Semua Bab Alpha's Regret, Begging My Convict Luna Back: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Aria's POVFrom the dorm, Lana's cry echoed, sharp and terrified. The sound tore straight through my chest."Let me go!" I hissed, clawing at his wrist."Don't think I don't know about your record," he sneered into my ear.I froze. The words hit harder than any blow."What... what did you say?"He laughed, low and cruel. "You heard me. I looked you up. You've got a record. You are a filthy convict, pretending to be some saint. An absolute Fake."My wolf snarled so violently that my whole body shook. "My child is crying. Let me go, or I'll call the police!""Police?" He chuckled, his breath sour against my cheek. "You think I'm scared of that? You want to keep your bastard kid here? Then shut up and record the damn video."He dragged me toward a storage room. I twisted, kicked, but he was stronger. The door slammed behind us.Inside, there was a single bed and the stench of mold. My wolf clawed at my chest, begging to be freed, but I couldn't risk it, not here.He shoved me into a chai

Aria's POVBy nine, I was back at the dorm. The place reeked of sweat, bleach, and exhaustion. I barely had time to settle Lana in her crib before the others surrounded me like bees around spilled honey."I heard they docked your pay, Aria. Is it true?""Did you really find a gold necklace?""Don't listen to them! Aria's not that kind of person!"Their voices buzzed all around.Then kara appeared, her tired eyes finding mine immediately. She didn't even drop her bag before she pulled me aside. "Aria, did you piss someone off?"Her voice was low but urgent. kara had always looked out for me even when it got her punished for it.Because of me, she'd been reassigned to the dump section, the filthiest, most dangerous area in the district. And it showed. She looked like she'd crawled out of hell — grime streaking her face, her hands raw and trembling from cold.The scent of decay clung to her like smoke. I didn't hesitate. I grabbed a basin, poured water, worked up soap, and began wiping h

Aria's POVWhen Mrs. Mrs. Jennifer left, my gaze snagged on the other street cleaner — the man everyone said had no family, living off scraps and favors. He lounged lazily on a bench near the hedges, his arms folded behind his head, his tools abandoned at his feet. His name was James, Anita's nephew.Anita. The woman who'd cost me three thousand dollars with the snap of a finger. My fingers closed around the broom handle until the wood creaked.James had slipped something into his pocket ten minutes ago. Now, he sat there like he owned the world.I had no choice but to risk it all. It was either risk or retreat — and I'd promised Lana I would not let anyone take away what kept her alive. So risk it was.Dusk bled into the streets. Under the street light, I kept sweeping, each stroke a counting of minutes until I could go home, until I could tuck Lana into something warmer than this thin blanket.I was just finishing my section, nudging a stray wrapper into a neat pile, when the voice

Aria's POVMurmurs filled the air at my words.Anita blinked, then laughed, a cruel, humorless sound. "A witness? Where?" Her eyes swept the crowd like a predator scanning for weakness. "Which one of these fine workers of mine is going to stick their neck out for you?"Her words stung, but I stood my ground. My fingers twisted together, sweat slicking my palms.Mrs. Jennifer.. please come. I prayed silently. I had told her to come by this time.For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Then the low growl of an engine reached my ears.A black car rolled up to the curb. It was too clean for this dirty street. My breath hitched.The crowd parted as a maid stepped out, polished and composed. She moved to the passenger side, opening the door with precision.And then — there she was.Mrs. Jennifer, radiating wealth and command."Is that the cleaning worker you mentioned, Mrs. Jennifer?" the maid asked.Jennifer's eyes landed on me, calm but sharp. "Yes," she said. "That's her."The murmurs rippled

Aria's POVMrs. Jennifer's voice was gentle but firm, like silk over steel. "Ms. Aria, just forget her. She's done. She made a mistake and has no right to hold that position anymore."She stepped closer, her hand brushing my shoulder."Thank you," I murmured, my throat tight. Around us, the other cleaning ladies were beaming, giving me thumbs-up and words of praise."Well done, Aria!""You showed them!"Their voices buzzed like bees. I didn't feel proud. Pride was a luxury I'd long stopped indulging in. Instead, I felt a bit fearful.If Mrs. Jennifer hadn't stepped in… if fate hadn't turned its head toward me just once… I might've been the one cuffed, humiliated and cast aside.All I'd wanted was to survive here — to carve out a quiet corner of safety in Asterfell for me and Lana, nothing more.Jennifer's warm smile drew me back. "Good girl," she said, her voice carrying a matriarch's pride. "You've helped me a great deal. Is there anything you want as thanks?"For a heartbeat, my wol