Chapter 7

Lyra

“My Lady, you almost got injured, If you had sustained any more wounds... you would have been locked up again,” Elin said, her voice trembling with worry as she carefully inspected my body.

But I wasn't entirely listening. My mind was still replaying the moment I had spent locked in those strong arms, the phantom warmth of Ace's touch still tingling against my skin.

“My Lady, are you even listening to me?” Elin asked, leaning in.

“Yes,” I whispered, finally grounding myself as I sat down on the edge of my mattress.

I looked up at her, the secret burning in my chest demanding to be released. “Elin... did you see him? Ace?”

She gave a quiet, cautious nod.

“He is so handsome,” I murmured, a soft sigh escaping me. “Like the prince in my dreams.” I stood up, driven by a sudden rush of hope, and pulled Elin closer into my private space. “You see, Elin, I have always wanted just one thing, To be loved by my father, and to be with a prince charming, just like the storybooks promise.”

“But My Lady, you are married,” she said gently, her words striking like a cold splash of water.

The harsh reality brought me right back to my senses and my hope collapsed. I sat back down, my spine slouching forward as my heart wept in silent tears.

“True, Elin. True,” I whispered, staring at my hands.

“But I don't know why... something just feels completely wrong. Do you think I'm sick? Am I wicked for thinking of another man instead of my husband?”

“No…. No, not really,” Elin sighed, her features softening with pity. “Your husband hasn't exactly been good to you either.”

“True…. My husband truly cares for his brother, and I know I won't ever be of much importance to either of them. After all, I am just an ornament used to decorate the packhouse, A beauty that carries a curse.” A involuntary shiver ran down my spine as those bitter words left my mouth.

I caught myself, gripping Elin's wrist, my gaze turning dead serious. “Don't you dare tell anyone I can speak. If you do, my father will kill you.”

“I know, My Lady,” Elin assured me quickly. “But what was it that you wanted to tell me so badly out there? The thing that made you rush so fast you almost fell?”

I stood back up, the dark clouds of my sadness vanishing the moment the memory rushed back. A genuine smile broke across my face, a rare expression for me.

“I wanted to go to the garden! Draven said I can go anywhere I want, as long as I return entirely intact,” I said, tasting the sweet flavor of freedom for the very first time.

“Then let’s go,” Elin said, a matching smile on her face as she stretched out her hands for me to take.

I paused, looking at her open palms before placing my hands in hers. “Just because I let you hear my voice doesn't mean I trust you completely yet.”

She nodded understandingly. “I know, My Lady.”

“I mean it,” I reinforced.

But deep down, my heart swelled. Elin was the first person in this living hell who had ever treated me like a human being. I don't think I would have ever found the courage to use my vocal cords in all my life if I hadn't met her. Now, in the safety of these four walls, I could speak freely without the world finding out. Father, I wish you could see me now, I thought happily.

When we arrived at the garden, the afternoon sun was blindingly hot, forcing Elin to hold a lace umbrella over my head to shield my pale skin. As we walked along the winding stone paths, I found myself longing to step out from the shade. I wanted to bathe in the sunlight. I wanted to feel the heat burning against my skin, a physical brand to prove that I was finally outside, even if I was still technically caged.

“Look who we have here.”

The sharp, familiar voice cut through the peaceful quiet of the courtyard. I turned to face her, my stomach dropping.

Selena.

I gulped slowly, my hands tightly clenching into fists at my sides. It wasn't from anger, but from pure, suffocating fear. Fear that she would run to Draven and cause my tiny shred of freedom to be stripped away forever.

“Wolfless Omegas are meant to be slaves, not a Luna,” Selena scoffed, walking a slow circle around me like a predator. Her eyes traveled down my form with utter disdain. “But what can I say? Your father must really love you, because not only are you wolfless, you're a mute. You are so utterly slave-worthy.” she hissed.

Keeping my face an emotionless mask, I turned to Elin. My fingers moved swiftly, flashing the sign language I used to communicate with the rest of the world, signaling her to interpret exactly what I wanted to say.

Elin cleared her throat, keeping her voice respectful but firm. “Thank you, Lady Selena. But my father said a beauty like me can never be a slave, and can only ever be a Luna.”

“What? A Luna?” Selena burst into a loud, mocking laugh. “Who cares. Just make sure you wear a black gown for tonight’s event. You'll be standing right beside Alpha Draven, and the other packs will be arriving.” She gave a final, haughty toss of her hair and walked away.

The other packs will be here...

The words echoed in my mind. That meant my father was coming today. I couldn't help the small smile that broke through my fear. I quickly gestured to Elin, signaling her to take me back to my room immediately.

I had to prepare. I had to let my father know about the cruel slap Draven had given me. I had to make him see that Alpha Draven didn't care for me at all….that his heart belonged to Lady Selena.

Back in my chambers, Elin prepared a warm flower bath, and I let myself sink deep into the fragrant water, trying to drown out my anxiety. My father was coming for the celebration. But as I stared at the ripples in the water, a dark thought crept in. Would he actually take me home? Or what if he sees my failure and sends me to an even worse hell? I gulped, my throat tightening at the terrifying imagination.

After the bath, Elin gently dried my skin. She went to the wardrobe and brought out the garment I had chosen based on Selena's words: a dark, floor-length gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and long, flowing sleeves. It was a beautiful, stark black. Elin carefully twisted my silver-white hair into elegant buns at the crown of my head, adorning the style with contrasting red ribbons and delicate pearls.

When I looked up into the mirror, I couldn't help but stare at my reflection. I usually called my appearance a curse, but in this dress, it looked tragic and beautiful. I knew I couldn't allow any harm to come to myself, or I would suffer gravely under Draven's wrath. Finally, Elin fastened a delicate, dark-colored choker around my neck, adding the perfect touch of elegance to the gown and hairstyle.

“You look absolutely beautiful, My Lady,” she whispered with a warm smile.

The time for the ceremony arrived and my chest tightened with nerves as Elin walked me down the long, cold corridors toward the grand hall. But the moment we crossed the threshold, I stopped dead in my tracks.

My hands began to tremble so violently that I had to fiercely clench the fabric of my black gown to hide the shaking. Every single eye in the massive hall locked onto me.

“My Lady...” Elin whispered beside me, her voice laced with sudden panic. “I thought Lady Selena said black was the theme?”

I looked out at the crowd, It was a sea of brilliant blue , every single person in the hall was dressed in blue except me.

I was a fool. A massive, blind fool for believing my enemy. I had brought this humiliation entirely on myself, stepping right into Selena's trap.