Mute

Aria’s POV.

I couldn’t wait to get out of the Alpha’s castle, Tomorrow, I would head to the pack resort for a week, a much-needed break to enjoy myself. After that, I’d return to serve as a maid for another week or two, and then, I would finally be free to live my life.

The gold I had been rewarded with was enough to start over. If I hadn’t participated in the pack run, I wouldn’t be here now, caught between Caspian’s caring demeanor and Ellen’s burgeoning hatred.

I sighed heavily, my breath fogging in the cool night air. Caspian had been so attentive, so protective, and it only made Ellen’s hate toward me grow. I couldn’t wait to leave all this behind.

As I stood lost in my thoughts, a young man appeared at my side, his presence gentle and unintrusive. He seemed to be seeking some fresh air away from the party as well. To my surprise, he chose to sign instead of speaking.

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?’ he signed, his movements fluid and practiced.

I blinked in surprise before signing back, ‘Yes, it is. Are you…?’ I hesitated, then continued, ‘Are you mute too?”

He shook his head and spoke aloud, his voice smooth and warm. “No, I’m not. I’ve seen people talk to you, but rarely sign. I thought it might be better to communicate with you in your own language.”

His thoughtfulness took me aback. “That’s very considerate, I signed, offering a small smile. ‘But I can hear, so you don’t need to go through the trouble!

He chuckled softly. “It’s no trouble at all,” he said, continuing to sign. “I’m Ethan, by the way. I hold a high rank in the pack, though I’m not always around. I only show up for important occasions like the Pack Run or annual ceremonies.”

I studied him, noting the sincerity in his eyes. Nice to meet you, Ethan,’ I signed. I’m Aria, but you probably already know that.

He nodded, a gentle smile on his lips. “Yes, I’ve heard about your incredible win. Quite the accomplishment.”

Thank you, I signed, feeling a bit more at ease. “It was a tough race, but worth it.”

He leaned against the railing, looking out at the garden. “I’ve been away for a while. It’s

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nice to see fresh faces and hear new stories. Your story is quite inspiring”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. ‘I never expected any of this, I signed, glancing back at the castle. I just wanted to prove myself, to find some freedom!

Ethan’s gaze softened. Freedom is a precious thing. I’m glad you’re finding it.”

We stood there in comfortable silence for a moment, the cool breeze soothing my nerves. Despite the chaos inside, this brief encounter felt like a small escape, a reminder that there was a world beyond the castle walls.

“Are you looking forward to your time at the resort?” Ethan asked, breaking the silence.

“Very much, I signed, my eyes brightening at the thought. ‘It’s a chance to relax and plan my next steps

“Well, I hope you enjoy every moment of it,” he said warmly. “You deserve it after everything you’ve been through.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie with this stranger who had taken the time to connect with me. “Thank you, Ethan. That means a lot.”

We stood in companionable silence for a while, Ethan and I, both lost in our thoughts. The sounds of the party faded into the background, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a night bird. The night air was cool against my skin, a welcome contrast to the warmth inside.

After some time, a group of young women appeared, their resemblance to Ethan unmistakable. One of them called out, than, we’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

Ethan turned to them with a smile, then glanced back at me. “See you around, Aria,” he said, his eyes warm and kind.

I smiled back at him genuinely. “See you,” I signed, watching as he joined his sisters. A pang of envy tugged at my heart. He had siblings, a family. I had no one. My parents. had died in a war when I was just an infant, the only child. Warriors from the Light Shadow pack had rescued me, bringing me here, where I was put to work as a maid from a young age. I never knew the warmth of a family, the comfort of belonging.

I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of my solitude. I had no mate, no one to love or care for me. It was a stark contrast to the camaraderie I had just witnessed.

Just then, Elijah appeared at my side, carrying two glasses. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, signing, “I’m fine.” I couldn’t help but wonder why Caspian’s beta was being

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so nice to me. Elijah had never paid me much attention before, never looked at me twice. His sudden kindness felt strange.

He nodded in response, handing me one of the glasses. I took it innocently, lifting it to my lips and drinking it in one gulp. The liquid burned as it went down, and I coughed, realizing too late that it was alcohol.

Elijah laughed softly. “Sorry, I should have warned you,” he said, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I waved off his concern, trying to regain my composure. “It’s fine,” I signed, though my throat still burned.

Elijah’s gaze softened, and he took a step closer. “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?” he asked, his voice low.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. “Yes,” I signed, my hands trembling slightly. “But I’m strong. I’ll be okay.”

He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I know you will be,” he said. “But you don’t have to go through it alone. There are people who care about you, Aria.”

I looked up at him, searching his eyes for sincerity. There was something different in his gaze, something that made my heart flutter. “Why are you being so nice to me?” I “Why are you being so nice to me?” I signed, my curiosity getting the better of me.

He smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. “Because you deserve it,” he said simply. “You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.”

I felt a tear slip down my check, and I quickly wiped it away. “Thank you,” I signed, my hands shaky. “That means a lot.”

Elijah nodded, his expression serious. “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask,” he said. “We’re all part of the same pack, after all.”

I nodded, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his words. Maybe I wasn’t as alone as I thought. Maybe there were people who cared, people who would stand by me.

As we stood there, the night air cool against my skin, I felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this was the beginning of something new, something better. And for the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to believe in that possibility.

We fell silent again, the moment peaceful and serene. It wasn’t long before Elijah’s words seemed to take effect, and I started feeling tipsy and weak. Elijah began to engage me in conversation, but the words felt like they were slipping through my fingers.

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“So, Aria” Elijah stored, his voice smooth, “are you excited about your trip to the

Tesort?”

I modded, though my head felt heavy. “Yes, very,” I signed, my movements sluggish. “It will be nice to get away

Elijah smiled, leaning in closer. “You deserve it after everything you’ve been through,” he said softly. “You’ve always been so strong

I tried to focus on his words, but they seemed to blur together. “Thank you,” I signed back, my fingers trembling slightly. “It’s been difficult.”

Elijah’s eyes seemed to darken with a hint of something I couldn’t quite place. “Like I said earlier, if you ever need anything, you can always come to me,” he said, his voice low.

Before Lcould respond, a familiar presence came to our side. “Step back, Elijah,” Caspian commanded, his voice firm and leaving no room for argument.

Elijah looked up, surprised, but he quickly masked it. “Just trying to help, Caspian, he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “No need to get so

protective.”

Caspian’s eyes never left mine as he pulled our a handkerchief and began dabbing at the wine stains on my dress. “I said step back,” he repeated, his tone icy.

Elijah reluctantly moved away, giving me a small, almost mocking bow. “Of course, Alpha,” he said before turning and walking off

I blinked up at Caspian, my vision slightly blurry. “Why are you here?” I signed, my movements slower than usual. “Do you want Ellen to come attack me again?”

Caspian’s eyes narrowed, and he sniffed the air around me. “You’re drunk,” he said, his voice low and intense. “I need to get you out of here.”

I tried to protest, signing, “Stay away from me,” but my hands felt heavy and uncooperative.

Ignoring my weak protests, Caspian scooped me up and threw me over his shoulder. The world spun around me as he carried me through a different entrance, away from the party. I felt the cool night air again, but this time it did little to clear my head.

He carried me straight to my room in the servants’ quarters, setting me down gently on the bed. I tried to sit up, but he pressed me back down, pouring a glass of water and holding it to my lips. “Drink this,” he ordered.

I drank obediently, the water soothing my burning throat. Caspian cursed und

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breath, his anger palpable. “What was Elijah thinking, giving you something so strong?” he muttered, more to himself than to me.

I watched him through half-lidded eyes, my mind swimming. Despite everything, his presence was comforting. And as he tended to me, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of the old connection we once shared. But for now, I was too tired, too overwhelmed to make sense of it all.

Caspian poured another glass of water and handed it to me. “Aria, listen to me,” he said, his voice stern. “Don’t trust anyone enough to accept drinks from them.”

I blinked at him, trying to process his words through the haze of alcohol. “You’re not my father,” I signed clumsily, my fingers fumbling. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

He leaned closer, his eyes intense. “I’m serious, Aria. You could be dragged into a corner and taken advantage of.”

I scoffed, the alcohol making me bolder than usual. “And how does that concern you, Alpha Caspian? As if you haven’t taken advantage of me before.”

His jaw tightened, and he bit out, “I’m looking out for you, that’s all.”

There was a pause, a breathless moment where his gaze softened slightly. “That dress… it’s doing a lot of things. Anyone would want you.”

I couldn’t help but giggle, the sound light and airy. “Or maybe it’s just you who wants me, I teased.

Caspian hesitated, his eyes locked on mine. The air between us felt charged, filled with, unspoken words and unresolved tension. But then he pulled back, his expression hardening. “Get some sleep, Aria,” he said, his voice softer. “Tomorrow you’re leaving for

your resort.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle over me. As he stood up to leave, I couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions-relief, confusion, and something deeper that I couldn’t quite name. For now, though, sleep claimed me, and I drifted off with Caspian’s concerned face as my last memory of the night.

ER

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