Chapter 3

Zero’s POV

Every lash echoed within the four corners of this room. They took turns tormenting Synn and me. I didn’t care about myself, but I did for my friend. If only she could escape and shift, she wouldn’t have to endure this.

I knew I wasn’t a selfish person because ever since I woke up from their abuse, I had always prioritized others over myself. I was used to their cruelty, but Synn wasn’t. A harsh whip landed on her bare skin, making my best friend scream in pain.

Tears streamed down her face as she looked at me. I couldn't bear to see her like this. “Please, take me instead. Not Synn,” I weakly pleaded with the woman they called Lady or Madame. She grinned wickedly, grabbed a few strands of Synn’s hair, and yanked them.

“Oh, my little Zero cares for this bitch,” the woman mocked. She traced a knife along Synn’s face. My eyes widened as Synn, who had only been crying before, now sobbed uncontrollably. She bit her lip so hard that it bled, her pleading eyes locked onto mine.

A silver knife. I realized in my mind. Synn pleaded through her gaze. I nodded. I begged the woman again, “Please, take me instead. Do whatever you want, just spare Synn.”

I saw amusement flicker in her eyes at my desperation.

Why do some people take pleasure in causing others pain?

She stepped closer and used her finger to lift my chin. “My dear little Zero, tsk, tsk, you really amuse me.” Even as I begged, she looked irritated, as if I had ruined her plans.

She glanced at her men and gave a slight nod before slapping me hard. Then she laughed maniacally, like someone who was thoroughly enjoying my suffering.

Her men approached me, while others moved toward Synn.

I shivered in disgust when one of them touched my bare shoulder. Damn! What are they doing?

They were looking at us like hungry lions, their eyes devouring our exposed bodies. If my hands and feet weren’t bound, I would have covered every inch of my skin. I felt like a feast laid out for them to consume.

Synn and I stared at each other, helpless, knowing that whatever they were about to do would be terrible. Someone’s hand brushed against my back, making me recoil.

Please don’t let them do what I think they’re about to do. If they do, I will have nothing left to offer my mate. My body is already covered in scars. I bowed my head, tears spilling from my eyes.

“Boys! Do as you please!” the woman commanded as she sat back, sipping her wine, grinning at me.

I turned my attention back to the men when I heard the sound of belts unbuckling. My eyes squeezed shut, unable to face what was about to happen.

Even after everything, I had remained pure. No one had ever touched me before.

“Stay put, Zero. You’re going to enjoy thi—” The man’s words were cut off when the door to the torture room burst open. One of the woman’s subordinates rushed in, panting. “We’re surrounded, Lady! They’re here for the girl!” He pointed at Synn.

Synn smiled weakly and mouthed, “It’s my brother.” I nodded. I hoped they would save her.

The woman shot up from her seat, furious. “What are you waiting for?! Move!” she screamed at her men. They immediately straightened up, adjusting their clothing and preparing for battle.

Before they could even leave, the man who had just entered collapsed. The woman paled as her men rushed to protect her.

Then the door swung open again, revealing three werewolves. They entered one by one.

The first wolf towered at about five feet tall, his fur a deep brown. Judging by the aura surrounding him, I guessed he was a man, leading the two wolves behind him.

He growled menacingly upon seeing Synn unconscious and bound. His eyes locked onto the people in the room—the ones who had tortured us. Slowly, he stepped toward them.

Weren’t they supposed to be powerful? Why did they suddenly look like scared little puppies?

The two wolves behind the leader shifted into their human forms. I immediately shut my eyes, embarrassed by their nakedness.

I heard the sound of chains rattling—my chains and Synn’s. What were they doing? They came for Synn, right? Why were they freeing me too?

I guess they wouldn’t leave anyone here alive.

I wanted to thank them for saving us, but exhaustion and hunger took over. Before I drifted off, I heard growling, snarling, and the cries of those who had hurt us.

---

I WOKE UP to the sound of birds and insects chirping. Slowly, I opened my eyes and tried to sit up, though every movement sent pain through my body. I clutched my head as I sat up.

Where am I?

I looked around. Whose room was this? Last I remembered, I was in the t-torture r-room.

I swallowed hard as the memory resurfaced. I could only hope I had truly escaped that hell.

I let out a deep breath and was about to get up when a sharp pain in my legs forced me back onto the bed. My entire body ached, covered in bruises and wounds.

Then, a delicious aroma filled my nose. My mouth watered.

I couldn’t even remember the last time I had a proper meal.

Back there, they fed us nothing but fried rats and stewed lizards. Yes, it was disgusting, but I had no choice.

I wanted to follow the scent, but I didn’t know where I was. I was already grateful to whoever gave me this comfortable bed. Asking for food might be too much.

My stomach growled louder with every breath of that mouthwatering scent. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t get up, so it was useless to even try.

I flinched when the door opened.

A man entered, followed by Synn.

“Sorry, sorry, Zero, did we scare you?” she apologized. The man beside her smiled, but I refused to smile back. I didn’t trust anyone but Synn.

He carried a tray of food.

The scent soothed me, but I stayed silent.

“Eat, Zero. I know you’re starving,” my friend said, motioning for the man to place the tray on the bed. I flinched when he stepped closer, making him exchange a look with Synn.

“Oh, sorry, Styx. I think Zero has trauma. She was held captive for five years, according to the ones who were there before us,” Synn explained.

The man she called Styx wrapped his arm around Synn’s waist. I smiled. I was right—he was her mate.

I could see it in his eyes when he looked at her. True love.

I gave Synn a thumbs-up before devouring the food.

I heard them giggle. I looked up at them, embarrassed. “Do you mind?” I asked.

They laughed.

As I finished eating, I suddenly realized—now that I was free, I could search for my family.

“Ahm, Synn… now that we’re free, can you help me find my family?” I asked hesitantly, feeling guilty for interrupting their moment.

“Of course, Zero! That’s what friends are for,” she said cheerfully, snuggling closer to her mate.

I pulled off the blanket covering my legs, only to gasp in shock. A large purple mark was imprinted on my skin.

Synn and Styx both growled when they saw it.

I reached out to touch it and winced. Tears welled in my eyes.

“Z-Zero, your tears… they’re silver,” Synn whispered, stunned.

They exchanged glances, and Styx whispered, "I-Is she one of them?"

What do they mean by one of them?

"It looks like we might be right, Styx. Maybe she's the one they say went missing!" Synn exclaimed, making me flinch. She immediately apologized. Why do I always get nervous when someone raises their voice?

"There’s one way to find out, Love," Styx said, pinching his mate’s cheek.

I envied them. When will I ever have something like that?

"Hell yeah! Zero, take a bath. We need to see my brother so he can help us find your family."

The moment she said that, I didn't hesitate to get out of bed. I was about to walk toward the bathroom when my legs suddenly gave out, and I collapsed.

The two of them immediately rushed to my side.

"Be careful, Zero. You’re still not fully healed. Styx, carry her and place her in the bathtub," Synn ordered her mate, who obeyed without question.

They handed me everything I needed before closing the bathroom door, leaving me alone. I insisted on bathing by myself—I wanted to enjoy the water.

I couldn’t even remember the last time I had a proper bath. This sounds fun!

I played with the soap bubbles, giggling every time they popped. Even the simplest things made me happy.

I only stopped when Synn came in to help me dress. I didn’t mind. She gave me her clothes to wear, and I gladly put them on, moving carefully so I wouldn’t hurt myself.

Once I was ready, I slowly opened the bathroom door and walked toward them. They were waiting for me.

Synn gave me a thumbs-up before we started walking again, with both of them supporting me.

We passed by several doors before finally reaching our destination.

"Zero, my brother needs to talk to you alone. We’ll be waiting right outside," my friend said as we stopped in front of the door.

I nodded nervously.

Styx opened the door, and I stepped inside, my head bowed.

The moment I entered, a scent suddenly hit my nostrils—apples and wood.

It was intoxicating.

I loved that smell.

When I lifted my head, I froze.

Standing before me was the most gorgeous creation of the Moon Goddess.

And suddenly, a part of my brain screamed—

This man in front of me is definitely my Mate!