It was a relief to that Eric was recovering smoothly after that magical treatment but Charlotte's mind was occupied with the upcoming calamity.

Only some hours were left in her freedom and she had no say in the most important decision of her life.


Like she was an antique piece or painting, winner of the auction would claim his rights over her. What a preposterous way to choose a life partner!

But who? Eric or Casper?

More she thought about it, more she got tangled up. Her mind was sure about Eric but her heart had its own mind.


She chanted it repeatedly that he was only her puppy love, nothing serious but her heart sank when she realized that the roots of his love was more deeper than she anticipated.

Dust of time concealed it from her eyes but Eric's undying passion rejuvenated those feelings to haunt her again.


As for Casper, Charlotte's mind was in full support of him. Although he hid his identity but it was understandable. Bond of the souls was drawing her towards Casper but in her heart, he was just a friend, a companion.

Charlotte felt close to him, he helped her, they spent good time together; all these reasons were not helping, just complicating things more.

As a Crown Prince, Casper must be trained for decades as a warrior. In case of his victory, it would bring the glory back to the Vampires as well as proving the prophecy wrong.

What if Eric win despite of his failing health? She would be forced to reject Casper, staying with Alpha for her whole life.

How will she live with a man who had no respect for her? How long she could cheat him with fake affection? Hiding your hatred was not a easy task in long term relationship.

Besides, Charlotte wasn't asking for much, a little respect was her basic right. Why must she compromise like this? What was her fault in this fated pairing?

In this chaos, at least she was certain of the fact that the respect was more important than love in a relationship. Thinking about her father's teachings, she vowed to never risk her self respect.

Stuck between a lot of ifs and buts, Charlotte decided to visit the person solely responsible for this mess.

Early in the morning, she took a bath and got dressed in her old clothing style (Eric had her clothes saved all these years) and went to the Moon Goddess's temple.

Everyone on the way bowed to her, pledging their loyalty for future Luna, only irritating her more. The Silver Moon Pack was still dear to Charlotte, its matchless scenery refreshed her mood when she reached the temple.

She removed her shoes and over heard the priests while entering the prayer room.

'Luna is very considerate towards Alpha Eric. His illness brought her before the Moon Goddess. She is accepting our Alpha with his religious believes. Indeed, mate-bond is stronger than anything else."

Charlotte smiled at their innocence as she was only there to complain about her misery. She clasped her hands together and knelt down before Goddess's sculpture.

'Look at what have you done! Directly or indirectly, three lives are at stake due to your pairing. You are well aware that I am a vampire and my Goodness has chosen a beloved for me then why did you involve Eric in this?

He could have a loving caring mate for his life but no! You ruined his life too. Now, he is on the hospital bed due to this power struggle.

See, I can't get your great plan or look at the bigger picture with my limited intelligence. I only know that my life is a melodrama just because of you.

And I am certainly not happy with your judgement."

As she was done with her rant, Charlotte got up to leave. Suddenly, blasts of cold air swept down from the windows, Charlotte felt a rush of air on her face.

In a blink, lamp below the Goddess blew off, creating a panic in the whole building.

'It's such a bad omen for Silver Moon Pack. This clay lamp was burning for years."

'It only extinguished when the last Alpha died. Such a tragedy!"

Disregarding the information about their previous experience, Charlotte retrieved a match box from the shelf and re-ignited that earthen diya.

'See, you all were fretting over nothing. It's burning again."

Charlotte turned to face the dreaded crowd who was now looking at her wide eyed.

'Alpha is asking for Luna."

Gamma Mathew informed hurriedly, he was panting hard as if he had to run all the way here.

'I am sorry for my surprise visit here."

Charlotte was apologizing for the mess she created but she was stopped by priests.

'This is sign of Heaven, Luna. Don't ignore it."

An elegant humble female priest advised her, which she heard with a smile.

Charlotte bowed her head and left with Matthew, who was urging her to hurry.

…

'I am sick, why did you leave me alone?"

Now, this new pother was Eric, who was fussing over her absence.

'I was here whole night."

Charlotte Squalled as Eric was jerking her arm.

'Eric refused to take medicine and yelled at Luna to leave. She was so heart broken."

Alpha glared at Liam who started his news bulletin as soon as Charlotte arrived.

'Who allowed you to stay here, Liam? You have no sense of privacy left."

Eric scoffed, his Alpha tone compelled him out. He pulled Charlotte beside him.

'I am feeling so weak, Ah!"

She rolled her eyes at Alpha's overacting.

'You are on hunger strike, weakness after near death experience is a must."

She picked up the soup bowl from the side table and gestured him to eat.

'Feed me!"

Charlotte was stunned at Eric's audacity for this ridiculous request but she let it go given that he was not feeling well.

She blew on spoonful after spoonful, feeding him carefully.

'If you are not feeling good, cancel today's fight."

Charlotte's suggestion livened him, Eric's crimson eyes glowed with endless hopes.

'You care about me?"

He held her hands with utmost affection.

'I am just worried about this Pack. It will be a great tragedy for them to lose their Alpha."

'I am not a weak wolf!"

Eric's offended growl shuddered her.

'I have won countless battles in my life, that meek vampire can not defeat me."

...

After draining his tenth pet, Casper stretched his body with a relaxing grunt. His red eyes glanced at the cages before him, several young slaves were chained in them.

'Next!"

A petite boy was then presented by Ben, which he drained in a split second.

'What kind of tasteless meal you brought, Ben? This is ridiculous!"

Casper got up and dragged a young girl out of the cage.

'See, she is just a rag doll. Her essence is weak like a bird."

He twisted her arm and slashed her jugular, a fountain of crimson liquid erupted from the wound. It's aroma watered Ben's mouth but he controlled himself.

'Lycan's security is very tight after last raid, Master. I carefully chose these perfect samples from the fresh batch. They are the best pieces in market."

'You call it best?"

Casper hissed at his fruitless explanation and banged that girl's head on iron bars.

Then his attention was caught by trembling Rick, the most healthy one in all slaves. His separate cage was in the corner, his miserable condition was quite satisfying for Casper.

'Well, well, well!

It's so unfortunate that I have to refrain from feeding on you, Rick. No matter how much I want to taste you, my beloved has first right on you. She has suffered a lot just because of your stupidity. I want to kill you!"

Casper paused dramatically, reigning in his fury.

'You know why are you still alive?"

He laughed at his own question, enjoying fear in Rick's eyes.

'Your little defamation stunt solved my problem without any extra effort. Star made first move in our relationship, calling me her boyfriend.

I had decided to reward you well but your kidnapping snatched her from me.

That was your last offense, Rick. Me and my Star will drain you together after fight."

Casper's vicious laughter echoed in the large pet room, screams of help and begging only intensify the level of his madness.