“Shadows of Trust”

"Hey everyone, thanks for your patience! I had to take some time away, but I’m back now and excited to continue the story. I’ll be uploading multiple chapters to make up for the break. Hope you enjoy!"

Chapter 16

***********

“Shadows of Trust”

Alera's POV

My confusion only deepened as Night went on, thanking me, appreciating me for something I had no idea I had done. I tried—tried so many times—to tell her I knew nothing, absolutely nothing, about what she was talking about. But she wouldn’t listen. Her emerald eyes shone so brightly, filled with gratitude, while all I could do was stare back at her in utter bewilderment. The confusion written on my face didn’t seem to matter. It wasn’t that she didn’t care—it was as if she believed with her whole heart that I had done something worthy of her thanks, even though I was completely lost.

But still… the truth pressed on me like a weight.

Spitting on an Alpha—not just any Alpha, but one like Rex—meant death. In Crescent Moon Pack, I would have been executed on the spot, hanged for my insolence, or worse, made to suffer in ways far crueler.

And yet, Rex had not punished me.

Instead, he released Night.

Why?

Was it some kind of trap? Could he really be that calculating? Perhaps freeing one of her most trusted servants was part of some twisted game, a way to lure me into a false sense of safety before striking when I least expected it.

For him to assign Night as my maid could only mean one of two things: either he truly trusted me—or the cursed contract binding us forced his hand. Either way, it was never about me. It was always about his interests. And what if her release was nothing more than a prelude to my own imprisonment?

That thought dug into me like claws, and beads of sweat slid down my temple. My chest tightened, my mind racing to the only conclusion that seemed logical: Rex was planning something.

“Is everything alright, Luna?” Night’s gentle voice pulled me back. Her hand touched mine, grounding me for just a second. Her face was soft, her expression heavy with worry.

“Huh?” The word slipped out sharper than I intended.

“You’re crying, Luna,” she whispered, her worry deepening into dread. “Have I said something wrong?”

I blinked, startled. My cheeks were wet. I hadn’t even realized the tears had fallen.

Before I could answer, Night dropped to her knees so suddenly it rattled me. “I’m sorry, Luna. I didn’t mean for my words to hurt you. I’m so clumsy, so thoughtless. Forgive me! Please, forgive me!” Her hands clutched desperately at the hem of my dress.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said quickly, trying to pull her up. But she was heavier than I expected, and the struggle only made my chest ache more.

“No, let me stay like this, Luna,” she pleaded, tears pooling in her eyes. “I never wanted to push you, never to upset you. It wasn’t intentional.”

Her desperation both touched and frustrated me. I fought to keep my emotions balanced, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.

“Listen to me, Night,” I began, my voice coming out firmer—sharper—than I intended.

A long sigh escaped me as I tried again, tugging her gently upward. This time she allowed it, rising to her feet. I guided her toward the bed, pressing her to sit, and when she hesitated, my steady gaze left her no choice. She sat. I followed, sinking down beside her.

“You already know my background,” I began slowly, swallowing the lump in my throat. “You know about my father, the former Alpha, and how everything fell apart after him.”

Night nodded, listening intently.

“You haven’t said anything wrong,” I continued. “Not at all. You’ve been the sweetest person to me. I was just… overwhelmed when Rex released you. I thought I was going to lose you—the only person who has been this kind to me. It broke me for a moment, and I couldn’t stop blaming myself.”

A small smile tugged at my lips despite the heaviness in my chest. Night’s eyes lit up at my words, her relief so genuine it softened me further.

“I’m so happy,” she murmured. “You’re just as sweet, Luna. I believe in you, no matter the whispers people spread. You deserve good things. All of them.” Her voice wavered with emotion, but she pressed on. “I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to be treated as less, to be humiliated for something you can’t change. In fact…” she hesitated, then confessed, “…I’m from Crescent Moon Pack too.”

My eyes widened in shock.

“Yes,” she said, nodding with a faint smile. “I understand you, Luna. When you speak of cruelty, of injustice, I know it. I’ve lived it. And because of that, I could never treat you—or anyone—like less. I wouldn’t dare repeat what I suffered.”

My chest tightened, a swell of emotion rising. “You’re so sweet, Night. But… why have I never seen you in the Crescent Moon Pack before?”

“Oh.” She let out a small sigh. “I came here when I was fifteen. Since then, I’ve worked as a maid in Blackhood. My parents were omegas, and they suffered terribly under the Crescent Moon Pack. When Beta Elyra announced that all female omegas fifteen and above had to be brought to the Pack House, my parents panicked. They knew what that meant. So they sent me away to stay with a family friend here.” Her voice softened, gratitude warming her tone. “Blackhood is better than Crescent Moon, Luna. My parents saved me from a fate I can’t even imagine, and I’ll always be grateful to them.”

Her story pierced me. I found myself swallowing hard, words failing me.

“I’m glad you’re here now,” was all I managed.

A sharp knock at the door startled us both. Night jumped from the bed instantly, while my heartbeat thundered in my chest. Fear jolted through me like lightning. Was it him? Has Rex come for me already?

The knock came again, louder this time.

“Come in,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

The door opened, revealing two guards. Their eyes were hard, their faces like stone. My heart pounded so violently it felt like it might tear through my ribs.

“On the Alpha’s orders, we are here to bring you to him,” one of them announced, his cold voice slicing through the air.

I swallowed hard. “Is there… is there a problem?” I asked, struggling to keep my composure even as my insides twisted.

“We were told to bring you. Nothing more,” the second guard said, his voice even colder than the first.

Fear flooded me, but I masked it quickly, forcing my expression into neutrality. My eyes flicked to Night one last time. She gave me a small, reassuring smile, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside me.

As I stepped into the corridor, my thoughts consumed me, spinning into darker and darker places.

Who was I kidding? Did I really think he would let me go after I spat in his face?

I was such a fool.

And yet, as the guards led me toward the Alpha’s chambers, a far more terrifying thought struck me—what if this wasn’t about punishment at all? What if Rex had something planned for me that was far worse than death?