Jeers and insults rained on me as the crowd ran forward, throwing rocks and clumps of dirt. The guards tightened their grip on me, shielding me as best they could but some of the projectiles still hit their mark. I felt a sharp sting on my cheek as a small stone grazed my skin.
They finally dragged me away, back to the dark damp cell that would be my prison until my execution. The insults followed me even after the heavy door clanged shut behind me.
Despite the despair that threatened to consume me, a tiny hope remained. Owen had promised to release me once he became Alpha. Five days and I'll be free from this misery.
But the days that followed were a blur. The food they brought was barely edible, and the constant fear of the crowd’s hatred kept me on edge. I spent most of my time in a corner, shivering from the cold, my mind replaying the events of that night over and over again.
On what I thought was the fifth day, I heard familiar footsteps approaching.
"Ariana?" Cynthia's whisper came through the bars.
I crawled to the front of my cell. "Is anyone watching?"
"No, I made sure." She quickly passed some bread and dried meat through the bars. "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. They caught me twice trying to bring you food."
I devoured the food, trying not to cry at the first real meal I'd had in days. "Thank you," I managed between bites.
"Owen's ceremony is tomorrow," Cynthia said, settling down on the other side of the bars. "He'll be crowned Alpha."
My heart leaped. "Tomorrow? Then I'll be free soon?"
"That's what he promised, right?" Cynthia's voice held something I couldn't quite read. "Ariana... are you sure about all this? Something doesn't feel right."
"He loves me," I insisted. "He's my mate. Once he's Alpha, everything will be different. The pack will have to accept me when I'm their Luna."
Cynthia was quiet for a moment. "I hope you're right. I'm coming back tomorrow with something special – we should celebrate your last night here."
"You're the best friend anyone could ask for," I told her, reaching through the bars to squeeze her hand.
After she left, I couldn't sleep. Freedom was so close. I imagined walking out of this cell, standing proud beside Owen as he announced me as his Luna. No more whispers and no more shame. Finally, I would have everything I'd dreamed of.