Chapter 7: Whispers in the Dark
1062 Words
Chapter 7: Whispers in the Dark
Ava – POV…
The beta led me down a narrow hallway that reeked of mold and dust. We stopped in front of a wooden door that looked like it hadn’t seen oil or polish in years. He pushed it open, revealing a cramped room with one small bed… and a few thin mattresses on the floor.
It felt as if six women were staying in one space. No windows. No comfort. No dignity.
He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “I’m sorry,” he said. “It’s all we have right now. I’ll speak to the Luna, maybe she’ll approve something better. There are a lot of better room's in the pack.”
I turned to him and gave a small smile. “Don’t bother. This is fine. I won't stay for long anyway. It's ok.”
But It wasn’t. Not even close. I’d slept in the forest, being with Rogues whose life was even hard in the forest, but this felt worse. At least out there, I had freedom. Here, It felt as if I was being caged under the same roof that once cast me out.
He hesitated a little longer before bowing slightly and stepping out. I sat down on the edge of the bed and watched the peeling paint on the walls. It flaked like dried scabs, and the scent in the room was old sweat and something sour. Living in the streets had more dignity than this.
The door creaked open behind me. Three maids stepped in, wearing faded uniforms that used to be the pack’s pride. Now, they looked like they’d been washed a hundred times and never dried properly.
The last girl in line caught my attention—she was pale, swaying on her feet, and her lips were cracked and dry. She looked like she hadn’t eaten in days. She had been punished to suffer.
They all stared at me. And look at me as if I was aime kind of a thief
“Who are you?” the tallest one asked, folding her arms.
I stood slowly, letting my cloak shift back to reveal the pouch of herbs I always carried. “I’m the Rogue healer. I came to treat the Alpha.”
One of them squinted. “A rogue healer? That’s new.”
I smiled politely. “First time for everything right?.”
“She’s a rogue?” another whispered, nudging the sick girl beside her.
The pale one gave a faint nod.
“I’ve never heard of a rogue with healing powers,” the tallest one said, eyes narrowing. “Aren’t rogues... like wild animals? isn't your job to hunt like the rogue's you are, how come there is a Rogue healer?”
I didn’t answer. What would be the point? Explaining myself wouldn’t change what they thought of me. My place wasn’t among them anymore—but I was here for a reason.
I turned to the frail girl. “You look like you’re about to collapse. When was the last time you rested?”
She tried to speak but the words got stuck in her throat. Her friend spoke instead. “She hasn’t taken her medicine in weeks. The Luna said if anyone slacks off, they’ll be punished. At this point I don't even know if she would make it.”
I clenched my jaw. “What kind of punishment?”
“She made the kitchen boy clean the kennels with his bare hands... while it was still full,” the other whispered.
I didn’t expect Clara to be kind, but this? This was cruelty. It was like after becoming luna she became a beast.
“Lay her down,” I said.
They hesitated for a moment, unsure, but then moved quickly, helping the girl sit on the edge of the mattress. I pulled out a small pouch, mixed a few crushed leaves with water from my flask, and gently rubbed it across her forehead and cheeks. Her skin was burning up.
“She needs to rest for at least a day,” I said. “Let her sleep, eat, and even not work anymore until she is better.”
All three froze.
“We... we can’t,” the tallest one stammered. “The Luna will find out. She’ll punish us all.”
I looked at the girl lying weakly in front of me. “You’d rather let her die than risk rest?”
“She said rest is a luxury,” the other girl muttered bitterly. “And we don’t deserve luxury anymore.”
I felt a huge anger rising but I have to hold it in.
…
That night, I stood outside the room. The halls were quiet, but there was no peace in this place. Nightshade used to be proud, strong—filled with light. Now it felt like a shell of what it once was. Did Kyran know what had become of his pack under Clara’s hand?
I doubted it.
I made my way through the corridors again. This time, the beta directed me to Kyran’s room and left without a word.
He looked better—his chest rose more steadily, and the pale hue on his lips had faded a little. I walked closer and sat by the edge of the bed. He didn’t stir. I brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, watching his expression. Peaceful. Vulnerable.
I didn’t come here to feel anything. But something stirred anyway.
“Why?” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “Why couldn’t you see she wasn’t me? That she wasn’t your mate? That the scent wasn't hers.”
He didn’t answer, of course. He just lay there, like the past hadn't left scars on both of us.
I placed my hand lightly over his chest. His heartbeat was stronger. That gave me comfort. Maybe too much.
It was just like before and for a second all i wanted was a touch from him even if it once.
I lowered my head, resting it gently above his heart, just to feel it. Just to remind myself he was real.
That he was still alive.
That he was still here.
That despite everything… I hadn’t stopped caring.
The door creaked open behind me, breaking the moment.
A sharp voice followed.
“What are you doing?”
- Writer
