CHAPTER 2

AMELIA’S POV

My cheeks still burned with embarrassment from the triplets cruel words, and my fingers trembled around the edge of my oil painting.

I could feel every eye on me, judging the plain navy blue dress that suddenly felt even more out of place. Jason’s face twisted with fury as he stepped forward, his shoulders squared and his fists clenched at his sides. Kyle and Damian flanked him and I knew they were about to turn this moment into another nightmare for me, right here in front of everyone who mattered in the district.

Before Jason could even confront the hooded stranger, a voice boomed from the stage at the front of the hall.

The MC, a tall man in a crisp black suit with a microphone in hand, tapped it once and cleared his throat.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention please. The district’s annual art exhibition and auction is about to begin. Please take your seats as we start with the opening showcase of pieces from our talented local artists.”

Just like that, the tension disappeared. The hall erupted into a wave of movement and chatter and the sudden noise felt like a lifeline, pulling everyone’s focus away from the ugly scene the triplets had caused.

Jason hesitated, his glare still locked on the stranger, but even he couldn’t ignore the way the entire room was now filled with anticipation for the event. Kyle muttered something under his breath and nudged Damian, who shot me one last venomous look before the three of them reluctantly turned toward the seating area with their group of friends trailing behind.

The stranger took my hand in his. “Come with me.”

My mind screamed at me to stay put, to go back into the shadows where I belonged and pretend none of this had happened. I didn’t know this man. He had no reason to defend me, and following a stranger in a place like this could only lead to more trouble.

Yet, something about his authority made my feet move before my brain could catch up. My senses refused to work properly, as if the shame and fear from moments ago had short-circuited everything inside me. I clutched my painting tighter against my chest and followed him through the dispersing crowd, my heart hammering so loud, I was sure he could hear it over the growing murmurs around us.

He led me away from the main hall, down a quiet side corridor lined with marble pillars. The distant sound of the MC’s voice faded behind us as we walked. My stomach twisted into knots with every step.

Where was he taking me?

The restroom sign came into view at the end of the hallway, and a new wave of panic surged through me.

A stranger dragging me to the restroom? My mind raced with every horrible possibility I had heard about men at events like these.

I wanted to turn around and run back to the safety of the crowded hall, but my legs kept moving as if they had a will of their own.

We reached the ladies’ restroom, and he pushed the door open. I stepped inside on shaky legs, the scent of lavender soap and polished tiles filling my nose. The room was empty and surprisingly luxurious, with wide mirrors framed in gold and lighting that made everything so beautiful.

He reached out slowly, his movements careful as if he didn’t want to startle me further. His fingers brushed the hem of my navy blue dress near my waist where the small ribbon had twisted during my altercation with the triplets.

His touch was light and respectful, nothing like the rough shoves I was used to from the triplets. Still, insecurity flooded me as I caught my reflection in the mirror. The dress looked so plain compared to the elegant gowns I had seen in the hall.

I looked exactly like what I was — a maid who had no business being here among Alphas and their privileged circles.

He must have noticed the way my shoulders hunched because he paused and tilted his head under the hood. “You look pretty in that dress," He muttered. "It suits you better than you think.”

Heat crept up my neck, but this time it wasn’t from shame. A tiny spark of confidence flickered back to life inside me, enough for me to lift my chin just a fraction and meet his eyes.

"What are you really doing here tonight?" He asked. "You don’t seem like the type who sneaks into these events for fun.”

The question broke something open in me and tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them.

“I’ve been their maid all my life,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “They make my life hell every single day. I made this because I wanted to auction it off and finally make enough money to run away, pay for college and start somewhere new where no one knows me as the orphan girl who serves them.”

I held up the small canvas, my fingers still trembling. The painting showed a forest under moonlight, something I had poured my energy into, over the past few months.

He smiled when I was done and nodded.

“I have a better idea,” he said. “How about I beat all three of them up right now and make them pay you for every bit of stress they’ve caused you over the years?”

A laugh escaped my lips as the image flashed in my mind. It was ridiculous and impossible, but for a split second, it felt satisfying.

“That sounds tempting,” I admitted. “But you don’t understand. They’re untouchable. They’re the sons of Alpha Max of the Nevermore pack. No one crosses them without consequences, especially not at an event like this filled with powerful Alphas.”

He straightened up a little, and I saw a smirk from across his lips.

"Untouchable, eh?" He chuckled. “We’ll see about that."