Alpha Elijah's anger boiled over as he ordered his men to prepare for their departure to Blackwood. "We leave now," he growled, ignoring the impending judgment of Kael.
Lila was tasked with tending to Aria's bruises before their journey. Aria's first beating had left her shaken, and Elijah's concern deepened.
As they traveled, Aria's condition worsened. Her body ached, and fever set in. Elijah's worry intensified.
They stopped at Wulfgar pack's territory, seeking medical aid. The wolf doctor, Dr. Volk, examined Aria.
"I've never treated a witch before," Dr. Volk admitted, "but I'll provide medicinal herbs to alleviate her symptoms."
Elijah remained by Aria's side, his anxiety palpable. He had never cared for anyone like this before.
Dr. Volk observed the Alpha's vulnerability with curiosity and growing anger. "The witch has charmed him," he thought. "Netherlands magic, no doubt."
Dr. Volk shared his concerns with Alpha Ironfist, Wulfgar pack's leader and Elijah's long-time rival.
"Alpha Elijah's weakness is a liability," Dr. Volk said. "The witch's magic has compromised his judgment."
Alpha Ironfist's expression darkened. "This could be our chance to strike."
The feud between Blackwood and Wulfgar packs dated back to their grandfathers. Elijah's grandfather, Alpha Ryker, had defeated Ironfist's grandfather, Alpha Thane, in a fierce battle over a Clawston pack lady.
The animosity lingered, hidden beneath a veneer of cordiality imposed by the king's monarchy.
"Now's our opportunity to exploit Elijah's weakness," Alpha Ironfist schemed. "We'll manipulate this situation to our advantage."
As Aria recovered overnight, Elijah's relief was palpable. Dr. Volk's suspicion, however, had ignited a spark of hostility within Wulfgar pack.
The stage was set for a brewing storm between Blackwood and Wulfgar packs.
---
Days later...
Princess Ophelia arrived at Blackwood pack, expecting a warm welcome and luxurious accommodations within the palace. Instead, she was directed to a grand guest house outside the palace, shared with her waiting ladies.
Ophelia seethed with discontent. "This can't be right," she complained to her ladies. "I'm the future mate of the Alpha. This palace will soon be my home. I should be mastering things around here, not relegated to a guest house."
Her mother, Queen Lunaria, had briefed her on a shocking discovery before her trip. "Aria, the fake Gamma, is actually a witch," the queen revealed. "And she's dangerously close to Elijah."
Ophelia's anger simmered, recalling Elijah's interference when she cautioned Aria. He treated the witch with care, as if she were a precious possession.
"How could he?" Ophelia fumed. "Witches and wizards are our sworn enemies. Elijah knows that. His parents died at the hands of witchcraft. Yet, he coddles this...this...abomination."
Determined to put Aria in her place, Ophelia questioned the palace maid assigned to her. "Where does that Aria witch stay?"
The maid hesitated before responding, "Aria resides within the palace, Princess. She's...close to the Alpha."
Ophelia's eyes narrowed. "I want to see her quarters. Now."
The maid led Ophelia to Aria's chambers, located near Elijah's own quarters.
Ophelia's anger boiled over as she surveyed Aria's cozy rooms. "This is an outrage," she whispered. "A witch, living among us, treated like royalty?"
With a calculated smile, Ophelia vowed to rectify the situation.
"Aria will learn her place," Ophelia promised herself. "She'll soon discover what it means to cross a princess of the kingdom."
---
Aria settled into her new private residence within the palace, courtesy of Elijah's thoughtful arrangement ever since their return from Wolfsburg. Her belongings now surrounded her, and two slave witches from Netherlands, Kaida and Zephyrine, attended to her needs.
Elijah had acquiesced to Aria's request for non-wolf maids, understanding her comfort and security concerns.
Kaida and Zephyrine, both around Aria's age, shared a similar fate – bound by magical bracelets controlling their powers, courtesy of Malakai.
Eira Shadowfire's spells, passed down to Aria, promised to break the curse. Aria was determined to free her new friends in secret.
"The spell doesn't work," Aria admitted, frustration etched on her face.
Kaida offered encouragement. "Magic is all about patience, Aria. We've only tried a few times."
Aria sighed, reciting the incantation once more:
"By moonlit shadows, ancient might
Break chains of bondage, free this night
Netherlands' curse, I thee defy
Release thy hold, let magic fly"
Zephyrine joined in, their voices harmonizing:
"Elemental forces, hear our plea
Unbind our powers, set us free
Silver threads, weave a new fate
Break the curse, seal Netherlands' gate"
The words echoed through the room, but the bracelets remained intact.
Aria's determination grew. "We'll find the key. Eira Shadowfire's spells are powerful. We just need to adjust our approach."
Kaida and Zephyrine exchanged knowing glances, their bond with Aria strengthening.
Meanwhile, Elijah remained oblivious to Aria's secret plans, his focus on protecting her and the pack.
As night fell, Aria retired to her chambers, mind racing with possibilities.
Elijah's occasional visits brought comfort, but Aria kept her true intentions hidden, weighing her options carefully.
---
Aria's evening stroll with little Lyra had been a welcome respite from the palace's tensions. As she returned with a sleeping Lyra, she was unaware of the surprise awaiting her.
Princess Ophelia sat in Aria's room, her presence an unmistakable sign of trouble.
Aria handed Lyra to her nanny and entered her room, accompanied by Kaida and Zephyrine.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Aria said, her tone cautious.
Ophelia's gaze pierced Aria. "Where are you coming from? That's a rude question, but you'll answer."
Aria chose her words carefully. "I'm from an errand for Alpha Elijah."
Ophelia's eyes narrowed. "Really? I've been looking for you all day. I have some chores for you, slave of Netherlands."
The princess's venomous tone revealed her hatred for Aria's witch heritage.
Aria understood the dynamics had shifted; Ophelia now saw her as a target.
"Come with me to my house," Ophelia ordered. "I have plenty of chores for you."
Aria was taken aback. With Ophelia's entourage of maids and ladies-in-waiting, why single her out?
"Your Highness, can't we leave these chores for the morning? It's late already," Aria ventured.
Ophelia's chuckle dripped with condescension. "How dare you tell a princess of Wolfland what to do? Don't you know who I am?"
Aria nodded in apology, aware of the precarious situation.
"Follow me, this once," Ophelia commanded.
Aria fell in step behind Ophelia, Kaida, and Zephyrine flanking her. The princess's waiting ladies brought up the rear.
As they walked, Aria sensed Ophelia's intentions: humiliation and control.
The princess's quarters loomed ahead, a symbol of Ophelia's power and Aria's vulnerability.
What chores awaited Aria? And what price would she pay for Ophelia's malice?
---