PETAL

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"Petal."

A voice cracked through the dark, and my body tightened, goosebumps breaking across my skin.

The torchlight tore through the darkness and burned into my iris.

“Petal.” The voice came again—closer now, and I recognized it.

Slowly, I turned and came face to face with Morgan.

He was a gardener who came on weekends to mow the grass. He usually closed by four.

Why was he here?

Morgan sank beside me, his gaze heavy with pity. "Moon goddess," he whispered. "Those men are monsters,” he gritted.

Aside from the time I handed him a glass of water on a scorching day, we never talked to each other. So why was he angry for me.

He slid his hands beneath me and lifted me from the hard ground. His clothes were as wet as mine.

His eyes narrowed. "Monsters," he muttered. "They're not wolves. They're a plague in fur."

“Morgan please.” I managed to speak, my voice hoarse like my throat had been wrung out. “Please, take me to the grave. The grave of their dead brother.”

That was the only way I could be saved.

Morgan’s jaw ticked, and a thick silence followed, punctuated by the soft plop of his foot.

"This tunnel leads out of the estate," he muttered. "We'll come out near the far border. My place. It's safer, I have herbs that could help.”

Although his words sounded soft and genuine, my chest still tightened.

Because every man who made me feel safe only ended up assaulting me.

Once it was a male servant who said he would help me escape but he ended up just like the monsters I was running from.

Another had led me halfway down the east wing—then handed me over like a parcel

My body locked.

He felt it, and he said, his voice soft. "I'm not going to hurt you.”

I wanted to believe him. But I couldn’t. Not when they all wore that same skin.

My stomach clenched, another pain shot through me, and I let out a wince.

“If we don’t stop the bleeding, you might lose your life.”

I had to trust him. It’s not like I had the strength to fight.

"Stay with me longer,” he muttered as we weaved through the dark cold tunnel.

I tried. Tried to keep my eyes open but the darkness pulled me in.

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The scent of clean linen and herbs hit me as my eyes fluttered open. My skin was clean, but I still felt dirty—like the feel of blood had clung onto me.

In the far corner of the one-room apartment, Morgan stood, hunched over the table stove.

"You are awake." He sighed. "Drink.” He placed a cup of herbs in my hands.

I stared blankly at the amber liquid. What if it was poison?

But then again—what did it matter? What was the worst it could do? Kill me?

Let it.

My chest ached. I had lost my baby. What’s the use of living?

I chugged, the bitterness stinging my tongue

"You've been out a day," he said, dropping into the chair beside me. “We're still in Crimson territory. We need to get you out of here ."

"Why?" A ghost of a sound. “Why are you helping me?”

Morgan let the silence stretch before replying, “It’s only a monster that would stand by and do nothing.”

“We don’t have time.” He jerked to his feet. “I know you’re weak, but you have to move. I would've come along with you but I can't. I must stay here. Cover up your scent.” He handed me a satchel. “Food. Herbs. Torch. Blanket. They’re all here.”

"Thank you," I whispered as I took the bag from him and rose to my feet.

My knees buckled and I almost sank, but Morgan caught me halfway. Placing my hand on his shoulders, he turned on the torch, and we both headed out of the house.

As we walked towards the border, my legs grew limp. But I ignored it just as I ignored the sore forming on my feet.

I had to survive—to live. That was the only way I could have my revenge against those monsters.

"This is our surest bet," Morgan said. "Once you cross here, you’re out of territory. Follow the lake and you might just avoid rogues.”

I stilled. "Might?"

He didn't answer

"They'll kill me.” My eyes blew wide. “They are not normal rogue packs, most of them were exiled for the most heinous crime. And their Alpha…”

I swallowed as a shiver tore through my spine. I couldn’t even say it. Some said he was feral. Some said he was a demon. Some said death was even more merciful than he.

"They might," Morgan replied. "But the ones chasing you? They will."

I froze. He was right.

Morgan stared hard at me. "You know I’m right.”

I nodded. I couldn’t go back. Not after I tried escaping. I remembered their threats, how they promised to crush my leg if I ever did such a thing.

I faced him, “Thank you. How do I ever repay you?”

He smiled. “Just save the next person you find in trouble.”

Morgan turned around and headed back, while I stepped into the forest that looked foreboding, with my breath caught in my throat.

I followed the path for what felt like eternity, keeping close enough to hear the lake but also far enough to be concealed by the tall trees that reached to the heavens, their extensive branches filtering the moonlight.

The ache in my leg worsened, and my pace slowed. My stomach twisted with a gnawing pain. I paused, trying to steady my breath.

Maybe I should rest. Sit and eat something. Maybe sleep too.

I shook my head. I couldn’t afford to. I just have to persevere until I leave this cursed territory.

I took a step, and everything happened so fast. One minute I was standing, the next my back was being slammed against the hard bark of a tree.

The air fled out of my lungs as pain tore down my spine.

The man towered over me, his broad figure casting shadows over my figure.

“Zoran?”

I gasped, fear glazing over my skin like ice over a lake.

They found me! Did Morgan sell me out?

My eyes dragged over his features. The same high bridge nose. The same chiseled jaw. Even the same stupid vein that throbbed at his temples when he was angry.

But this wasn’t Zoran.

His hair was darker—Inky black. And longer.

Those eyes were blue instead. And colder.

I had seen these features in their family photo. The one who was supposed to be dead. He was the third triplet.

He was alive.

His fingers clamped my chin. “You’re a spy, aren’t you?” He growled. Low and menacing.

Mty wolf squirmed, and my heart thrashed in my chest.