The Enemy.

Zara's pov.

I shifted uncontrollably on the bed. My buttocks still ached, but it was much better than before. It must be purple by now.

I could still clearly remember how his hands came in contact with my soft skin. It hurt—but a part of me was burning to be touched elsewhere. It was shameful to admit that, despite the pain, something inside me responded to him.

I just couldn’t stop thinking about him. Everything in this room reminded me of him. His pillows smelled just like him. I didn’t like the fact that he left me all by myself in here.

He sure had an effect on me, and now that he said I’d be staying in his room, it only did more harm than good. How was I going to live a day in this space without the urge to do something crazy? Or worse, without him making moves on me.

That wouldn’t even be a bad idea... What the hell is wrong with you, Zara? He may be tall, handsome, and have a large—statement—in between his legs, but it hasn’t gotten to this. I scolded myself silently, trying to snap out of the thoughts.

Besides, Savik has given me another chance to end this once and for all. If I screw it up, it’ll be my last day on the surface of this earth. These new changes... they give me an edge to do what I need to do. And yet, for some unsettling reason, it makes my stomach twist to think about hurting Vulvan.

I’d be a hypocrite if I said I cared—but it’s too late for that now. I don’t care about Vulvan. That’s what I keep telling myself. To feel good. But it wasn’t working.

I was still lost in my thoughts when a knock came. My heart lifted, thinking it might be Vulvan. But when the door opened, it wasn’t him—it was Mika. My expectation crumbled instantly.

"Jeez, what happened to you?" Mika looked pale, like she’d just finished fighting a war I hadn’t heard about.

"You look good too," she said sarcastically, because I was far from looking good. The alcohol really did a number on me.

"What happened to you? Are you sick or something?" I asked, guiding her to sit even though I knew she didn’t need my help.

"Food poisoning," she replied. My eyes widened in shock.

"But I’m okay now, I promise," she quickly added, easing my concern.

"I’m so sorry about that."

"You had quite the adventure last night, huh?" she said with a knowing smile.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," I replied, even though I knew exactly what she was hinting at.

"You. Party. Drunk." She laughed. "Don’t act dumb. All the maids are talking about it—you’re a celebrity now. Even though I wasn’t there, I’m sure you gave Vulvan a hard time." She playfully tapped my arm.

I swallowed the invisible knot in my throat. All the maids were talking about it? I hadn’t even stepped outside today. Most of the day had been replaced with sleep and of course Vulvan invading my space. I had forgotten there was a world outside this room.

She scanned my face. "You really don’t remember, do you?"

"I honestly don’t. I only remember going to the bathroom and then Savik..." I stopped myself before saying too much.

She frowned, confused. "Savik?"

"Uh... it’s no one. Hey, let’s go outside for some fresh air. It’s stuffy in here." I tried to change the subject. I wasn’t sure it worked—her face still wore that worried look.

I rushed to the door to lead the way, but before I could grab the handle, she held my hand. I stopped immediately, turning to face her.

"Did Savik do something to you?" Her voice dropped. "Savik might be your half-brother, but be careful around him. Vulvan would do anything to crush his neck. Sorry if that came out blunt." Her eyes burned with something between anger and concern.

I gave her a small smile to assure her I was okay. We stepped outside together into the garden. The fresh air hit me gently, but I was too stunned to speak. I just let her talk as we walked. How did she know about Vulvan and Savik not being on good terms?

Why was I always the one left in the dark? I knew nothing about Vulvan and Savik’s past. All I knew was that they were rivals—which was common among packs—but was there more to it than that?

I had so many questions. I thought I could mind my business and just focus on what I was here for. But a part of me needed to understand the animosity. I needed answers.

"Mika, can I ask you something?" I said, watching her fingers brush against the petals of a nearby flower.

"Sure. Shoot." She still didn’t look at me.

"Do you know why..." I hesitated. "Why do Savik and Vulvan hate each other? Did something happen in the past I was meant to know?"

She froze mid-motion, slowly turning her head toward me. Her expression was unreadable, but her body language gave her away. She tensed at my question.

"I... I mean, I don’t think it’s a big deal. They’re both Alphas. Hungry for power. It’s normal for packs to have issues—"

"Please, Mika," I interrupted. "There’s a room full of paintings. The day I went in, Vulvan got furious with me. I still don’t understand why that room is forbidden. And I can’t lie—Savik doesn’t seem to like Vulvan either. I’ve been left in the dark. No one is telling me anything, not even Vulvan. I’m even scared to ask him any questions because of how he reacted last time."

She looked away, chewing her bottom lip. I could tell she was debating whether to say something or not.

"I’m not trying to dig into things I shouldn’t," I added softly. "But if I’m going to survive here—if I’m going to carry out what I was sent to do—I need to understand the people I’m living with. Especially the ones who affect everything around them."

Mika sighed, eyes still on the flowers. The tension between us thickened.

"You deserve to know the truth, Zara," she finally whispered. "But the truth is dangerous here. It has claws."

She looked up at me, and for the first time, I saw fear in her eyes.

And that fear wasn’t for herself. It was for me.