Mute

Ana’s POV

As I finished serving everyone at the table, I could feel the weight of Caspian’s gaze on me, an obvious heat that seemed to burn through the fabric of my dress.

I took my seat beside Elijah, who had been showing a marked interest in me since I appeared. It was amazing what a makeover could do. For the first time, I felt like more than just a maid–I felt seen.

Elijah leaned in, his eyes warm. “You did great today, Aria. Winning the Pack Run is no small feat.”

I smiled and signed my thanks, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. But even as I engaged in conversation with Elijah, I couldn’t ignore Caspian’s intense focus on me. When I caught his gaze, he didn’t look away. His eyes were dark and unwavering, filled. with an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher. Ellen, on the other hand, kept shifting her glare from Caspian to me and back again, her irritation clear.

The atmosphere at the table was charged with tension. I could feel the pressure of Ellen’s glare and Caspian’s stare battling for my attention. Suddenly, a sharp noise cut through the din of conversation–the screech of a chair being forcefully pulled back. Ellen stood abruptly, her hand catching the edge of the tablecloth.

In a blink, glasses of wine tipped over, their contents spilling across the table and onto me. Cold liquid soaked through my dress, and gasps flew around the table.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry, Aria,” Ellen said, her tone dripping with fake concern. Her face, however, twisted into a satisfied smirk that belied her apology.

I cursed under my breath, knowing full well that Ellen had done it on purpose. The satisfaction in her eyes was unmistakable. My beautiful dress, the one that had made. me feel like a queen, was now stained and ruined.

‘Let me help you clean up, Elijah said, standing up and reaching out to assist me.

But before he could, Caspian was at my side. He moved with a speed and determination that left everyone at the table, including the pack members at the party, stunned. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and began dabbing at the wine on my dress and

skin.

“Are you alright, Aria?” Caspian asked, his voice low and concerned.

I nodded, too shocked to respond otherwise. The feeling of his hands so close, his

Π

touch gentle as he cleaned the mess, sent a shiver down my spine. The room seemed to fade away, and for a moment, it was just the two of us.

Ellen’s face turned a deeper shade of red, her anger barely contained. She looked as if she might explode, but the murmurs around the table and the stares from the pack members held her in check.

“Thank you.” I signed to Caspian, our eyes locking for a brief, intense moment.

His gaze softened, and he nodded. “Of course.”

The air was thick with unspoken words, with tensions that crackled like static. As Caspian finished cleaning up the mess, he straightened and glanced at Ellen, his expression hardening.

“Ellen,” he said, his voice carrying an edge. “Be more careful next time.”

Ellen’s eyes widened in fury, but she said nothing, her lips pressed into a thin line.

As I eyes of everyone in the room on us. The dynamics

at back down, I could feel the had shifted, and it was clear that the pack members were stunned by Caspian’s actions.

Elijah leaned in again, his concern evident. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. “Yes, thank you.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. The entertainment continued, the music and laughter masking the underlying tension. But I couldn’t shake the feeling of Caspian’s touch, the intensity of his gaze, and the jealousy that sparked in his eyes whenever Elijah spoke to me.

I had always known that my life was complicated, but tonight, surrounded by the people who both celebrated and envied me, I realized just how deeply intertwined my fate was with Caspian’s. And despite the humiliation, despite the ruined dress, a small part of me was left wondering if all this was the doing of the moon goddess.

I stood up, feeling the weight of the evening’s events pressing on me. “Excuse me, I signed to Caspian and the others at the table, needing to clear my head and take in some fresh air. The murmurs of approval and concern followed me as I made my way outside, the cool night air a welcome relief against my heated skin.

As I stepped into the garden the moonlight casting a serene glow over the flowers, I

took a deep breath, hoping to find a moment of peace. But then, out of the shadows, Ellen appeared, her eyes blazing with fury.

“Enjoying the attention, aren’t you, Aria?” she spat, her voice dripping with venom. “Don’t think for a second that you can come between Caspian and me.”

I stood my ground, lifting my chin defiantly. I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ellen,” I signed, keeping my expression neutral despite the fire burning inside me.

“Don’t play dumb with me!” Ellen snapped, stepping closer, her eyes narrowing. “I see the way he looks at you, the way he rushes to your side. But let me make one thing clea -Caspian is mine. He always has been, and he always will be.”

Her words were like daggers, but I refused to let them pierce me. “I’m not interested in Caspian,” I signed calmly. “I respect him as the Alpha, but that’s all.”

Ellen laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. “You really think you can fool me? I know you’re hoping to worm your way into his heart, but it’s not going to happen. You’re just a maid Aria. Know your place.”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “My place is where I choose to be, Ellen,” I signed, my hands moving with a strength I hadn’t felt before. “I’m not afraid of you, and I won’t let you intimidate me. Although I do not care about Caspian or what he does, but he’s a good man and I still feel he eserves someone who truly cares for him, not someone who uses threats and manipulation to keep him.”

Ellen’s face twisted with rage. “How dare

you ”

“How dare 1?” I interrupted, stepping closer to her, my eyes locked on hers. “How dare you think you can control everyone’s lives to suit your own desires? Caspian deserves better than that, and so does this

pack.”

For a moment, Ellen looked like she might strike me, her hands clenching into fists. But then she seemed to regain control, a cold smile spreading across her lips. “This isn’t over, Aria. Stay away from Caspian, or you’ll regret it.”

I watched as she stormed off, my heart pounding in my chest. Despite the fear that lingered, I felt a submission. For the first time, I felt truly strong.

rse of pride. I hadn’t backed down, and I hadn’t let her bully me into

I took another deep breath, letting the cool night air calm my racing heart. This was just the beginning, and I was ready for whatever came next.