Chapter 7

Aria's POV

The morning light slipped through the tall glass windows. I had not slept at all through the night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Damian’s face the way his voice sounded when he said, “You will learn that death isn’t your way out.”

I sat on the edge of the bed, still wearing the silk gown they had forced on me last night. My eyes snapped to the door when it opened quietly. One of the palace maids, who had introduced herself to be Kara, peeked inside.

“Miss Aria.” She said softly.

“The other wives have asked to meet you.”

I looked up slowly. “Wives?” I frowned.

“Yes… the Alpha King’s other wives.”

The words made my stomach turn into a knot. I should not have been surprised he was the Alpha King, after all but hearing it out loud made me angry for no reason.

Kara walked closer to where I was. “They have been waiting in the garden, I will take you there.”

I wanted to refuse, but I couldn’t stay locked in this room forever. “Fine.” I said quietly.

The palace halls were large; they were of gold, glass, and different lights. Wolves in uniforms guarded every corner, none of them smiled, no one even looked my way.

When we reached the open garden, I saw six of them sitting around a glass table. They were very beautiful and each one looked perfect in her own way. But their beauty didn’t comfort me, it warned me.

Kara bowed and whispered. “Lady Aria, the King’s wives.” before quietly stepping back.

The woman seated at the center stood first. She had black hair that was shining like. and her eyes were very sharp.

“So.” She said, her eyes went up and down.

“You are the one who caused such a stir.”

Her voice was calm but it carried the kind of power that made others fall silent.

“I am Selene, first wife, queen.” She didn’t smile, and I didn’t bow.

The next woman leaned forward, her expression was cool and polished.

“Isolde.” She greeted me.

“You will learn quickly that the King’s attention doesn’t last, I would suggest that you enjoy it while it does.” Isolde said in a venomous tone.

Another woman with soft curls and a fake sweet smile waved in. “Oh, don’t scare her already, Isolde. I’m Vivian I will help you settle in… as long as you don’t get in my way.”

Her kindness was so obviously false that I almost laughed.

The fourth one, Mariana, had short dark hair and strong arms like that of a soldier. She crossed her legs and gave me a cold look.

“So this is the human blood everyone is talking about.” She said,

“She doesn’t even look like she could fight a pup.”

“I didn’t come here to fight anyone.” I replied quietly.

Mariana smirked. “Then you will be eaten alive.”

The next woman, Celine, sat silently for a long moment. She had pale skin, icy blue eyes, and she didn’t blink much.

“Celine.” She said finally, her voice was soft and dangerous.

“I don’t talk much, I prefer actions.” She added. Something about her calmness sent a chill through me.

And then there was the last one, she looked older, graceful, and intelligent. Her presence alone silenced the others when she spoke.

“Lilith.” She said,

“Eldest wife, the one who keeps the order here.” She introduced herself and then she stared at me for a while.

“You shouldn’t have come.” She said finally.

“I did not have a choice.” I said before I could stop myself.

That earned a few smirks from the table.

Selene stood up again, walking toward me with slow, confident steps. Her perfume filled the air. It was full of something sweet that made it hard to breathe.

“You think not having a choice makes you special?” She asked softly.

“Every one of us thought that once.”

I stared at her. “And what happened?”

Her lips curved into a smile. “We learned our place.”

The other wives laughed quietly, except Lilith, who simply watched, her face was unreadable.

Vivian leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. “Do you know why he keeps you away from everyone?” She asked and I said nothing.

“It is because you are his secret.” She whispered.

“You think we can not smell it? You are his mate.”

My heart skipped a beat, Selene’s expression did not change, but I saw the flicker of realization in her eyes.

“Interesting, so that is what makes you different.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied quickly.

Celine lifted up her head. “Then why does he keep guards outside your door? Why won’t he let anyone near you?”

Their words pressed against me like knives.

Lilith stood up and gathered her shawl around her shoulders. “Enough.” She said sharply.

“We all know what happens when the King grows attached and lets her find out herself.”

Selene’s lips curved into a small, cruel smile. “Yes, she will.”

The wives began to rise one by one as they passed. I felt each of their eyes on me. It was full of curiosity, jealousy, and hate.

Selene stopped beside me, leaning close enough for her breath to brush my ear.

“None of us last long.” She whispered. “Not even the ones he claims to love.”