already know who she is.” he finished the introduction and turned to the left. Before I could blink, he had already left with the other men that arrived with us. I was shocked that he just left me in the hands of a total stranger. Yes, I didn’t like his presence, but it was bearable compared to a total stranger. “Would you like me to escort you to your residence?” her voice maintained the same tone. I had no choice after all. It’s not like I knew anywhere around the pack. “Thank you,” my voice low as we marched in. As soon as I stepped into the room, I was grabbed by some maids, and before I could blink, I was stripped naked.