Chapter 8

• "Oh, God, what have I done?" Dahlia thought, a wave of anxiety crashing over her. In an effort to lift her spirits, she managed to muster a small smile of hope as she prepared to head to school.
• The sun peeked over the horizon, illuminating the sky with soft light. However, the clouds appeared heavy, and the winds were notably strong—a strange contrast to the fiery events of the previous night. Dahlia found herself oddly grateful for the cold, which she embraced as a welcome relief from the heat of her nightmare.
• Just as she reached the school gates, Hessa approached her with a determined stride. "Hello!" she exclaimed, slightly out of breath. "I just received your message. Is everything okay?"
• "Yeah. For now," Dahlia replied with a snort, attempting to dismiss any lingering worries.
• "Really?" Hessa inquired, skepticism lacing her tone. "I want to know who's messing with you so we can both take care of them." Hessa's playful demeanor aroused concern in Dahlia regarding her friend's animated morning attitude.
• "No, it's fine. I reported it to the police; hopefully, they'll be able to catch whoever did this," Dahlia said, laughing lightly at Hessa's concerns.
• Taking a shuddering breath, Dahlia paused at the entrance of the hall where the morning assemblies were usually held. As they were both in their sixth form, they had designated seats at the front as graduation loomed just a term away.
• "Guess who's here?" Hessa asked, settling down into her seat.
• Dahlia lowered herself beside her friend and scanned the hall, trying to discern who Hessa was referring to.
• "Luther?" Her heart sank when she spotted him standing next to a teacher, engaged in conversation. When had he returned? What was he doing here? Could he be—
• "No. I was talking about the Alpha." Hessa firmly grabbed Dahlia's wrist, drawing her attention away from Luther. "Wait, is Luther here?" she looked toward the direction where Dahlia's gaze had fallen.
• Dahlia's mind raced as she processed Hessa's words, quickly shifting her focus to the other side of the hall. Her mouth dropped open in shock at the sight of the Alpha.
• 'Oh no. This couldn't be happening.'
• Dahlia jolted upright, her heart racing as her eyes fell upon the Alpha—the very man who had brought chaos to her life just two nights ago. A tight knot formed in her stomach, but when she spotted her father standing beside him, that wave of anxiety dissipated like smoke in the wind. She quickly turned her gaze toward the stage, grappling with the unfairness of the moment. Why did her father have to be chosen as the Beta?
• Her father was one of the cruelest individuals she had ever known, yet somehow he had acquired this title, wielding it with an alarming disregard for those around him. Along with his many misdeeds, he also concealed the fact that he was still married to Dahlia's mother, and that Dahlia was his daughter. A small handful of people were aware of the truth, while the rest remained blissfully ignorant, believing whatever lies he spun. To him, she was merely a mistake.
• "Is Luther back?" Hessa asked, as though Dahlia held the answers to such questions.
• "And boy, has he grown up," Hessa barely tore her gaze away from him.
• "I don't know," Dahlia replied with a shrug, her mind lost in tumultuous thoughts. She clenched her fists, fury bubbling just beneath the surface at the sight of her father. Couldn't he find a way to stay away from at least one place she frequented? She had no interest in his reasons for being here, though deep down she knew he would approach her with something to say once his public display had concluded.
• "What are you so upset about?" Hessa questioned, curiosity evident in her eyes.
• Dahlia shot her an exasperated look. "Nothing," she replied tersely.
• "Chill then," Hessa urged, her voice light-hearted.
• Today's assembly was special, hosted by their principal along with one of the protectors of their pack. Each year, the school organized a tournament to identify the best young protectors, destined to join the pack. Last year, Dahlia had participated, only to back out in a fit of anxiety, dragging Hessa along with her as they fled the uncertain dangers the tournament promised.
• It was no surprise that the Alpha was present.
• As the principal droned on about the usual topics, Dahlia found her mind wandering yet again. Participating in such events was the last thing on her mind; she held no interest in pack affairs or even in identifying as a werewolf.
• Dahlia did not view her situation as a gift. Her wolf had tethered her to this place, creating an unbreakable bond that left her with no option to escape without facing death at the hands of others. If the opportunity had ever arisen for her to rid herself of this curse and embrace a normal human existence, she would have seized it without hesitation. If only she and her mother could be far away from here—perhaps in another country, maybe in Paris—living their lives without the constant dread caused by her father.
• With a heavy sigh, she acknowledged the futility of her thoughts. Just dreams.
• Suddenly, Hessa poked her stomach hard, jolting Dahlia from her reverie. "What do you want?" Dahlia moaned in response.
• "Didn't you hear anything I said?" Hessa pressed, her voice a mixture of annoyance and concern.
• "No, I was lost in my thoughts," Dahlia replied, her tone laced with exasperation. They had both lowered their voices, blending in with the many other girls around them, allowing their whispered conversation to remain private.
• "Oh, really? Thinking about what? Luther or—" Hessa began playfully, but Dahlia hastily silenced her.
• "Shush! Don't say that," Dahlia hissed, fully aware of where Hessa's words were headed. She was nearly certain the Alpha could hear their hushed whispers.
• "Okay, okay," Hessa conceded with a smirk.
• "Good. We'll talk outside later," Dahlia promised, redirecting her focus back to the principal as she struggled to compose herself.
• Despite her best efforts, concentration proved elusive. A shiver coursed through her body as she replayed the events of that night—not the harrowing events from the previous night but the night spent in the dark confines of the cell. The memories made her skin prickle with discomfort, and she felt an intense gaze upon her, as if someone were waiting for her to look their way.
• Compelled by curiosity, she turned her head and found herself caught in the depths of his dark, steel-gray eyes. The Alpha was staring directly at her. Dahlia's breath hitched in her throat as she bit the inside of her cheek, slowly averting her gaze. Her fingers instinctively tangled together in her lap as an unexpected smile threatened to break free.
• Rising from her seat, she gently tapped Hessa's leg until her friend moved it aside. "Where are you going?" Hessa asked, her curiosity piqued.