Chapter Three

Aurora froze at the sudden twist of fate. She swallowed as she weighed Silas' words. She didn't know whether it was better to stay or go out there where she wasn't going to survive. Staying here would mean being subjected to the pain of watching Amelia and Silas build their lives together.

A life that was once hers.

After a little thought, she finally gave in and let them drag her wherever, at least her survival is sure here. She may have been stripped of her title and her freedom, but she refused to let them take away her spirit. She would survive, no matter the cost, and one day, she would emerge stronger than ever before.

As she was being dragged away she could hear Amelia's nagging voice, asking Silas why he asked to be retained.

Just as she was about to settle into her new reality, Aurora's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the Duenna. She was thankful she had always treated her with kindness, she expected a little compassion but it quickly evaporated as she was met with a cold, disdainful glare.

"So, the little princess has finally arrived in her new quarters," Duenna said, her voice full of sarcasm. "This must no doubt be a far cry from your luxurious chambers."

Aurora could not believe her ears. She stared at Duenna in shock. She was her head maid when she was Luna and they always got along. But now she could see that the betrayal was unending.

Aurora met her gaze. "I can adapt," she said, her voice steady despite the disappointment in her heart.

Duenna snorted. "Adapt? You, a pampered child of privilege? We'll see about that. Your days of silk gowns and dainty meals are over. Here, you'll work for your keep. Clean, mend, scrub floors, whatever needs doing. And don't expect any special treatment. You're no different from the other servants now."

Duenna gave a final, wicked cackle before sweeping out of her sight, leaving Aurora alone in the dim, oppressive silence, now all she was met with nothing but scorn and derision even from the lowest rank of the pack.

Just then, the clatter of approaching footsteps shattered the silence, all the omegas were on a single line up. Duenna reappeared, her thin lips pursed in a permanent frown.

"Listen up, all of you!" She barked, her voice echoing through the room. "The Alpha Gathering, the Night of the Howling Moon for this year will be hosted in our honored home. We have a week to prepare the Grand Hall for the esteemed Alphas and invited guests.”

Duenna's gaze swept over them. "As you know, this is no ordinary occasion, it happens only once in three years. Every detail must be impeccable. The Hall must shimmer like moonlight on snow. The food, a feast fit for royalty. And let there be no mistakes. The Alphas are a fierce lot, and their displeasure is not something any of us wish to experience."

Her eyes finally landed on Aurora. "You…" Duenna sneered. "Given your… noble background, perhaps you can lend a hand with the silver polishing. Consider it a crash course in humility."

As Aurora meticulously polished the silverware, her fingers traced the intricate patterns carved into the surface of each piece.

Suddenly, her breath caught in her throat as she noticed a small inscription hidden beneath the handle of one of the serving trays. It was the emblem of her family, unmistakable in its design. Her heart raced as memories flooded back from her childhood; a reminder of happier times before her world was shattered by tragedy.

How in the world did she end up here? Aurora wondered. She'd met and married Silas years after her parents' passing, and there was no way any of their belongings had come here.

As she continued to clean, her mind raced with questions, each one more baffling than the last. How had her family's belongings come into the hands of the pack? Had her family known these wolves? Was there some hidden connection, a reason she was brought here instead of being cast out entirely?

Lost in her thoughts, Aurora was jolted back to reality by the sound of voices nearby.

"...and once the Alphas are distracted by the festivities," one rumbled, his voice thick with malice, "we'll strike. The rogues won't stand a chance."

"They've grown bold," another voice snarled. "A lone pack daring to claim territory so close to ours. We'll send a message none will soon forget."

Aurora froze, the silver goblet clattering to the floor with a resounding clang. This was a planned massacre disguised as a celebratory gathering.

Silas' voice rang clear as he whirled around, his face hardening. "Keep your voice down! We don't want any third party getting wind of this," he told the men.

"Omegas?" The first scoffed. "What use would they have for such information? Besides, who would believe a lowly servant?"

A shiver ran down Aurora's spine. Rogues? They couldn't be referring to the small pack that had recently emerged from the shadows, formed by lone wolves seeking a new home. They posed no threat, only trying to survive.

Her heart pounded. This was a planned attack, a cruel one targeting the most vulnerable, just like her, she felt a need to be their savior and warn them.

As Aurora pondered the sinister plot she had overheard, she was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Duenna.

"Aurora!" she barked. "The Alpha requests your presence immediately."

With a curt nod from, Aurora reluctantly obeyed her, her mind still reeling from the cruel side of Silas she just uncovered. Had he always been this evil? And why had she never noticed? Aurora could hardly believe that she had loved a monster this whole time.

Upon reaching Silas's chamber, Aurora braced herself for whatever awaited her. Silas reclined casually on a plush chair, a smug expression playing across his features and a half-empty goblet of wine clutched in his hand.

"Aurora," he said, his voice strained. "I... I wanted to see how you were settling in.

"Settling in?" she echoed, "Don't be ridiculous, Silas. There's nothing to settle into. I'm a prisoner here, stripped of my title, my freedom, and even my child thanks to you!"

Silas' face shifted in anger. "Your child's death was an accident! And besides," he continued, his voice dropping to a low growl, "I saved you from being thrown out to the wilds. We're practically even now, wouldn't you say?"

Aurora's eyes widened in disbelief at his audacity. With a swift movement, Aurora closed the distance between them and delivered a resounding slap across Silas's cheek. The sound echoed in the room, punctuating the tension that hung heavy in the air.

“Not even close!" she retorted, her voice heavy with scorn.

Silas recoiled, his hand instinctively rising to his stinging cheek. Shock flashed across his face, quickly replaced by a flicker of anger.

"How dare you?!" he seethed.

But before he could react further, the door burst open, and Amelia stormed into the room, her eyes ablaze with fury.

"What the hell is going on here?!" she demanded, her gaze darting between Aurora and Silas.

"Are you trying to seduce my husband, you wretched servant?"

Aurora's eyes flashed with disgust. She could almost laugh at the irony. Only a few hours ago she herself had been Silas' wife.

"I would never stoop so low," she retorted. "Unlike some, I have standards."

With a frustrated growl, Amelia lunged towards Aurora, her hands curling into fists.