Chapter 7

Katherine Lark's POV:

The throbbing pain in my chest woke me up before the sunrise did.

At first, it was just a dull ache under my ribs. Then it slowly spread through my body like a slow fire. I closed my eyes and put my hand on my chest. Then I took a sharp breath.

But I suddenly gasped when I opened my eyes and looked at my chest. The symbol was still there. I know I had to see it properly so I gathered my courage, stood up and looked at my chest in the old mirror in the corner.

The mark had grown darker overnight. The faint symbols were now clear enough for me to see. There are thin lines that curved inward and meeting at a point over my heart. It looked like a seal closing itself.

I hesitated then slowly lifted my hand and touched the edge of the mark. I traced the lines on my chest with my finger and carefully moved it. But when I reached the center part, a sharp pain shot through my chest.

"Hiss..."

I pulled my hand away and took a quick breath. The pain was not only on my skin. It felt like something inside me had been stirred. I clenched my fist on my knee and stayed still until the burning slowly disappeared.

Once it subsided, I carefully sat up and waited to make sure the pain would not return. The room was quiet while the sunlight was entering through the narrow window. For a moment, I stayed still and closed my eyes. I tried to ignore it but the bond kept pulling my senses to him.

"...He's awake." I murmured to myself.

I clenched my teeth and looked at my chest again. Whatever this mark was, I couldn't let anyone see it. Not even him.

I had seen and heard enough about the Darkblood Pack. They did not welcome any weakness. If they found out their unwanted guest had a strange mark on her chest, I would become their target right away.

I stood up, opened my bag and picked a high-collared shirt that covered my chest and neck. I also pulled my cloak tighter than usual and tied it closed. I only let myself breathe after making sure that my skin was hidden from plain sight.

I stood up straight and stayed quiet. I fixed my expression and hid the soft pain in my chest. After tying my hair up, someone suddenly knocked on the door.

"...Enter." I said while keeping my voice calm.

A young warrior I didn't recognize opened the door and entered my room. He looked unsure and glance at the floor before meeting my eyes.

"Our Alpha says you are allowed to go outside your room." the young warrior said. "But you still have limited movement and you will be watched."

I lower my gaze and pause for a moment. I did not expect Alpha Harrison to give such luxury to me. But still, I nodded my head in reply.

"I understand."

"Your meals will be brought in your room if you don't want to join the others." the young warrior added.

"No. I'll come out." I said.

I looked up and saw surprise flashed across his face. But the young warrior said nothing and then he stepped aside. I took a deep breathe before I followed behind him.

The Darkblood courtyard was wide and covered with stone and tall trees. It was still early but the wolves were already moving around with purpose. They kept talking but their voices softened when I passed by.

I knew they were watching me but I also kept my head high and walk in quiet steps. If I had learned anything in Silvermoon Pack, it was that survival did not always come from strength. Sometimes, survival came from knowing when not to react too.

Down the hallway, I took a seat near the edge close enough to observe everyone but still far enough not to disturb others. I saw a few omegas and elderly women busying themselves near a huge kitchen. They were carrying plates of food and placing them neatly on wide table that filled most of the room. The smell of bread and stew made my stomach growl quietly.

Confused, I keep looking around to observe until a small child walking by noticed me and stopped.

"Are you new here?" the child suddenly approached me and asked while tilting their head. Her eyes were wide with curiosity rather than suspicion.

"You can say that." I said. I softened my voice without realizing it. "But why are you gathering here? Is there a banquet or celebration today?"

"No?" the little girl said while frowning as if that questioned confused her. "We always do this every morning!"

"Every morning?" I repeated. "All of you?"

She nodded firmly that her braids gently bounced with the motion.

"Yes! We are always eating together. We also make sure everyone will have their own share of food!"

I glanced at the long table again and watched the people move around freely. It was clear to me that there were no strict order or visible separation by rank in that table.

"Doesn't anyone here sit somewhere special?" I asked before I could stop myself.

The little girl tilted her head as if I asked her something unusual. Then she shook her head.

"Why would they do that?" she said as if the answer was obvious. "The food tastes better when everyone's here!"

Those words caught me off guard.

"I see." I quietly said. "That's... nice."

"It is!" she brightly said.

Then she leaned closer and lowering her voice as if sharing a secret with me.

"My mama says it is how we know we are still a pack."

Her words stayed with me as I looked at the long table again. It felt strange to me. In the Silvermoon Pack, things were never like this. Even during meals, everyone knew where they belonged. The higher ranks would always eat first. Once they're done, the rest would eat after. Our rank was always clear even when it comes to our meal time.

But with the Darkblood Pack, it seemed that no one cared about that.

"Thank you for telling me." I said before offering the little girl a small smile.

"It's nothing..."

Then her cheeks instantly turned pink. The little girl quickly nodded at me then turned around. She ran down the hall and nearly tripped over her own feet as she fled. I watched her go for a moment before I suddenly remembered something.

"Wait." I suddenly called.

The little girl looked back at me again before she could run off.

"What's your name?" I asked.

She stopped and turned around completely. The little girl looked at me in surprise as if she hadn't expected me to ask about it. But then, she straightened her back a little and proudly said her name.

"Elina!" she said. "My mama says it means light."

"I see. That's a good name, Elina." I told her. "It suits you."

Elina smiled so wide it showed the small gap between her teeth. Then she nodded her head once and hurried back to the others. Elina glanced at me over her shoulder one more time before she disappeared into the crowd.

As for me, I stayed where I was and quietly repeating her name in my head. I was also wondering how long it had been since someone had spoken to me without caution or disgust.

'It's actually nice...'

After a while, I decided to explore a little more.

That was when I heard raised voices coming from the long hall near the courtyard. The doors weren't fully closed. I hadn't meant to listen so I started to turn away and ready to leave. But then, I felt a presence inside that made me pause.

"Alpha Harrison, you need to listen to us! The pack needs more stability."

My heart skipped a beat without meaning to. I still didn't know how to face him after last night. But without thinking, I stayed in the shadows and leaned closer to listen.

"Alpha Harrison, you will need a Luna on your side to protect our pack." one of the elders said.

"I am still protecting the pack even without a Luna." Alpha Harrison replied.

"But you should not delay what must be done!"

"And I refuse to rush what cannot be undone."

My fingers tightened in my side.

"But as our Alpha, you must marry soon." one elder sharply added. "A lot of people are watching our movements."

"If you are worried who to choose, we have already chosen a suitable match for you." another one added. "She comes from a strong lineage. She can definitely help our pack strive more if you will marry her."

When Alpha Harrison did not respond, the elders took it as a chance to continue convincing him.

"Alpha Harrison, you have to think of our future. If you'll marry the Luna that we choose, then we—"

"That's enough!"

The room went silent in an instant.

"I did not agreed to any marriage you all are suggesting to me." Alpha Harrison said in a calm but dangerous voice. "And I will not hear another word about it again."