Freya's POV
It appears something gloomy and weighty lingered over the stillness of the night in the Whiteclaw pack's surroundings. I was still in shock over Luna Margot's threats as I made my way back to my lodgings. I needed to discover the reality that her words had sowed in me a seed of uncertainty and rage.
I heard whispers as I got closer to the main hall. As I came closer, I saw that Finnick and Luna Margot were engaged in a heated debate. I listened intently while leaning against the wall.
"Mother, why did you do that?" Finnick said in a strained, hardly controlled voice. "Why did you force me to turn down Freya?"
Luna Margot laughed icily and contemptuously. You inquire as though you are unaware. Freya poses a danger to all our values. This pack was never supposed to include her.
I balled my fists, feeling hurt and angry. Therefore, that was accurate. It had always been Luna's doing. I was astounded by the extent of her manipulation.
Finnick's voice grew softer and more remorseful. She was never given a chance by you. Because of you, I never gave her a chance.
Luna sneered, almost amused, "Oh, please." "Finnick, you don't need someone like her by your side. You need power and strength, not a lost girl with no history.
He shot back, his voice piercing, "She's stronger than you think." None of us are as brave as Freya. She battled with us and put her life in danger for this pack.
The tightening of my heart was unavoidable. Finnick seemed to finally see me for who I was, and for the first time, I felt a tiny flicker of understanding. However, the harm was already done.
I was at my breaking point. I pushed the door open and entered the hallway. Both Luna Margot and Finnick turned to face me, their eyes glimmering with surprise.
"Freya." Finnick sounded as though he had been taken by surprise when his voice faded.
But Luna Margot bounced back fast, a scowl wrinkling her face. "So, have you been listening in on conversations?"
I ignored her, concentrating only on Finnick. "So, that's accurate then?" With a voice that was no more than a whisper but was laced with an agony that I could no longer conceal, I demanded. "You turned me down because of her?"
With a spark of embarrassment in his eyes, Finnick's gaze fell. "Freya... I had no better knowledge. Since she is my mother, I paid attention to her. I believed she had my best interests and the pack's best interests in mind.
"What's best for you?" My rage boiled over as I laughed sourly. "And you believed that the pack would benefit more from my rejection?"
With remorse in his voice, he acknowledged, "I didn't see it then." "Now I see it. I can see all that you could have been to us and me.
Luna Margot laughed mockingly. "Finnick, don't let her fool you. She is merely here to take advantage of us and find a place for herself. She is a nobody.
I turned to her and spoke firmly. "I stood by your son's side when he needed me." When I had the option to go, I stayed by this pack. I'm not the one with pretences.
Finnick stepped forward and stared at his mother. "You have no right to talk about Freya in that manner, Mother." He spoke more firmly and with a resolve that I had never seen in him before. "You've manipulated us for too long and done enough harm."
Luna Margot's expression contorted in rage. "You wouldn't risk it"
With an angry expression in his eyes, he interjected, saying, "I would." "I've had enough of you. Mother, you are exiled from this pack. Get out. Right now.
Every phrase was laden with finality in the ensuing dense quiet. Luna Margot appeared as if she was in shock that her son had just thrown her out. However, the amazement soon gave way to rage.
Her voice was poisonous as she spat, "You'll regret this." "You two. Even though I'm going, you haven't seen me yet.
She gave him a final glare of contempt before turning on her heel and rushing out, her footsteps resonating through the deserted hallway. Everything remained silent for a while as the consequences of what had just transpired weighed heavily on us.
After she left, Finnick turned back to face me, his face softer and more sorrowful and guilty. "Freya... I apologize. For everything.
I felt a wave of defiance and crossed my arms. "Sorry, Finnick, doesn't make up for what you did. I'm still hurt by you.
His words were no more than a whisper as he gazed down. "I understand. And I am aware that I am not deserving of pardon. But if you don't mind, I'd like to set things right.
I paused, feelings churning within me. A part of me hoped that things may be different and wanted to believe him. However, the treachery was still too recent, and the wounds he had caused were still raw.
My voice was shaking as I added, "Finnick, I'm not sure if I can just forget everything." "You betrayed my confidence."
His eyes were filled with grief as he nodded slowly. "I get it. I am unable to ask you to forgive or forget. But please, think about staying, Freya. If you wish to be, you are a member of this pack.
I wasn't prepared for how hard his remarks affected me. I had been looking for a place to call home, for people who would accept me for who I am, for a very long time. A part of me still longed for that sense of belonging despite everything, including the hurt and betrayal.
I responded, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper, "I'll... think about it."
I was about to go when I heard footsteps coming down the corridor, and I tensed, feeling a familiar presence. The doors sprang open, revealing Kade standing with a couple of his soldiers at his sides. A chilly smile grew across his face as soon as his eyes met mine.
"Well, isn't this reunion heartwarming?" His eyes darted between Finnick and myself as he scoffed. "I didn't think you would be so friendly with the enemy, Freya."
Anger and anxiety surged through me as my heart thumped. "What are you doing here, Kade?"
His eyes glinted dangerously as he took a step closer. "Freya, I came to ensure that you had not forgotten your loyalty."
Finnick took a protective position between us. "There is nothing she owes you, Kade."
Kade's grin vanished, giving way to a chilly, cunning expression. "Is that correct? Because I can still clearly recall that she turned her back on you and decided to join me.
I hated how he was distorting the facts, so I tightened my fists. "You understand why I joined you, Kade. However, that does not imply that I am your property.
His voice was like ice as he continued, "Oh, but you do, Freya." When no one else would, I offered you a spot. When you were alone yourself, I came to your aid.
Finnick's voice was angry as he growled. "You played tricks on her. Kade, she is not your property.
Kade took another step forward as his eyes sharpened. "You have a decision to make, Freya. You have two options: follow me here, where you really belong, or stay here and suffer the consequences.
His comments weighed heavily on me, and my mind was racing. Feeling imprisoned and pulled in opposing directions by two opposing forces, I glanced between him and Finnick.
"Kade." I began, but he interrupted me with a forceful voice.
With a grim promise in his gaze, he cautioned Freya to make a careful choice. "Because there's no turning back once you make a decision."
The room became quiet, the tension heavy, each moment agonizingly extending. I knew that whatever I decided would alter everything, and I could feel them both watching me, waiting for me to make a choice.