Chapter 7

Ari

"Can you still walk, Lady Ari?"

Igor's concerned voice cut through the weariness that clung to me like a heavy cloak. The silver shackles on my hands weighed me down, making every step a struggle.

"Yes, Igor. Please, focus on your mate. I'll manage," I replied, my voice carrying the fatigue of a long journey. I tried to pose an “okay” smile, but Igor was not convinced.

“Are you sure, my lady?”

“Yes, Igor. I am fine. This is nothing compared to what they did to my father.”

Jackie and Igor exchanged glances, sympathy etched on their faces. My supposed dream had twisted into a nightmare, and the endless walk drained the last ounce of hope from my soul. The forest, once full of life, now seemed like a place full of sad memories. Every tree cast shadows that told stories of our freedom that we lost.

Barefoot and broken, we moved along the captive path. The cold ground sent shivers down my spine. The shackles on my hands made a clinking sound with every painful step, cruelly reminding us of our defeat. The air was heavy with the weight of failure, pressing down on my shoulders.

"Even though Alpha Eirik is no longer with us, my duty to protect you hasn't ended. I swore to your father to protect you with my life,” Igor said.

“Me too,” Jackie exclaimed. “I will stay at your side, Lady Ari. Always.”

My eyes met theirs, but the cold stare that greeted them lacked the spark of life. There was no hope or care left within me.

"Do not worry, guys. Your service will soon end," I assured them, the words carrying a weight of resignation.

Igor and Jackie no longer said anything, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The future loomed ahead with uncertainty now that we were under Ironflame’s command.

I glanced at my people's faces—once proud warriors, now just prisoners. Their eyes, once filled with determination, now showed a mix of fear and acceptance. I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that clawed at my chest. Ironflame had come to us like wolves in sheep’s clothing, surprising us with an attack when we least expected it. Our pack, our family, shattered in the blink of an eye. And now, the echo of our footsteps mirrored the hollowness in my heart.

As we moved through the forest, the captors led us with an air of triumph,

"Kristoff, where are you?" I whispered my mate’s name, a plea carried by the wind. My father’s scarf danced with the breeze, reminding me of the scent I held dear. The memories of my father's brutal end replayed in my mind, and I clutched the scarf, crying, silently promising vengeance to those who caused his demise.

"It was her fault!" I seethed with disgust as I thought of Seraphina and Maddie. I expected Seraphina to do this type of deed, but Maddie? How could she succumb to her mother’s evilness like that? Where was that loving half-sister of mine that became my source of happiness over the years?

Jackie and Igor overheard my words, but the pair continued their silent march through desolate plains. The weight of our impending fate hung heavy in the air.

Finally, we reached the Iron Flame pack's main gate. The Alpha Family's grand house stood tall, heavily guarded, and impressive. The gates opened, revealing a luxurious world. And yet, we knew that although this would become our new world, comfort would surely be out of the picture.

My heart sank at the sight of the opulent mansion, a symbol of power that the Ironwolf held dear. No doubt, the Ironflame Pack was the strongest pack in our region. No wonder they eradicated our pack in the blink of an eye.

"Walk faster, sloth! Stop dreaming! That ain't your quarters! Don’t worry, you will see your new home soon," a guard barked, pushing me forward. The massive quarters loomed ahead as we entered the grandeur. We continued walking inside until we turned to the next corridor. From there, the surroundings started to change. It became noisy and busy as we reached the area of the servants.

We were ushered inside, and a she-wolf addressed us with a stern tone. The way she projected herself and how the other slaves addressed her with respect made her look like the omega leader in charge of every single omega serving the Alpha’s residence.

"This is your home now. Welcome to the slave quarters. Your purpose is to serve the leaders of the Ironflame. Be submissive, and kind, and serve them well," she declared, the weight of our new reality sinking in. Murmurs and expressions of fear echoed around.

As the wolf left, her parting words echoed, "Embrace your fate and be a proper slave. Else, you will face banishment or worse, death."

Igor, Jackie, and I stuck together, surveying the unfamiliar surroundings. Then, suddenly, a curious servant approached me. She touched my hair, making me flinch. Her eyes were filled with both admiration and awe.

"I've never seen long hair like that since I've gotten here,” she explained as she looked at my hair with admiration. “Where are you from?" she inquired.

I remained silent, pulling my long, silky hair to my shoulder. The length of hair in our society indicated social status, and I drew attention because of my long hair in a sea of women with short ones.

"No servant has that kind of hair length. I am certain you are related to an alpha," the servant exclaimed, drawing the gaze of others. In a blink of an eye, the spotlight was turned on me. I became uncomfortable with their gazes, unsure why my hair was a big deal for them.

The curious servant asked another question. “Tell me, are you an alpha’s daughter?”

"Not anymore.”

We all turned our direction to the source of the voice, and there I saw Seraphina, walking toward me with a sinister smile on her face. All eyes shifted to the speaker. Her entrance felt ominous, like the beginning of a dark chapter that never seemed to end.

What did she want from us this time?