Chapter 6

• Elara's POV
• I've lost count of how many times I've let out a sigh and shifted uncomfortably in my seat since the ride began.
• It felt as if invisible needles were pricking my skin creating a sense of unease.
• But, it wasn't just that. It was the overwhelming presence of king Holden.
• His aura was so palpable that it kept me on high alert as if I were teetering on the brink of something unpredictable.
• Being in king's Holden’s company felt like being trapped in a cage, where anything could happen at any moment.
• I couldn't shake the thought that he might lash out at me, his fury barely contained behind his piercing gaze.
• Was this how he treated Odessa? Did he truly harbor such disdain for her that she felt utterly invisible as if she didn't even exist?
• After the chaos that unfolded in the hospital room just hours ago, I half expected him to offer an apology, especially after the shocking arrest of Odessa's parents, who I was slowly beginning to think of as my own.
• Witnessing their fierce defense of Odessa stirred up something within me, prompting reflections of how different my life might have been if my mother were still alive or if my father had shown me even a fraction of kindness.
• They recognised their errors and were genuinely remorseful. A stark contrast to my father who would lash out at me without a hint of apology leaving me feeling as though I was the one at fault.
• I felt an urgent need to act, and quickly.
• I could only imagine the turmoil they were experiencing, having been arrested while trying to protect their daughter who was trapped in a perilous marriage and faced the threat of violence once more, even after narrowly escaping the first attack.
• The last thing I wanted was for them to endure suffering because of me, especially now that the moon goddess has placed their wellbeing in my hands.
• However, I faced a dilemma. Approaching King Holden was daunting, he seemed like a volatile force ready to erupt and I feared that a single misstep would set him off.
• Yet,I had to make the attempt, it was the least I could do. I couldn't bear the thought of them spending another night in a cell when I had so many unanswered questions for them.
• I let out a loud cough hoping to catch his attention, but he remained fixated ahead, completely ignoring me.
• I was at a loss for how to address him— should I use his first name or title?
• Damn it! If I could just connect with the real Odessa, this thing wouldn't be so complicated.
• “Holden…” I started, and he turned to me as if I had sprouted horns.
• I swallowed hard as his gaze swept over mine with evident disdain but I refused to let that discourage me. His bad attitude was his issue not mine, he needed to sort it out.
• “I need to discuss something with you” I repeated, but he didn't acknowledge me.
• Just when I was about to give up, my wolves urged me to provide the encouragement I desperately needed, even though it was tough to think clearly with his menacing stare.
• “It's about my parents Holden…they don't deserve what they're going through right now and you know it” I said, my voice cracking as my tears threatened to spill.
• It was astonishing that the moon goddess had granted me another chance and with every word I spoke, I was haunted by the memories of the brutal betrayal I faced on my wedding day from two people I loved most, who I thought would always be by my side.
• When he remained silent, I tried again. “Holden, I'm talking to you and you are…”
• “Are you cursed?” He asked, his expression one of boredom leaving me stunned.
• I hadn't anticipated him to respond, let alone with such cruelty. Just as I was about to retort, he turned sharply, gripping my arm tightly.
• “If you utter one more word from that filthy mouth of yours, I'll toss you out of this moving car and watch you meet your end, and I'm serious about it”
• “But my parents…I can't bear the thought of them getting hurt because of me. Please, just do something. This is between us, they shouldn't be dragged into our problems” I pleaded, tears streaming down my eyes as he chuckled, seemingly amused by my desperation.
• “Why the sudden change in tone? The Odessa I know couldn't care less about her parents! You've always despised them for marrying you off to me while you were drowning in poverty and I pulled you out of that mess!”
• I had a million things to say just as the tip of my tongue but I held back from preventing things from getting worse.
• His past grievances with Odessa were not my concern. All I wanted was for him to free those innocent people from their confinement.
• “Holden…whatever issues I've had with my parents aren't the main point here. They're locked up right now and I need you to let them go. You have me, what more do you want?” I asked, feeling my frustration bubbling up as he continued to make this so difficult.
• “Are you trying to give me orders, Odessa?” he asked with a smirk causing my heart to race in panic. I quickly shook my head hoping to convey that wasn't my intention, but he wasn't buying it.
• “So, you're trying to command me in front of my subjects? You're talking back at me while they're watching?” he pressed, his tone growing more intense.
• I glanced at the driver who seemed utterly terrified, shaking in his seat because of King Holden and I silently prayed we wouldn't crash.
• “That's not what I'm doing Holden and you know it…I'm simply begging you to let my parents go. How is that disrespectful?”
• “We'll see about that, I know how to deal with disrespectful people like you”
• He said as soon as the car honked, we had just reached the palace and I couldn't help but think about why I hadn't fled the hospital
• when I had the opportunity as I felt totally unprepared for what lay ahead.