Chapter 8

Keira's POV 

"I...I didn't —"

"So this has been your plan all along? I always had a feeling you were eyeing Alia's position. Who knows what filthy lie you told the Alpha's son that made him include you," Beta Garrick continued, his grip on my chin tightening. 

"I didn't tell him anything —"

Crack.

Right across my cheeks again. The blood in my mouth filled, and I struggled to turn away from him so I could spit it out. Beta Garrick leaned in closer, his eyes filled with hatred and rage. "Forfeit the trials immediately, or there will be hell to pay," his voice came out harsh.

I tried to keep my expression blank. Forfeit? What was the use if I would still lose? Besides, I couldn't. These trials were my one way ticket to freedom....or even more bondage. But I was willing to try. 

"But I can't do that, the Alphas have already placed my name. Forfeiting would have consequences on both you and me," I lied, talking through the pool of blood in my mouth. 

Alia stared at me with slight contempt in her gaze from behind Beta Garrick. She quickly masked it with pity when she realized I was staring back. 

I swallowed hard, tasting the copper of my own blood. My cheek throbbed where Beta Garrick’s slap had landed, but I refused to let him see my pain. His grip on my chin tightened again, forcing my eyes to stay on his.

“Forfeit, Omega,” he hissed, his breath hot and sour against my face. “If you ruin Alia’s chances… if you embarrass this household any further, I will make sure you regret ever being born.”

His words sliced through me, but I stayed quiet. I had heard worse in my life. I had felt worse.

Behind him, Alia's lips curved into a fake little smile, and it made something twist in my chest.

“Beta Garrick,” she spoke softly, her voice like warm honey, “maybe we should let her rest before tomorrow’s trial. She looks… tired.”

Tired. Broken. Worthless. Say it, Alia, I thought bitterly. Say what you truly see when you look at me.

He released my chin with a shove, and my head snapped back from the force. I stumbled but kept myself upright, refusing to fall to the ground. I wouldn’t give them that satisfaction.

“Clean yourself up,” Beta Garrick barked before turning away, his heavy boots echoing in the empty room. Alia lingered, watching me with those soft eyes that never reached her soul. Someone so fake, yet so real at the same time. 

“You know,” she whispered, stepping closer so no one else would hear, “if you just forfeited, everything would be easier. You wouldn’t have to keep getting hurt like this.”

I forced a smile, tasting blood between my teeth. “Thank you for your concern, Alia.”

She touched my arm gently, like she always did when she wanted to act kind. “I mean it, Keira. You don’t belong there with them. You belong… here. With us. I'm going to be the next Luna.”

Something in me wanted to make sure that never happened. 

With you. Serving you. Cleaning up your mess. Carrying your books. Taking your punishments.

I said nothing, staring past her at the cracked wooden wall behind her head.

Finally, she sighed, letting her hand fall away. “I want to know what happened in the woods. Why did you come back?” she asked. 

I looked at her, and suddenly everything clicked. Alia didn't know there were three Alpha heirs. She only knew Kai, and she thought she had it all. If I told her there were three of them, she might not believe me, or worse, she might tell Kai, and I'll be in trouble. So I lied. 

"The patrol guards caught me before I could get anywhere. Kai just happened to be there, and he warned me to never try to leave again," The words felt bitter in my mouth. Was this how manipulation felt?

Alia's expression cracked, like she was annoyed or pissed that I could leave. Did she want me gone that much? I laughed in my head, but I kept my face neutral, observing her reaction. 

"That's too bad. Why weren't you more careful?" She snapped, but tried to say softly. 

"I don't exactly have knowledge of running away from home," I said, though I hadn't meant for the venom in my voice. 

Alia sighed. "Fine, we'll try again another way. Why don't you... sell yourself to another pack? I have a dealer who would be greatly interested."

My jaw nearly hit the floor. 

"Alia....why would you tell me to do that?" I blurted, confusion filling my thoughts. "How would you say I should...sell myself? How do you even want me to go about it?"

She sighed, and it sounded more out of frustration than quiet understanding. "It's safe, Alia. Besides, it's the only other way you'll be sure of getting away without being caught."

"Alia, that's incredibly dangerous. You really want me to continue this life, even in another pack?" I asked, bitterness filling my tone. 

I had spent my entire life since my parents died serving her and the Beta, but apparently she didn't care about me one bit. 

"Can't you see that it is best for you? What chance do you think you'll have if you join the Luna Trails?" She snapped, her voice rising. I flinched, stepping backwards. 

"You think so?" I whispered.

"The Alpha will kill you if he finds out. It's best you leave while you can. I'll arrange for the dealer tomorrow," She added.

The thoughts made my stomach churn. Would it really be the best? "Are you sure I have a chance out there?"

"Yes, Keira. And I promise, life there will be so much better," She walked closer, placing her hand on my shoulder. I looked into her eyes, searching for even a sliver of sincerity. I let out a sigh and looked away when I didn't. 

"Fine."

She left, her perfume lingering behind her like a suffocating cloud. When the door closed, I let out a shaky breath, feeling my knees threaten to give way. I pressed a trembling hand to my burning cheek, feeling the swollen skin throb beneath my fingers.

I couldn’t forfeit. I wouldn’t.

If I did, what would be left for me? A life of scrubbing floors, empty bellies, cold cages, and the Beta’s fists and canes. At least with the Luna Trials, there was a chance—small, faint, but still a chance—that I could be something more. Even if I had no preparation whatsoever. 

Even if Alpha Kai hated me. Even if Riven wanted me only for his games. Even if Dax’s kindness was laced with pity.

I closed my eyes and let silent tears slip down my bruised face. Tomorrow, I would stand before them all. Tomorrow, I would either win my freedom or seal my fate forever.

But tonight, I was just a broken Omega, curled up on the cold stone floor, praying to the moon that I survived.