ONE

ISLA’S POV

The kitchen buzzed with heat and haste, pans clattering, boiling water hissing sharply, the shuffle of feet moving quickly across the stone floor as maids darted like flies in every direction. The sun poured through the windows, casting golden rays on the marble countertop. I slipped in quietly, smiling softly at the maids as I passed them. I always did.

But they didn't smile back.

They never did.

As expected, all I got were smirks and snickers and eyes darting toward each other like children passing secrets. Hands moved to mimic me in grotesque, mocking gestures. One even cupped her throat and made gagging sounds, and I knew what they meant.

Mute. Broken. Worthless.

I pretended not to notice.

The sink was filled with dishes stacked so high they looked ready to topple. I took a breath and began to scrub, falling into the rhythm I knew. I liked the atmosphere here—even if it was laced with cruelty. I could work. And work was something I did well.

My fingers moved quickly, mechanically, the soap suds drying on my skin under the warmth of the sun that streamed through the small window above the sink. Seeing plate after plate become clean by my hands evoked something in me, a feeling that soothed me.

I was lost in a world of ceramic dishes and soap lather until a voice sliced through it all. Bringing me back.

“The Alpha and Luna are calling the mute girl again,” a guard announced loudly, standing at the entrance of the kitchen with clear disdain. “Goddess knows what they want with her.”

The ‘mute girl’ they called me. Not Isla. Never Isla.

The snickering grew louder around me. I dropped the dish in my hand and immediately dried my fingers on my apron, nodding once in acknowledgment. I didn’t wait. I knew better than to delay when they summoned me. The Alpha and Luna were not known for their patience—especially with someone like me.

My heart beat faster as I rushed through the corridor, nerves jumping under my skin like live wires as I wondered why they sent for me. My bare feet hit the cold stone as I rounded the corner too quickly—

And collided with something solid. Someone solid.

Pain bloomed across my shoulder as I was thrown backward, landing hard on the floor. My vision blurred for a second before I saw him—tall, regal, dressed in dark velvet robes embroidered with silver. His face was sharp, handsome, with dark brows that furrowed as he stepped toward me.

And those eyes…

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly, kneeling. His voice was low, smooth, but there was something... electric in it. He reached out a hand to help me and I took it without thinking, and the moment our skin touched—

A spark. A jolt. A rush of something I’d never felt before. It was as if lightning surged up my arm and settled into my chest, warm and burning.

He felt it too—I saw it in the way his eyes widened, the way he pulled his hand back as if burned.

I fell again. He didn’t move.

Neither of us spoke.

I sat up, cheeks burning, and signed with trembling fingers. I’m so sorry.

He blinked, still staring.

And then I noticed it—his coat was trimmed in silver wolf fur, embroidered with the insignia of a high-ranking family, his boots polished to a shine. His skin was unmarred, untouched by labor, his posture too still, too composed to be anyone but someone important. A high-ranking wolf. Maybe even—

My stomach dropped.

I signed again quickly—Forgive me, sir—and bowed low, lower than necessary. Then I rushed away, heat climbing up my neck. Not daring to look back, not letting myself think about what that spark meant. Not now.

Because ahead of me, behind those huge, thick doors, was fire.

I could already hear the chaos within—the crash of something shattering, followed by the Luna’s sharp voice rising like a whip.

When the soldiers standing guard opened them to me, I hesitated. My hands shaking at my side.

But my hesitation didn't last long.

They were waiting.

As soon as I slipped inside, the tension hit me like a bag of bricks.

The Alpha was sitting stoically in his throne, jaw clenched and eyes raining fire. His Luna sat restlessly next to him, arms folded across her jeweled chest, her expression sharp with frustration. And before them was a kneeling Serene—beautiful, flushed, wild-eyed. Not too far from her was a mess of shattered wine glass.

“I don’t want to marry Alpha Lucien! He’s cold! He cannot love!” She was shouting at her papa and mama.

I stayed near the door, small and unnoticed.

“You have no choice,” the Luna snapped. “The union is already decided.”

“You’ll obey,” the Alpha ground out. “You must.”

And then their eyes found me.

The Luna sighed. “Isla. “Thank the Moon Goddess. Speak to her. Calm her down. You’re the only one she listens to.”

I hesitated for a moment, trying to catch up. They expected me to fix this? I took a glance at Serene. Her fists were clenched in the fabric of her dress. She looked ready to flee or fight.

Slowly, I crossed the room and knelt beside her, gently placing a hand on her arm. She flinched, then looked at me, her teary eyes softening just slightly. I gently patted her arms, offering a reassuring smile.

“I can’t,” she sobbed. “He’s not... He’s not who they think. He’ll ruin me.” she whispered, her voice so small only I could hear.

My hands moved with care, signing as I held her gaze. I know you're afraid.

Her lip trembled.

Behind us, the Luna snapped, “Enough of this! There is no other option!”

And then—something changed in Serene’s face.

Her eyes, they shifted into something I couldn't quite place.

“No.” she said deadpanned. “There is.”

The Alpha and Luna exchanged looks, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“There’s her,” Serene said, spinning to face me, her expression unrecognisable.

My heart dropped to my stomach, confusion clogged my brain. What do you mean? I signed to her. I reached for her hand but she turned away from me.

Jaw set and eyes crazy with determination, she said. “Isla, we can send Isla in my stead.”