Once Torture Her, Twice Fear Her

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Everyone was shocked. So as Soren who heard the condition of the formidable Alpha of Shadowbane Pack. His surprise was palpable as he stared at Gideon, who treated everything like entertainment. The smirk on his face could not be wiped off. “W-What? Why do you want her?” He asked, his voice betraying his confusion.

However, Gideon only shrugged, a nonchalant smirk still playing on his lips. “I also killed my parents, didn’t I? I think she and I are the same.” His tone was almost casual, as though discussing the weather rather than a matter of life and death.

Upon hearing that, Soren’s face went pale. He wasn’t sure if Gideon’s comment was a joke or a serious declaration. Gideon’s smirk and the calmness in his eyes suggested the latter. The realization that the Alpha might be as ruthless as his reputation suggested unsettled Soren. He let out a forced, awkward laugh, trying to mask his discomfort. “You’re quite something, Alpha Gideon.”

Reluctantly, Soren agreed to Gideon’s terms. “But, fine. You can have her. It’s a fair exchange for joining the alliance.”

It was ridiculous. Celestine, who was there all along, felt like she had been discarded like trash. It was not enough that she suffered all these years; now, she was treated like a bargaining item for an alliance.

She didn't know what Alpha Gideon was thinking, but she didn't care. All she felt was pain as she eyed her brother, trying to see if he would feel guilty for doing this to his sister. Soon she realized, he truly no longer cared.

With that settled, Gideon took Celestine back to the Shadowbane Pack. The journey was silent, the weight of the situation hanging heavily in the air. None of them talked except for a few seconds of exchange of names. And once they arrived, Alpha Gideon led Celestine into the pack’s infirmary.

“Let’s get you checked out,” the Alpha said, his voice softer now. He motioned for the pack healer, an elderly woman named Lara, to approach. Her eyes widened in concern as she examined Celestine’s battered body. Fresh injuries mingled with old scars, painting a grim picture of her recent life.

Lara sighed, her voice filled with sympathy. “This poor girl has been through so much. Look at all these bruises and scars. It’s heartbreaking.”

If she were honest, she felt embarrassed. Seeing those scars meant seeing a part of her that was weak. But for some reason, upon entering Shadowbane, she felt an unfamiliar sense of warmth, as if it was not the pack everyone said was ruled by a ruthless and crazy Alpha.

Meanwhile, Gideon nodded, his expression serious. “Then, let me heal her myself.”

After the Alpha said that, Lara’s eyes widened even further as if she didn't expect it at all. “Alpha, are you sure? You rarely treat people personally..." She muttered, trying to find the right words for it. Everyone in the Shadowbane Pack had their Alpha, who was powerful enough and was also bestowed with advanced healing abilities and never treated anyone without thinking about it first.

Alpha Gideon Ironhart, known for his past, his reputation was rather a contrast to the rare ability he had—he was a Healer.

Gideon gave a small, reassuring smile. “I’m sure. I’ve made up my mind, Lara. Let me handle it.”

As Lara left, Gideon began his work. He placed his hands gently on Celestine’s injured body, focusing his energy. Celestine gasped as a soothing warmth spread through her. The pain that had been a constant companion began to dissipate. Her scars started to fade, and she felt the healing process mending her broken bones.

Celestine looked at the Alpha with a mixture of awe and apprehension. “T-Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I don't know why are you treating me so well, but thank you."

At the same time, Gideon continued his healing, his focus unwavering. “Tell me what happened,” he said quietly. “You killed your parents?"

Celestine hesitated, but the warmth from Alpha Gideon’s healing abilities encouraged her to speak. “I... I was accused of poisoning my parents. They were the Alpha and Luna of the Ironclaw Pack. I made pasta for them one night, and they suddenly fell ill and died. They convulsed, bled from their eyes and ears, and then... they were gone. Everyone said, even my brother, Soren, I did it out of greed, that I wanted to be the Alpha. But no... I don't want any of that. I just want..."

Her eyes filled with tears as she recounted the nightmare. "I didn’t do it. I would never harm them. I loved them so much.”

Gideon’s eyes remained unreadable as he listened. Once she finished, he looked at her as if he remembered something from the distant past. He didn't know if he could recall the tragedy that Celestine heard from the rumors—he killed his parents and the elders of his pack—or if he was just simply curious about what happened to her.

After some time, he opened his mouth to speak, “I think I had a grasp of what happened to your parents that night. You're right, you didn't do it."