ARIA'S POV.I couldn't explain how happy I felt to hear the elder say that. His wisdom was top-notch. After all, if I had two dresses, I chose the one I wanted, and not the other way around. I had never heard of the dress selecting itself. With happiness, I turned to Alpha Ryan, who looked like he knew what I was going to say, like he could command me to choose him with the nasty look in his eyes. Every eye was on me, and they seemed to be expecting a twist, but unfortunately, there wasn't going to be such a thing. Alpha Ryan seemed like he had swallowed a large, nasty seed, as he waited for me to reply. He shouldn't have gone ahead of himself. It was stupid and pointless. He didn't really think I was going to choose him, did he? “I've long accepted Alpha Aiden as my mate. I don't think there's a need to think things over, or even ask the question in the first place.” I said, out loud, and Alpha Ryan's face turned red. Why would he want the maid he had despised? Him trying to act l

ARIA'S POV.I woke up, and sat straight on my bed, gasping. My bed was wet, and sweat was pouring out from every hole in my body. It took a while for me to realize it was nothing but a nasty dream, and nothing was going to happen to me. I sighed, looking around. The candles were flickering lightly, and the curtains were still, as there was no air coming in from the closed window. I leaned against the headboard, and placed my hands over my face. Why would I have such a dream? Was it because I was worried, or because I had cause to worry? My feet found the floor, and I walked over to the window, and opened it. Air brushed past my hair, and through my nightgown. It was so good to be able to breathe after a particularly scary nightmare. I could no longer find sleep, and thanks to the fact that it was in the early hours of dawn, I decided to wait until the sun was up.I went to the music room, and tried to keep myself busy by finding an instrument to play, but it felt like someone was

ALPHA AIDEN’S POV.“Is anything wrong?” I asked, wondering why he had a different expression on.“Well, I it’s about how you keep withdrawing from Aria. She seems really hurt.” Jamison spoke, looking quite concerned.I appreciated the fact that he was also concerned about the person I love, but it was a bit annoying that he was bringing this topic up in a way that seemed like I was being wicked.“But you know I can’t allow that to happen, and it’s not my fault. You should also know that I’m feeling pained about this, but I can’t get closer to her more than I have, right now.“I understand. But I just feel there has to be a better way so she can understand, and be less hurt.”“And do you have any suggestion on how we can do this?” I questioned, hoping he had something and not just giving me an unnecessary headache.“Okay. Do you feel you can tell her about this? Maybe if she knows about your predicament, she’s going to calm down, and her pain will be lesser than being kept in the dark

ARIA’S POV.My eyes fluttered out of shock, and my heart began to beat rapidly, feeling like it was going to pop out of my chest. I opened my mouth to ask him why he was here, but no words came out of my mouth. My tongue had betrayed me.“Are… are you ready for training this morning?” He asked, and cleared his throat.“Uhm… Yeah. Yeah. Is that what you came to my room to ask me?” I finally asked him.“Yeah. Actually, I came to see if you’re okay.” “Oh, I see.” I said, trying to cover up the fact that I felt butterflies in my stomach.That was quite embarrassing to me, because despite all that happened between us last night; how he made me feel really sad, I still felt butterflies in my stomach with one caring question of his. Aria, you have to be strong. You can’t have yourself melting at every single word he says.“So, have you thought about what we discussed about getting a new training instructor?” He asked, looking calm and like he was carefully treading on that path.Although,

ARIA’S POV.I turned my head to the direction of the sound of the husky voice, and to my shock, a group of rogues had appeared. The one with the husky voice seemed to be the leader, and they all began to surround me.I moved a few steps backward, feeling my heart thump hard like it was going to escape out of my chest, if care wasn’t taken.“When I see the likes of you, my blood boils. You all enjoy your life in a pack, and do things the way it pleases you. I’m so happy to meet you, just so I can tear you apart.”“I think we should make her suffer before she finally dies.” One of them suggested.My head turned to look at those who were giving different suggestions regarding what punishment they should give me. All these suggestions only showed how bitter they were. They certainly had bitter stories to tell, and to me, this seemed like I could use them to my advantage; only if I find a way to convince them to follow me.“Hold on!” I voiced out, trying to muster every bit of confidence