Her words cut deep, and I instinctively glanced down at my body. The bruises and scars served as a harsh reminder of my recent ordeal. I took a deep breath before recounting the events.
"Your Alpha was responsible for my injuries," I said, managing a weak smile. "He ordered that I be punished."
Her expression changed to one of shock and confusion.
"Stella reported that I disobeyed her," I continued, but she cut me off.
"She bullied you, didn't she?" she asked, her tone implying she already knew the answer.
I nodded, surprised by her perceptiveness. "Yes."
"How did you know?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Ella rolled her eyes. "She bullies everyone. She always does."
Her voice took on a bitter tone as she added, "Including me."
I offered her a sympathetic expression. "Sorry about that."
"Thank you," Ella said, her expression softening.
A brief silence followed before Ella spoke up again.
"Tell me about yourself," she prompted.
I shrugged. "There's not much to know. My name is Dahlia, and I'm from the Moon Stone Pack. I'm an orphan who was taken in by the Alpha and Luna."
I paused, collecting my thoughts before continuing.
"I met your Alpha on my birthday, and... well, let's just say I found myself here the day after. It's a long story."
I added with a hint of self-consciousness, "Oh, and I haven't shifted yet."
Ella let out a brief sigh. "Don't you have any friends?" she asked, her expression sympathetic.
"I don't," I replied, my voice short.
But then I added quickly, "Oh, I do have one friend – my wolf."
Ella's face lit up with a warm smile. "In that case, I'll be your new friend."
I smiled back at her, feeling a sense of gratitude.
"What about you?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. "Won't you tell me about yourself?"
Ella, who I now knew was actually Daniella, shrugged. "As you know, my name is Daniella, and I'm the Gamma's daughter. I'm the youngest child. I have friends, and I've already shifted. That's pretty much all there is to know about me."
"I see," I replied briefly.
Just then, a maid appeared. "Ma'am, your father requests your presence right away."
Ella nodded and turned to me. "Looks like that'll be all for today."
"I guess so," I replied dryly.
"Same time, same spot tomorrow?" Ella asked.
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah."
With that, Ella departed, leaving me alone.
After a while, I stood up, ready to head back. Nyx, my wolf, spoke up, her voice laced with concern.
"I'm happy you have a new friend, but can she be trusted?"
I understood Nyx's worries and shared her reservations. "I know it's a risk, but why don't we trust her for now and remain cautious?"
Nyx let out a sigh before responding, "You're right."
As I walked to my room, Stella and her entourage blocked my path. I rolled my eyes, unenthused by her presence.
"Don't you have basic manners?" Stella yelled, her voice dripping with anger.
Nyx groaned in frustration. "What does she want from you again?"
Stella repeated her question, "Don't you know how to greet?"
I stood motionless, my eyes fixed on hers. My attitude seemed to infuriate her, and I found myself enjoying the exchange.
"Hey, I'm speaking to you!" Stella shouted.
"I never told you I was deaf, did I?" I replied nonchalantly.
"I do have basic manners – to greet those in authority and my elders. But it's all about choice," I said, my tone laced with sarcasm.
Stella's irritation grew. "I'm in a higher position than you. Greet me, you disgusting thing!"
I smirked. "That's where you're wrong. We're both tools, aren't we? I'm a tool for his pleasure, meant for torture. And you... you're just a sex tool." My words dripped with mockery.
Stella's face turned beet red with rage. "What did you just say?" she spat.
I smirked, unfazed. "You heard me right," I replied, my expression turning serious.
As I turned to walk away, Stella's anger boiled over. She grabbed my arm and attempted to slap me.
Just as her hand was about to make contact, a deep voice intervened.
"What's going on here?" Asher demanded, his authoritative tone commanding attention.
Stella froze, her hand still raised. I took advantage of the distraction to shake off her grip.
Stella seized the opportunity to tattle, her voice trembling with rage. "This filthy thing defiled me and called me a sex tool!"
Asher's eyes widened in shock as he turned to me. "Is that true?"
I nodded, unrepentant. "Yes."
Asher's surprise deepened at my bold response. "You're not scared or bothered about what I might do?"
I took a step closer, my voice firm. "Why should I? I'm not scared of you, and I refuse to acknowledge you."
Asher's irritation flared. "You really have some nerve."
He called out, "Guards! Beat her up."
I didn't bother struggling as the guards seized me. I was accustomed to this kind of treatment.
Moments later, the punishment ended. Though I didn't show it, the pain stung. I struggled to make my way back to my room, where I collapsed onto the bed.
Nyx's concerned voice whispered in my mind, "Are you all right?"
"I am," I reassured her, hiding my true feelings.
I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me hurt. Instead, I retreated to the shower, where I cried uncontrollably. Once I'd composed myself, I emerged, lay down on my bed, and fell asleep.
Asher's POV
I stepped into my office, settling into my chair as I assumed a contemplative pose, chin resting on steepled fingers. My mind replayed the earlier scene with Dahlia, her defiance in the face of punishment stirring a mix of emotions within me.
I expected Kai to offer some insight, but he remained silent.
"Kai, I'm speaking to you. Answer," I commanded, breaking the silence.
I received only silence from Kai. Determined to elicit a response, an idea struck me. I leaned forward, my voice taking on a menacing tone.
"Kai, if you don't give me an answer, I'll hurt Dahlia," I threatened