A smile broke out on my face when the cave came into sight. I climbed the steps, walked through the cave, and I spotted a familiar figure standing in the water. “Xerxes” I shouted. He turned and walked towards me. “I didn’t think you’ll come after yesterday” “I wasn’t going to but I needed some air before my night duties” Night duties?” His smile changed to a frown “Yeah. I serve at the table” His face didn’t relax a bit. “You‘ll be exposed to higher-ups. They can be very nasty” “So far. I haven’t gotten into any trouble” And I didn’t plan to. I would simply just do my duties and stay in the shadows. “I can speak to Agnia. Your duties can be adjusted” “No,” I said immediately. “No? Do you like serving meals? Even when you know it puts you at risk?” “If I do what they say I’ll be fine. Besides, I don’t want the other girls to think I’m getting special treatment” He scoffed. “Nobody would think anything of it. Besides its normal to suddenly swap duties” “No. I’ll be fine”

The scene from the dinner didn’t leave my head. I kept thinking about it for some weird reason. Why did he help me and why was Athena glaring at me with so much hatred? It was difficult to understand and I made a promise to myself not to worry too much. Breakfast was eventful. The wolves went about their normal daily activities and there was nothing left for us to do in the meantime. I made sure my duties were done before I decided to go to the cave hoping I would not run into Xerxes. Xander’s warning from yesterday kept ringing in my head. It was for our safety. I was heading out when I heard my name. Sydney was waving from inside the building. I paused and she ran after me, holding her bag tightly. “Where are you going?” “For a walk” “That sounds boring. Why don’t you follow me into town” she asked with an excited smile. “Why?” “Because I don’t want you to be bored and you can buy a change of clothes instead of wearing the same outfit every day” “It’s our uniform” I reminded

Athena was sprawled over a half-naked Alpha who had an emotionless look. His arm wrapped around her waist and his eyes studied me as I looked at them. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Her voice snapped me out of my shocked state and I quickly bent down, gathering the broken china pieces. “Can’t you do anything fucking right” she sounded even closer and I saw her bare feet a few inches away from me. “Get dressed Athena” His strict voice came from the bed and I heard her footsteps as she walked away. I heard the sound of lips smacking against each other and I scrunched my face in disgust. Didn’t he say he had no interest in her? ‘You didn’t hear that from his mouth, did you?’ My subconscious asked. I rolled my eyes at my foolishness. A sharp piece cut me and I winced in pain. I heard his footsteps draw closer and his shadow fell over me but I refused to look up. “Look at me slave” he commanded “It’s disrespectful Alpha,” I said in a small voice. “It’s a command” he snapped an

The days leading to the banquet were one of the busiest days I’ve ever witnessed. The whole building was in a frenzy. Maid cleaning and dusting beds and linens were changed. I wasn’t left out of the duties. I cleaned everything and it felt like my fingers were to fall off. And oftentimes, it felt like I was being watched. By whom? I have yet to find out. Luckily I’ve not run into the Alpha and Athena. Xerxes has been scarce and even Xander was nowhere to be seen. With all the activities I didn’t find the time to go to the cave like I badly wanted to. Sydney was also very busy and we hardly crossed paths. Truth be told, I missed her terribly. She was my closest companion in this hellish pack. An opportunity to get into the Alpha’s office and get my hands on the letter was yet to present itself. I’ve cleaned that floor again but the Alpha’s office was locked each time. But I’ve not given up. I would keep trying to get my hands on it and see what it contained for myself. I gathered my

I was in so much pain when I opened my eyes. My muscles ached and my back felt raw. A strangled cry left my lips and I moved. "Stay" a soft voice whispered close to my ears instantly causing my body to relax "I can't fucking believe him" I heard an angry voice say. "Let it go," the first voice said and it went silent. I didn't fall asleep again I was conscious but very weak. I heard movement around the room and whispers but i couldn't tell exactly who they were. The bed dipped as someone climbed on it and I felt gentle fingers run over my back. The minty smell of herbs filled my nose and soon I fell asleep. For the next couple of hours, I slipped in and out of consciousness but each time, there was someone in the room. The next time I woke up, I was on my back. My back didn't feel as terrible as it felt the first time I woke up. I was laying on a bed in a familiar room. The sunlight shone directly on my face. A small whimper escaped me as I tried to stand up and I heard movement o