"Why would the Alpha have them killed just for hurting you?" Lily asked in a whisper, her voice tinged with disbelief and fear.
Anna folded her arms across her chest, looking thoughtful. "And don't forget, the Beta saved you. Do you think the Alpha might have accepted you as his mate? Maybe he's protecting you."
"That's impossible," I snapped, pacing back and forth. "They're not keeping me alive because they care. It's to punish me, plain and simple."
The tension in the room was stifling. I needed to get out. My head was swimming with too many questions and the heavy gazes of everyone around me. I was used to solitude; being the center of attention like this felt like being trapped in a glass box for all to see.
"I need some air," I muttered, stepping out of the kitchen. The relentless questioning was pushing me to the edge.
I made my way to the garden, feigning interest in the plants just so I could have a moment to breathe. The sunlight warmed my skin, and I inhaled deeply, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me. How was I ever going to survive this place? It felt like I was walking through a maze of nightmares.
"Penny for your thoughts," a voice said suddenly, breaking the silence.
I jumped, clutching my chest in shock. "What the-! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I turned to see Jordan, the only person who had introduced himself to me when I first arrived-then started ignoring my existence without a word.
He chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention." He stepped closer, his presence unexpectedly comforting.
I raised an eyebrow. "So, you've finally decided I exist now?"
He frowned, regret flashing across his face. "I'm sorry. This place has its rules. My owner was watching us after that whole incident. If she'd seen us talking again, it could have meant trouble for both of us."
"Your owner?" I echoed, realizing how dangerous this could have been for him. A wave of guilt washed over me as I remembered Emma, Jonas, and his brother.
"She's the Gamma," Jordan explained, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Trust me, you do not want to get on her bad side. The Alpha, the Beta, and the Gamma-they're the worst. They'd kill us without a second thought. That's why I'm planning to leave."
I looked around quickly before lowering my voice. "You're leaving? How?"
"I've been working on this escape for years," he whispered, glancing around as if someone might overhear. "There's an old tunnel we found under the packhouse. It's hidden and leads west from here. It was blocked by rocks, but we've been clearing it out little by little. In seven days, we'll be ready to leave."
My heart leapt with hope. "Seven days? Please, take me with you. Why can't we leave now, or even tonight?"
Jordan's face turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Keep your voice down. We can't leave now because it would be too obvious. We need to be careful. The younger ones will go first, and then the rest of us will follow. We're taking a big risk here."
"What kind of risk?" I asked, a shiver running down my spine.
"If we get caught, they'll kill us all," he said simply. "That's why only a few are coming. Some believe it's a death sentence, and they might be right. But I'd rather die trying to escape than live another day in this hell."
I looked up at him, feeling a surge of determination. "I'd rather die trying too."
He gave me a small smile, his blue eyes filled with hope. "I'll come to you when it's almost time, or I'll send someone. Just stay ready."
"Okay," I nodded, watching him disappear into the shadows.
For the first time in what felt like ages, I felt a glimmer of joy. There was a chance to leave this nightmare behind. I wanted to share this news with Anna and Lily-they had suffered here for so long, they deserved freedom too. I hurried back to the kitchen, excitement bubbling inside me. As I rounded a corner, I collided with something solid.
I looked up, frowning. It was one of the guards.
"You're to clean the Alpha's quarters. Now," he barked, gesturing for me to follow.
The mention of the Alpha sent a chill through me. My heart pounded, fear slithering through my veins like ice. I followed him, my feet dragging as we ascended the staircase to the Alpha's floor. At the end of the corridor, a young maid stood by two large double doors adorned with intricate carvings of a full moon and a wolf howling towards the sky. She held a bucket and cleaning supplies, her eyes darting nervously.
At least today, I was dressed decently-a plain grey dress that covered me fully. The guard opened the doors, and I stepped inside. The room swallowed me whole, vast and grand. It wasn't just a room-it was a palace in itself.
The bed was enormous, draped with crisp white sheets that looked softer than clouds. Sunlight streamed through two tall French windows, casting golden patterns across the plush white rug. Everything was pristine and immaculate, a stark contrast to the squalor we lived in downstairs. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. They lived like royalty while we suffered like slaves.
I got to work, sweeping the floors. The task was exhausting, and the pain in my feet flared up again. I sighed, glancing at the massive bed. Without thinking, I threw myself onto it. The softness enveloped me, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a bit of peace. My long, curly black hair tumbled out of its bun, spreading across the bed like a dark halo. I probably looked ridiculous, but I didn't care. It was the first comfort I'd felt in days.
I closed my eyes, basking in the warmth of the sun that bathed the room. The light was soothing, calming the chaos in my mind. But then, just as quickly as it came, the warmth vanished, replaced by a cold shadow that loomed over me. My heart raced, and I knew, without looking, who it was.
Slowly, I opened my eyes. The Alpha stood above me, his silver-grey eyes locked onto mine. He raised an eyebrow, watching me intently. His expression was unreadable-somewhere between amusement and fury.
I swallowed hard, frozen under his gaze. My skin prickled as I realized I'd overstepped a boundary, lying on his bed like I belonged there.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked, his voice smooth but edged with danger.
I scrambled to sit up, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. "I-I'm sorry," I stammered, feeling the blood drain from my face.
His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was trying to decide whether to laugh or tear me apart.
"You're quite bold," he said finally, his tone cold but laced with something else-something that made my stomach twist in knots.
I didn't dare respond. The room felt suffocating, his presence overwhelming. I held my breath, waiting to see what he would do next.