The Weak Wolf's Curse (2)

 I tried to speak, but my throat was too dry, my voice barely a whisper. “Why, Lila? We were friends…”

 Her laughter was cold and sharp. “Friends? Oh, you really are naive. You were nothing but a stepping stone. A useless weakling who didn’t know her place.” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sinister whisper. “Kaden is mine. He was always meant to be mine. And now, he is.”

 My blood ran cold. “You... you lied to him.”

 Her eyes gleamed with malice. “Of course, I did. But he believed me, didn’t he? Because no one would ever believe the word of a weak wolf like you. You don’t matter, Ella. You never did.”

 She stood up, brushing imaginary dust off her dress. “Enjoy your stay down here. It won’t be long before Kaden decides to get rid of you for good. Until then, maybe you should get used to being on your knees, where you belong.”

 With one last smirk, she turned and left, the door slamming shut behind her. Her words echoed in my mind, each one slicing through me like a blade.

 I felt the sting of tears, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of breaking me completely.

 My wolf was weak, my heart shattered, and I was all alone. But deep within me, a spark of defiance flickered. I wouldn’t let her win. Not completely.

 Not yet.

 ---

 Days blurred together in the darkness. The only light came when the guards brought stale bread and murky water, shoving the tray through a slot before slamming the door shut. I ate to survive, but hunger gnawed at me constantly. My body weakened, and my wolf grew quieter with each passing day.

 The cold stone floor became my bed, and the damp air clung to my skin. I lost track of time, the endless silence broken only by the distant echoes of laughter and celebration from above. It was a cruel reminder that life went on without me.

 I knew what they were celebrating—Kaden and Lila’s union. She must have taken my place at his side, convincing him that she was his rightful mate.

 I should’ve hated him for believing her lies, but all I felt was a hollow ache. The bond was broken, but the memories remained. I had once dreamed of standing by his side, of being cherished and loved. The Moon Goddess had chosen him for me, but he had rejected her gift.

 Rejected me.

 The door creaked open again, and I instinctively curled up, bracing for another round of mocking words. But this time, it wasn’t Lila. It was Kaden.

 He stepped inside, his presence dominating the small space. I looked up, my heart clenching as his scent of cedarwood and pine filled the room. Even now, my traitorous heart reacted to him, my wolf stirring weakly.

 His golden eyes swept over me, his expression unreadable. “You look pathetic.”

 Shame burned my cheeks, but I held my head high. “You did this to me.”

 His jaw tightened. “You brought this on yourself. You dared to use dark magic to manipulate me.”

 I struggled to my feet, my body trembling from weakness. “I never did anything to you. I never wanted this.” My voice broke, but I forced myself to continue. “The Moon Goddess chose us to be mates. It wasn’t a spell. It was fate.”

 His eyes flickered, doubt crossing his face for a split second before hardening again. “Lila told me everything. She saw you sneaking into the herbalist’s hut. She found the potion you made. You heard her yourself... You’re nothing but a liar and a fraud.”

 “That’s a lie!” I shouted, anger surging through me. “Lila’s the liar. She wants you for herself. Can’t you see that?”

 His hand shot out, gripping my chin painfully as he forced me to look into his eyes. “You dare speak ill of her? After everything you’ve done?”

 I glared back at him, my vision blurring with tears. “She betrayed me. She betrayed you. And you’re too blind to see it.”

 His grip tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. “I should end you right here. You’re a disgrace to this pack. A weak, pathetic wolf who dared to claim me.”

 Pain shot through me, but I refused to look away. “Then do it. Kill me. If you hate me that much, end my misery.”

 For a moment, his eyes softened, his grip loosening. He looked at me as if seeing me for the first time. But then he pushed me away, his face hardening once more.

 “No,” he said coldly. “Death would be too merciful. You’ll live—and you’ll suffer for your sins. From this day on, you’re no longer Ella Thorn. You’re nothing but a slave.”