CHAPTER 2

Liana pov

What was that last night? I swear I could hear a voice in my head. But why has it completely disappeared? I feel like an empty barrel.

Although this was the first time I had heard it, why did it ignite something in my soul? Like it suddenly made me whole? And why do I feel so empty now?

Was it my conscience speaking to me? Or… was it my wolf? Impossible, your wolf won't just vanish like that.

“Ana, did you take your medicine?” My mother's voice pulled me out of my trance. My fingers nervously played with the hem of my dress.

“Yes, maa.”

“Ana, look at me. You know how ruthless the alpha is; please lay low. Do not provoke him, and never look him in his eyes. I'll start working again and pay off our debts while…”

“No.” I cut her off immediately while clasping my hands around hers.

“I'll make sure to clear our debts, maa. Please don't try to overwork, you're already very weak,” I reasoned. A stray tear streamed down her face as she cupped mine.

“Please be safe.” I nodded as I bit down on my tongue. The last thing I wanted my mother to see before I left was me crying. I wanted her to know that I was strong, that I would fight and get us out of this miserable life.

Her hands wrapped around me as she engulfed me in a tight hug. I hugged her back as I shut my eyes tightly, melting into the hug. Her embrace was always warm and inviting.

We broke the hug and stared at each other for a while before I finally let go of her hand and walked out.

There was a carriage waiting for me. Vane stood there with a scowling face. I looked up into the dim skies; the sun hadn't peeked yet.

“Dear moon goddess, please protect my mother,” I said a quick prayer before stepping onto the gravelled floor.

The cold air bit into my skin, igniting the pain I endured last night. I let out a small hiss before masking it and entering the carriage.

I lived in a relatively small village in Polaris, so I'd say I've only explored like a quarter of the city, but this? Wow.

The city was so beautiful, filled with classy wolves and rich wolves. I also saw the automobile Maa was talking about. They were so beautiful.

How the hell am I here fantasising about this pretty town when my doom awaits me? I pressed my lips into a thin line as I breathed heavily. The carriage came to a halt, and I heard Vane call for me to step out.

The cold morning air bit into my skin. I could feel the cold seep through my body, making the hairs on my back stand. I unintentionally wrapped my arms around myself to warm my body a little as I followed Vane. We stopped in front of a huge metal gate.

The guard took just a glance at him and immediately shouted to open the gates.

I swallowed hard. Liana, you're strong. You're not doing this for yourself; you're doing this for your mother.

I gave myself some reassurance and encouraged myself. I needed that. Vane ushered me into a room; upon entering, I saw other wolves inside. He banged the door so hard behind me that it sounded like the hinges were about to pop off.

My eyes wandered around the room, my hands still wrapped around myself. Every pair of eyes was glued on me. They all looked like slaves, but why were they being cooped up here like that?

I ignored all that and crossed my legs as I sat on the wooden floor. “What's your name?” I turned to face the person who just spoke. My brows furrowed as I looked at her, she looked familiar, but where had I seen her before?

“Liana. You?”

“Stella,” she said with a tight-lipped smile. I gave her a shy smile also and fidgeted with the hem of my dress.

“Why are we here?” I blinked rapidly as I questioned Stella.

“We're awaiting trial.”

“Trial?” I asked with furrowed brows. I thought they brought us here to work. So, what trial?

“You don't know? Slaves who are brought to the palace go for trial, where your crime is judged by the High Alpha. If it's severe, you're beheaded. If not, you're assigned to anything the alpha would suggest.”

“Really?” She nodded. Wow, how come I never knew this? So our fate lay in the Alpha’s hands?

I wonder what he looks like. “What's his name?” I whispered to Stella. Her eyes widened in shock.

“You don't know your Alpha’s name?”

“Shhh, not so loud. Yeah, I don't know.”

“Alpha Ryker. Don't forget his brother, Lord Vance.”

“Oh,” was all I said as I nodded. I didn't even know he had a sibling. I mean, what do I even know about him?

Hopefully this trial goes well, and I get assigned some garden work or something.

As I was lost in thought, the door flew open, and everyone's attention snapped to the entrance.

Vane entered with a smug look on his face while holding his cane in his other hand. He looked at us like we were some pigs in a pigsty. I hated the guy so much, mostly because he hurt my mother.

“Get up, peasants. The alpha is ready for you people.” His eyes snapped to me as he played with the rings on his finger.

“A little tip: if you guys want to keep your heads, I would advise you to keep that head down at all times while the alpha speaks.”

I knew that was a warning to me, probably because I was the only one in the room meeting his gaze, but I wasn’t afraid of him.

It was now time to face the alpha. We went in a single file. I was behind Stella. As we entered the grand hall, the elders were seated on a big pavilion. The guards pushed us down as we fell on our knees.

My knee hit the marble floor, and although it wasn't supposed to hurt, it hurt like hell because of the force.

I bit my lips to suppress my groans.

My head was down. My breathing was a bit loud as I heard the elders speak. I need to be calm, it's not like I killed someone, I only didn't pay my taxes.

Let's go, Liana.