KEVIN’S POV
I placed the log of wood on the large boulder and split it with one swift swing. I tried to focus on the task but my mind kept drifting to Kiara.
God knows how she was doing in that musty dungeon. Dad wanted to keep her in the cell till she agreed to shift. When I protested, he commanded me to chop the wood.
Shaking my head, I placed another branch on the boulder and hacked it with the heavy axe. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I continued to chop the wood in the scorching sun.
In a while, the urge to keep chopping subsided. Alpha must have released me from his command. Now, I was not in a mood to give up. I continued to chop the firewood one after the other.
“Kevin, Alpha has released you from his command.” Collin’s voice sounded behind me. Ignoring him, I kept on wielding my axe.
“Kevin, you must not exert yourself like this. Have some water.” He tried again, thrusting a bottle of water in front of me.
Glaring at him, I swept away his hand causing the bottle of water to fall on the ground. “Did Alpha permit Kiara to drink water?”
He lowered his head and shook it.
“How can I drink water then? Just go and mind your business. Don’t bother me unless Alpha releases Kiara.” I said, turning my focus back to chopping wood.
Day turned to night but my father hadn’t released Kiara yet. I was not willing to give up either. My movements had become sluggish and the axe felt like it weighed a ton.
My head started spinning and the axe slid from my hand and fell to the ground with a thud. I staggered and was about to fall but a pair of soft hands grabbed me.
The ends of my lips turned up as I saw the concerned face of my mom. She forced me to sit down and handed me the bottle of water of bottle.
“I am sorry mom… but… Kiara…”
She ran her hand through my hair lovingly and said, “Cami has gone to give her food and water. Your Dad shouldn’t have been so harsh with her…”
Nodding my head, I brought the bottle to my lips. The cool water trickled down my throat soothing my dry and burning throat. After a few gulps, I poured the rest of it over my head.
My mom opened her mouth to say something but we got distracted by a scream. Bloody hell! It sounded like Cami’s voice.
Jumping to my feet, I ran in the direction of the sound. I was completely drained. So, it took me a while to reach the dungeon.
My eyes widened in horror when I saw the sight in the cell. Cami was wrapped up in silver chains. She was writhing and hissing in pain.
“Stay still. Moving will increase your contact with the chains.” I advised as I ran through the corridor. The rusty, metal door creaked as I shoved it open.
Wearing the gloves kept in the corner, I unwound the chains around her.
“How did this happen?” Mom asked, walking in.
“I… I… nothing, you won’t like it…” Cami said, lowering her eyes.
“Look at you… these gashes would probably leave permanent marks on your skin… We need to know the truth…” Mom said, holding her arms for support.
She winced slightly and said, “I just came to give water and food to Kiara… then…”
“Then what, Cami… get to the point.” I couldn’t restrain my irritation from seeping into my voice.
“Kiara pushed me and I fell on the silver chains… It was an accident…” Cami said, glancing at Kiara.
I knew that she was lying. The chains were wrapped around her systematically. Did that mean… Kiara had deliberately used the chains on Cami.
Kiara stood there without any remorse. How could she be so indifferent? I would talk to her later… At present Cami needed medical attention.
I carried her to my bedroom and made her lie on the bed. Mom walked in a few moments later with the healer of the pack.
“It is a good thing that you saved her on time else she would have suffered greatly. I have given her a shot of anti silver. Apply this medicine regularly and she will be fine in a few weeks…” The healer said handing me a bottle of silver-colored ointment.
“It is that twit again, isn’t it?” Father’s voice boomed as he stomped inside.
“Dad…” I started speaking but he cut me off.
“Cami, tell me what happened…”
“It was just an accident, Alpha. I stumbled and fell amidst the silver chains…”
Father’s furious expression indicated that he hadn’t bought it. He crossed his arms and said in a cold voice, “I didn’t expect this from you, Cami…”
Mom grasped his hand and said in a soft yet firm voice, “Stop suspecting Kiara. I know she is stubborn and arrogant but she will never hurt anyone…”
“Dad, please…”
Cami broke into bouts of coughing and said, “Uncle, the dungeons are so dusty. You must free Kiara else she will fall ill…”
My father’s lips pursed into a thin line. “Since you all have decided to do this your way, I will return to the mansion.
Kevin can manage the affairs as he pleases. No one will interfere.” He said in a hurt voice before storming out.
“Dad, I didn’t mean it like that… please listen to me…” I started following him but mom stopped me.
“Stay back and look after Kiara. I will talk to your dad.” She said and rushed after him.
Silence hung in the air for a very long time. I wanted to ask Cami what really had happened but I was afraid of hearing the truth. I sat beside Cami and started applying the ointment just to have something to do.
My heart ached to see the long, heinous gashes that had formed on her hands. Kiara couldn’t do something so extreme, could she?
“Kevin…” Cami’s sweet voice sounded as she grasped my hand. Tears gleamed in her eyes as she said, “What have I ever done to Kiara? I just wanted to help her….”
I extracted my hand and almost ran out of the room. I couldn’t bear to listen any further…