“My name is Diana. Is this hostel available to let me stay for the night?” I asked.
I stood at the Versales Hostel where Daniel casually stayed now that Karina’s body was deteriorating each days.
If I hadn’t been declared dead, they could have cheated on me using a potion to put me into a deep sleep, ensuring I wouldn’t feel their betrayal. But the night I discovered their secret, I had unknowingly misplaced the fake medicine Daniel had given me, supposedly for my pregnancy. It had all been part of their deceit.
But look at us now, time flies when everything aligns with your plan.
“I have no other place to go. Please, accept me. I’ll bring no harm. I am a rogue,” I pleaded.
They wouldn’t suspect me. My was almost human, and there was no trace of my noble bloodline in their senses. All they could smell was the human scent I’d adopted after years of living in their world.
The man at the counter whispered to someone, who appeared to be superior. Both of them scrutinized me carefully. I was dressed in a short, worn-out dress—enough to make them think I was neither wealthy nor part of any influential clan. Certainly not one of the rogues causing problems for the council.
“Who’s with you, Miss?” the hostel keeper.
“I’m alone, Sir. I have no shelter here. I escaped from a human community because hunters were after me,” I replied, desperate. “Please help me, even just for tonight.”
“The alpha is here! Bring your newest prostitute!” someone shouted inside.
I smirked inwardly. This was exactly what I had anticipated. I had timed my arrival perfectly; tonight, I would get what I came for.
“Do you have money?”
I shook my head and smiled softly.
“I was planning to ask a gentleman here to vouch for me,” I said innocently.
They exchanged amused looks. One of them chuckled. “Would you be willing to please the alpha of Versales tonight?”
I flashed a wide smile. “But I am a rogue. Isn’t it true that only humans, fragile and quick to die, are suitable offerings for the alpha?”
Their amusement faded instantly. Suspicion crept into their expressions. “How do you know that?”
“I heard it from the hunters,” I said, leaning closer. “You abduct humans and bring them here as sacrifices. That’s why I’m here… to negotiate.”
I had never heard of this illicit hostel until after my staged death. It turned out this was where my husband’s treachery had begun. Back then, I had no idea he was bedding and murdering humans.
I never thought Daniel capable of such depravity, but now I intended to use it against him.
“I can meet with him, but I won’t do the ritual with him. How about I give him information about the hunters instead?” I offered.
That sealed the deal. The two men nodded quickly and escorted me to the alpha’s chamber.
I walked confidently into the room, where he sat shirtless, waiting for yet another offering to grovel at his feet—and die for him by the end of the night.
“My dearest alpha,” I said, low and raspy.
He turned to me, his eyes dark and expectant.
“Why are you still dressed?” he growled.
“Because I’m not here to appease you sexually,” I said coolly, raising a hand to stop his retort. “But I do have something important to tell you—about the hunters and what they’ve uncovered.”
He sat up straight, the wear and tear of countless rituals evident on his aged features. Unlike Devon, who remained youthful and powerful, Daniel’s body bore the marks of his sinful rituals. Yet, despite everything, the bond between us still tugged at my heart. Thankfully, the enchanted necklace I wore sealed that bond tightly.
“And what is it?”
I moved closer, sitting beside him. My hand brushed over his shoulder, and I saw the flicker of recognition in his eyes. He froze, as though trying to place the familiarity of my touch.
“The hunters’ headquarters and… a certain lycan who left your pack years ago,” I murmured. “Someone who resembles you. Perhaps… your brother? Or your son?”
His golden eyes flared with rage, his chest heaving with anger.
“Where?!” he demanded.
“Will you help me survive in your city if I tell you?”
I needed to stay close to him. Only then could I execute my plan.
“Will you… make me yours, my alpha?”
“A rogue like you dares to negotiate with me?”
I feigned innocence.
“But you’ll gain so much more from me,” I whispered.
“Then speak!”
I pulled a photograph from my pocket and placed it before him, covering half of it with my hand.
“This,” I said, pointing to the exposed part. “The hunters mentioned him while tracking me. They plan to capture him… or you… or both of you. Because of what Versales does to women in human lands.”
“And their headquarters?” he barked.
“I’ll help you find it. But first… take me in, my Lord.”
Finally, I uncovered the rest of the photograph, revealing its entirety.
His reaction was immediate. He froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.
“And one more thing,” I teased. “They’re after her too. Do you know her?”
I watched him growl in fury.
“Karylle!” he snarled. “My traitor wife is alive!”
A cruel smile spread across my lips. He had no idea he was sitting beside that very traitor he's calling.
