The talk(1)

Lila’s POV

“What’s that, Lila?” Mother asked, and Sophia stared into my soul with her eyes drilling straight through.

I wanted to answer but the words were stuck in my throat. I opened my mouth to speak, but a knock suddenly rang through the chamber. The big door was slowly opened, and a young maid walked in, her head lowered.

“My Lady Sophia,” she said with great deference, “the Alpha wants you.”

Sophia cast a glance my way that was difficult to decipher but felt like a promise. She smoothed out her gown, gave me an assessing look, and kissed both mother and me goodnight. Then she glided out with the maid.

The sound of the door closing rang deeply. The room felt bigger and colder now.

"Well," she finally said, adjusting her shawl. "What was the matter you wanted to discuss, dear?"

It was the truth, and it hung in my throat like a piece of filth ugly and bitter. I should have spit it out, but I swallowed it again. My eyes had now fallen to the ground as my fingers twisted together. "I am... frightened, Mother. What if the royal family don't like me? What if I am not good enough?" My voice broke, "I feel too old to start once more, and the bitter comments-the jeers; what if they continue?"

Her eyes softened as she moved closer, warmly holding my rough hand. The reassuring warmth seemed to calm my insides.

"That's just ridiculous," she said, firm yet gentle. "You will be fine. Do not let fear write your story before it begins. You have been through so much more and are still standing. It would be no different this time." Her thumb slipped across my hand in slow consolation. "You ought to have something more than this disjointed life that you have had handed to you so far. So do not allow anyone to talk you down on this."

The tightness in my chest loosened slightly. A small smile appeared on my lips, though the heaviness twigged on. If she knew all—if she ever came to learn of the lurking secret deep within me—it would land a deathly blow.

Mom kissed my forehead and stood up. "Sleep, my dear. Tomorrow is the start of a new story." The soft brushing of her gown against the floors resounded in silence, and then the door closed with something tender.

Now left alone, silence came in laybefore me, crashing like an unwanted interloper. Thoughts ran free in my mind, one heavier than the other. The road for me to keep a secret was getting shorter. Each day was tougher. And if ever the secret came to light, I was sure that it would be a hard pill to swallow—if not for anybody, then certainly for me.

Exhausted , I finally went into sleep.

When I woke, the palace was already buzzing with activity. The sun was barely up, but everything was beginning to take shape.

I tossed and turned in a quick morning bath, dressed in my scrubs, swept up my hair in a rush, and my work bag slung over my shoulders. Once outside in the yard, the brisk air slapped my face.

My eyes scanned the yard for an exit door , hen a voice broke my concentration.

"Where are you going?"

The words froze me in my tracks. Slowly, I turned around to find Victoria, Luna of the pack, standing with her chin tilted high.

"To work," was the answer, cautious yet firm on my part.

Her lips twisted into an unkind parody of a smile. "Work? Have you forgotten who you are now?"

I clenched my jaw and held her gaze. "I don't get why I must give up my work. Being busy doesn't take away from who I am."

Her face went serious, the phony sweetness all gone. "Watch your words. You ought to be grateful, girl. An excluded omega like you does not belong here. Just remember, it's only due to our family's kindness that makes it possible for you to live under this roof."

The impact of her words hit me like a slap. I felt the hurt all the way to my depth, but I ensured I would not bow my head. I weakly straightened up, suppressing the rage soaking my chest behind a blank expression.

"My status has nothing to do with this," I stated calmly. "I never begged to be part of the royal family. I as here because the decision was made, not because I asked for it."

Victoria's watch thin. A cold tone filled her voice as she said,

"Watch yourself, Lila. Or you'll be sorry."

With those words, she turned, disappearing out of my sight. Her robes cascaded over the floor, leaving behind a cold breeze.

I took in a shaky gulp of air. My hands, clenched into fists, opened up. Pain darted from my palms as the marks of my nails throbbed in torment.

The kitchens engulfed me in the aromatic embrace of fresh bread and stew. Clashes of pots, stirrings of spoons, and the sounds of clattering maids, as always. Normally, I would feel warm and assured there because I once did all this. But as I entered, something in the air felt wrong.

Adrian was there.

He somehow overfilled the room. Tall, strong, and with an easy elegance, he turned towards the maids.

"Now listen to me very clearly," he avowed in deep, calm tones. "You all know that we have new family members living here. We are to provide them with the highest level of care." He cast glances towards the maids, making them swiftly look away. "There will also be changes to the way we eat. Take note that Lady Sophia's mother has some allergies, and I require that there be no mistakes."

I stood in the doorway, hidden in the shadows, heart tightening at the sight of him. He did not speak condescendingly, nor did he raise his voice. He spoke in a gracious manner, awakening a feeling within me that I felt had long since been forgotten: care.

The longer I stared, the harder breathing became. The ache in my heart would have hurt to name.

Turning away, I attempted to sneak out before anyone saw me. But then-

“Lila. Wait.”