CHAPTER FIVE: ARIA

I slowly opened my eyes, the morning light streaming through the window and casting a warm glow over my room.

I blinked away the sleep, feeling a dull ache in my side where my rib was still healing. Memories of the previous night's confrontation with my parents flooded back, and I felt a surge of anxiety.

As I lay there, I took stock of my surroundings. My room was small, with cream-colored walls and a single window that let in the morning light. My bed was a simple frame with a white comforter, and my clothes were scattered across the floor. The room was quiet, except for the sound of birds chirping outside my window.

I sat up slowly, feeling a bit dizzy. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the lingering fatigue. My gaze fell on the clock on my nightstand, and I saw that it was already late morning. I had slept in later than I had intended.

As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I felt a pang of pain in my side. I winced, remembering the broken rib. I stood up slowly, testing my weight on my feet. I was a bit unsteady, but I managed to stay upright.

I looked around my room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. My room was my sanctuary, my escape from the pressures of pack life. But today, it felt like a reminder of my confinement, of the expectations that weighed heavily on me.

I walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains, letting in more light. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the backyard. I felt a sense of longing, a desire to be free and unencumbered.

Staring out my window for a few minutes, I heard a soft knock on the door.

"Aria?" Ryder's voice was low and gentle. "Are you okay?"

I turned away from the window. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

The door creaked open, and Ryder stepped inside. His eyes scanned the room, taking in my disheveled appearance.

"You look like you could use some help," he said, his voice filled with concern.

I smiled weakly, Ryder was always worried about me.

"I'm just a bit sore," I said, gesturing to my side.

Ryder nodded, his eyes understanding. "Breakfast's downstairs but I could bring it here if you want" he said and added "Dad's gone to the pack house with mum and Reena's already in school"  when I opened my mouth to protest.

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me, at least I wouldn't have to put up with them this morning.

"Okay, it's fine I'll be there in a bit" I said, he nodded and left closing the door behind him.

I waddled to my bathroom carefully taking off my clothes to take a shower. I poked my purpled side and it hurt less than last night. The balm I applied coupled with my supposed werewolf healing ability was helping me heal. Brushing my teeth I examined my face. Straight light blonde hair framed a petite pale face housing wide green eyes that sat atop a straight small nose and small round cut lips. My swollen right cheek, still hurts but at least the bruise wasn't purple just a fading deep pink on my extremely pale skin.

Next I brushed my hair and tied it in a messy bun, put on my cherry chapstick,  a pair of dark grey sweatpants and a loose blue sweater shirt before walking down the stairs literally hugging the hand rails.

I could smell the bacon and pancakes before I saw them. Ryder served breakfast for both of us and helped me sit.

"Oh my goodness Ry, these are delicious" I said around the food in my mouth. It's been ages since I ate someone else's cooked food. It's been ages since someone cooked for me.

"Thank you so much" I breathed.

"Anything for you sis" he smiled and slid a glass of water and some pain killers to me when I'd finished eating.

As we sat there, Ryder's eyes met mine. I saw a mixture of emotions before his expression became neutral.

"Aria, we need to talk about last night," he said, his voice low and serious.

I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What did he want to say? Was he finally going to tell me that I was a disappointment, that I wasn't good enough?

I'd always known that one day he'd get tired of me too. I was a default in the pack chain. I was a flaw. I'd never be accepted. I knew it, I...

Ryder's words cut through my thoughts.

"I'm worried about you, Aria," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I don't want to see you get hurt anymore. It's my fault I haven't been here to protect you as your elder brother should."

What? He thinks it's his fault? I mean how can it be? Why should he protect me from our parents in the first place. This is the guilt I didn't want him carrying.

"Ry you're not..." I started, his hand reached out and covered mine, his touch warm and eyes locked on mine.

"Aria you..." He stilled and his eyes glazed over which meant he was having a mind link.

Just then the front door burst open with Dad and Reena rushing through. Dad's arm was bleeding. Bleeding? What happened?

"Dad? What happened to your arm?" I squeaked as I ran forward but Reena blocked me from getting closer to him both their eyes flashing from grey to amber.

"Rogues" Ryder growled behind me. They must have mind linked him about them.

I gasped, my eyes wide as saucers and turned to face him "Rogues? What about mum?"

"She's in the nursery with Luna Sable. They're moving the children and women to safety. Aria we need to get out of here. Dad will be able to shift in about 2 minutes and you need to come with me. I know it still hurts but you'll have to run for a bit" Ryder said moving around me opening drawers searching for goodness knows what. Thank goodness mum was fine.

"Just leave her here" Reena spat glaring at me.

"Reena stop" Ryder growled at her and earned a growl from Dad. Their eyes glazing over.

"I won't leave her here, Reena shift when Dad shifts and move to the Northern border" Ryder growled again pulling my arm towards our backyard to the forest behind.

"Here take this just incase" Ryder unsheathed a silver knife, sheathed it back and pressed it into my hand just as we heard a loud bang coming from behind us as we sprinted into the forest.