Mute

Chapter 43

Анах POV

I sat in the small room where I had woken up, my body still aching from the ordeal.

The silence around me was a double–edged sword, providing solace while amplifying my thoughts.

I hadn’t dared to step outside, not because I was physically unable, but because I was avoiding the accusing eyes and whispers of the pack members.

They blamed me for Caspian’s ruined marriage with Ellen hifting their disappointment and anger onto me.

Yet, as much as their scorn hurt, it couldn’t compare to the terror I had experienced at the hands of the rogues. I had nearly lost my life, escaping by the skin of my teeth..

Through the small window, I watched Caspian and his men prepare for their mission tonight. Their movements were brisk, their faces set with grim determination.

Caspian’s presence was commanding, an opposite to the turmoil I felt inside. My thoughts drifted to Ethan and his sisters. Were they still in their house, hiding like the cowards they were? Were the captives still alive, or had they already met a gruesome end? The uncertainty twisted inside me, forming a tight knot in my throat.

A sudden knock on the door made me jump, my heart pounding in my chest. I froze, anxiety coursing through me. Who could it be? I didn’t want to face anyone, least of all someone who might hurl more blame and insults my

way.

The door creaked open slowly, and to my immense relief, it was Lena. She stood there, her eyes wide and teary.

“Aria,” she choked out, rushing towards me. Tears streamed down her face as she enveloped me in a tight hug. “Thank God you’re alive.”

Relief cascaded through me, and I clung to her, my hands trembling as I signed, “I almost didn’t make it.”

She pulled back, her face a mix of relief and concern. “When they told me you were missing, I feared the worst. I’ve been praying for you, hoping you’d come back safe.”

I nodded, gratitude swelling within me. “Thank you, Lena. It’s been… horrible.”

Her expression turned serious, her eyes darkening with determination. “I’ve heard some of what happened. Caspian and the others are getting ready to confront the rogues, aren’t they?”

I nodded, glancing back out the window at the preparations below. “Yes. But I’m scared. What if the captives are already dead?”

Lena squeezed my hand reassuringly. “Caspian won’t let that happen. He’s determined to set things right.”

A small, sad smile tugged at my lips. “I just wish I could do more. I feel so helpless.”

She shook her head firmly. “You’ve already done so much, Aria. You survived. You brought back information that could save lives. That’s not nothing.”

I gave her a small, grateful nod. “I know. But the thought of what Ethan and his sisters did… it haunts me.”

Her eyes flashed with anger at the mention of Ethan. “That monster will pay for what he’s done. They all will.”

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15:28 Fri, Aug 16 OR

Chapter 43

I nodded, feeling anger within me. “Yes. They will.”

Lena hugged me again, whispering fiercely, “We’ll get through this, Aria. And when it’s over, you’ll see. Things will get better.”

I was left wondering how I had such a kind soul like Lena as a best friend. Despite everything, she remained a light in my dark world. Her support and understanding were rare and precious, and I was profoundly grateful for her presence in my life.

A sudden clearing of a throat pulled us away from our hug, and I was stunned to see Caspian’s mother, the former Luna, standing in the doorway with some bodyguards. Lena quickly greeted her with a respectful nod.

“Good afternoon, Luna,” Lena said politely.

I signed my greeting, hoping it conveyed the same respect.

Caspian’s mother, not understanding sign language, had a woman brought in to interpret my words. The interpreter relayed my greeting, and the former Luna acknowledged it with a curt nod.

“Come with me, Aria,” she said, her tone imperious. I exchanged a glance with Lena, who gave me a reassuring nod before I got up to meet Caspian’s mother.

I followed her through the grand halls, each step filled with tension. I wasn’t afraid–just curious about what lay ahead.

She led me to a private chamber, a room designed with rich tapestries and heavy drapes. As soon as we entered, she dismissed her guards with a sharp, “Leave us.” Once they were gone, she summoned the maids.

“What would you like to drink, Aria?” she asked, her voice unexpectedly soft.

I signed, “Nothing, I’m fine,” and the interpreter relayed my message.

“Fine. Since you aren’t having anything, I won’t either,” she said, waving the maids away.

I stared at her, puzzled. I signed, “Why did you bring me here?” The interpreter translated, and I watched Caspian’s mother’s expression carefully.

“I want us to talk, alone. Is it okay if you pen down your responses?” she asked.

I nodded, and a pen and a sheet of paper were brought to me. Caspian’s mother dismissed the interpreter, leaving just the two of us.

She began, “Aria, you were the orphaned mute omega who was brought into the pack nineteen years ago. You were only a maid until my son, Caspian, realized you were his mate. He started an affair with you before rejecting you to be with someone more suitable for him.”

My heart pounded as I quickly wrote, “Did you bring me here to accuse and insult me?” I held up the sheet for her

to see.

Her eyes hardened, a look of disdain replacing any semblance of kindness. “It was hard for us when Caspian left Ellen and ruined the wedding. Do you understand the position you’ve put us in?”

I wrote furiously, “I never planned affy of this. I wa

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“You should have stayed away for good,” she snapped. “It doesn’t matter that you are Caspian’s mate. You are not royalty, and we cannot accept an omega into our family.”

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Anger flared within me. I wrote with firm strokes, “I don’t want Caspian, nor do I want to be a part of your family. I want to go far away, but Caspian keeps bringing me back.”

Caspian’s mother read the words, her face darkening with anger. “You are a disruption, Aria. You should have never returned.”

I didn’t fidget under her glare. I met her eyes with boldness, then scribbled my final words: “I have no intention of staying where I am not wanted.”

With that, I stood up, turned my back on her, and walked out of the room,

my head held high.

No matter what they thought of me, I would not let them break me.

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