Mute

aspian’s POV.

S1, Alpha Caspian, strode through the heart of the Light Shadow pack, I could feel the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders like a cloak of shadows.

My beta, Elijah, and a group of my most trusted men followed closely behind, their presence was of the unity and strength of our pack.

Our journey took us through the streets of the pack territory, where wolves of all ranks carried out their daily tasks with diligence and determination.

Some tended to the crops in the fields, while others trained in the sparring grounds, their movements fluid and purposeful as they honed their skills in preparation for challenges that may arise.

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As we strolled through the heart of our pack’s territory, I engaged in meaningful conversations with my fellow pack members, their loyalty and respect evident in every word spoken.

“Stay vigilant, my brothers and sisters,” I urged, my voice carrying the weight of authority. “In these uncertain times, our unity is our greatest strength. Together, we stand unwavering.”

“We stand with you, Alpha Caspian” they responded in unison, their voices ringing with unwavering determination.

Passing by a group of young shifters training in the art of combat, I offered words of guidance. “Remember, strength lies not only in muscle, but in strategy and cunning. Hone your skills, for the challenges ahead will test us like never before.”

“We’ll make you proud, Alpha Caspian,” they exclaimed, their eyes alight with the fire of determination.

Approaching a gathering of healers tending to the wounded, I expressed gratitude for their tireless efforts. “Your compassion and skill are the backbone of our pack’s well- being. Continue to heal, for your work brings hope and solace to all.”

“We’ll always stand ready to serve, Alpha,” they assured me, their hands steady and their resolve unyielding.

With each interaction, I felt the bond between us grow stronger, a testament to the unity and camaraderie that defined our pack.

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But ever

or unrest. It

ent about our duties, my senses remained alert to any signs of trouble

s my duty as Alpha King to ensure the safety and well-being of our pack,

and I would not rest until that duty was fulfilled.

As we continued walking through the vast expanse of our pack territory with my men in tow, my senses were attuned to every sound and scent in the air.

The weight of my responsibilities as the new Alpha King pressed heavily upon me, driving me forward with purpose and determination.

Amidst the fields that stretched out before us, I caught a glimpse of movement-a figure moving gracefully through the tall grass, a basket in hand.

My heart quickened with the hope that it might be Aria, but as the scent reached my nostrils, I knew it couldn’t be her. This girl smelled entirely different.

Yet, I found myself drawn to her, my curiosity piqued.

Leaving my men behind, I followed her, my steps silent as I trailed her through the fields.

My wolf urged me onward, sensing something familiar in the air despite the foreign scent that surrounded us.

It wasn’t until she turned to face me, fear etched in her features, that I realized my mistake.

This girl was not Aria. She was a stranger, startled by the presence of an Alpha following her.

The shivering girl stammered, “Alpha Caspian…”

“Don’t be afraid,” I reassured her, my voice steady and calm. “I am not going to hurt you.”

A wave of frustration washed over me as I realized I had allowed myself to be led astray by my own longing to find Aria.

My mind had played tricks on me, conjuring images of her in every shadow and whisper of the wind.

Turning away from the fields, I made my way back to the castle, my mind consumed with thoughts of Aria. Upon my arrival, I sought out Lady Agatha, the woman tasked with overseeing the maids’ daily routines.

“Have you seen Aria today?” I inquired, my voice carrying a sense of urgency.

12 33 Wed, Aug 14 t t •

hapter 18

h, the mute,” Lady Agatha replied nonchalantly, her tone tinged with disdain.

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I shot her a weary look, my patience wearing thin. “Where is she?” I demanded, leaving no room for further evasion.

Mecting my gaze, Lady Agatha’s expression shifted, her demeanor suddenly tinged with fear. “Aria is… busy,” she stammered, avoiding my eyes.

“Where is she?” I pressed, my tone growing more insistent.

“Has she done anything to upset you?” Lady Agatha deflected, her voice quivering with apprehension.

I snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Where is Aria?” I demanded, my voice betraying my rising anger.

As Lady Agatha began to fidget nervously, avoiding my gaze, I sensed that something was amiss. Her evasive behavior only fueled my determination to uncover the truth.

I narrowed my eyes dangerously at Lady Agatha, my patience wearing thin as she continued to evade my questions. “Where is Aria?” I demanded, my voice laced with urgency and a growing sense of dread.

Lady Agatha stammered nervously, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. Finally, she spoke up, her voice trembling. “Aria disobeyed me,” she admitted hesitantly. “So, I punished her.”

My blood boiled with fury at her admission. I took a menacing step closer to her, my muscles tense with anger. “What kind of punishment?” I growled, my voice low and threatening.

Lady Agatha quivered under my gaze, her fear palpable as she spoke. “I sent her to Pit,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

My jaw clenched at her words, a surge of rage coursing through me. I knew all too well the horrors of the Pit – a grim and nasty place where disobedient maids were sent to serve the lowest-ranking members of the pack.

It was a place of torment and degradation, filled with weary-looking maids and wretched low-ranking members who preyed on vulnerable women.

Anger roiled within me as I realized the extent of Aria’s suffering at Lady Agatha’s hands.

I could hardly believe what Lady Agatha had done, sending Aria to such a despicable place as the Pit. It was meant for the hopeless and downtrodden, not for someone like

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Aria with her tender skin and youthful spirit.

Through gritted teeth, I growled at Lady Agatha, my anger simmering dangerously beneath the surface. “I’m going to teach you a lesson for this,” I spat, my voice laced with fury.

But Lady Agatha’s apologies fell on deaf ears as I stormed out of the room, my mind consumed with thoughts of rescuing Aria from the Pit.

As I pushed open the doors to the Pit, I was stunned by the sight that greeted me. It was so unbelievable that my mouth parted in shock.