The Hybrid Luna's Revenge

Chapter Nine

Aria's POV

I stared at my own reflection the next morning like it belonged to someone I was still getting acquainted with.

Which I was.

I could never get used to the maids pulling at my hair so early in the morning, I silently wished whatever change Elias had in store for the pack, deciding to see me so early in the morning wasn't one of them.

They brought in his letter along with a tray of a cup of tea.

I had read it twice and minutes later, other maids came in to prepare me.

I kept turning it over while they dressed me.

The woman at the party. Her hair and her green eyes, the way she spoke of Alpha Valdric.

I didn't tell anyone how Elias found me in the woods, Elias himself didn't ask, so how did she know about Alpha Valdric?

Being a witch doesn't mean she'd tap into my past even without touching me…..

Or maybe she was that powerful, and if she is then did the rouge king really let me go?

I felt a sharp pain in my scalp and winced.

“I am so sorry my lady," the maid quickly bowed but then I waved it off.

The dress was deep blue today. Not my choice. I had not been asked.

And when they were done, I studied my reflection and tried to be rational about it.

Presentable. Arranged. Every inch of me was dressed for someone else's idea of what I should look like this morning.

I stood up and followed the guard to Elias.

I heard them before I saw them, though the guards stopped at a corner as I approached where the voices came from.

I moved alone towards the corridors outside Elias's private meeting room that had a particular acoustic quality, something about the way the stone curved, that carried voices further than intended.

I had noticed a long time ago when I was still the girl who didn't belong anywhere but came to these halls only to deliver messages for the elders.

‘this is the least you can do as the mate of the Alpha, women don't have a say in anything’

I would hear them chatter.

Knowing I could still hear voices, I slowed in my steps without deciding to

“.... cannot afford for her to feel threatened." His voice lowered, more lower than usual.

“Is she asking questions already?" The elders voice echoed harshly, he paused “Good. Then we are to focus on what's important rather than whatever it is you are worried about” the elders snapped at him.

“Some people claimed they saw her talking to herself during the party…”

"What scenario she now plays in her head is none of our business, what you should be worrying about is keeping her still till the blood…."

It was though he sensed my presence and stopped the elder from saying any more because seconds later, he appeared before me as I rested my hand against the wall, with an awkward smile on his face.

I repost the words i just heard and somehow, it didn't yet make sense, it only fueled my doubt that things here were normal.

“Oh Aria. You're here already" he seemed to announce.

The elder stepped out and walked away immediately, not giving me a chance to catch a glimpse of whatever he looked like.

“I am so sorry if I kept you waiting in anyway, it's just" he shrugged “pack matters"

I nodded because frankly, I didn't know what else to do.

"You're making a very good Alpha” I said as he started walking me through the hallways.

“I try to be," he replied. "Slept well?”

My eyes turned to him as we walked past still guards.

"I mean after the ball and the meeting with everyone… you slept well?" He corrected me.

“Ah yes, the sheets are surprisingly softer than they used to be" I replied innocently but then Elias opened his mouth and closed them back again.

We both stopped at a window where I could see the pack grounds and the morning activity of wolves crossing the yards and children running between training posts below it.

"You know” I started "as far as I can remember, Alpha Thorne never let his slaves and maids share the same palace building as him except when we were coming to work…"

“Aria.." he tried to call out softly but then I shook my head and reached for his arm.

“You don't have to feel guilty Elias, you did what you had to do” l coaxed with a small smile.

He looked back at me, reaching for my arm but instead of warmth against his touch, his hands were freezing cold.

“I'm happy you understand Aria, you're the only one who ever did…. And that is why I want you to feel included now” he said.

" I do,” I replied.

" Good” he seemed satisfied " that's why I've been thinking,” moving around me "that perhaps what you need now is time to settle in properly, build connections and just make yourself feel at home”

He moved away from the window and started heading into one of the rooms while I followed right behind him.

“Peharps" my eyes scanned the desk and the pile of letters stacked on the table.

He moved to the table where two cups had been set.

“Lila offered to show you around" , handing me a cup. “It can be isolating, coming back to somewhere after time away."

I wrapped both hands around the cup.

“She decided to take you to tea this afternoon, introduce you to some of the council wives and their inner circle” he paused "I think it would do good”

I looked at him and he looked back.

Of course she offered, she arrived in my recovery room the morning after I woke up, establishing territory, she stood at the ball to raise a cup like a blade dressed as a toast and now, she was offering to show me around.

"That sounds lovely,” I said.

Elias walked me out of the room and Lila was waiting right outside the door.

I did not know how long she had been there or whether Elias sent the word ahead or whether this was simply her particular talent, appearing exactly where she would cause the most effect.

She wore pale green today, with her hair swept back from a face that knew how beautiful it was.

Something electric surged underneath my skin like I was already reacting to whatever was going to happen.

"Lila, thank you for this. You don't know how much of a great deal this is.”

She turned to him with a smile that was warm and genuine.

Then she turned to me.

The smile stayed but the warmth did not make the journey.

"Anything for the pack, your highness,” she said, tearing her eyes off me “shall we?