Clouded with Exhaustion

Chapter 3

Adolfa's POV

"We will be learning about the different traditions and customs of the Greko Pack," Alpha Berra announced in a commanding tone. The entire class responded in unison, "Yes, Alpha!"

I sat there, barely listening, my mind clouded with exhaustion and pain. My body ached from the torment I had endured, and no amount of willpower could mask my discomfort. I felt like a prisoner in my own skin, trapped in a never-ending cycle of suffering. My arms trembled as I placed my hands on the desk, my nails digging into the worn-out wood. I winced at the movement, every inch of me sore and weak.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I had brought this upon myself. If only I had never meddled in affairs that did not concern me. If only I had been smarter, stronger. Perhaps then, I would not be in this situation.

"Adolfa! Are you listening?" Alpha Berra's sharp voice snapped me out of my daze.

I stiffened, my breath hitching. "Yes, Alpha," I stammered, barely able to form the words.

He narrowed his eyes at me, clearly unimpressed. "As I was saying," he continued, "in the Greko Pack, hierarchy is everything. You must know your place and set clear boundaries. Werewolves are the kings of this pack. Any Wereraven, Wereshark, Werefox, Wereboar, or Lycan who disrespects them will face severe punishment."

The class responded in perfect harmony, "Yes, Alpha Berra."

A cruel smirk played on his lips. "Good. I am pleased to see that you understand your rank here. There is no place for disobedience." His gaze lingered on me, making my skin crawl.

A tense silence filled the room before he finally spoke again. "Before we move on, I have an announcement. You will all be allowed to visit your families after this session." The classroom erupted into hushed murmurs, a glimmer of hope evident in the eyes of my fellow prisoners. It had been too long since we had seen the outside world.

"However," Alpha Berra’s tone darkened, and the murmurs ceased immediately. "Adolfa, you will stay behind after class. I have some... matters to discuss with you."

My stomach twisted into knots. I already knew what that meant. The pitiless glint in his eyes told me enough. A shudder ran down my spine, but I kept my expression neutral. Any sign of weakness would only make things worse.

Time seemed to crawl. Every passing second in that classroom felt like an eternity. My mind was elsewhere, running through possible ways to escape this nightmare. But deep down, I knew the truth—I was powerless.

Finally, the session ended. My classmates hurried out, whispering about seeing their families. They didn’t spare me a glance. They knew better than to involve themselves in my troubles.

I remained seated as Alpha Berra approached me. His presence loomed over me like a shadow. "Stand up," he commanded.

I obeyed, my body stiff with apprehension. His eyes raked over me, amusement dancing in them. "You look exhausted," he mused, tilting his head. "Not surprising, given your... circumstances."

I clenched my fists at my sides, willing myself to remain calm. "Alpha Berra, please..." I started, unsure of what I was even pleading for.

His smirk widened. "Oh, Adolfa. You should know by now that pleading gets you nowhere."

I bit my tongue, knowing that any further words would only worsen my fate.

He circled me like a predator toying with its prey. "Tell me, do you regret your actions? Do you regret getting involved in matters that were beyond your station?"

I hesitated. Lying would be pointless. "Yes, Alpha," I admitted quietly.

His laughter was cold. "Good. Regret is a powerful thing, Adolfa. But it does not absolve you of your punishment."

I braced myself as he grabbed my wrist, his grip bruising. He pulled me toward the back of the classroom, where a hidden door led to a dimly lit chamber. Chains hung from the walls, their metallic clinking sending shivers down my spine.

"This is where we ensure discipline is maintained," Alpha Berra said, gesturing to the cold stone floor. "And today, you will learn another lesson."

I closed my eyes, willing myself to be strong. But no amount of preparation could have readied me for the pain that followed.

Hours later, I was finally released from the chamber. My body was battered, my spirit crushed. I stumbled through the corridors, my vision blurred from exhaustion. The halls were eerily silent, the flickering torches casting long shadows on the walls.

I needed to get out of here. I needed air.

Ignoring the throbbing in my legs, I made my way toward the courtyard, where the other prisoners were gathering. The scent of the earth after the morning rain filled my nostrils. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to breathe.

"Adolfa!" A voice called my name.

I turned to see a familiar face—Henry. My former lover, my once-loyal companion. His eyes widened in shock as he took in my disheveled state.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I swallowed hard. "I could ask you the same question."

Henry stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I heard rumors... about what they’ve been doing to you. I couldn’t believe it until I saw you with my own eyes."

I averted my gaze, shame washing over me. "It doesn’t matter, Henry. This is my reality now."

He clenched his jaw. "No. It doesn’t have to be. There’s a way out."

My breath hitched. "What are you saying?"

Henry leaned in, whispering, "Meet me tonight, by the eastern wall. There’s an opening in the barriers. If we time it right, we can escape."

Hope flared in my chest, but fear quickly smothered it. "If we get caught..."

"We won’t," he assured me. "Trust me."