HAZELThe ballroom is alive with music and laughter as the guests, including Arnold, Ethan, and myself, mingle and dance. The air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of soft murmurs, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. As the music swells, Arnold and Ethan stand up, offering their hands to me in unison. "Shall we dance, Hazel?" Arnold asks, his eyes sparkling with excitement.I smile back at them, feeling a rush of happiness fill my chest. "Of course!" I reply, taking their hands in mine. Together, we make our way to the center of the dance floor, surrounded by other couples twirling and swaying to the music. As we begin to dance, I feel a sense of connection with Arnold and Ethan that goes beyond words. The music wraps around us like a warm embrace, and I lose myself in the rhythm, moving effortlessly with my twin mates."You two are amazing dancers, I thought you would have fallen over by now." I remark, unable to hide my admiration. Arnol

HAZEL The grand ball is over, the music has faded, and the guests have dispersed. I'm back in my room now, but the memory of that encounter with Alpha Hunter lingers like a haunting vision, one that is refusing to fade away. I shudder as I remember the fear that gripped me, the feeling of being trapped in Hunter’s suffocating presence. I sink onto the edge of my bed, my heart still pounding erratically in my chest. If it weren't for Arnold and Ethan, I don't know if I would have made it through that ordeal. Their timely arrival was like a ray of hope piercing through the darkness, pulling me back from the darkness and the fear. But in spite of their heroic intervention, I can't shake the feeling of terror that has settled deep within me. The memory of Alpha Hunter's cruel smile, his menacing words, sends shivers down my spine. I feel violated, as if his presence has tainted every part of my being. I wrap my arms around myself, seeking comfort in the solitude of my room. The walls

TASKMASTER I stride into the party venue with a small gift box clutched in my hand, and a fake smile plastered on my face. The sight of Hazel, glowing with happiness, makes my stomach churn, but I have to keep up with appearances. I have to make sure everyone knows just how gracious I am, even towards someone as lowly as her. Approaching Hazel, I put on my best façade of sincerity and goodness. “Hazel, darling, congratulations.” I say, my voice dripping with false warmth. “You look positively radiant.” Hazel's smile falters for a moment, but she quickly recovers, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. “Thank you, Taskmaster.” She replies, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “It's been quite the journey. I didn’t even know that you would be coming today.” “And I was offended that I wasn’t on the list, but I wanted to congratulate you anyway. It’s been so long, and I’m proud.” I nod, pretending to share in her joy. I say smoothly. “Clearly you have handled life with such g

HAZELThe energy from what had happened down with the taskmaster is still coursing through my veins, and I can’t help but replay the moment as I make my way back to my suite very quickly. My heart pounds in my chest, and I can't shake the feeling of his hands around me, squeezing, suffocating. I reach my room and shut the door behind me, leaning against it for support while breathing heavily. The memory of his sneering face, his malicious intent, fills me with dread. How could I have been so naïve to trust him? I mean, how could he just like me all of a sudden? I pace the room, my mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Fear, anger, betrayal, embarrassment, they all surround me, threatening to consume my being. How could I have trusted him enough to see him off? To even talk to him? “Why did he do that?” I mutter to myself, my voice trembling. “Why did he pretend to be nice, only to turn on me like that? What did I ever do to him?” I sink onto the edge of my bed,

HAZEL I wake up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest as I sit up in bed, sweat dripping down my forehead. Another dream. Another nightmare. For weeks now, I've been haunted by visions of Alpha Hunter, the very man who declared war on us, the one who poses a threat to everything we hold dear. Arnold and Ethan made it clear that he's not welcome anywhere near our territories, but that doesn't stop him from invading my dreams, from tormenting me with his presence. I glance at the clock on my bedside table. It's early, too early for anyone else to be awake. But the fear gnawing at my insides won't let me rest any longer. I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand up, my legs shaky beneath me. As I make my way to the window, I can't shake the feeling of worry that settles over me like a heavy blanket. The sun hasn't even risen yet, but already, I can feel the weight of the day pressing down on me, suffocating me with its endless possibilities. How long will I continue to