chapter 5

** (Lila's POV)**

"Give her something to eat," I heard him order, voice low but authoritative, before he disappeared down the corridor.

"Yes, Alpha," the guard replied at once.

So he really *was* the Alpha. That explained his commanding tone, his arrogance, the way everyone obeyed him without question. It also meant one very important thing: I had to get out of here,fast.

Now that he’d left, and the guard had stepped away to carry out his order, this might be my only chance. My limbs still ached from the restraints, but I wasn’t giving up.

I shifted against the wall, twisting my wrists and testing the ropes. They were tight, but not unbreakable. Desperation gave me strength. I bit at the knot with my teeth, tugging and pulling, over and over, until I felt the first thread loosen. Sweat trickled down my back. My heart raced as I finally pulled one hand free, then the other. My ankles came next.

I didn’t stop to think. I tiptoed to the door, praying it wasn’t locked.

It wasn’t.

Carefully, I peeked out. The hall was empty. Moonlight spilled through the tall windows, lighting my path.

I ran.

Bare feet silent against the cold stone floor, I didn’t stop to look back. I didn’t dare. Once outside, I kept moving—through the trees, over grass and soil, lungs burning with effort. I didn’t know where I was going, only that I had to put as much distance between me and that cursed place as possible.

Eventually, I slowed. The territory behind me, I thought I was free. I dropped to the ground near a stream, chest heaving.

But before I could even catch my breath, a rough hand grabbed my collar and yanked me up.

"She’s here!" the man shouted, his voice booming.

I struggled, heart sinking. I had only seen him for a second, but I recognized him instantly,one of Ethan’s guards.

"Please... let me go," I begged, my voice cracking. "I’ll do anything."

He ignored me, dragging me back with a grip like iron. My feet barely touched the ground as we returned to the place I’d just escaped from. They threw me into the same room and slammed the door shut.

"You’ll remain here," the guard snapped.

Hours passed,or maybe just minutes. Time blurred. Eventually, the door creaked open again.

"The Alpha wants to see you," the guard said flatly.

He led me down a different path this time. The building revealed itself more with every turn. It was enormous. Grand. Ancient. Every hallway bore the weight of history,ornate doors, old stone, symbols I didn’t recognize carved into the walls.

Finally, we reached a long hallway.

"Walk to the end. Last room on the left. That’s the Alpha’s chamber."

I nodded mutely as he turned and walked away.

I moved forward, heart pounding. As I approached, I could hear voices inside the room,two men arguing.

“I didn’t think you’d have the audacity to come back,” Ethan said.

“And I didn’t think you’d still be clinging to power, Ethan,” the other man replied.

*Ethan.* That’s his name.

“You’re bold, I’ll give you that,” Ethan said. “But you’re also a fool. You think you can just walk back here after everything you’ve done?”

“I did what needed to be done,” the other man said coldly. “And I’ll do it again if necessary.”

“You’re responsible for the war that tore our land apart,” Ethan snapped. “For the death of countless innocents,including the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack and his entire family.”

My heart nearly stopped.

*My family.*

I clapped a hand over my mouth, trying not to make a sound. But I remembered everything,the screams, the fire, the blood. I had hidden and survived. Alone.

“Yes,” the man said, voice chilling. “They died a deserved death. And if I ever meet his only daughter, she’ll join them.”

My legs gave out, and I sank to the floor, barely breathing.

“You’re a monster,” Ethan spat.

“Just like you,” the man hissed. “Or have you forgotten how you killed Thane’s mother?”

“I had nothing to do with her death!” Ethan shouted back.

“We’ll see about that. But I’ll make sure everyone knows the truth.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” Ethan said, voice steady. “And I won’t let you threaten our land again.”

“Thane is out trying to repair the damage you caused,” Ethan added. “Trying to make peace with the packs you turned into enemies.”

“That’s his job,as your Beta.”

The door swung open suddenly. I froze.

The man inside stared directly at me, sharp eyes locking with mine.

“Were you eavesdropping?” he asked, stepping toward me.

“No… no, not at all,” I stammered, my throat dry.

“Have we met before?” he asked.

“No, sir,” I said quickly.

“You look familiar,” he muttered, eyes narrowing.

He stared at me for another long moment before turning and walking past me, disappearing down the hallway.

I stood there, legs trembling, mind spinning.

“Why are you standing there?” Ethan’s voice called from within.

I forced myself to move and stepped inside his room.

He was standing near a window, facing away. When he turned, his expression softened.

“Why are you crying?” he asked.

“Crying?” I repeated, confused, before realizing tears were streaming down my face. I hadn’t even noticed.

“Are you okay?” he asked again, this time gentler.

I wanted to lie. To say yes. But I couldn’t. I broke.

A sob tore from my chest as I shook my head. The pain, the memories, the fear,it all came crashing down.

He stepped toward me slowly, then wrapped his arms around me.

I froze.

I hadn’t expected that. I expected more threats, more coldness. But this… his arms felt warm. Solid. Safe.

“What happened?” he asked quietly.

“I heard your conversation,” I whispered.

“Conversation with Beta Maverick?”

“Beta?” I echoed. “He’s a Beta?”

“Yes. He was my father’s Beta. A trusted man,once.”

“But… that means…”

“Why were you crying?” he asked again.

I looked at him, unsure if I could trust him. But something told me I could.

“Because I’m Ryder’s daughter,” I whispered. “The former Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack.”

His expression shifted, eyes widening in realization.

“You mean…?”

“Yes,” I said, stronger this time. “Please let me go. I can’t stay here. I’m not safe.”

“You may not realize it yet,” he said, his voice low and calm. “But I’m the Alpha of this pack. No one will hurt you under my roof.”

I stared at him, uncertain. This was the same man who had tied me up. The same one who claimed me like I was property. But now… his voice, his touch, it was different. Softer.

“I’ll protect you from any danger,” he promised.

Something shifted inside me. I didn’t know if it was trust or confusion. But I wanted to believe him.

He leaned in, eyes never leaving mine.

“But in return,” he murmured, “you’ll have to do something for me.”