Malakai's disappearance had left a void, but Aria's focus shifted to her new reality within Alpha Elijah's ancient palace. Her cozy cottage, gifted by Elijah, provided every comfort, yet loneliness lingered. She yearned for her family and friends, wondering if they had survived the brutal wolf attack.
Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes as she thought about what could have been. If only she had unleashed her powers sooner, perhaps she could have saved her loved ones. The guilt and regret simmered, fueling a burning desire for revenge against the wolves.
Lila, Elijah's vigilant Gamma, kept a watchful eye on Aria. She sensed the witch's hidden intentions, her plans simmering beneath the surface.
Aria's thoughts drifted to Elijah, recalling the visions she saw when healing him. A young Elijah, tears streaming down his face, haunted by the loss of his mother. The image of his mother drinking a mysterious substance, collapsing onto his father, and the subsequent grief, left Aria's heart heavy.
She envisioned Elijah's father, with his final breath, imparting words of wisdom to his son. The memory of the child Elijah, crying alone in his room, night after night, resonated deeply. An Alpha, expected to be strong, yet vulnerable in his solitude.
Aria understood the depth of Elijah's scars, the weight of his past. Her determination to uncover the truth and avenge her family's fate grew stronger.
As night descended, Aria's resolve solidified. She would bide her time, gather information, and wait for the perfect moment to strike. The wolves would pay for their brutality, and Elijah, unknowingly, would help her unravel the secrets of his own troubled past.
In the shadows, Lila observed Aria, sensing the storm brewing within. The witch's intentions were far from pure, and Lila vowed to protect her Alpha, no matter the cost.
.
.
Moons had passed since Aria last saw Elijah. The summons to his chambers arrived unexpectedly, delivered by a stern-faced servant. His expression twisted in disdain, reflecting the deep-seated hatred wolves harbored for witches and wizards.
"Witch, the Alpha requests your presence," he growled, his voice dripping with malice.
Aria rose from her seat, her eyes narrowing at the servant's rudeness. His rough grasp on her arm made her skin prickle.
"Release me," she demanded, her voice firm.
The servant's grip tightened, his fingers digging into her flesh. "You're coming with me, witch."
Aria's heart seethed with resentment as he dragged her through the winding corridors of the ancient palace. The wolves' contempt for her kind was palpable, evident in every scornful glance and snarled insult.
As they approached Elijah's chambers, the servant's pace quickened, his urgency fueled by eagerness to please his Alpha.
Aria's thoughts swirled with uncertainty. What did Elijah want from her? Had he discovered her true intentions?
The servant thrust open the heavy wooden doors, shoving Aria into the lavish chamber. Elijah, resplendent in his Alpha attire, sat upon his throne-like chair, his piercing gaze fixed on her.
"Aria," he said, his deep voice commanding attention. "I've summoned you to discuss the extent of your powers. Malakai spoke highly of your abilities, claiming they would ensure his dominance over the world."
Aria's eyes locked onto Elijah's, her mind racing. What did Elijah truly seek?
"I'm willing to cooperate, Alpha," she replied, her tone measured.
Elijah's gaze intensified, probing for any hidden agenda. Aria's resolve strengthened, her determination to guard her secrets and bide her time.
The servant, still lingering, shot her a venomous glance before departing, the door creaking shut behind him.
The air thickened with tension as Elijah leaned forward, his eyes burning with curiosity.
"Tell me, Aria, what makes your magic so potent?"
Aria's thoughts danced with caution, weighing each word. The delicate balance of power hung precariously, and one misstep could prove disastrous.
Aria's honest gaze met Elijah's, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know, sire." She couldn't hide the truth; her powers were still a mystery, even to herself.
Her warlock grandfather's words echoed in her mind: "You're powerful, Aria." That was all she knew.
As she looked at Elijah, a mix of emotions swirled within her. She should feel vengeance, anger, and hatred toward the man responsible for her family's demise. Instead, she saw the young boy, crying and alone, needing comfort.
Elijah's piercing eyes locked onto hers, sensing the turmoil. His werewolf senses picked up the rapid beating of her heart.
"Why are you uncomfortable? Do I make you uncomfortable?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with curiosity.
Aria's honesty prevailed. "Yes," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Elijah's sensitive ears picked up the faint sound. His expression darkened, displeased that he caused her distress.
"What are you uncomfortable about? I've never hurt you?" he pressed.
Aria's words burst forth like a dam breaking. "You have. Not directly, but you have!" Tears welled in her eyes, her voice trembling.
Elijah's face fell, understanding washing over him. He recalled the Netherlands invasion, the destruction, and the lives lost. His vengeance-fueled rampage had created hundreds of orphans, just like him.
Remorse gripped his heart, and he realized that he had become the monster he sought revenge against. The weight of his actions crushed him.
Without a word, Elijah summoned the servant telepathically, his wolf voice inaudible to Aria.
"Return her to her chambers," he ordered.
The servant appeared promptly, escorting Aria out of the chamber. As she departed, Elijah's gaze lingered on her, his thoughts consumed by the consequences of his actions.
Aria's words echoed in his mind: "You have... Not directly, but you have." The truth cut deep, and Elijah knew he had to confront the darkness within himself.
In the silence, Elijah's wolf stirred, restless and troubled. His Alpha heart, once driven by vengeance, now grappled with the weight of guilt and remorse.
The darkness that had fueled his rage now threatened to consume him. Elijah's journey toward redemption had begun, and Aria's words would haunt him until he made amends.
Aria's eyes remained dry, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside. Since her arrival in Wolfland, she had refused to surrender to tears. The wolves' cruelty, Elijah's piercing gaze, and the memories of her lost family all threatened to shatter her resolve.
But Aria held fast, her emotions locked behind a fortress of determination. She wouldn't give her captors the satisfaction of seeing her break. The wolves had taken everything; she wouldn't let them claim her dignity.
As she walked back to her chambers, escorted by the silent servant, Aria's thoughts ravaged her mind. Elijah's words, laced with a hint of remorse, echoed within her:
"You have... Not directly, but you have."
Her grandfather's words, whispered in her dreams, bolstered her strength:
"Your tears will be your undoing, child. Save them for the day you reclaim your freedom."
Aria's jaw clenched, her nails digging into her palms. She wouldn't cry. Not now. Not ever. The wolves would never see her vulnerable.
The servant opened the door to her chambers, and Aria stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the familiar space. The fire crackled, casting shadows on the walls. The room, once a prison, now felt like a sanctuary.
Aria approached the mirror, her reflection staring back. Her eyes, red-rimmed but dry, seemed to bore into her soul. She turned away, the silence enveloping her like a shroud.
In the stillness, Aria's thoughts unraveled. Elijah's haunted past, his mother's tragic fate, and his father's final words swirled in her mind. The Alpha's pain and guilt had momentarily replaced his arrogance.
Aria's resolve wavered, her emotions threatening to spill over. She pictured Elijah, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow, and her heart twitched.
No, she warned herself. Don't pity him. Don't forget.
With a steely determination, Aria pushed aside her emotions, locking them deep within. Her tears would wait, frozen in time, until the day she claimed her revenge.
In the darkness, Aria's whisper echoed:
"I will not cry. I will not break. I will rise."