Chapter Six

Ariezel

I shuffled through the murky darkness, unable to see or hear anything. It felt like i was floating in a void.

But I didn't mind. Not when everywhere was so, so warm.

I snuggled further into the warmth, wanting to stay for plenty while longer.

A sharp feeling came and suddenly the warmth was gone replaced by a sharp chill that grew every moment.

The cold slowly brought me out if the abyss, and i felt myself rise up…up…

The light hurt when my eyes cracked open. It took time for the brightness to dim while I noticed the two shadows.

Moments later, when my eyesight was clearer, I understood.

It was day and there were two people standing above me.

It was two women who looked my age. One held a stern gaze with brunette hair whilst the other was a dyed an electric blue, as whimsical as her smile whilst looking at me.

The memories came rushing back and I raised myself up, prepared for anything.

They made no move as I did, sitting up and pulling myself further from the blanket which they had pulled off me.

“Who are you?” my voice croaked, irritated from the dryness.

It was the brunette that spoke up.

“Good morning. My name is Alys and this.” she waved towards the blue haired girl “Is Harriet. We're here to lead you on your work.”

Work? I wondered whilst feeling the intense bruises on my body.

The brunette girl stood up straighter “Yes, work. Every pack member has their role to play, no matter how minor it is and since you are now residing in our oack, you would have to do the same. ”

She narrowed her eyes at me “I hope you weren't expecting to lock yourself up in this room and be served food at your beck and call.”

Alys left no chance for excuses, glaring at me as though she really was expecting those excuses.

I looked away, from her. Her opinions didn't matter to me. All that mattered was that i was safe and my child was safe as well.

If working was what i had to do to stay in the pack, to be protected, then I would do so.

“Please excuse me, I'll need to change.” I said looking to the both of them to see calm expression on their faces.

“We'll be waiting outside.” Alys said with a nod, both of them turning to leave.

I stared as they left, letting out a gust of breath.

This was my new life now, and i had to accept it. I had everything I needed. Even if i had to do hard labour, it was better than going back.

I shivered, laying my hand on my belly where my child was.

Anything was better than going back.

I winced silently as I stood up, heading for the bathroom.

I was thankful that the clothes I wore hid every of my bruises. When I put them on, there was no trace of my abuse aside from the scar on my eyebrow. Fully clean and dressed, I stepped out of the room.

True to their words they stood outside my door, meeting my gaze as I stepped outside.

Alys didn't waste any time as she moved past me, instructing me to “Follow.”

As I did, the other girl- Harriet- began speaking, as though she had rehearsed it plenty of times.

“Every member of the pack has a duty. Usually since we're lower in the ranks we deal with cleaning the pack house. Since you're new we'll go easy today.”

I nodded silently in agreement with her words.

Alys led me to clean several parts of the pack house alongside other girls, occasionally coming back to look at me with eyes of a hawk. I stayed silent throughout, doing as she said without any complaint, and working diligently despite the aches in my body.

By the time i was done the sun was growing low. Exhausted and aching badly, i looked at her and saw a satisfied approving look on her face

“Youre work for today is over. You should go to rest.” she said.

She left soon after whilst Harriet led me back to my room, collapsing onto the bed exhausted.

I was woken up by both women again, who led me into a large hall. There, everywhere was filled with tables and chairs, all o which were full of people.

We moved to one of the few empty seats, Alys voice pricking through the noise as we did.

“This is the pack hall where we meet for breakfast and dinner. This is the only way you'll get food. Nobody will ever serve food to you in your rooms.” she finished.

Soon after, Harriet brought food for all three of us. I took my plate, murmuring a thanks before I ate.

Suddenly the noise in the hall went silent, until it was just a bunch of murmurs.

“He's coming.” Harriet said.

I looked at her in question, not saying a word when she responded in tandem.

“Asher Blackwell and Serena, our future Luna.” she said in response to my look

I looked forward again to see them emerging. Heart skipping in realization.

Alpha Blackwell was Asher with Sierra walking beside him.

“They look so good together.” Harriet cooed behind me.

“Hush, Harry. Do not let any if them hear you.” I heard Alys speaking in harsh whispers, but I didn't care.

I ignored their words, focusing on the sight.

It was true. Just like in the prison, they matched. Serena wore a bright yellow sheath dress while Asher wore what I remembered before, complete black. Even though their dressing contrasted heavily with each other, with their proud hardened gazes and matching looks, they might as well have been two sides of the same coin.

They moved in tandem sitting on the highest seat in the hall and facing everyone as they did so.

My gaze moved towards Asher, as stone faced and cold even from the distance.

He blinked, and then his eyes met mine.

From the distance he's color was still unclear. Still even then I felt an urge, almost magnetic flowing through me and purring out those blasted words.

Mate mate mate.

My wolf cried out incessantly while we were staring at each other for what felt like forever.

I broke the stare finally, letting the water quebch the heaving of my frame.

“Excuse me?” i felt a tap on my hand and turned to see the Harriet who looked concerned.

“Is anything wrong?” she asked.

I tensed at her questions, finally proceeding to shake my head and focus on my food.

I couldn't, wouldn't get attracted to him.