Chapter 16 - Lines In The Pack
667 Words
Elara didn’t stay in the room.
The quiet pressed in too tightly, leaving her alone with thoughts she had no intention of sitting through. Moving felt easier.
She stepped into the corridor, letting the cooler air steady her as she headed toward the kitchen. The pack house had settled back into its usual rhythm, voices low, footsteps measured, though something from earlier still lingered beneath it.
She ignored it.
“Hey.”
Seren’s voice reached her from the side.
Elara slowed, turning as Seren approached, her expression easing slightly when she saw her.
“You heading to the kitchen?” Seren asked.
Elara nodded. “Needed something to eat.”
Seren gave a small hum. “Come with me. I’ll make something before someone else claims everything worth taking.”
Elara let out a quiet breath that almost resembled a smile and followed.
The kitchen held a few people, though no one paid them much attention beyond a passing glance. Seren moved with ease, pulling together what she needed without hesitation.
Elara leaned back against the counter, watching.
“You’ll figure this place out,” Seren said as she worked. “There’s a rhythm to it. Once you catch it, things make more sense.”
Elara’s gaze drifted across the room.
“It’s not the structure,” she said. “It’s who decides how it’s used.”
Seren glanced at her, something thoughtful passing through her expression.
“That depends on who you’re dealing with,” she said. “Some are easier than others.”
Elara didn’t ask who.
She didn’t need to.
Footsteps sounded at the entrance.
Seren’s movements slowed just slightly before she spoke.
“Marina.”
The name carried a quiet warning.
Elara turned.
The woman standing there didn’t hesitate. Her attention settled on Elara with open scrutiny, taking in every detail as though measuring something she had already dismissed.
“So,” Marina said, her voice even, though the edge beneath it was clear. “You’ve settled in quickly.”
Elara didn’t answer.
Marina stepped further into the room, her gaze unwavering.
“I expected more resistance,” she continued. “Most people don’t look that comfortable standing where they don’t belong.”
Seren set the knife down, her tone shifting.
“That’s enough, Marina.”
Marina didn’t look at her.
“You brought her in here,” she said. “What did you expect?”
Seren’s eyes narrowed. “I expect you to show some restraint.”
Marina let out a soft breath, something close to amusement.
“Since when do you decide that?”
Seren’s voice dropped. “You’re speaking to your Luna.”
Marina’s lips curved, though there was no warmth in it.
“I’m speaking to someone who doesn’t belong in this pack.”
The room had gone quiet.
Elara pushed away from the counter, her attention settling fully on Marina, her expression calm.
“I’m not interested in whatever point you’re trying to make,” she said.
Her voice stayed even, unhurried.
“If you have an issue, take it to Thorne or the council. I’m not part of this.”
Marina’s gaze narrowed.
“You think saying that changes anything?”
Elara held her gaze.
“It doesn’t matter what I say. You’ve already decided. And I’m not standing here to entertain you.”
Marina watched her for a moment longer, as if weighing whether to push further.
Elara didn’t wait.
She turned and walked toward the door.
“Elara,” Seren called, her voice quieter now.
“I’m fine,” Elara replied without slowing.
She stepped into the corridor, leaving the tension behind her.
Her pace picked up at first, then slowed as she forced herself to steady it.
The walls felt too close again.
The air too still.
By the time she reached the exit, she didn’t hesitate.
She stepped outside.
Cool air filled her lungs as she kept walking, putting distance between herself and the pack house.
Between herself and everything waiting inside it.
- Writer
