The Alpha Who Wanted Me Dead

Marco’s Last Goodbye

The dungeon smelled of damp stone, rusted metal, and blood. The torches lining the walls flickered weakly, casting long, jagged shadows across the cold ground.

Marco moved quickly, his steps light despite the weight pressing on his chest. His father had given the order to release Regina, but he knew the warriors wouldn't have been gentle. He knew she would be left in the dark, barely able to move.

And he knew this would be the last time he would see her for a long time.

His fingers curled around the iron bars of the cell door, his breath shallow.

"Regina," he called softly.

There was no answer.

His stomach twisted.

He forced the door open, the rusty hinges groaning. The sight inside made his blood turn cold.

Regina lay curled on the floor, her body limp. Her silver hair, usually smooth and flowing, was tangled and matted with dried blood. Her thin dress was torn at the back, revealing angry red welts where the whip had struck.

For a terrifying moment, he thought she wasn't breathing. Then, slowly, she stirred, her body flinching at the slightest movement. A low, pained whimper escaped her lips.

Marco was at her side in an instant, gently gathering her in his arms. She was light—too light. And warm. Fever still clung to her skin.

"Regina," he whispered again. "It's me."

Her eyelids fluttered open just barely. Those silver eyes, dulled with pain, met his.

"M-Marco?" Her voice was so weak, it nearly broke him.

"Yeah," he said softly. "I'm here."

She tried to move, but a sharp gasp of pain stopped her. He tightened his grip, careful but firm, cradling her closer to his chest.

"Don't move," he murmured. "I've got you."

Her fingers curled weakly against his shirt. "Y-you... s-shouldn't be here."

"And you shouldn't be here either," he said, his voice thick with anger. "But my father—" He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay calm.

Now wasn't the time for rage.

He reached into his cloak, pulling out a small bundle of bread and a flask of water. "You need to eat."

Regina hesitated.

She had always hesitated whenever he attempted to care for her, like she questioned her own worthiness of such kindness. Her eyes darted away as if the tenderness felt foreign to her.

"Regina, please," he urged gently, his voice filled with a quiet desperation. "Just a little."

Her lips parted reluctantly, and he carefully guided a cup to her mouth, allowing her to take small sips of water. The liquid trickled down her throat, and he pressed a small piece of bread into her trembling hand. She chewed slowly, each bite an effort, her fingers quivering as if they might drop the bread at any moment.

Marco watched her intently, his heart heavy with a mix of sorrow and frustration. His chest ached at the sight of her frailty, and a sense of helplessness gnawed at him. He loathed seeing her in such a state, and the thought of leaving her behind felt like a physical wound.

He swallowed hard, the words catching in his throat. "I came to say goodbye."

Regina froze, her movements halted by the weight of his words. The piece of bread slipped from her fingers, landing on the cold, unforgiving stone floor with a soft thud.

"W-what? Why..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, laced with confusion and fear.

Marco's throat tightened painfully. "My father is sending me away for the Alpha training. I leave at dawn," he explained, his voice strained.

Her eyes widened, panic flickering like a trapped bird in her gaze. "N-no," she rasped, her voice cracking. "You... you can't."

"I have to," he said softly, cupping her face with tenderness, his thumb gently brushing away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "If I don't, he'll—" He stopped, unable to finish the sentence.

The unspoken threat loomed between them like a shadow. They both knew what Sirus had promised. If Marco didn't return with a mate, Regina would be the one to pay the price.

"W-what if you never come back?" she whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of her fears.

"I will," he vowed, his voice firm despite the uncertainty that lingered in the air.

"A-and what if...they kill me while you're gone?" she asked softly, tears now streaming freely down her face.

"I won't let that happen," he murmured, his voice a gentle promise.

A heavy knock echoed through the dungeon, breaking the fragile moment. Marco instinctively pulled Regina closer, protective instincts flaring within him. Then, reluctantly, he stepped aside to let someone into her cell. A tall, broad-shouldered man with piercing blue eyes entered, his presence commanding attention.

"Young Alpha, the carriage is waiting for you," the man announced, his voice deep and steady.

Marco exhaled sharply, his reluctance palpable as he released Regina from his embrace. "This is Blue, Regina. He is one of the few people I trust here. He will take care of you while I'm away," Marco explained, his voice filled with a mix of reassurance and urgency.

Blue had been assigned to him months ago, a warrior by trade, yet he was the most honorable among them. His loyalty was unquestionable.

"You'll be late if you stall any longer. I'll take care of her," Blue stated simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Marco turned back to Regina, his heart aching with the things left unsaid. He longed to find the right words, something to convey the depth of his feelings, but the enormity of the moment left him speechless.

"I'll come back, Regina. I promise that," he whispered.