The Beta’s Regret

A gasp escaped my lips.

I sat up quickly, and heard sudden laughter from outside my tent. I was here, in the forest, and the others were very much awake. From my tent, I saw the dim glow of a fire burning outside.

It was dark already and there was a chill in the air that made me want to sleep in and wrap myself in thick blankets but I couldn't.

The noise outside told me that we were still far from midnight, probably somewhere around 8:00 pm. It would be wise to wait until midnight before I make a move, however, I lacked that patience at the moment. It could not wait, not when I already knew where my mate was and knew who could help me out.

I needed to see Sussie and make her save my Eros.

It was not the best decision I was aware of. If anything, going to meet Sussie for help was the most dangerous thing I could do.

It's almost as if I was acting blindly, simply following the details of a vision. But that's what hope is all about, the smallest glint of light in the darkness.

And if Eros was alive, then I must save him.

Besides, ever since the moon goddess touched me with her divine powers, the visions I have all had meant something. However, it was up to me to interpret whatever information I gleaned out of this vision wisely. I stepped out of the tent and looked directly at the sky. The moon shone brightly as if it beckoned to me.

I knew what I needed to do.

To go to the palace.

There was no use waiting up until midnight when everyone was asleep. I could just sneak out and make sure no one sees.

I had a feeling that if Beauty or Adonis got a whiff of whatever I had planned, they would try to stop me and I couldn't allow that.

I looked back at the people gathered peacefully round a fire. They all seemed oblivious to my presence, which was good.

I carefully walked to the back of the tent and sneaked out into the forest that lay behind.noveldrama

It wasn't until I was sure that no one would be following that I shifted into my wolf and began to race through the woods.

The cool night air whipped through Tiara's fur and calmed her nerves.

It was still a long way ahead. The journey to the palace would take a day if I didn't stop to get rest, but I didn't mind either. The sooner the better.

*****

It was midnight when I finally padded into the palace territory. It wasn't as quiet as I needed it to be. The guards were still doing their last rounds and I knew I couldn't show myself now, else I would get caught. "They won't notice." Tiara said quickly.

"Let's wait." I tried to convince her. "By midnight, the guards would have clocked out, and we would have about an hour before the next shift."

I explained to Tiara. She huffed and whined softly.

The next ten minutes were the longest ten minutes of my life. Tiara stayed hidden in the shrubs, waiting for the perfect time to sneak in.

Finally, a few minutes after midnight, the guards clocked out. There was a serene silence around the area.

Ahead of me, the palace stood a silhouette against the darkness that surrounded it. There was an eerie silence. Everyone was either in their chambers resting or asleep but for me, every cell in my body was wide awake as active. I shifted into human form and made my way out of the shrubs.

I moved quickly against the palace grounds, my movements swift but silent. I wasn't sure exactly where I was going, but I allowed my instincts to lead me.

The palace was a huge place, and the possibility that I would get caught roaming around was large, however I didn't let that deter me.

I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, allowing the scents that lingered in the air to immerse in me.

My eyes flew open immediately I

spotted Sussie's familiar spicy

scent. I immediately followed the trail of the scent along the palace corridors. I was aware of the sound my feet made against the floor but I ignored it and finally came toa stop in front of a door. It was slightly ajar, creating a space that was barely enough for me to slip through

without making a sound.

I sniffed again. Sussie's scent wafts strongly from behind the door.

This was it, where I would find Sussie.

I took a step forward, hesitating when the anxiety I felt grew stronger. I closed my eyes and summoned the courage I needed as I pushed the door open a little more and stepped inside.

The first thing that caught my

attention was the sound of running

water. Sussie was bathing. I was

sure she was the one cause it

smelled too much like her, and from

years of being enemies, I was quite

familiar with her domineering scent.

I heard a small thud, and the shower stopped running. Quickly, I dived behind one of the window curtains in the room, shielding myself from her.

From where I hid, I saw Sussie enter the room. She suddenly stopped and turned her head to the side. Sussie sniffed the air.

"Well, what a surprise. I didn't expect you to be here... Eden." She called out.

I stepped away from the curtain, a little uneasy that Sussie smelt me almost as easily as I did.

"Sussie." I called out.

"What do you want?" She said and turned to me. She had a long towel tied over her form, her gaze narrowed against me as she eyed me suspiciously. "Why are you here?"

I wriggled my hands together and sighed. "I need your help."

Sussie raised an eyebrow. "Are you kidding?"

I shook my head. "No. I need you to help me rescue my mate. Eros is still alive."

Sussie shook her head. "Don't be stupid. That's just a lie you tell yourself. Eros is dead. Pison killed him." she said.

"No he is not. Eros is still alive. I saw it." I answered

Sussie went silent for a moment "I don't care." She finally answered.

Sussie was about to turn away when I grabbed her arm. "Help me." I pleaded.

Sussie sighed. "Where did you see him?"

"In a dream. I saw Eros buried in the cave where he was fortified." I moved forward. "That's where you come in. I need you to show me where that cave is."

"If this is true, which I doubt, what is in it for me?" Sussie crossed her arm.

I felt relief flood me.

"The moment there is peace in the realm once more, I will give you a life of luxury. You will have wealth."

"That is barely enough. You can do better. Besides, I am already in luxury. Why should I betray Pison?" Sussie queried.

I fixed my gaze on Sussie unblinking. I wouldn't give up easily.

"Pison will destroy anyone that

stands in his path. That includes you

if you make a wrong move. But Eros,

Eros is a better man, a better king... and you... you love him. Please help us restore this kingdom to its rightful glory." I begged.

Sussie stayed silent for a long while, thinking. After Which she looked me in the eyes and nodded. "fine."