Chapter 3

Aila Coraline

"Oh heavens, you're finally awake!" My mother's voice sounded relieved as I squinted against the bright light, trying to gather my bearings. Everything felt a bit surreal, like I was floating. What happened? The last thing I remember was fainting... and then nothing.

"I'm thirsty," I croaked, my mouth dry and my lips painfully chapped. How long had I been asleep?

Mom quickly handed me a glass of water. I drank it in one go, though it barely quenched the thirst, but it was enough to help me speak more clearly. I glanced at her, confused and a little dazed.

"How long did I sleep?"

She sat down beside me, holding my hand gently. "Three days. The doctor said you were over-fatigued. Your system just... shut off."

"Shut off?" I echoed, disbelief creeping in. Is that even possible? For our kind, being fatigued from something as simple as practice didn’t make sense. We were stronger than humans, built to endure much more than this. I frowned, feeling like there was something deeper, something I wasn’t understanding yet.

"I want to go home," I said, shifting uncomfortably under the hospital blankets. I didn’t like being cooped up here, surrounded by the sterile smell and constant beeping of machines.

My mother frowned, clearly concerned. "I don’t think it’s a good idea, sweetheart. You just woke up. You need more rest."

"I’ve rested enough, Mom," I replied, my voice more insistent. "I’m fine now. Please, I just want to go home."

She sighed, torn. After a long pause, she finally relented. "Alright, but only if the doctor says it’s okay."

She got up, heading out to find the doctor, leaving me alone in the room with my thoughts. A few minutes later, she returned with the doctor, who gave me a quick checkup.

“Well, your vitals are stable now, and as long as you take it easy and rest at home, I see no reason why you can't go," the doctor said. "But you need to listen to your body. Don’t push yourself."

I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. Finally, I could get out of here.

Father was already home by the time we arrived, sitting in his usual spot with an unreadable expression. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had even visited me while I was in the hospital. But knowing him, I doubted it. It didn’t bother me much anymore—I’d grown used to it over the years.

“There’s something I want to tell you, Aila,” he said as soon as I got close. No "how are you?" or "are you feeling better?"—just straight to the point. Disappointing, but typical.

“Can you let her rest first, Greg? She just got back from the hospital. Whatever it is, it can wait,” Mom said in a sheer frustration.

Father raised an eyebrow, giving me that look like I was fragile, a burden even. His gaze was so condescending that it rubbed me the wrong way, and I felt compelled to respond.

“It’s fine, Mom. I feel good now. Nothing to worry about,” I said, forcing a small smile.

But inside, I was anything but fine.

Father didn't waste a second after I gave the green light. "The Alpha wants you to join the she-wolves battlefield warriors," he announced without any build-up or concern for my recent state.

I blinked, trying to process what he just said. "What?" I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You'll be under Zayn's team," he added, as if that explained everything.

Mom shot him a sharp look, clearly unhappy. "Greg, she just recovered. Do you think it's wise to send her into something so—"

"She'll be fine," Father interrupted coldly. "She's a beta’s daughter, not some fragile thing. She has a responsibility to fulfill. The Alpha's orders are not to be questioned."

The words hung heavy in the air. Zayn's team? Of all people...

I couldn’t shake the feeling that the goddess was punishing me. For what, I had no idea, but the weight of it was suffocating. I could handle anything—anyone—but Zayn?

Now that I think about it, maybe he’s behind my second-place rank in the archery competition. Could he still be holding a grudge over that accident? I hadn’t meant to hit him, it just... happened. But knowing Zayn, he probably saw it as some personal affront.

"There will be a practice this afternoon. I'll take you to the packhouse," Father added, as if I had no say in the matter.

Everything felt rushed. Mom opened her mouth to protest, but Father silenced her with a look. She’s always been my shield in this house, but her words never seem to carry weight when it comes to Father.

"It's time she starts fulfilling her obligations to the pack, Mitchel," he said sternly. "She will be my successor. Letting her roam freely, neglecting her duty, would be a disgrace."

His words came out insensitive, and believe me it stung, though I knew better than to show it. I was being pushed into something I wasn’t sure I was ready for, and worse yet, I’d have to work with Zayn.

Just as my father had said, he brought me to the packhouse. Despite being his daughter, I rarely set foot here. Well, I used to, but something happened in the past that made me hate coming back.

"I’ve brought my daughter, Alpha Samuel. She’ll be joining the girls," Father announced, his tone full of respect—so different from the authoritative way he spoke at home.

I looked around the room and, by accident, locked eyes with someone I’d rather not acknowledge. His dark, intense gaze met mine, and he raised his brow, all while casually sipping a glass of wine. I couldn’t deny it, he looked good—but he was a devil wrapped in a handsome package. I rolled my eyes at him and forced myself to focus on Alpha Samuel.

"I saw your performance during the archery competition," Alpha Samuel began, his voice holding a hint of amusement. "I didn’t know you were so good with a bow, Coraline. Unfortunately, Zayn had to name Saleem the winner. You see, Saleem’s been in the field for a long time. It would’ve been... embarrassing for him to be placed second. You're not holding a grudge against my son, are you?"

His speech dragged on, almost lulling me to sleep. It reeked of insincerity, especially with the mocking tone at the end. Was he really trying to justify Saleem’s win because of his age? It was laughable. The entire excuse was flimsy, and the more I thought about it, the angrier I felt.

"Nothing to worry about, Alpha. It's a petty thing," I replied, forcing a smile.

It wasn't just a petty thing; I had worked hard for that victory. I earned it and deserved to win. But I wasn't just dealing with anyone—I was facing the Alpha himself. I had to maintain my composure, even if it felt like a facade.

"That’s good to hear, because you’ll be joining my son’s team," Alpha Samuel continued, glancing over to where Zayn was seated.

"Zayn, come over here!" he called out.

Zayn approached, his demeanor casual, but I could sense the tension in the air.

"We will be entrusting Coraline to your team. Make sure she’ll be fine," Alpha Samuel instructed.

I could hardly believe my ears. This is really happening. I'll be joining Zayn’s team. It felt like a punishment disguised as a privilege. I forced myself to meet Zayn’s gaze, trying to mask my annoyance. Would he use this opportunity to make my life even more difficult?