~ Captured But Free

{Isla’s POV}

“Be cautious. They say she’s almost as strong as him.” I heard one of the cronies still trailing behind me chatter and I couldn’t stop the smirk that threatened to grow on my lips even though it was very insignificant in that instance.

I wasn’t going to fight them and I wished I could just tell them— maybe turn around, throw my hands in the air, and plead for them to capture me. But that would be too dramatic, even for me.

In any case, I knew it was only a matter of seconds before they attacked and seized me, and for all I knew, I was already a prisoner. But who knows, it might serve as a very good distraction from my harrowing misery.

I suddenly stopped cold in my tracks to make things easier for them and almost immediately, I felt the aggressive weight of three hefty bodies collapse on me, sending me forcefully to the icky dirt of the forest floor. My face dug into the dust as my body jounced vigorously from their wrestle.

One of the trio’s claws dug into my sides and I felt Cora urging me to let her out as I whimpered in pain. But I suppressed her instead since I wasn’t planning on fighting them back.

There was a brief struggle but this died once they realized I wasn’t retaliating.

“Quick! Cuff her wrist and rope her up!” I heard one of them yelp. “Kunuki bring the wolfbane!”

“Why isn’t she attacking us?” Another asked as they cuffed me up. “Are you sure she’s the one?” His confusion was readily obvious.

There was sudden silence for some scrutinizing seconds and my face was forcefully tilted to an odd angle for their sampling. I felt Cora growling within, still prompting us to attack, but I restrained her nevertheless. She was really more hurt than I was that our mate had rejected us but she couldn’t just allow me to get hurt. Still, I wasn’t planning on being saved or saving myself.

“We have the right person. This is Luna Isla.” A shrill voice finally broke the quiet.

“But why are there no guards with her? And why isn’t she defending herself?” Another Rogue rejoined in audible frustration and I found amusement in how my inaction was still deranging them.

“We had better seize her and get going before her guards get here!” One said again while another retorted.

“No! This seems too dangerous. I think we should just leave here.”

Once again, I wished I could tell them to take their time since no one was coming for me. But I was starting to enjoy the show they were putting up.

“Kunuki, I think Grus is right. We should take her along. I mean, this is literally a goldmine for us. Do you know the money ransom we can get from her head? Inject her the Wolfsbane and let's get going.” The shrill-voiced one said and after some brief seconds, I felt a weight rest at my side. I suspected him to be the Kunuki guy who was to inject me with the Wolfsbane.

I immediately started to panic as I had never been injected with Wolfsbane before, and in that instance, my impulse was pushing me to fight them. But I strenuously ignored it and squeezed shut my eyes instead.

Just then, I felt my veins squeeze and my blood seethe as they dug the bane needle through my skin. I could hear Cora whimper to the sting of poison and it hurt me that my bad luck was making her go through such an ordeal.

After some queer seconds, I felt the strain reduce but then my eyes grew heavy and just then, everything went pitch dark.

I woke up moments later to find my weary self wrapped, head to heel, in copper chains and crammed inside a shady car’s booth. I didn’t bother struggling as I was well aware of the weakening effect of the Wolfsbane.

There was a sudden blare and I shuddered from its loudness, but then I realized it was just the ignition of the car engine beneath me. The rogues were already taking me to God-knows-where and suddenly didn’t know how to feel about it.

I tried linking with Cora but her consciousness was still very much subdued by the Wolfsbane, so I settled to wait it out.

The following minutes weren’t very eventful as the drive was filled with wind whooshes, occasional car bumps, bird chirpings, periodical memory stings, and more engine rattles until the whole movement came to a sudden pause. I struggled my gaze around and realized the car had been stopped by some Sentry Werewolves at a checkpoint. I chuckled slightly, knowing it was time for more drama because the Sentries would surely want to know what they were carrying in the back.

But after some seconds, I noticed the Rogue were pals? … with the Sentries as they all had started nattering cheerfully.

“Tut.” I mouthed in my displeasure as I was really hoping for another distraction from my memory stings.

I couldn’t clearly hear them due to their muffled volume but it was obvious that they had known one another for a long while.

I guess it’s their lucky day then. They can capture me without the slightest stress and now, they are even friends with the Watch Force.

Almost immediately, the car boot flew open and the rays of the rising sun shot into my hazy glare. Three figures soon stood at the entrance but I couldn’t see their faces as the sun’s dazzle entertained my vision.

Shortly after, the silhouette of the last guy on the right seemed to panic as he stumbled away a bit and urged them to close the boot, and with that, I was back to the warm, cozy gloom.

I busted a gut as I tried to listen to their ensuing conversation but it was really of no use. For some reason, they now talked in a more hushed tone so that my ears couldn’t even pick up a word.

Almost immediately, the engine was fired up and the car minivan, or whatever I was in, was pushed into a sudden fleet so that my body jolted against the trunk lid.

I swiveled my glare around as much as the Wolfsbane permitted and noticed they were driving away from the checkpoint with no one chasing us.

“Why the rush?” I wondered.

Their ‘need for speed’ continued for a while I grew drowsy and everything went dark again.

~ Home…

{Isla’s POV}

The next time I woke up was due to the perception of hands gently wrapping around my body and lifting me. I slowly struggled my eyelids open and drove my misty gaze about in an attempt to know where I was, and my gaze promptly stretched with my realization. Home?

Suddenly, I was forced to remember that I was still in the clasps of a stranger, so I immediately shifted my gaze to the figure’s face and my glare stretched even further.

The figure had a graceful face that was complemented by his roughly coiled honey-blonde hair, well-groomed eyebrows, and a well-defined jawline that augmented his supremacy.

He had fiery hazel eyes just like mine and from the breastplate resting over his unbelievably broad shoulders, I could tell he had just returned from scouting.

“Dad? …”

“Hush now, Buttercup. You’re safe now.” He pronounced in his warming baritone and I immediately dug myself into his snuggly embrace as tears trailed from the corners of my eyes.

“Dad, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I left like that, without telling you or mum a thing. I was wrong.” I muttered as tears drowned my voice.

“It’s okay, my princess. It’s okay…” He said in a surprisingly calm volume. With the way I had abandoned them for Cayden, you would think he would refuse to even look at me. “You’re safe and fine, and that’s what matters to me.” He muttered.

I knew he meant that I was physically fine but I also knew he could sense that I was emotionally wounded, so I didn’t bother saying a thing.

He was the Lord Alpha, the hallowed Ruler of the entire Werewolf Reigns, and the most powerful Werewolf alive, so I knew he could sense my hurt.

There was a following quiet and I used every second of it to relish the instance of our father-daughter propinquity. But suddenly, my memory seemed to be kindled and I sent back my eyes to my Dad’s.

“What about Kunuki, Grus, and shrill-voice?” I abruptly asked.

“Who?” He frowned slightly.

“The Rogues that captured me? Didn’t you see them?” I quizzed and began to steer my gaze around.

“Oh, you mean those three scrotes?” My father said, directing my eyes to the distance where the three of them were tethered up in heavy Perron Chains.

“Ye… yeah them,” I mumbled hesitantly since I wasn’t actually expecting to see them. “You caught them?” I quizzed with the surprise in my voice being very obvious, but my attention was suddenly stolen with the sight of my approaching mother.

“Mother!” I yelped as I drove my person through our separating distance into her embrace. Once again, my eyes opened their floodgates and my tears poured out in streams as I settled in her motherly warmth.

“Mother, I’m… I’m really sorry for the hurt I’ve caused you and Dad.” I took my head from the warmth of her bosoms and angled my teary eyes to her face. “I’m sorry for leaving like that. I… I thought you and Dad wouldn’t bless I and Cayden’s union.” I sniveled and she squeezed me further into her embrace.

“Child, you were in love. Your Father and I had no right to deny you of your love. You shouldn’t have just concluded and left us like that.” She said, and I knew she was beginning to shed tears as I could hear the sobs building up in her chest.

“But I'm of the Royal Bloodline... and I'm your only child, hence the heir to the throne. Falling in love is a distraction from my duties-- It's wrong, and you taught me that!" I mouthed as I slightly loosened myself from our cuddle and looked at her again.

“It’s not wrong when he is your fated mate, Isla.” My father corrected from behind and I immediately steered myself to see him walking toward us.

He was making his way to us with strides that depicted the weight of his unmatched strength and Kingly eminence, with a tall and mighty physique that could command the fear of even the strongest of wolves. Oh, how I’ve missed him.

If I hadn’t been so foolish and had just stayed back, under the sound protection of my father, no Cayden bastard would have ever gotten the chance to burn my heart out!

“It’s a different case when he is your fated, Buttercup. I might be the King and give you guiding rules as my daughter, but I have no right to go against Fate. Your mother being my Luna is proof.” He placed him huge hands on one of my shoulder. “You shouldn’t have run away like that.” He mouthed and I loured in shock.

Why was he just saying this now? The whole time, I thought me falling in love wasn't a concept that was permitted due to my role as the future Queen and had somehow skipped the part that my father was mated to my mother!

Sometimes, I can be really dense!

Because of my stupid ignorance I had run away that night. Because of my ignorance I had sacrificed my sovereignty when I had found out Cayden was my mate.

I had changed my identity, abandoned my blissful life, paid a dangerous price, taken the form of an Omega all because I had been too scared to tell anyone I had found my mate.

And I couldn’t tell Cayden the truth then because he might have gone behind my back, traced me back to my origin and discovered that I’m the Lord Alpha’s daughter. Which would have eventually lead to my Dad finding me and ending I and Cayden’s union.

But turns out, all of that was for nothing! And it’s really maddening!

“We searched for you for months." My dad continued. “You troubled us greatly… and you hurt your mother. In the past year, she has cried more times than she has eaten” He stated with an empathetic tone and I felt broken.

“You shouldn’t have faked your identity and denied yourself of your superiority. That’s the part that enrages me the most!” His tone was switching to a gruff and I knew I needed to calm him down.

“Dad, Mom, I’m sorry. I messed up and believe me I’m most offended by my actions.” I apprised, as I rested my hands on my dad’s firm arms. “But I’m back now, and I’m not going anywhere again.” I smiled, trying to urge their smiles, for which my mum joined in. However, I only succeeded to a bare minimum with my Dad as he just arched the edge of his lips. Well, no surprise there.

“Mum I’m sorry.” I turned to face her. “I know how much I’ve hurt you and I’m ready to pay for it. Punish me anyhow you deem fit.” I said and shot her my ‘please eyes’.

“I know you are, my love,” She rested a kiss on my forehead, “and we can talk about your punishment later. Your well-being is what’s most important now. Did these raccoons hurt you?” She mouthed as if suddenly remembering how I got here, as she began scrutinizing me with her hands. But my father rejoined before I could get the chance to reply to her.

“I’ll have their heads ripped off for touching my daughter.” He voiced fiercely and as if on cue, the warriors stationed at the rear of the Palace walls straightened up and marched forward in concert, ready to carry out his bidding.

“We are sorry, Alpha King.” The Rogues bawled almost simultaneously as they trembled on the ground in dread.

“We didn’t know she was the daughter of such Sovereignty.” The Shrill-voiced one pleaded earnestly while the others mumbled along, equally shaky.

Watching criminals and crooks melt before my Father was something I had gotten used to growing up, but something about this instance didn’t feel right.

“Dad.” I called, rushing over to his side thus calling his attention.

“How did you find me? I mean like, how did you catch them?” I queried as gently as I could.

“I don’t really know much about that. I was immediately summoned from a Progress Conclave by Carlot when it happened, so he should be able to answer your question correctly.” My dad said, and Carlot promptly treaded towards us as I steered to face him.

“Good day, my Princess.” He greeted me with a bow and I smiled. Carlot was my Dad’s boringly funny Personal Advisor.

“Good day, Carlot. It’s been ages since I last saw your ebullient face.”

“Indeed, my Princess.” He beamed in return before continuing.

“They suddenly showed up at the palace unannounced and confessed their intentions. So… they basically brought you here themselves and turned themselves in, my Princess.” He bowed again.

“Huh?” I started to say. “They brought—“

“It doesn’t mean I’m going to just let them scuttle away.” My dad chimed in.

“But… but Dad, they didn’t know I was your daughter.” I keened, gesturing my hands towards him.

“It doesn’t change the fact that they are criminals!” His volume was getting louder.

“Yes they might be criminals, but these criminals practically saved me, Dad.” I mouthed in a gentler tone. I knew better than to allow him get angry. “I pretty much didn’t know where I was headed, and they brought me straight to you! Their loyalties should at least be worth something.” I concluded and watched his solid glare itch a little.

“Dad?”

He didn’t answer.

“Mum? Help me out here.” I called, directing my gaze to my mother.

“Darling, I think she has a point.” My mother began after a slight hesitation. “They respect you, that’s why they brought her back. I don’t think it will be fair to hurt them.” She added and my Dad’s glare softened, but he remained silent.

I grew a smile however as I knew my mum had successfully convinced him. Go, mum!

“Fine! They won’t be killed. But they will be whipped!”

“Dad!” I said with a cackle, punching him gently on his chest.

“Alright. Alright, Buttercup. They are free to go.” He chortled along as he drew my mum and me into his warming clasp. “Let’s get you settled in properly.” He said to me.

“And rid you of these filthy wears you call clothing.” My mum added and I beamed brightly.

Oh, how I’ve missed them!

“Uhm, Sire!” Carlot called behind us. “We haven’t informed Princess Isla here about the banquet you secretly arranged.” He apprised as we all turned to face him.

“Oh, Carlot, you just had to ruin the surprise!” My Father protested, face palming himself while my mother playfully calmed him down.

“There’s a Banquet?” I swiveled my stare to him anxiously.

“Of course, Buttercup. We decided to have one while you were still unconscious. It will be the biggest Banquet ever!” His voice took that funny Kingly tone he often used when addressing a court or making a degree. “Every single Alpha and Dignitary shall be invited. They shall come to witness how I restore my daughter to her innate glory, and they shall revere!” He imparted and my mother tittered at his drama while I simpered like a child. It was really amusing how a fierce and powerful king such as my Dad still had a peng comic side.

“Thank you, Dad.” I dug myself into his hug once more for which he playful squeezed me.

“And since Carlot has already ruined the surprise, let’s burden him with choosing your dress for the banquet.” My Dad intentionally teased and pushed me towards Carlot.

“But, Dad, that’s the Clothier’s job.” I remarked with a fearful giggle.

“Well, today. It’s Carlot’s job. He’ll decide!” My Dad concluded while Carlot sighed in defeat.

“Well, okay I guess I deserve it.” He conceded. “This way, Princess. Let’s take you to the Royal Clothier.” He said, directing me towards the Path on the Palace East wing.

I followed him while my Dad, Mom, and their chain of guards made their way onwards into the Palace. I took the leisure of the stroll to study the Palace— my birthplace and the home of my upbringing.

The Palace was a massive and mighty monumental edifice that stood proudly at the heart of the Werewolf Reigns with its towering spires adorned in intricate golden filigree. Fine gold-leaf Wrought Iron gates boarded the north, south, east, and west entrances, while Massive oak doors, engraved with tales of valor, guarded the smaller entrances. And within the grand halls of the Palace boasted vaulted ceilings that were adorned with masterfully crafted chandeliers while royal tapestries, woven with vibrant hues, depicted the Palace’s storied lineage. Oh, how I’ve missed home!

“Princess Isla.” Carlot suddenly called as strolled on, thus calling me back from my initiated admiration.

“Regarding the Banquet. Would you prefer it to be this evening? Or tomorrow morning?” He asked with that weird grin of his.

“This evening, Carlot.” I said.

“And…” He trailed off suddenly and I was forced to inquire why.

“And?” I arched an eyebrow.

“Wou… would you want Alpha Cayden to be invited.” He asked thoughtfully in a mutter and my mood shifted at once. Not because I was scared or dubious about it, but because the mention of his name now made me furious.

Today, I returned to take my rightful place as the Princess of the Werewolf Reigns and the daughter of the Lord Alpha, the most Powerful Werewolf in the entire Reigns.

I was no longer the lowly Omega they once called me to be. I was no longer the filth they referred to me as. I was no longer the miserable mate who strived for love despite the cruelty that was fed to her. I was a doyenne, and I would be their god!

“Of course. Invite him too…”