Mute

Chapter 34

Aria’s POV

Lena and I were in the garden, tending to the vibrant array of flowers and herbs that grew in neat rows. The sun was warm on our backs, and the air was filled with the earthy scent of soil and the fresh aroma of the plants. It was a peaceful task, one that I had come to enjoy during my time at the resort.

Lena, ever the chatterbox, was talking about the latest pack news. “Did you hear about the new pups in the Silvermoon pack? They say they have the most striking blue eyes,” she said, her hands busy weeding the herb bed.

I smiled, shaking my head. ‘No, I hadn’t heard, I signed, pulling out a stubborn weed and tossing it into the pile.

Lena looked at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “And did you know that Alpha Caspian and his Luna, Ellen, are getting married tomorrow? It’s going to be the event of the season! Are you going?”

I felt a jolt of discomfort at the mention of Caspian’s name, but I tried to keep my expression neutral. “No, I’m not going. I signed firmly.

Lena’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why not? It’s the wedding of our Alpha and his chosen Luna. It will be a wonderful celebration,” she said, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

I shrugged, trying to maintain my composure. I just… don’t feel like going. I signed slowly, hoping she would drop the subject.

But Lena was persistent. “Come on, Aria,” she said, her tone turning more persuasive. “It’s a once–in–a–lifetime event. You’ll regret it if you miss it. Besides, it will be good for you to be there, to see everyone and celebrate together.

I took a deep breath, struggling with my emotions. The thought of seeing Caspian marry Ellen was like a weight pressing on my chest, but I also knew Lena had a point. It was an important event for the pack, and being absent might raise questions.

After a long

pause, I finally nodded reluctantly. Alright, I signed. ‘I’ll go.

Lena beamed, clearly pleased with my decision. “Great! We’ll go together,” she said, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. “It will be fun, I promise.”

”

I forced a smile, trying to ignore the swirling emotions inside me. ‘Sure,” I signed. “It will be… interesting!

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As we continued working in the garden, Lena chatted about the upcoming wedding. I tried to focus on her words, but my mind kept drifting back to Caspian and the painful memories we shared.

The truth was, I had moved on since I left the Light Shadow pack, and the thought of Caspian and Ellen finally being married gave me a different kind of feeling. I wondered if I would ever have a second chance mate or fall in love with someone and have them marry me.

Lena snapped me out of my thoughts with a gentle nudge. “You know, Aria, we should leave carly tomorrow to witness everything about the wedding,” she said, her eyes bright with anticipation. “It will be such a beautiful ceremony.”

I nodded, even though my heart wasn’t in it. Sure, Lena, First thing tomorrow, I signed, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

As we finished up in the garden, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for me. Watching Caspian marry someone else would be difficult, but perhaps it was the closure. I needed to fully move on and find my own path.

I decided that I would show up at the wedding to wish both Caspian and his bride well. It seemed like the mature thing to do. Caspian had made his choice, and they were getting married tomorrow. It was time for me to let go completely and show my support, even if it stung a little. I would even gift them something meaningful–a gesture of goodwill as I closed this chapter of my life.

That evening, I decided to relax and gather my thoughts. The reality of my mate rejecting me to be with another woman was painful, but I had survived worse. Congratulating them and wishing them well was a sign of my strength, a proof to the growth I had achieved. Besides, I wouldn’t remain in the castle for long; after another week of service, I would finally be free to live my life.

“Aria, what do you think would be a good gift for the wedding?” Lena asked as we continued our work in the garden, her tone light and curious.

I thought for a moment, pulling out another weed and tossing it into the pile. ‘Something meaningful, but not too personal, 1 signed. ‘Perhaps a handcrafted item or something that symbolizes new beginnings.

Lena nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds perfect. Maybe a beautiful piece of art or a handcrafted keepsake box?” she suggested, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.

I smiled, appreciating her support. ‘Yes, that would be nice, I signed. ‘I’ll look for something special tomorrow before the ceremony

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“Now that’s very thoughtful of you,” Lena said with a small smile. And then there was silence for a few seconds, with me contemplating on telling Lena about my past with Caspian or not.

I decided it was time to share my past with her at last. She deserved to know the truth, even if it was painful.

‘Lena, I began, my hands trembling slightly as I signed, ‘there’s something you need to know about my past with Caspian.‘”

Lena looked at me with wide, curious eyes. “What is it, Aria? You can tell me anything.”

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I hadn’t served Caspian directly before, but when I did, he… he took a sexual liking to me. He started inviting me to his chambers, asking me to sleep with him. It became a regular thing.”

Lena’s expression shifted from curiosity to shock. “Aria, are you serious? Caspian did that?”

I nodded, feeling the weight of my memories pressing down on me. “Yes. It wasn’t something I wanted, but I felt like I had no choice. He was going to be the Alpha, and I was just a maid. I thought maybe, somehow, things would change. But they didn’t.”

Lena’s mouth dropped open, her disbelief clear. “I can’t believe it. And he just discarded you?”

I swallowed hard, nodding again. “Yes. A day before he was to be crowned as Alpha, he told me it was over. He said he couldn’t be seen with someone like me. It was like I meant nothing to him.”

Lena shook her head, her eyes filled with empathy. “Aria, that’s awful. I had no idea you went through that.”

“It was hard,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I’ve moved on. I don’t have feelings for him anymore. I just didn’t want to attend the wedding at first because… well, it’s complicated.

Lena squeezed my hand, her expression softening. “I understand. But maybe attending will help you find closure. You’re stronger than you think, Aria.”

I sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. “You’re right. I’ve thought about it, and I will attend. It’s time to close that chapter for good.”

Lena smiled, her eyes shining with encouragement. “That’s the spirit. And I’ll be right there with you.”

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We sat in companionable silence for a while, the bond between us strengthening with each passing moment. It felt liberating to finally share a part of my past, even if I left out the detail that Caspian was my mate. Lena’s reaction had been one of shock and empathy, but also support.

As the sun began to set, displaying a warm golden glow over the garden, we finished our tasks and moved to the porch to relax

Lena brewed some herbal tea, and we sat together, sipping the fragrant liquid and enjoying the calmness of the evening

“You know, Aria,” Lena said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. I’m proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to do what you’re planning to do. Not many would have the strength to face their past like this

I felt a lump forming in my throat at her words. Thank you, Lena, I signed, my hands moving slowly. “It means a lot to hear that.

She smiled warmly, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “You’re stronger than you think, and you deserve happiness. Don’t ever forget that”

We sat there for a while, talking about our hopes and dreams, sharing stories, and laughing together. Lena’s presence was comforting to me and I was grateful for her friendship. It felt good to be supported, to have someone by my side who believed in

me

As night fell, I felt a sense of calm washaver me. Tomorrow would be a difficult day, but I was ready to face it. Showing up at the wedding, congratulating Caspian and Ellen, and giving them something special would be my way of closing this chapter with grace and dignity

“Let’s get some rest, Lena said, standing up and stretching “We have a big day

tomorrow.”

I nodded, anticipating tomorrow already. “Yes, we do, I signed, following her inside.

As I lay in bed that night, I reflected on how far I had come. Life had thrown many challenges my way, but I had survived them all Tomorrow, I would prove to myself that I was stronger than my past, ready to embrace whatever

the future held. With that thought, I drifted off to sleep, feeling a sense of peace

Chapter 35