Bound by shadow

Chapter 8 The alpha breaking point

Luna's POV

I rested my head against the pillow, exhaustion seeping into my bones. The events of the day swirled in my mind like a vortex.

Suddenly, my door burst open, and Aria rushed in, a tray of steaming food in her hands.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Aria? What are you doing here?"

Aria's face was a mask of urgency. "Eat, Luna. Now."

I eyed her warily, my stomach growling despite my skepticism. "What's going on? You're not exactly known for your hospitality. So what exactly is all this?"

Aria's gaze flashed with annoyance. "Just eat, okay?"

I sat up, taking the tray from her. "Who sent you?"

Aria's expression turned icy. "None of your business. Just shut up and eat."

Her tone stung, but the aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread wafted up, enticing me.

"Fine," I muttered, digging in.

Aria watched me, her arms crossed. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's training will be... intense."

I swallowed a bite, eyeing her. "What do you mean?"

Aria's smile was a thin-lipped warning. "You'll find out soon enough. But for now, you should get some rest."

With that, she turned and left, leaving me with more questions than answers.

The food was delicious, but the unease in my stomach lingered.

What did tomorrow hold that I didn't know about… probably they want me to kill another living thing.

I slept fitfully, my dreams haunted by visions of tomorrow's training. When morning arrived, I dressed quickly, my stomach twisting with anticipation.

As I finished lacing my boots, a knock at the door broke the silence.

"Come in," I called out, expecting Beta, Elias, or Darius.

But to my surprise, Aria entered, carrying another plate of steaming food.

"What's this again?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Aria's expression was curt. "Just eat. Don't ask stupid questions."

My curiosity piqued, I frowned. "Why shouldn't I ask questions? Yesterday you were hissing at me, and now you're bringing me food twice? What's changed?"

Aria's eyes flashed with anger. "Nothing's changed. Just eat and be grateful."

Her sharp tone took me aback.

"But—"

Aria slammed the plate onto the table, her face reddening. "You're not entitled to explanations. Just eat and shut up and stop stressing my life."

With that, she spun on her heel and stormed out, leaving me stunned.

I sat down slowly, my mind reeling.

Why the sudden change in hospitality?... Probably because Darius wanted me to have enough strength to be able to hurt more people…

I knew Darius was behind this, it can't be anyone but him.

Or was Aria acting on her own? Nah… I doubt.

I picked up a fork, my appetite diminished by the encounter.

As I ate, my thoughts swirled.

I couldn't help but think what exactly they wanted from me and why they were being so secretive about it. I just hope there isn't poison in the food.

The food, once welcoming, now felt like a manipulation.

I gritted my teeth, anger still simmering from Aria's outburst.

Just as I was about to stand, the door swung open, and Darius walked in with effortless grace.

His confident stride and commanding presence filled the room.

Despite my irritation, I couldn't help but notice how refreshed he looked.

His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his piercing eyes sparkled in the morning light.

"Good morning, Sable," he said, his deep voice smooth.

I bristled at the formal address, but my annoyance wasn't enough to drown out my curiosity.

"What's the meaning of all this?" I demanded, gesturing to the food and Aria's sudden change in behavior.

Darius's calm demeanor remained unshaken.

"You should know, Luna, that not every member of this pack receives... luxurious accommodations," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"But you, Luna, are not just any member. You're special."

His words sent a thrill through me, and I felt a surge of pride.

"Special?" I repeated, my voice softer.

Darius nodded. "Yes. Your abilities set you apart. And as such, you require unique care."

I felt a flutter in my chest, his words making me feel valued.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, my guard still up.

Darius's smile was enigmatic. "You'll understand soon enough."

With that, he turned to leave.

"Training begins in an hour," he called over his shoulder.

I watched him go, my emotions tangled.

Was this a game? Or was Darius genuinely invested in my well-being?

As I pondered Darius's words, the door swung open, and Beta strode in, his commanding presence filling the room. His piercing gaze swept the space before settling on me, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Luna," he said, his deep voice measured and controlled.

"Good morning, Beta," I replied, feeling a mix of comfort and wariness. Beta's stoic expression softened ever so slightly, a hint of warmth in his eyes.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his tone firm but laced with genuine concern.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal, but Beta's consistent kindness put me at ease. I took a deep breath, letting my guard down.

"Honestly? Confused," I admitted, frustration creeping into my voice. "Darius, Aria, all of this... it's overwhelming."

Beta's gaze narrowed, his jaw clenched. "Darius has his reasons," he said, his tone firm but reassuring.

"Reasons for what?" I pressed, curiosity getting the better of me.

Beta's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes clouding. "Protecting you, Luna. Ensuring you reach your full potential."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. Protecting me? From what? The unknown threats lurking outside these walls or the darkness within myself?

Beta's gaze locked onto mine, his intensity unnerving. "Today's training will be... intense. Be prepared."

His cold, powerful demeanor reasserted itself, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"I'll be ready," I promised, squaring my shoulders.

Beta nodded curtly. "I expect nothing less."

He turned to leave, but paused at the door.

"Luna?"

"Yes?"

"Trust Darius," he said, his voice low and urgent. "He knows what he's doing."

With that, he exited, leaving me to process his enigmatic words.

I stood there, lost in thought, as the weight of Beta's words settled upon me. Trust Darius? Could I truly trust the man who seemed to hold my fate in his hands or someone who'll stop at nothing to use me for his own gain?