Minzy lay in complete darkness as her hands found its way up towards her neck. Letting the pads of her fingers touch her mark, her wolf whined and whimpered in complete loss. Though she had released Youngbae of the bond, she now selfishly clung onto it. She had originally told herself it was her way of punishing herself for all that she had put him through. But in reality, it was the only thing left that had worth and meaning to her pathetic life. To think that after five long years of wanting to etch it out of her skin, she now found herself regreting every doing so. She was a wrecking ball of pain, darkness and confusion. Only finding brief moments of relief from the misery in the visits of Beta Seunghyun.

Even though she felt she didn't deserve it, she had started to look forward to Beta Seunghyun's visits. It was a distraction to the despair she wallowed in. She maybe even considered him as an acquaintance, seeing as calling him a friend would be a little too far fetched with their current circumstances. But whatever he was, it didn't really matter, she was dying and she could feel it. She could feel her spirit and body almost becoming like separate entities. It was strange really as she awaited Beta Seunghyun to bid farewell and hope that he will soon find whoever he was looking for to restore the balance as he called it. 

Awaiting for his footsteps, her ears perked up with what sounded like a small group approaching. This was new, she thought as she lay motionless. Torches lit the metal bars of her cell and the brightness of the combined torches had her squinting as she had no strength to move and shield her eyes. They must have noticed her uneasiness, as some of them pulled back. There standing in the forefront was Beta Seunghyun as he unlocked the cell and stepped in. If she had the strength to grin at the familiar friendly face she would have, but his demeanor seemed a bit different today. She couldn't understand the look he gave, was it pity? Was it worry? She could barely process anything with the lack of nourishment.

When Beta Seunghyun stepped aside she looked and there came a tall man. Not quite as tall as Beta Seunghyun but he demanded one's attention in his slow and confident stride that made him appear to stand a little taller. He also wasn't as built as Beta Seunghyun, but he appeared lean and probably just as strong as his sculpted arms hung by his sides. He had a full tress of midnight black hair that swooped to the side as if freshly cut, his brows were thick and prominent, his facial features were so defined and chiseled to perfection, with full beautiful lips that one would think he had stepped off a cover of a magazine. But it was his eyes, his chocolate orbs that burned brightly. They flickered with specks of what looked like liquid gold that had her flinching away unsure and insecure to be in his presence.

She wanted nothing more than to disappear as this perfect stranger gazed down upon her. "Who... are you," she barely breathed in a dry whisper.

Without a word, he moved towards her and scooped her up into his strong arms with ease. His touch sent shivers down her spine as he held her close and turned to leave the cell. His scent was strong like his embrace. He smelt like fresh fallen rain and earthy musk that had her insides twisting in knots. She reasoned that maybe it was the fact that her body was moved after how long of being immobile. She barely had the energy to stay conscious and take in this stranger that so boldly held her. Focusing her hazy vision, she looked up at the man who held her. It was probably her mind playing tricks on her as she thought of how up close he looked even more handsome. Groaning at the bright light that consumed them as they emerged from the prison cells and back into the mansion of castle, she buried her face further into his chest. Overwhelmed with his scent and what was happening, she fell unconscious. 

The feel of being submerged into warm water awoke her in a panic. Groaning as she clawed for an escape, she was surprised to be cradled in strong arms. "It's okay, you're okay," his deep voice soothed her. She was lying in the handsome man's arms, still fully dressed as he let the bubbles surround the both of them in the large white claw foot tub. The sound of squeaking wheels had pulled her attention and she looked to see what looked to be a maid rolling in a cart. The handsome stranger thanked the woman as he reached for a wash cloth while still cradling her in his arms. Dipping the wash cloth into the water, he reached back for a soap. Minzy was interested by how it also had snacks and a bottle of wine. What was he thinking of doing? Eyeing him, she tried to weakly push away. But it was all in vein as he kept his grip firmly around her. "I'm going to take good care of you," he said so sweetly that one would think his voice dripped of sugar. But instead of feeling flustered, his words left her completely drained in his arms. She had no will or energy to fight him as her spurt of adrenaline faded away. Watching as he lathered the soap into the wash cloth before gently wiping at her face made her shiver. She figured he had felt it and held her tighter to him as he continued to wipe at the filth she had lived with over the last who knows however many days or weeks she had stayed holed up in that dark cell.

Minzy was grateful to the handsome stranger who had helped her bathe. At least to the best of his ability without touching her inappropriately. Even more eternally grateful that he gently placed her onto a comfortable bed and allowed the maids to help her get changed. Trying her best to try and change herself and failing, the maids had understood and without a word helped change her before placing warm covers over her fragile body. 

A knock came at the door and she looked to see that the handsome man had returned changed into a dress shirt and black slacks. He was dashing in such simple yet classy attire, she thought as he came to her and took her hand in his. His touch was strong and warm, things that she lacked as she looked up at him. "It's time for you to get better," he sighed as he wrapped straps onto her wrist. Moving towards the other, she was tied down before the maids returned with a doctor. She didn't fight as the doctor instructed her that he would be sticking her with an IV as well as a tube feed. Laying still as the needle punctured her forearm, she closed her eyes as she felt a little rush.

As the IV began to run, she felt her senses returning as she began to tremble. Clenching her fists as the doctor moved to prepare the line for her feeding tube. The fluids running in her veins made her thoughts a little less hazy. At least enough to know enough that she wanted out. She needed out as she began to panic and pull at the restraints on her wrists. I don't want this. I don't want this.

The handsome man came rushing to her side as he gazed down at her, "Hey it's okay. You'll be okay I promise." A tear rolled from her eyes, signifying that she was starting to become hydrated. She didn't understand and hated how she couldn't fight his words nor did she want to.

One Week Later

Minzy looked at the clock and frowned. He was late. She had got used to him visiting at noon day as she stared at the window that was near the door to her assigned room. It over looked the beautiful garden that she had been amazed by when she had first come to the mansion. But it was hard to admire such a scene while waiting on Beta Seunghyun. Tapping her fingers against the bed, she grinned as she heard the approaching footsteps. "Beta Seunghyun?"

"Good afternoon Minzy," Beta Seunghyun said as he opened the door.

"You're late," she hissed. "Where have you been?"

Beta Seunghyun chuckled as he nodded for the nurse to go and take a break. "Well I'm sorry our Alpha has kept me busy the last couple of days since his return." It was only half true, as he found himself doubling his work load with all the damage control he created for himself after demanding that she be the payment for the trade. It had caused a rift between the pack lands internally as well as externally, inwardly he hoped that his gut feeling had not led him astray. 

Meanwhile Minzy frowned as she thought of the Alpha. She had not realized it at the time, but the handsome stranger was the supposed Alpha of the Crimson Crawlers she now belonged to. The Crimson Crawlers that she knew little to nothing about thanks to her genius of a mouth for cutting off Beta Seungri when he tried to fill her in about them. All that she knew was that they were old fashioned or traditional. Based off her knowledge of tradition, she should have been killed as a sacrifice or at the very least enslaved in some shape or form. But instead she was laying in a comfortable bed in her own room with a round the clock nurse at her every beck and call. Confused by it all, she knew the Alpha had a hand in it all. He had brought her out of the cells and cared for her enough to bathe with her and demand she get better.

By nature lycans are social creatures that have social order built into their DNA. The Alpha holding the highest title with both Beta and Commander following close behind. As the top of the food chain it makes the Alpha's words law with both Beta and Commander carrying out such orders. Disobeying the Alpha's orders is near impossible and the reason Minzy found herself laying in the bed to regain her health. Laying in bed with various IVs and feeding tubes connected to her, she stayed listening to Beta Seunghyun explain himself. 

Minzy had thought about how the Alpha had a recent loss of his Luna and knew he wasn't Alpha for no reason. Compared to her, he was strong enough to move forward and be the leader that his pack needed. He was even there for her when she needed someone. Something she had yet to wrap her head around seeing as she was still nothing more than a mere trespasser. She was basically a nobody but he still made time for her. Amazed by his generosity, she was grateful that this Alpha was hers. Pausing at the thought, she corrected it and rephrased it to her Alpha of the pack. "Where is this Alpha at anyways," she pouted in disappointment.

"Why," Beta Seunghyun said amused by her sad demeanor.

She scowled at him for teasing her, "I just wanted to thank him is all. Don't be getting weird ideas."

Beta Seunghyun held up his hands and smiled, "I have no idea what you're talking about. What kind of weird ideas are you thinking?"

"Seunghyun," she whined as she pulled her covers over herself in embarrassment.

He chuckled as he moved the covers away from her face, "I apologize Minzy. I don't mean to tease you so, you just make it so easy. Alpha Jiyong has been preoccupied with catching up with his responsibilities. But it's understandable you would ask about him, he is a handsome fellow. He's known for being a lady's man. All the ladies used to fight for his attention..."

"Beta Seunghyun please stop, before I throw up my tube feeds on you," she stuck her tongue out at him. Yes she could admit the Alpha was handsome, but that didn't mean she was going to do anything about it. He was the Alpha of the Crimson Crawlers and she was a lost cause that still clung onto the past with her mark still apparent on her neck. Touching her mark, she shivered at the thought of mentioning it to Beta Seunghyun. Of course he knew she was mated, he had been present on a very intimate moment in her life. A moment that she had yet to make sense of as she it grew quiet. Softly coughing, she wanted to change the subject before Beta Seunghyun got any ideas, "Did you bring me bread and water today?"

He gasped in shock as he revealed the plate and cup he had routinely brought in, "Will you really take it this time?"

She chuckled and nodded, "If it means that I can take out these bloody things sooner than later then yes." Taking the bread, she moved it towards and bit into it. Following it with the cool water, it was a bit of a challenge but she still pushed through. She couldn't help but feel a grin tug across her lips. Gazing over to Beta Seunghyun she reached out and placed her thin hand onto his, "Thank you for not giving up on me."

"That's what we do as a pack, we fight for our own," he smiled brightly as he encouraged her to take more bread and water. Grateful for his encouragement she figured one more bite wouldn't hurt. 

Minzy lay quietly listening to the humming of the machines that she was hooked up to. They had been a constant reminder of how critical her health had become, not to mention the round the clock nurses that were assigned to be with her. Closing her eyes, she thought of how she had become a hollow shell. Though her body was regaining its health, her soul was still malnourished and her wolf was proof of it. 

Standing at the open cage she had built in her mind, she had summoned her wolf once and after that nothing. Even if she couldn't see her wolf that lay deep inside the cage, she could sense it was still there. Faintly, like her soul it was barely hanging on. "Don't you worry. He will take care of us," Minzy called out to her wolf. Unsure if she fully believed the Alpha's words, it was a promise she felt drawn to. 

The days that followed were crucial to her recovery. After regaining her strength to sit up and shift around in bed, it was time for her to start walking and moving on her own. Hissing out in frustration as she struggled to even stand, she was encouraged by the nurse to fight through the pain. And fight she did, first gaining the stamina to stand, then slowly being able to walk a couple of steps. It was a long process, but she took courage in Beta Seunghyun's visits as he brought her new treats of sweet bread and juice. His visits consisted of him encouraging her as well as sharing of his and the Alpha's schedule.

Gazing at the clock, she noticed it was nearing time for Beta Seunghyun to visit. Standing to her feet, she grinned no longer hooked up to any IVs or tube feeds. Free from any piece of medical equpiment she grinned at her bright idea. She was going to surprise Beta Seunghyun with the news as she moved towards the window behind the entrance to her room. Pleading with the nurse to act oblivious to what was going on, she stepped onto the ledge of the window. She whispered it would be fine as foot steps approached and she held her breath. As the door opened she sprung into action ready to pounce on her prey. But in the midst of her pounce she realized that it wasn't Beta Seunghyun. Panicked in mid air, she squeaked as she tried to dodge the stranger who had walked in. Being at the point of no return, she closed her eyes and hoped that the collision wouldn't be too bad.

"Alpha Jiyong," the nurse gasped.

Meanwhile Minzy slowly opened her eyes when she realized that she was cradled in the arms of the so called leader. It was the man who had occupied her thoughts with his promise. A promise that helped her fight through moments of despair. Gazing up at those dark chocolate eyes, she shrieked as she jumped out of his arms. "I am so sorry, I thought you were Beta Seunghyun," she breathed.

"Is that how you greet him when he comes to see you," Alpha Jiyong eyed her.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she shook her head, "No, I was just going to surprise him that I no longer am hooked up to all the medical equipment."

He gave her a crooked smile as he nodded, "I can see that."

The air grew quiet as she wondered what to say next, "Umm...why have you come to see me?"

Minzy's words had Alpha Jiyong blushing in embarrassment as he reached up to let his hands run through his hair, "Well...that is a good question. Why did I come to see you?" She shrugged as she awaited his answer. "I...uh...wanted to come and see...how you're doing." It seemed as though he was struggling to put his words together as he stood looking at her.

Minzy's dark brown hair had a shine and soft waves one would want to run their fingers through. Her skin was bronze and glowing compared to her pale complexion to when he first saw her. Her slender face was starting to fill in to a healthy shape. She had prominent thick dark brows, her nose came to a nice point, her cheeks had a soft rosy tint, with full rosy lips to compliment them. But it was her eyes, her eyes glimmered a beautiful sea of lavender. How could he have missed such unique colored eyes? He had never seen someone have eyes that could pierce the soul all the while embrace it. Something in him started to shift as his wolf took in the maginficant beauty before him. 

Meanwhile Minzy thought it kind that he would be so concerned, "I'm doing better, thanks for asking."

"Oh...that's great," he chuckled nervously as he nodded to himself allowing another moment of silence. He couldn't believe this was the same woman he had brought out of the cells weeks ago. He had to calm his wolf that wanted to move near her, to better take a look at the miracle that stood before him. Taking a few steps closer to take in this woman standing before him, he came to a complete halt at the mark on the right side of her neck. It made his wolf growl and annoyed him a bit as his feet became glued in place. He felt like the mark was a flaw on the beautifully painted canvas of a woman. How could he have not noticed she was marked? She was drawing him in but her mark was warning him away. He was confused by this walking contradiction and had no clue how to go forward with her.

Minzy looked over to the nurse who shrugged her shoulders before turning her attention back to the Alpha who seemed deep in thought. But the quiet was soon filled with approaching footsteps as Beta Seunghyun stood at the doorway. His initial reaction was a smile, but it turned to a look of confusion as he noticed Alpha Jiyong. "Alpha Jiyong is everything okay," Beta Seunghyun asked as he stepped next to him.

"I should go," Alpha Jiyong was quick to say before retreating to leave the three confused.

Beta Seunghyun appeared tongue tied as he looked from Minzy to the doorway where Alpha Jiyong had disappeared through. "I...better go. Sorry Minzy," he gave her an apologetic smile as he handed her the sweets before taking his leave.

"Did I do something wrong," Minzy turned to the nurse who shrugged shaking her head and frowning.

Minzy was grateful that the night nurse had fallen asleep. Ever since that odd interaction with the Alpha, she wanted to know why he left in such a hurry. Listening to the nurse's leveled breathing, she slowly peeled the covers off and tip toed out the bedroom. Softly closing the door, she tread lightly down the halls. She had never stepped out of the room since she was placed there and now she wished she had asked the nurses to let her do some of the exercises in the long hallways. Now she was in the halls with the millions of doors.

There were so many doors, she was bound to get lost. Calling out to her wolf, she frowned as it lay helpless and scared in the cage. Pitiful and yet understandable, she sighed as she made her way down the halls. She knew she couldn't rely on her wolf, at least for now. Using her human like senses, she closed her eyes and tried to focus on finding her way. Grinning at finding the set of spiral stair cases, she walked down until she found the cool marble floor at the bottom. Though she felt proud, she also felt winded as she leaned upon the wall. The beads of sweat falling from her forehead was evidence that she was pushing her body past what her strength could handle. Huffing at herself for being out of breath, she looked around and luckily it was dark and quiet, not a soul was around as she walked towards the large arch way. The familiar voice of Beta Seunghyun filled the air making her stop in her tracks.

"What has gotten into you? What do you mean by this," Beta Seunghyun said sounding frustrated.

"I don't expect you to understand, but she can't stay here any longer. She is a danger..."

"To who? To you," Beta Seuhgyun hissed. "We can't abandon her, we'll be like everyone else in her life! She deserves a chance Alpha Jiyong. Please don't be this way," he begged.

"I need to. It's the only way to protect myself..." Alpha Jiyong began to explain.

Minzy had heard enough as she retreated the other way. Slipping through the back doors, she was greeted by the dark night and grand moon. Gazing at the beautiful flower garden, it was the only thing that brought her comfort. If nature could stand alone, maybe she could too. As if she wasn't already hurting enough, the expressed rejection of her presence from Alpha Jiyong made it worse. He poured salt into her already gaping wounds as he called her dangerous. She already knew she was no good, knowing that she always seemed to put others in her life in danger. She knew it was her curse in life to be miserable as she scolded herself for almost believing that being here would be any different. Moving out into the large garden, she took in the moon light hoping it would light her path of despair. 

"Where are you going," Alpha Jiyong spoke as he took hold of her wrist to stay her.

She kept her gaze towards the moon, if she was going to leave she was going to leave with some dignity, "It doesn't matter. Just let me go."

Alpha Jiyong kept a firm grip on her, sensing that if he did let her go she would make good on her words and he would suffer the consequences. "It does matter."

"Why? Just let me go my own way and the moon goddess will do as she pleases with me," she sighed sadly hating herself for not having the strength to pull away.

"Minzy please stay, you are needed here in our pack," he softly spoke.

She's dangerous, his words from moments ago made her blood boil. She knew he was lying, he didn't really want her to stay. "I'm needed here in the pack as long as I am no where near you right," she turned to face the man who was a walking contradiction. "Stay, but don't stay too close? Have I become a burden rather than a worthy slave?"

Her words made him flinch, but he still held her bound. He knew she had caught wind of his conversation with Beta Seunghyun and now he was paying for it. "Please you don't understand..."

"No I do, I understand perfectly! I know what I am and I know just how dangerous it can be if people get close to me. I get it! The fates want me to have a long and pain-filled life. They want me to pay for my sins I've committed in both my past and current life." It all made sense, or at least that was the conclusion she came to with how ty things seemed to turn in her life. "And to think I actually thought that maybe...maybe I had a chance at happiness with a friend like Beta Seunghyun. But I can't even have the joys of that either," she scoffed in disbelief at her pitiful life. "I hate you! I hate you and everything about my ing life," she spat.

Ripping her arm out of his grasp she turned to take her leave. Ready to storm off, she was stopped by the strong yet gentle hold of Alpha Jiyong's arms enveloping around her, "I don't know how to explain it, but I think you're dangerous because I'm drawn to you..."

Turning she held her hand up to stop his explanation for the fear of him saying more hurtful things. Looking into his eyes, they glistened underneath the moonlight and she couldn't help to think that some of the stars were plucked out of the sky and placed into his eyes. The fact that she even thought of such a comparsion in such a heated conversation was beyond her. Watching as he went quiet when she placed her hand upon his chest, she looked at him with a heavy heart, "Our pain and loss is what draws you towards me. We are suffering souls looking for a way out." 

Alpha Jiyong sighed, feeling that her words were incorrect, "No, it's something different." His gaze fell upon her mark again and he gritted his teeth feeling angered by it.

"I'm sorry to interupt, but the Commander is needing to speak to you immediately," Beta Seunghyun spoke up. He would not speak to me on the matters. Almost demanding that he speak to only you, Beta Seunghyun gave the Alpha a slight shrug as if he had attempted to handle the situation. 

Pressing his lips tightly together, Alpha Jiyong glanced back and forth between the woman who fit perfectly in his arms and Beta Seunghyun. Her gaze made him hesitate for a moment longer before releasing her. His responsibilities had him frowning with disappointment of not being able to work through whatever was going on between him and Minzy, "We will finish this conversation later. Please excuse my stupidity, I didn't know my words would affect you so." 

"You're the Alpha how could it not," she scoffed as she gazed to Beta Seunghyun who held a look of caution. Pressing her lips tightly together, she could see the fury burning in the Alpha's eyes. It was quite amazing to see how his starry eyes came to a full glow as if the stars would burst like fireworks in the night sky. Meanwhile Alpha Jiyong took a moment longer to stare at the lavender eyes that glowed in the moonlight before he turned to leave.

When Alpha Jiyong had taken his leave she felt a sense of relief wash over her, "He's not one for apologies," Beta Seunghyun spoke up calling her attention. She could see the caution in his eyes, "Take care of the words you say to the Alpha. He is our leader after all." 

Minzy knew she had stepped over the line with her last comment. Alpha Jiyong was nothing but good to her and if anything he was probably trying to figure out if she was a good person too. Sighing deeply at her actions, she quietly followed after Beta Seunghyun regretting her careless words. 

Author's Notes:

Dang I wrote this a hot minute ago, so I'm grateful I can do some quick touch ups before releasing this next chapter. As I stated earlier I had wrote these characters purely on imagination so that's why there's actually short physical descriptions in here. And yeah I have fascinations with colorful eyes lol. Anyway thanks for reading and I really do appreciate your lovely comments! Until the next one, hope y'all are having a great day/night!