Did I ever mention how much I loved to swim?

It's a lot.

I had been out here for a while, as long as it took for the sun to go down, anyway. It had to have been a few hours, and yet I had not stumbled across anybody looking for me. It was nice, and I just hoped the anger permeating from me had scared them away.

I spent most of my time in the water, but trudged to the waterfall cliffs to dry off a few times within the last rays of the sunshine's warmth. It was calming, serene...

My eyes wandered from atop the rocks, finding the space where Asra and I consummated the bond. The place where I marked him. It was as though it never happened, but I remember the moon in the sky and the stars as our witness as we sealed the bond.

I had given myself to him wholly, and I thought he would do the same. But ever since that night, he had been... strange. At first, I played it off as nothing, but the longer I have been out here, the more I thought about how different we are.

He was snappy and blunt at the worst of times, but to go behind my back, and corner my sister with nothing... It made my blood boil.

I thought I knew him, but it seemed that he was showing those nooks and crannies that I missed. We completed the bond. Why else should he be nice to me, right? He got what he wanted. He got to fuck me, bite me and seal the deal.

Ugh, my mind was a mess.

Groaning, I rolled onto my back and stared up at the treetops. They were wild and crazy, shielding me from the elements. The water was calm, nothing like it was in the past. It was almost as though it understood, and the moment my body sank into its depth, I felt more alive than I ever did.

If water could have a soul, this one was pure.

It held me; comforted me. It spoke in volumes without ever using its tongue.

Tumbling, trickling, rippling, the water sang its own song of peace. I didn't dare disturb it, but every time I left, I could only come back wanting more.

Sighing, I blinked up at the stars. There were few out tonight, thin slithers of soft clouds brushing by. The moon was bright, the grey craters so much more prominent. It was strange how much I could see, and I just ended up with more questions.

Why was my eyesight suddenly better?

Why was my hearing improved?

What did completing the mate bond even do to me?

Questions I was unsure of.

I couldn't rely on him right now, not when he went against my wishes in impatience. Now my poor sister lay locked up somewhere, shivering cold in a cement cell...

Gritting my teeth, I jumped to my feet.

I have been out here for hours. Which meant they locked her in there for hours.

Asra had bound to have cooled off by now too, and I would stop at nothing to get her out. With determination, I dived from the rock. Breaking the surface for the last time today, I ran my hand along the pebbled ground and gently swam to the shore. The lake guided me, its soft waves from the waterfall rippling off my skin.

I only came to the surface when I had no choice but to breathe, rising to my feet. Eying my surroundings, I held my breath to listen for any sounds. I was certain Asra had eyes on me at all times; but they were scarce.

Nothing felt odd, or out of place, and with a soft grunt, I picked up my clothes and shoes. They were partly dusty, but my underwear was sodden, and I didn't fancy having a wet dress too. There was a slight chill in the air as I walked through the forest in just my underwear, but once I semi-dried off, I stopped behind a tree. Making sure I was alone, I warned the invisible guard before pulling off my bra and slipping on the dress. Next came my pants. A begrudging downfall of swimming in them, meant I now had to go commando.

I just hoped I didn't flash my poor invisible guard.

My shoes were harder to get on, but after a frustrated grunt, the Converse slipped onto my feet without further resistance.

Maybe I should curse and grunt at them more often?

Tying the laces, I blew my hair back from my face. It was darker, trailing down my back, so I tied it into a hair tie with a frown. It was going to get so knotty later, and I was not looking forward to brushing that out.

I wrung my underwear out the best I could as I continued to walk, leaving small trickles of water in my path. Breaking the treeline, I trudged toward the cells rather than the pack house. With the cover of night on my side, I retreated into the shadows, blending seamlessly into the darkness.

My footsteps were light as I thought about every step, making sure I knew where I was going. I had never been inside the cells, and I knew what awaited me would not be good.

The cell block was a stingy looking building out of the main house's view. The building was old, with peeling grey paint and crumbling grey cement. It wasn't the prettiest of buildings, but just looking at it, I knew it was strong.

It held the worst inside, and when I came to a stop by the door, I had a hard time of pushing those thoughts aside.

Taking a deep breath, I rest my hand on the cold metal handle and pushed. Stepping inside, my eyes blinked at the dull light. It was no brighter than it was outside, a single candle lit in one corner. This must be a foyer of sorts, because the moment the door shut behind me, a woman appeared through another.

I observed her as she squared her shoulders, widening her stance as she folded her arms.

"Luna, how may I help you this evening?"

I glanced at the watch on her wrist, noting that it was just past nine.

Wow, I really have been out all afternoon.

"I am here to visit someone."

She quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, you are?"

"Yes," I nodded, stepping up to her.

Holding her gaze, her eyes widened when I darkened my tone.

"You will not tell Asra that I am here." I warned her.

"Yes, Luna," she mumbled, bowing her head.

"Good," I stepped back. "I am here for my sister."

She nervously shifted her weight. "Your sister?"

"Arabella," I deadpanned. "Has Asra commanded you in any way regarding her?"

"No, Luna,"

"Good," I repeated, stepping back and gesturing to the door.

"Oh, right? I will take you to her." She muttered and opened the back door.

The walk was long, and we went underground at one point where it only grew darker. There was no electricity, as all was lit by candlelight. It was eerie, but I squared my shoulders and continued on.

The last door opened up to reveal some jail type cells. There were various oddities within them, and I couldn't help but let my gaze wander. All the walls were solid apart from a metre of bars for the gate, much like the ones I saw in story books. There were guards at every other post, sitting on chairs. They all bowed their heads at me, holding my gaze for a second before dropping it.

Most housed people were laying or sitting on a single metal looking bed with a thin mattress, others did not even have that essential item. The entire place smelt so strongly of urine, the disinfectant they use unable to hide its entirety. It must've seeped into the very brickwork.

Turning down a corner, the hairs on the back of my neck rose when we passed a heavily armed door. I hesitated in my step, cocking my head as I stared at the thick door. Something inside of there was calling to me, and I wasn't sure if it was good or bad. It was an uneasy feeling, and my hand pressed against the metal, finding it cold under my touch.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," the guard retreated to my side.

"What is in there?" I wondered.

"Even I don't know," she shrugged. "But whoever it is, is not good. Alpha often goes in there and comes out bloodied."

I suppressed a shiver, understanding right away what was in there. The worst of the worst.

"How many rooms are down this part?" I wondered.

"About two, I believe. One cell and one... instrument room." She frowned.

I grimaced, taking a step away. "Let's keep going. I don't like the feeling of that room."

She bowed her head, and we walked a little until we came to a stop. I hesitantly observed the room, finding it cold and dirty, a small bed and toilet to one side. But there, huddled in the dimly lit corner, I saw the outline of my sister. I was sure if I didn't have this strange mate-bond vision, I would not see her. Her darker hair and clothes blended with the shadows.

"Arabella?" I called.

Her hands dug into her hair; her forehead pressed into her knees that she clutched to her chest.

I tried again, calling her name softly. This time, her head raised, and her tear-drenched, tired eyes found mine. I stepped forward, wrapping my hand around the bars. She shakily rose to her feet, gasping my name with uncertainty. I smiled softly, reaching forward for her. She stumbled, rushing toward me and taking my hands in her own.

"Ailia... You came for me," she whispered.

"Of course, I did," I mumbled, before turning to the woman whose name I realised I didn't know. "Sorry, what's your name?"

"Sadie, Luna," she bowed her head.

I nodded at her. "Sadie, please release my sister."

Her eyes widened. "Luna, are you sure?"

My gaze lowered into a glare. "As certain as the sun on a cloudless day."

She bowed her head once, retrieving the keys from her pocket and unlocking the cell door. The moment she pulled it open, Arabella came rushing toward me. I embraced her, dropping my cheek to her head with a soft sigh.

"You don't deserve to be in here." I told her. "I didn't know what has gotten into Asra. He has denied my wishes."

"I didn't do anything." She sniffed.

"I believe you." I muttered.

Suddenly, my spine became rigid as a strange feeling settled down my spine. Footsteps echoed through the cells as a sudden hush overcame us. I pulled away, turning my head to find the dark glare of the alpha.

I narrowed my eyes, squeezing Arabella tighter to me. "What are you doing down here?"

"I should ask you the same thing." He grumbled.

I kept my grip tight. "Isn't it obvious?"

He growled. "Let her go."

"No," I shook my head. "You are being a rash and unfair leader."

"What would you know about leadership?" He scoffed.

Recoiling, I glared at him. "I know people deserve to be treated like emotional beings and not pests. I know that cornering someone into submission and scaring them shitless for something they didn't do is terrible. Especially when there is no evidence against them."

He growled, taking threatening steps towards us. He was aiming to intimidate us, but I didn't let show, pushing Arabella behind me. Even Sadie had submitted to the alpha's will. Asra stopped inches away from me, his chest heaving. I widened my stance, facing him head on as he bared his canines at me.

Unaffected, I titled my head till we looked each other in the eye.

"You would stoop so low as to intimidate me, mate?" I murmured.

He blinked, his teeth disappearing from view at my words. He grumbled, still holding my gaze as I held his.

"You are not the sole leader anymore, so either sort whatever this shit out is, or I will do it for you." I warned him.

Asra didn't blink, and neither did I as he grumbled. "What would you even do?"

"There are many things I could do, Asra." I cocked my head. "Question is, what can you do to fix this?"

He huffed, agitated, and dropped his eyes from mine. I couldn't help but smirk that I had won his little tiff and crossed my arms.

Asra moved to reach around me, but I secured my arms around Arabella and took a step back into the cell. His eyes flashed dangerously, holding a warning that I would ignore.

"Ailia... Don't play this game..."

I pushed us further into the cell, grabbing the silver door. It slammed shut, making Arabella whimper as I shielded her.

"Why would you do this?" He snapped before looking toward the guard. "Unlock it, now."

"Sadie, don't." I cautioned, using my harder tone.

She winced, dropping her head at my command. "Yes, Luna."

"You realise I can overpower your command?" Asra taunted.

"You realise I am not leaving this cell?" I mimicked him. "Maybe then you will realise how much of a dick you can be. Who locks a child in a fucking cell with no proof?"

He growled, frustrated. "You know what, fine!"

Asra turned and left without another word, but I knew he didn't leave because the mate bond told me so. Plus, this new wolfish hearing meant I could hear him as he muttered to somebody. He was annoyed at me, and I didn't blame him; I was being stubborn. But he wasn't listening to me as much as I was annoying him!

Turning to Bella, I dipped my chin with apology. "You are safe with me. Nothing is going to happen to you."

Her brown eyes were wide. "You said that before. I am finding it hard to believe."

"I know," I sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the small bed. "I don't know what is going on. I'm supposed to be the luna but he doesn't even listen to my thoughts."

Arabella remained mute, allowing me the time to process my thoughts. I already did enough thinking at the lake, and so, I could only wonder how long I would have to be stubborn for inside this damn cell.

**********

I know how much you hate Ailia right now, but I will say this because you guys are so quick to jump down the poor gals throat lol.

Asra and Ailia are a new relationship learning how to be a pair, and leading an entire group of people. Ailia has lived her entire life in a village without a voice, and the one time she thinks she has a say because she thinks she is equal, Asra looks over her. She is just mad, and yes stubborn, and yes childish, but she has never had these emotions; was never able to express herself before. Forced to grow up early (9 when her dad died) and missing out on social and emotional health and cues from parental love and then her partner (Darius) has made it hard for her to think logically. She sees nothing but her sister, and is too hurt about Asra ignoring her to think Bella could be anything but her little sister.

So please, it's not going to be this frustrating and annoying for the next three chapters. They have to learn to be together!! It's not gonna be instant when Ailia can be immature and Asra can be brash.