Chapter Seven

The study was quiet, the kind of quiet that pressed against my ears. I sat on the edge of the chair, hands folded in my lap, trying to make myself small. Across the room, Father, Victor Hale, and Mother, Evelyn Hale, stood by the large oak desk, speaking in low, controlled voices. Cassie leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her sharp eyes flicking toward me like she wanted to make sure I felt small.

Father’s voice was calm, almost cold. “The pack is in chaos. Theo’s death has left a hole we cannot ignore.”

Mother’s hands rested on the desk, fingers tapping slowly. “I know. The rogues were clever. They struck at the right moment, while the pack was vulnerable. We need to act quickly, before this weakness spreads.”

Cassie scoffed softly. “And what about Aria? She hasn’t even lifted a paw to help. She just hides in the attic all day.”

I flinched, but tried not to show it.

Father’s eyes flicked to me briefly. “You were there, Aria. You saw what happened. You know it was chaotic.”

I opened my mouth to explain. “I was in the attic. I—”

Mother cut me off, sharp and precise. “We know where you were. Do you think your presence would have stopped them? You are human. You have no strength, no power. We should have expected you to hide.”

Her words cut deeper than any claw could.

Cassie leaned forward, voice dripping with mock sympathy. “It’s strange, isn’t it? How our family can be so weak in one body and so strong in another. Theo fought, and he died. And you? You didn’t even try.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “I didn’t—there was nothing I could do. I—”

Father raised a hand. “Enough. We are not here to discuss blame. We are here to decide what must be done for the pack.”

I nodded quietly, but my heart pounded. I knew what “must be done” usually meant when they spoke in hushed tones like this.

Mother straightened, her sharp green eyes narrowing. “The other packs will see our weakness. If we do not act, they will strike next. Alliances must be formed. We need strong allies, packs that can protect us.”

Cassie smirked. “And what about Aria? Do we wait for her to grow into strength? Or… do we remove the weak link before it’s too late?”

Father’s gaze shifted to me, cold as winter ice. “She is not the pack’s focus. The pack’s survival comes first. That is all we need to consider.”

I tried to speak, to say something, anything to defend myself. “I’m not useless! I—”

Mother’s hand slammed onto the desk, silencing me. “Do not speak! You have had your chance. Your brother’s death has shown us how fragile you are. You are a shadow, Aria, and this shadow cannot hold our pack together.”

Cassie leaned closer, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. “The academy, Father. Don’t you think it’s time she learns a lesson? Sends her where only the strong survive?”

Father nodded slowly, expression unreadable. “Perhaps you are right. The academy will teach her, yes. Teach her to fend for herself. Perhaps if she lives, she may earn something of worth. Perhaps.”

Mother’s eyes narrowed, voice low but cutting. “Do you think sending her there is enough? She has no power. She cannot even defend herself. If she survives, it will only be by luck, and luck is fleeting.”

Cassie laughed softly. “Oh, she won’t survive long. The academy is no place for a human girl. Only boys have survived. She will learn quickly that the world does not bend for her.”

I felt my stomach twist. I knew what this meant. They were sending me away… far away… to a place I might not return from.

Father’s voice was steady, final. “We have decided. Aria will leave for the academy. It is for the good of the pack. She must learn to survive, to fend for herself. This is not punishment, but necessity.”

Mother’s tone softened, but not kindly. “Do not make this mistake, Aria. Do not think this is about love, or care. You are weak. You must prove yourself, or you will remain nothing. You have one chance, one opportunity. Fail, and you are of no use to us—or the pack.”

Cassie leaned back, folding her arms. “Good. Finally, some action. Let’s see if the little shadow can stand on her own. Perhaps then she will be worth noticing.”

I tried to hold back tears, but my chest felt tight. I wanted to speak, to argue, to beg them to see me for who I was. But every word caught in my throat, every plea silenced before it formed.

Father’s gaze swept the room, landing finally on me. “You leave tomorrow. Pack matters must come before personal feelings. You will go to the academy. Survive, or do not return. Do we understand each other?”

“Yes,” I whispered, barely audible.

Mother’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Pack comes first. Always. Remember that, Aria.”

Cassie’s smirk widened. “Oh, you will remember, little shadow. You will see just how alone you really are.”

I bit my lip, holding back the rising panic. I was shaking, and it was not just fear of the academy. It was the realization that my family had turned against me completely. The people who were supposed to protect me, to care for me, were now the very ones sending me into danger, hoping I would fail.

Father turned back to the window, speaking to Mother in low tones. “Alliances will have to be made soon. Our enemies are watching. If Aria fails, it will not just be her life at stake. The pack’s stability is fragile.”

Mother nodded, voice low, but laced with steel. “We cannot afford mistakes. Theo’s death was a warning. If Aria fails, she must not bring shame to this family. The consequences are hers alone to bear.”

Cassie tilted her head, smirk still in place. “Then we watch and wait. The academy will teach her the truth. The world does not give to those who are weak.”

I tried to argue one last time. “I am not weak! I can—”

Mother’s hand rose, a sharp cut through the air. “Silence. Enough words. You will leave, and you will obey. Your life is no longer your own, Aria. It belongs to the decisions we make for this pack. Do not forget it.”

The words settled over me like a weight, heavier than any mountain. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst, my mind racing, looking for some way out, some plan, some escape.

Father’s voice broke the tense silence again. “Pack first. Aria, you leave tomorrow at first light. Prepare yourself. No exceptions.”

Cassie leaned forward, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. “Do not disappoint us, shadow. You will learn quickly that we do not tolerate failure.”

Mother’s tone was colder now, sharper. “And know this, Aria. The moment you step into that academy, your family’s eyes will not follow you. We will care for the pack, for alliances, for survival. You will only survive if you are clever, if you are strong. You have nothing from us but the chance to prove yourself. Nothing more.”

I swallowed, throat dry. I nodded, trying to steel myself. “I… understand,” I whispered.

Father turned back to the window, staring at the distant horizon as if plotting his next move. Mother straightened, voice soft but commanding, “You have one day to prepare. You will need all your wits to survive. Tomorrow will mark the beginning of what is expected of you. The rest is up to you.”

Cassie smirked one last time. “Pack or nothing. Remember that, little shadow.”

I sat there, silent, heart pounding, mind racing. There was no arguing, no pleading. My parents had spoken, my fate was sealed. I would go to the academy, alone, unprotected, facing dangers I could barely imagine.

The room felt colder, emptier, as the weight of their words settled over me. I realized then that nothing would save me—not family, not allies, not luck. The decisions had been made.

And as the night crept in, wrapping the study in shadows, I finally understood. Tomorrow, I would step into a world that did not want me. A world that expected me to fail. A world that would test every ounce of my courage.

And there was no turning back.