Chapter 5

Vera 

With every step I take, my heart pounds hard against my chest. It feels so loud, like everyone around me can hear it. My hands shake, my legs feel weak, and my whole body trembles as I try to steady myself. I keep repeating the same words in my head, like they might protect me.

‘I didn’t do anything wrong. I just fell asleep… I was only sent to get the wine.’

But the words don’t comfort me.

The guards surround me on all sides, as they lead me forward. I can feel eyes on me. My chest tightens with every step closer to Alpha Aiden.

The moment he comes into view, the air itself changes. His aura presses down on everything around him, powerful and suffocating. It’s the kind of power that demands obedience without a single word.

I glance around and see people struggling under it. Some are already on their knees, their heads bowed, their bodies shaking as they fight just to stay upright.

And then fear hits me even harder.

Why am I still standing?

My stomach drops, and before I can think twice, I force myself down to my knees. The ground feels rough beneath me, but I barely notice. All I can feel is fear—cold, gripping, unforgiving.

“I swear… I swear on everything holy, on the Moon Goddess… I know nothing.” The words spill out of me in a desperate rush. “Please… I’m begging you…”

“Quiet.” His voice cuts through everything.

My mouth snaps shut instantly, like I’ve lost control of it. Even my breath feels stolen for a second.

Slowly, I lift my head just enough to look around.

That’s when I see someone lying on the ground nearby, motionless. His uniform  looks like one of the border guards. His body is still, and something about the way he’s lying there makes my chest tighten.

Maybe… maybe this isn’t about me.

I let out a quiet breath I didn’t realize I was holding, clinging to that tiny hope, even as fear still coils tightly in my chest.

I watch as the border guard is dragged forward and thrown at Alpha Aiden’s feet. His body shakes uncontrollably, like a dry leaf caught in the wind during autumn. His fear is so obvious, it makes my chest tighten.

What is going on?

“I know one day there will be a use for your powers, slave,” Alpha Aiden says.

His voice is filled with pure disgust. It makes my stomach twist. But as I look at the him, something else hits me—

I can feel his pain. 

It pours off him like heat from fire—his mother… Killed. His wife…Abducted. The pain is unbearable, suffocating. My chest aches as if the pain is my own. 

“Do something,” Alpha Aiden snaps.

The sudden command makes me flinch. I jerk back slightly, almost losing my balance even though I’m already on my knees.

“What… what, Alpha?” I ask, my voice trembling, barely steady.

“I said use your power,” he growls again, louder this time, his anger rising.

I freeze.

For a moment, I can’t move. My thoughts race wildly in my head. How can I do this here? In front of everyone? They already look at me like I’m cursed….

What will they think now?

What will I become in their eyes?

“Now.” The command in his voice is absolute. There is no space to argue or refuse.

I swallow hard.

I have no choice.

Slowly, I push myself up and move closer to the guard. My hands tremble at my sides, but I force myself to stop in front of him.

I look into his eyes.

“Tell the truth.” 

And suddenly I feel something off, like I'm feeling dizzy. I slowly close my eyes to steady myself.

His body stiffens, going completely still, like he’s no longer in control of himself.

“Yes… I will tell the truth,” he says, his voice empty, distant. “The other guard and I were bribed to open the northern gate. We were paid well… but we don’t know who paid us. Only that the order came from the north.”

I don’t fully understand the weight of his words. 

But I see Alpha Aiden’s face darken instantly, his jaw tightening, his eyes hard and cold. Whatever the guard just said… It means everything to him.

Slowly, his gaze shifts to me.

“You’re coming with me,” his tone leaves no room for argument.

Fear grips me again, stronger this time.

“No, Alpha,” I say quickly, shaking my head. 

Alpha Aiden steps closer to me. “You are coming,” he says again.

A small spark of irritation rises inside me, pushing against the fear. If he wants my help, then maybe… he should learn how to ask. Not treat me like I’m nothing.

I slowly lift my head and meet his gaze. This time, I didn't look away. My heart is still racing, but I force myself to stay still, to hold my ground.

“If I help you find your Luna, Eve… I won’t be treated like a slave,” my voice is steady, even though everything inside me is shaking.

The room falls completely silent. It’s the kind of silence that. If a pin dropped right now, it would echo. I can feel every eye on me. My heart beats so loudly in my chest I’m sure it’s the only thing I can hear.

For a moment, I wonder if I’ve gone too far. But I don’t look away. Because deep down… I know he needs me.

Alpha Aiden studies me for a long moment. His eyes don’t leave mine, searching, measuring, deciding. It feels like forever passes in just a few seconds.

“Fine.” 

The word lands like a release. It feels like a breath I didn’t realize I was holding slips out of me.

He turns slightly, already giving orders to his men like the matter is settled. But I know it did. I saw it in his eyes.

Without saying anything else, I turn and walk away. My legs feel weak, but I force myself to keep moving. 

I head straight to my room to change, my mind spinning with everything that just happened.

I should feel relieved, maybe even proud, but I don’t. Because deep inside, something feels… wrong. 

Like a storm is coming, and I’m standing right in its path.

And I have no idea what it is.