AriI kept my gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding any semblance of eye contact with the imposing omega leader. Jackie stood beside me, equally guilty for allowing me to skip my duties without reporting it. The omega leader's piercing stare made it clear that we were in trouble, and in this place, we couldn't afford even the slightest misstep."May I remind you that your privileged life is over? So why are you still acting like one? Don't you think it is unfair for the other omegas here that you skip work?"Jackie and I exchanged uneasy glances."I apologize, madam. But it was a decision I made. Jackie asked me to work that day, but I was the one who refused because I was not feeling well. I will take responsibility for my mistake. Just spare Jackie because she is not at fault here," I spoke, humbly.But the omega leader responded with a sly smirk. “So you think your little apology can change everything? You’re wrong, half-rank! This isn’t your father’s house! You need to work here just
Ari"Where have you been, half-rank?"I struggled to keep my arms steady, fear coursing through my veins. The threat of the whip loomed large, and I couldn't help but glance nervously at it, wondering if it would be used against me."I did what you told me, madam. I went straight to that stream to fetch water," I replied, my voice trembling but attempting to hold a semblance of composure. The whip in the omega leader's hand cast a shadow over the conversation, making it hard for me to concentrate."You useless slave! Do not think of me as a fool!" she spat out. Fueled by anger, she lashed the whip across my arm, and the pain shot through me. I winced in pain as the omega leader continued to lash her whip. The other slaves paused their work, their eyes widening with alarm as they gathered around me.Another slave, Jenna, stepped forward, her face full of contempt. “How dare you lie!” she exclaimed while pointing her finger at me. She addressed the crowd of omegas around us. “I saw her
AriI jolted awake, the sudden knock on the door shattering the quiet of the night. Confused about who it might be, I stumbled to my feet, and as I swung the door open, my eyes widened in disbelief. Standing before me was the omega leader, the last person I expected to see outside my door at this ungodly hour. But something was different; her usually harsh features were softened. She was out of the usual resentment and hatred that had become synonymous with her presence.For a moment, I was left speechless, grappling with the strangeness of the situation. It was well past midnight, and the omega leader had sought me out. My mind raced with questions as I tried to fathom her purpose for this unexpected visit.“Greetings,” she murmured, glancing cautiously left and right through the dimly lit hallway. Her voice was a whisper, and I couldn't help but wonder about the urgency behind her visit."May I come in?" she asked, her words hanging in the air like a delicate secret. Memories of ins
AriThings went back to normal in the following days. As I went about my usual work routine, life as an omega became easier. I couldn't help but notice a sudden change within me—my mind and body were slowly adjusting to the demands of my new life. I started making fewer mistakes, resulting in fewer clashes with the omega leader and her minions than before. My body, which used to struggle with tough tasks, was now handling them more easily. Jackie and Igor couldn't contain their happiness, and I felt proud of becoming less of a burden to them.Before everything got chaotic in Moonshadow, I had Jackie and a few other helpers taking care of everything for me. Despite growing up surrounded by omegas willing to do my bidding, I always tried to learn housework and never allowed myself to be dependent on them. Jackie taught me some basic tasks like cleaning my room and preparing my bath. While the work here was a hundred times harder than what I was used to, this basic foundation made my imm
KristoffA council meeting loomed on the horizon, and I felt the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. Vowing to ensure its success and gain favor, I meticulously prepared for the gathering. Rolf's nod upon entering the room affirmed my readiness. A final glance in the mirror, and I departed, Rolf faithfully trailing behind as we made our way to the council room.Upon arrival, the council members were already seated around the circular table, their eyes fixed on the entrance, anticipating the arrival of both myself and the Ironwolf. Taking my seat, I sensed Rolf's presence standing steadfastly behind me, fulfilling his role as my confidant.My gaze swept over the distinguished figures present – Sigurd, the Beta, and the Ironwolf's younger brother; Gustav from the council of treasuries; Torvald, the warrior leader; Rune, the head tracker; and Rolf as my arms bearer. Accompanying them were other significant figures, including old advisers, previous leaders, and past council heads.A
Chapter 16KristoffI was shocked to my core. My eyes widened, almost bulging out of their sockets, as my father's announcement echoed in the grand hall. My heart raced like a runaway stallion, and my brain couldn't make sense of what the Ironwolf had just told us. This couldn't be happening. The Ironwolf's words hung in the air like a surreal mist, and I found myself unable to fathom the sudden turn of events for the worst.As the council members erupted in cheers, I couldn't join their celebration. My gaze remained fixed on my father, disbelief etched across my face like an indelible mark. The very foundation of my expectations crumbled beneath me. I was so confident in this idea, yet somehow the Ironwolf had found an escape from what I perceived as a perfect plan."Perhaps there's a misunderstanding, father,” I managed to murmur, my voice barely audible.The council chamber fell into an uneasy hush as the Ironwolf scoffed at my decision. "Just a moment ago, you were all for peace b
Ari I was shocked to hear the news. My body trembled, breaths became shallow, and my heart sank. I couldn't process what I had just discovered; it was beyond anything I had imagined. Slowly turning my head, my mind flooded with questions. I wanted to speak, but my mouth couldn't form the words. The harsh reality shook me, and the cheers from a distance were silent inside my head.I looked into Kristoff's eyes, tears streaming down my cheeks. His eyes were also filled with tears, stumbling over his own words as he tried to explain."Is it true, Kristoff?" I managed to ask, my voice choked with emotion."Ari, this is not what... Please ignore them. I – no... Just listen to me first. Give me a chance to explain," he pleaded.I felt the weight of the devastating truth. I wanted to hear his explanation, but part of me no longer wanted to hear the painful reality. Tears continued to roll down my cheeks, and Kristoff tried to comfort me. However, I gently pushed him away."Just answer the d
KristoffAfter the announcement, I refused to leave my quarters. Despair gripped me as I replayed the moment my fated mate rejected me. I lost interest in everything, yearning to be lifted from my sadness and forget the pain that consumed me.It was over. Ari was gone from my life.What else could I do but drown myself in alcohol, a silent companion during these difficult times? It was like this bitter escape I held onto, not giving a damn about eating or drinking water. I was engulfed in these intense waves of self-hate, suffocating me from the inside out. In a fit of rage, I threw a glass across the room, and the sound of it breaking into thousands of tiny pieces, mixed with the smell of spilled alcohol, mirrored my own emotional mess breaking apart.Despite being the crown alpha of one of the strongest packs in the land, I felt like the world's biggest failure. I had this fancy title of Jarl, but when it came down to it, I couldn't even protect the one thing that mattered most to m