Page 26 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

For Goddess’s sake, try to look sad,Sereia chimes in.

I pull myself together, looking at the ground sadly as if something just broke in me. Then I whisper out the words, proud of myself at how real my sadness sounds. “I, Freya, accept your rejection.”

I can feel a little tug inside me as our bond breaks, but I don’t even feel any pain.

Awesome. For once, I got lucky!

Pretend,my wolf orders. I react instantly, clasping at my chest and pretending to be in pain from the rejection as I slowly back away from him. Benjamin, on the other hand, is doubled over in actual pain, little gasps leaving his mouth.

“Leave,” he yells. “Leave me alone! And don’t you dare tell anyone about this, or you are dead, bitch!”

Like I want to stay here, I think happily. I play my role a little longer, making sure to drag myself wearily from the barn. Only when I’m out of sight do I run and even do a little skip and hop. Now that we’ve handled that and I’m back to being mateless, it’s time for important things. Gathering the herbs.

Sereia, you were awesome!

You too,she says proudly.You didn’t falter once.

Why would I? I don’t want a man like Benjamin. I’d rather end up alone.

You won’t be alone,she promises.I have a good feeling about this, Freya. And I trust the Goddess in her plan. She knew this pathetic excuse of an alpha’s heir would never accept us as his mate. She probably just wanted to pay him a lesson, which is why we didn’t feel the mate bond.

And we are now free,I say with a big smile.I wish I could see you, Sereia, at least in my mind.

You will, she promises. They’ve weakened us so much here with their wolfsbane that you can’t see me yet. But I do exist, and I am a wolf.

Amaryllis’ words earlier start ringing in my ears again about leaving. As I collect the herbs Ludovica needs, my thoughts start to wander. I’m strong. I’m weakened, but my body is still strong. I should start thinking about an escape plan. I can’t stay here much longer, or Ryllis will fade away forever. I need to think of a way to save my fellow slaves and omegas. None of us deserves to live in this misery. By staying here, I won’t be able to save them. Maybe when I run, I can bring back help?

nine

The Oracle

*FREYA*

“Here.Havesometea.”Ryllis says, offering Emmanuel the cup as I help him into a sitting position. His back is still raw, but at least Ludovica could stop the bleeding.

“How are you doing?” I ask.

“I’ve felt better,” he murmurs hoarsely. “Fuck. I thought they were going to kill me.”

“You shouldn’t have taken the blame,” Ryllis whispers. “The kit was there because of me, and I—”

“No,” Emmanuel answers sharply. “They would have done even worse things to you!”

Ryllis pales, tugging nervously at the hem of her shirt.

I glance over at Emmanuel, shaking my head slightly.

“They only whipped me, Amaryllis,” Emmanuel says, his voice softer now. “I took the blame because I knew I could take it…or let’s say, the chances of me being able to take it were higher than for the rest. Okay?”

“He’s right,” I agree softly. “We stick together, right?”

She looks up with tears in her eyes. “Right.”

“Would you like another tea?” I ask Emmanuel, giving him what I hope is a meaningful gaze.

Thankfully, he understands my intentions and nods. Ryllis rushes to her feet. “I’ll get it.”

As soon she’s gone, Emmanuel lets out a long sigh. “I wonder how long until they lay their hands on her again,” he mutters. “Fuck, Freya. We have to think of something. Every time they see her, they get this crazed look in their eyes. It’s like she is their prey.”

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