Chapter 8

AVA

I huddled in the corner of my cold cell, my mind numb from the darkness and isolation. I'd lost count of the days, weeks, or maybe even months I'd been trapped here.

The only sound was the occasional clang of the door as my meager rations were delivered. Cold, sour rice and steak, served once a day, was my only sustenance.

The taste was bland, but I ate it anyway, trying to keep my strength up.

As I sat in the darkness, my thoughts began to wander. I thought about Cane, who had saved me from those bandits.

His rugged features and piercing eyes flashed in my mind, and I felt a flutter in my chest. The way he fought off those men was exhilarating, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for his intervention.

I replayed the scene in my head, reliving the thrill of seeing him take down those bandits with ease.

He was a force to be reckoned with, and I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remembered the intensity in his eyes.

As I sat in the cold darkness, I felt a pang of regret. I had been so caught up in my own fears and doubts that I hadn't even thanked him properly.

I hadn't had the chance to express my gratitude, to let him know how much his actions had meant to me.

Cane's face lingered in my mind, and I found myself wondering if I'd ever see him again. Would he ever find out what had happened to me? Would he care?

Of course he wouldn't care, because I had treated him badly when all he did was try to help me.

The thought sent a pang of sadness through me, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

I pushed the thoughts aside, trying to focus on my survival. I had to find a way out of this place, to escape the clutches of my stepfather and the pack that seemed determined to keep me captive.

As I sat in the darkness, I held onto that thought, letting it give me strength and hope.

Maybe, just maybe, I'd find a way out of this place, and I'd get to see Cane again. Maybe I'd get to thank him, to tell him how much his actions had meant to me.

“Meal time.” The guard announced.

I stared at the cold steak, my stomach growling with hunger. But as I looked at it, Spark my wolf felt disgusted.

I hated stale steak, and this looked like it had been sitting out for days. Spark preferred hunting for my own meat, feeling the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of taking down my own prey.

With a scowl, I kicked the food away, watching as it slid across the floor.

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and desperation. How long would I be stuck in this place?

I still sat in the darkness, I felt my senses heighten. I could smell the damp earth and moldy air, and I could hear the faint sounds of dripping water somewhere in the distance.

But most of all, I could feel the weight of my confinement, the crushing sense of being trapped.

I stood up, pacing back and forth in my small cell. I had to keep moving, had to keep my body and mind active. I couldn't let the confinement get to me, couldn't let it break me.

I thought about my life before this place. I had been free, wild, and untamed. I had run through the forests, hunted for my food, and lived life on my own terms.

But now, I was trapped, locked away in this cold, dark cell.

I felt a surge of anger and frustration, and I let out a loud roar.

I pounded my fists against the walls, feeling the pain and the futility of my actions. But I didn't care.

As I stood there, panting and trembling with rage, I heard the sound of footsteps outside my cell. The door creaked open, and a guard stood there, looking at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Are you fucking okay in the head? Do you need some beating?" he asked, his voice gruff.

I glared at him, my anger still simmering. "No," I spat. "I'm not okay. I'm trapped, and I'm hungry, and I'm angry."

The guard nodded, his expression softening slightly. "You have to eat whatever you get. You're not going to help yourself by losing control."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I knew the guard was right.

Few hours later, I heard footsteps coming closer to my cell, and my heart skipped a beat. I looked up, and my eyes widened as I saw my best friend Emily creeping slowly towards me.

She was being cautious, making sure not to alert the guards. I felt a surge of excitement and hope. What was she doing here?

As Emily reached my cell, she smiled weakly and whispered, "Ava, I'm so sorry it took me so long to come visit. I've been trying to find a way to get to you."

She handed me a package with fresh meals, and I devoured the food hungrily. It was the best thing I had tasted in a long time.

Emily looked at me with concern, her eyes scanning my face. "Ava, what happened? I didn't believe a word the council said about you. You're not capable of hurting Liz."

I took a deep breath, and tears began to well up in my eyes as I told her everything.

I told her about Liz, about Rachel's manipulation, and about the prince who saved me and turned out to be my mate. Emily listened intently, her face filled with shock and anger.

As I spoke, we both whimpered, holding each other tightly. It was a moment of pure emotional release, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

Emily promised to do all she could to set me free, and I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't be stuck in this place forever because what could Emily possibly do to set me free?

As Emily prepared to leave, I felt a pang of sadness. I didn't want her to go, I didn't want to be alone again.

"I'll come back as soon as I can," she promised, hugging me tightly. "I'll find a way to get you out of here, Ava. I promise."

Emily turned to leave, and I grabbed her arm. "Wait," I whispered. "Be careful. If Liz finds out you're helping me..."

Emily nodded, her eyes serious. "I know, Ava. I'll be careful." And with that, she slipped out of my cell, leaving me with a sense of hope and a sense of unease.

As I watched her disappear into the darkness, I felt a chill run down my spine. Suddenly, I heard footsteps coming from the corridor, heavy and deliberate.

They were coming from the direction Emily had just gone. My heart sank, and I felt a sense of dread. Had Emily been caught?

I strained my ears, listening to the sound of the footsteps growing louder.