"You worthless omega! You took my sister from me!" he snarled, his fingers tightening until I struggled for breath. "You cursed, good-for-nothing creature!"
Spots danced before my vision, the lack of air making my head spin. Just as darkness started creeping in, strong hands pulled Lucas off me. He fought against the warriors holding him back, his furious eyes never leaving mine.
"Your family is cursed," he spat, his voice shaking with rage. "You bring nothing but ruin to this pack!"
"Enough!" Alpha Marcus's voice rang with authority. He raised his hands, and silence fell once more.
"This crime cannot go unanswered," the Alpha declared, his voice a decree of fate. "Ariana will be held until the coronation. Then, under the full moon, she will meet her judgment." His gaze swept over the crowd. "Her execution will cleanse our land and serve as a lesson for all."
A roar of approval erupted from the gathered wolves. They surged forward, pelting me with stones and clumps of dirt. My guards shielded me as best they could, but pain still stung as a rock struck my cheek, leaving a sharp sting behind.
Dragged away, I was thrown into the cold, damp prison cell that had become my home. Even as the heavy door slammed shut, the jeers of the pack still echoed in my ears.
But through the suffocating despair, a single thought kept me going.
Owen had promised to free me when he became Alpha.
Five days. Five days until this nightmare would end.
Yet, time inside the cell blurred into an endless cycle of hunger, exhaustion, and fear. The food was barely edible, and the knowledge that the pack wanted my blood kept me constantly on edge. I curled up in the cold corner, haunted by the memories of that night over and over again.
Then, on what I guessed was the fifth day, familiar footsteps approached my cell.
"Ariana?" Cynthia’s whisper was soft but urgent.
I scrambled toward the bars. "Is anyone watching?"
"No, I was careful." She slipped bread and dried meat through the gaps. "I'm sorry it took so long. I got caught twice trying to bring you food."
I devoured the meal, my throat tight with emotion. "Thank you," I whispered between bites.
She sighed, settling on the other side of the bars. "Owen's ceremony is tomorrow. He'll be Alpha."
My heart leapt. "Tomorrow? Then that means I’ll be free soon?"