THE IRONY OF FATE

Aria POV

My eyes fluttered open, trying to make out what I was seeing. It was some kind of chamber, filled with rich red decor and weapons placed on the walls while a fire crackled nearby, casting dancing shadows across the ceiling.

I felt a warm blanket draped over me and tried to sit up, but before I could move, a gentle hand pressed firmly on my shoulder.

"Aria, please do not move too much."

I turned at the familiar voice, my eyes glistening as I met the warm golden eyes of Elara, my tutor from years ago, the woman who had taught me everything I knew about healing. She looked older now, her red-streaked hair streaked with silver, but her eyes held the same warmth I remembered.

"Where am I?" I asked, confused, looking around before the memories came flooding back. The courtroom, the accusations, the Lycan King.

I looked around frantically, trying to find the king, but there was no sign of him. Just me and Elara. Yet I could smell his scent lingering in the air.

"Calm down, calm down, child," Elara begged, her eyes filled with tears as she held my arms firmly. "You need to breathe."

I breathed slowly, trying to calm my racing heart. I wasn't dead. That was good. But now I was a slave to the Lycan King.

"Why am I here?" I asked, confused. "Is this where the slaves stay?"

I had expected to wake up in a cramped room like the dungeon. But now I was in a luxurious room.

Elara answered, her voice steady and soothing. "You were running a high temperature. The king was worried about you."

I nodded, confused, but feeling comfort from her presence. The king only cared about me because I was his fated mate. Surely there was no other reason a man like this would care for my health, especially when I was the supposed killer of the princess.

Elara's brow furrowed with concern before she looked at me.

"Aria, when was your last heat?" she asked.

I blinked, confused, my mind racing. "I think about four weeks ago," I said, trying to remember. "Before Logan left for his travels."

Elara's expression grew more serious as she pressed her fingers gently against my lower abdomen, feeling carefully. I watched her face, seeing the recognition dawn in her eyes.

Suddenly, nausea washed over me and I leaned over the side of the bed, vomiting violently while Elara stepped back and rubbed my back soothingly.

"Take it easy, child," she murmured.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. My hands trembled as I looked at the mess on the floor. Would he punish me for this?

Elara finished her examination and sat back, her eyes meeting mine with concern.

"Aria," she said gently. "You're pregnant."

The words didn't make sense. Not at first. I stared at her, waiting for the meaning to sink in. When it did, my mouth dropped open.

"W-what?" I said, shaking my head frantically. "I can't be pregnant. I can't just suddenly-"

"You are," Elara said gently, her voice firm but kind. "You are four weeks along."

I stared at her, numb. The words hit me like a physical blow. Of all the times to finally conceive Logan's child, it had to be now. It had to be when he had severed our bond because I was unable to bear him a pup. It had to be when I was accused of killing the King's sister. It had to be when I shamefully begged him to rut me, while he was already traveling to meet my sister and impregnate her.

I was carrying Logan's child.

The man who had thrown me away. The man who had called me useless. The man who had chosen my sister over me.

I felt tears streaming down my face as Elara pulled me into a warm embrace.

"Don't worry, Aria. You will be fine. Everything will work out."

"This isn't fair," I choked out, clinging to her tightly. "Why now? Why now, after everything they did to me?"

I buried my face in her shoulder. My whole body trembled. I couldn't stop the sounds coming from my throat. I was carrying a child as a slave under the brutal King's reign, under my so-called fated mate. A child that belonged to another man.

"He is going to get rid of my baby," I choked out, my voice trembling with fear.

I understood how possessive mates were. I had seen it in other wolves, the way they would rage at the thought of their mate with someone else. I was carrying another man's child. Magnus would be furious.

He would demand I get rid of it. A pregnant slave was not what he wanted in a fated mate.

I shuddered at the thought, pressing my hand protectively over my stomach.

But Elara held my face gently, her golden eyes fierce with conviction. "Magnus isn't that cruel, Aria. You are safe here. He won't harm you or the baby."

I looked at her, wanting to believe her, but the fear was too strong.

"You don't know that," I whispered. "You don't know what he will do."

I was inconsolable, my body shaking with sobs as Elara watched me with weary eyes. She sighed heavily and stood up, her movements slow and deliberate.

"I am going to get you some food to eat for you and the pup," she said, her voice firm but kind. "And I am going to find a maid to clean this place up. Rest, Aria. Magnus will not harm you. I promise."

I didn't listen to her. I just kept crying, my gaze fixed on the floor as she left the room, the door clicking shut behind her. The moment the sound faded, I forced myself to stand on shaking legs, my body screaming in protest.

I needed to run. I needed to get far away from this place and try to save myself and my child. I could raise it by myself, in some small village far from the reach of kings and Alphas. I had to try. If Magnus found out about this baby, he could make its life horrible.

I opened the door gently, peering through the hallway before stepping out.

I moved slowly, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure someone would hear it.

I didn't know where I was going. I didn't know how I would escape this frozen fortress, this nightmare. But I had to try.

For my baby.