Dahlia's POV
I stood silently, my heart heavy with emotion, as Nyx's angry words hung in the air. "I can't believe Asher would do that," she fumed.
I didn't respond, unable to find the words to express my own turbulent feelings. Instead, I retreated into my pain, the weight of my emotions threatening to consume me.
"Why does it hurt so badly?" I whispered to myself, bewildered by the intensity of my pain. Nyx, my wolf, stirred within me, her presence a comforting hum.
"This is nothing compared to what Alpha Daniel has always done to me," I continued, my voice cracking. "So why does it hurt so much?" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill.
Nyx's gentle voice whispered in my mind, "Hey, girl, don't let it get to you." Her soothing presence calmed my frazzled nerves, offering a sense of peace.
"Why?" I sobbed, tears streaming down my face. "Why does it always have to be me?"
The weight of my suffering felt crushing, and I couldn't help but wonder if the Moon Goddess herself had forsaken me. "Why does she hate me this much?" I wailed, my body shaking with each ragged breath.
My tears flowed uncontrollably, betraying my attempt to remain strong. A heart-wrenching cry tore from my lips, and I felt Nyx's anguish mirror my own. Nyx's sympathetic energy wrapped around me, a comforting presence amidst my turmoil.
I drifted off to sleep soon after, exhausted.
Asher's POV
Kai's voice cut through the tension shortly after they left. "Why? Why would you do that?"
I shot him a cold glance. "I thought I warned you to stay out of my business?" My tone was biting, deliberately ignoring his question.
Kai's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more, his silence a heavy rebuke.
My curiosity got the better of me, and I summoned one of the maids. "Check on Dahlia and report back to me," I instructed.
The maid returned promptly, her expression neutral. "She's asleep, Alpha," she replied succinctly.
I nodded, acknowledging her update. "You may leave," I dismissed, my gaze already drifting away.
No sooner had the maid departed than Stella arrived, her presence commanding attention. A smile spread across my face as I beckoned her closer. "Come here, baby."
Stella's fingers trailed seductively along the table as she sashayed towards me. "I missed you too, baby," she purred, her hands roaming over my body as she drew near.
Stella's gaze locked onto mine, her expression a mask of innocence. "Baby, who's that woman?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
I chuckled, reassuring her with a gentle smile. "No one important, my love. Just my mate – a little plaything I brought back from her pack. She's nothing but a pawn in my game."
Stella's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she continued to caress my body. "Hmm, I believe you," she purred.
I smiled, pleased by her trust. "That's my girl," I whispered, gently pressing a light kiss to her forehead.
I woke up, still reeling from the pain inflicted on me. But I refused to dwell on it. "I'll be fine," I reassured myself. "I'll go rogue once I shift."
Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to explore the pack's territory. The sunlight cast a new glow on the familiar paths, and I exchanged greetings with the passersby.
As I wandered, I stumbled upon a secluded spot beneath a towering tree. Its shade provided a tranquil oasis, and I instantly fell in love with it. I settled onto the grass, scanning my surroundings while lost in thought.
Suddenly, a soft voice interrupted my reverie. "Hello."
I jerked back to reality, stuttering a greeting as I took in the young girl standing before me. We appeared to be around the same age, and her curious gaze met mine.
Ella's eyes sparkled with concern as she noticed the shock on my face. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," she said, her voice gentle.
I managed a weak smile, reassuring her, "It's all right, it's nothing to worry about."
Ella's face lit up with a warm smile as she sat down beside me. "Well, in that case," she said, extending her hand in greeting. "I'm Ella."
"I'm Dahlia," I replied, still regaining my composure.
Ella's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're not from around here, right? I haven't seen you around before."
I shook my head. "Yeah, you're right. I'm not from around here."
Before Ella could probe further, I turned the tables. "What's your full name?"
Ella's expression faltered, confusion etched on her face. "Huh?"
I raised an eyebrow. "It's a simple question. What's your full name?"
Ella let out a nervous laugh, her hands fluttering to her hair. "Oh, I see. I'm Roland Daniella, the Gamma's daughter."
My eyes widened in shock. "What? You mean you're the Gamma's daughter?" I repeated, my voice laced with incredulity.
Ella's awkward tone made me giggle. "You did, but what would the Gamma's daughter be doing with an ordinary Omega like me?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Ella's expression turned thoughtful, and she leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
Ella's response was abrupt. "Nothing."
I stared at her, taken aback. But then her expression softened, and she looked away, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes.
"I don't want anything from you," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd like to be your friend. I don't have any friends here."
As she spoke, a shadow of sadness crossed her face, and I sensed a deep longing behind her words.
I enveloped her hands in mine, offering a gentle squeeze. "Neither do I," I said, managing a meek smile.
Ella's face lit up with a warm smile. "Since we're now friends," she began, "why don't you tell me how you got here and what caused those marks on your body?"
Her words struck a chord, and I instinctively glanced down at my body, the bruises and scars a harsh reminder of my recent ordeal.