Chapter Eleven

Locked up on the orders of the alpha, the weight of Ariana's confinement was an oppressing solitude. Her room felt like a prison, the cold, white walls a constant reminder of her captivity. She felt like a caged bird yearning to be free. The thick silence was punctuated only by the occasional, stifled sobs that escaped her.

In a life defined by emptiness, Ariana's days were marred by the cruel decree of the Alpha, who had ordered her to go without food for days. It was an ordeal that left her weakened.

However, Lila, a modest palace maid, had been defying the Alpha's orders, sneaking trays of food into Ariana's chamber, ensuring her survival in a world that had turned against her.

A silent pact formed between them, deeper than words.

On this particular evening as Ariana gazed out of her window, her tear-streaked face turned to the moon,  she heard a faint, soft knock at her door accompanied by a familiar voice,

"It's me Lila" the voice barely above a silent whisper.

Startled, she quickly wiped away her tears and cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.

"I... I wasn't expecting you tonight, Lila," she called out, her voice a fragile whisper, her eyes red and swollen, "I hope no one saw you coming "

The door slowly creaked open, and her eyes widened in amazement as Lila, slipped inside. She set the food tray down, her eyes locked onto Ariana's. The room's dim light framed Lila's face, her eyes shining with empathy and a conspiratorial hint.

"Hello there," Lila greeted her with a kind and understanding smile, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze on a summer's night.

Ariana, overwhelmed by Lila's unexpected visit, managed to respond with a faint, "Hello."

Lila hesitated a little before settling into a chair nearby, her expression brimming with empathy. "I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, Ariana," she said, her voice filled with compassion. "The Alpha can be quite imposing, and adapting to this new life is far from easy."

Tears welled up in Ariana's eyes once more, and she nodded, grateful for the compassion that Lila offered.

"Lila, I've been locked in this room for what feels like forever, and I don't know how much longer I can bear this. The Alpha has been so ruthless and I don't know how to please him"

Lila's voice was soft and reassuring, her eyes meeting Ariana's with unwavering support, "The Alpha's word is law, and we follow it without question. I've seen your suffering, and I honestly want to help."

Ariana, frustration and uncertainty in her voice, "How can I find my place here, Lila? I refuse to be a mere breeder, roughly used and tossed like a dirty piece of rag"

Lila's eyes convey understanding. "I know it can be tough, especially in the beginning. The Alpha might seem formidable, but he was not always like this. You're strong and I know you'll get through this. "

Ariana's heart brimmed with a mixture of relief and gratitude, and she nodded in silent appreciation, understanding the rare gesture of compassion from Lila.

Lila continued, "Now, remember, you must show respect to the Alpha. His past... it's a heavy burden."

Ariana's brows furrowed in confusion as she asked, "His past? What about his past?"

Lila nodded, her eyes reflecting shared regret, "Pain changed him, Ariana.  It changes us all"

Ariana listened intently, her voice filled with curiosity "What do you mean?"

Lila took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room to ensure privacy. The two women had formed a bond over a short time, and Lila had a story to share, a story of the Alpha's past. Her voice was a quiet murmur as she began, and Ariana leaned in closer to listen.

"Ethan's transformation into the ruthless Alpha began with a devastating attack from a rival pack that occurred on the day his wife, Seraphina, died.

In his younger years, he was known for his kindness and fairness, and he was deeply in love with a remarkable woman named Seraphina. Their love was the envy of the pack, and they were considered the perfect couple.

Seraphina had a natural gift for healing and was known for her gentle and caring nature. She was particularly skilled in tending to injured pack members and had a special bond with the pack's pups. When she became pregnant, everyone anticipated that she would be an exceptional mother.

Tragedy struck on a stormy night when Seraphina went into labor. On that fateful day, the rival 'Blood Moon' pack, notorious for their brutality, launched an unprovoked attack on Crescent Moon. He, being a warrior at heart, led us into battle to protect our territory and loved ones. Unbeknownst to Ethan, Seraphina had gone into labor prematurely.

The pack's healer was away, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. "

Lila paused momentarily, her eyes flickering around the room, checking for unseen listeners. She held Ariana's gaze, assessing her and making certain that every detail was received with undivided attention and absolute discretion.

With rapt attention, Ariana rested her jaw on her upturned palms, her eyes never leaving Lila's face, completely absorbed in the tale,

"That's bad.... Go on"  Her heart pounded in anticipation and unease as the weight of the Alpha's past settled upon her shoulders.

Lila cleared her throat quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as she continued,

"Amidst the chaos of the battle, he received the gut-wrenching news that Seraphina was struggling in childbirth. His heart ached as he battled his way back to his pack's territory, but by the time he reached her side, it was too late. Seraphina had died giving birth to their child, a daughter who barely clung to life.

Ethan's grief was immeasurable. He blamed himself for not being there when his wife needed him the most.

He felt responsible for not being able to save her and blamed himself for the tragedy.

He vowed never to let emotions cloud his judgment, believing that compassion was a weakness that could lead to vulnerability and loss.

His pack, now under his iron rule, became one of the most powerful and feared.

The memory of Seraphina and the pain of her loss still haunted Ethan, hidden deep within the cold exterior he presented to the world.

He had become a man who felt that power and control were the only ways to protect those he cared about. It was this past tragedy that had turned him into the Alpha he had become"

Ariana's fingers trembled as she struggled to find the right words.  She felt a rush of emotions she hadn't anticipated, her gaze locked onto Lila. "I can't believe what he went through," she breathed heavily in a tone barely louder than a whisper. "It's so tragic."

Lila, seated across from Ariana, met her gaze with a knowing nod. "Yes, it is, Ariana," Lila replied softly, her voice laced with understanding.

Ariana's eyes dropped to her hands, where her fingers traced invisible patterns. "I never imagined the pain he's been carrying," she confessed, her voice laced with genuine empathy.

Lila's hand reached out and gently rested on Ariana's, a silent gesture of solidarity. "Some wounds never heal," Lila explained with a sigh, "and they change a person."

Ariana lifted her eyes to meet Lila's, a spark of determination shining within them. "I'll do my best to understand him better now," she declared.