As time passed, the atmosphere in the Lycan Kingdom became even more intense. Ainar's future was uncertain, and everyone could feel the strong nervousness in the air. The king stopped going to the slave quarters at night.
One sad evening, Ainar was trapped in a dark room far inside the palace. She felt scared and anxious as she sat there, captured and by herself, waiting to find out what would happen to her. The room was tiny, wet, and scary, with the faint sounds of far-away cries.
The door made a screeching sound as it opened slowly, and then the king's little sister, Anthonia, came in, followed by two guards. She stared deeply into Ainar's eyes. "You've been very stubborn, haven't you, Ainar?" Anthonia's voice was strong and firm.
Ainar looked at her with strong determination without moving his gaze. I don't have anything to tell you." She said, her voice shivering.
Anthonia's mouth formed a creepy smile. "Okay, no problem. We know how to make you speak." She motioned to the guards, who came closer to Ainar threateningly.
Roderick, the first guard, spoke in a way that made Ainar feel scared. Ainar, things don't have to be like this. You can make things simpler for yourself.
Ainar stayed determined. "I have decided. I am ready for this big moment now,"
The second guard moved closer, and there was a mean look in her eyes. "You're being stubborn, aren't you? We will need to find out if you really are. "
Anthonia brought a tiny bottle that had a strange liquid inside and went up to Ainar. This is your final opportunity, Ainar. Please tell us the identity of this man so we can bring this to a conclusion. If you say no, you will feel a lot of pain that you cannot even imagine.
Ainar's heart was beating fast, but she tightly closed her teeth together and shook her head. I will not deceive him. I refuse to do it.
Anthonia signaled to the guards. They made Ainar open his mouth forcefully and poured the liquid into his throat. It had a bad and terrible taste, and it burned as it went into the stomach. Ainar was shocked and struggled to breathe because of the horrible mixture.
As time went by, Ainar's body twisted in pain. She screamed in agony, her eyesight becoming unclear as she felt like her true self was being ripped apart. However, she continued to say no to talking.
Anthonia looked closely with both interest and enjoyment. "Isn't she amazing? However, we still have more ways to attempt. "
Time passed, and Ainar's suffering went on. She went through physical and mental pain, but she stayed strong. She was very sure she would keep Adolphus's identity a secret, regardless of the expense.
One day, Ainar was lying down weak and hurt when Anthonia came into the room again. Her face showed a different look, like she somewhat admired it but didn't want to. "You are forceful, Ainar. "Sure, I'll agree to that.
Ainar could hardly speak loudly, as his voice was hushed. "I won't ever tell anyone who he really is. "
Lyra moved closer, speaking in a secretive tone. Maybe there is a different option. A method to keep both him and yourself safe.
Ainar looked hopeful and surprised. "What do you mean?"
Anthonia quickly looked around, making sure nobody was listening. "If you can prove to the king that your love is real and that your relationship is sincere, he might have to forgive both of you. "
Ainar knew it was a plot to get her to talk but played along. "How can I accomplish that? "
Anthonia was happy, and her eyes showed a touch of kindness. I have an idea. "But it won't be simple, and it will need you to believe in me. "She lied to her only to find out who the man was that he was with.
"Even if you killed me, I would not talk." Ainar said determined even more. She knew the troubles she would face if she revealed the king's identity would be more than what she's passing through right now.
After Ainar was freed from captivity and torture, when she refused to talk. The king had ordered her release. She felt a sense of relief wash over her. However, the cloud of suspicion still hung over her, and she knew she needed to be cautious. She continued to go about her daily tasks in the Lycan palace, trying to keep a low profile and avoid any further trouble.
As days passed, Ainar noticed a change in the behavior of the Lycan King. His frequent visits to the slaves' quarters, where Ainar and others resided, had stopped for a while. It was a welcome respite, and Ainar hoped that the investigation had diverted his attention.
One evening, as the moon cast its silvery glow over the forest, the Lycan King returned to the slave's quarters. Ainar, who had been sharpening a blade, looked up in surprise as he entered.
The King's eyes bore into her with a predatory gleam. "Ainar, since you've been released from torture. I believe the next thing is to start from where we stopped?"
Ainar's heart raced, but she refused to show fear. "I have nothing to do with your affairs, Your Majesty. I only wish to live in peace."
The King's laughter was chilling. "Peace, Ainar? In this kingdom, peace is a luxury you can't afford. You see, I have desires, and you will fulfill them."
Ainar clenched her fists, her resolve strengthening. "I won't be a pawn in your games any longer. I've endured enough. I love you, but you seem not to reciprocate. I can't stand a covetous mate. Why can't you just come out clean and tell everyone the truth about us?" She said in anger as she continued, " Do you want Anthonia to catch us the second time? I'm sure this time she wouldn't spare my life. If you don't want me, just spare me and let me be, please."
She was interrupted by the king's strong heaves; his eyes darkened, and he stepped closer, his breath hot on her neck.
"You don't understand, Ainar. I can make your life a living hell, or I can make it comfortable. It's your choice."
Ainar took a step back, maintaining a defiant stance. "I won't be manipulated by fear any longer. If you continue down this path, I will expose your actions to the entire kingdom."
The King's grip on her arm tightened, his nails digging into her skin. "You're playing a dangerous game, Ainar. You don't know what I'm capable of."
Ainar understood that she couldn't prevail in this conflict without any allies, and facing the Lycan King's threats, she reluctantly decided to comply with his demand, which led to a series of unprotected sex.
Meanwhile, Anthonia had decided to spy on Ainar to discover the identity of Ainar's secret lover. She would stay close to Ainar's cabin every night to catch her in the act.
After several nights of spying, she later saw the king's face. Her heart sank when she saw his brother making out with Ainar.
" I have never wanted this little outcast as a mate for my brother, and I thought he did the same. Why on earth is Adolphus stooping so low to have sex with this low life." She muttered in worry.
" I must put an end to this." She said to herself.
Immediately after the king departed, Antonia stormed the slave quarters.
" Now that I caught you right in the act, let me see how you will deny having an affair with my brother, the king.
" I am his mate, and you know this. I can't deny my love for him, regardless of what you do." Ainar replied to her, determined to face the consequences of her action.
" Stay away from my brother; he already has a mate, and that definitely won't be you. So leave my brother alone." Anthonia warned her and left for the palace.
Anthonia was disappointed in Adolphus. She wanted someone with class and not a peasant like Ainar. After every attempt to stop them proved abortive, she decided to offer Ainar money to stay away from her brother.
Ainar was rooted in love. She couldn't say no even when Antonia offered her 30 pieces of silver to escape and never return. Her response remained the same. She can't trade the love she has for the Lycan King.
The atmosphere in the Lycan palace had gotten more intense, and Ainar's life had become filled with lies and manipulation. Even though she went through a lot of pain, her love for the Lycan King, Adolphus, stayed strong. As time went on, Anthonia really wanted to separate her brother from Ainar more and more.
One evening, as the sun went down and made long shadows in the palace, Anthonia came up with a wicked plan. She was no longer interested in Ainar's constant love and determination. Anthonia wanted to ruin Ainar's reputation so badly that she could never see her brother again.