SWNOVELS Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Slowly rising to my feet, I couldn’t escape the echoing laughter of the pack, which intensified the overwhelming mix of humiliation and anger that flooded through me. Surrounded by the mocking gazes of my fellow pack members, I could feel the heat of shame rising in my cheeks. Despite the cruelty of Nadia’s actions, a fierce determination burned within me, refusing to let her break me.
As the laughter died down and the hall fell silent once more, a heavy silence hung in the air, urging me to break it. Summoning every ounce of courage I had left, I took a deep breath and turned to face Nadia, meeting her gaze with determination. Nadia’s smug expression wavered momentarily, a subtle unease creeping into her features as she realized I wasn’t going to give in.
With hands trembling. I hurriedly brushed off the dirt from my clothes, desperately avoiding the intense gazes of the pack members surrounding me. In an attempt to control the overwhelming fury that threatened to engulf me, I squeezed my fists tightly.
Inhaling deeply. I gathered my composure and locked eyes with Nadia, my stare filled with unwavering resolve. I lower myself in a reverent bow, my hand resting gently on my heart.
“I’m sorry, Nadia,” My words came out in a hushed tone, but with a steady resolve. Rising gradually, I straighten my posture, taking care to maintain a strong and confident stance. “I’m sorry that this is the only way you can get people’s
attention.”
In a moment of surprise, Nadia’s eyes widened, her lips parting in shock, but she swiftly composed herself, regaining her usual composure. As she stood up and made her way towards me, her arrogance was palpable in every confident stride. As I prepared for what was to come, the weight of my words settling in, I could sense the discomfort they caused.
Her hand struck out unexpectedly, the force of her slap sending a jolt through the hall. Despite the sharp sting spreading across my cheek, I clenched my jaw, resolute in my decision not to react and let her witness my composure crumbling.
In response, I locked eyes with her, my gaze filled with defiance and a fierce determination that burned deep within
ΠΙΕ
“Remember your place, Maya,” Filled with rage, she spat out her words, her voice dripping with venom. “You’re nothing but a lowly orphan, unworthy of even breathing the same air as me.”
Each word she spoke felt like a sharp blade, tearing down the fragile walls of my confidence. I held back, not wanting her to witness the depth of my wounds, determined to shield her from the pain they had caused. Instead, I adjusted my posture, standing tall and keeping my head held high, determined not to let her witness the tears welling up in my
eyes.
“Is that all you’ve got, Nadia?” My retort came out, dripping with bitterness and frustration. “A cheap shot and a smug smile? You’re pathetic.”
The air was filled with gasps of shock, as whispered conversations and disapproving murmurs created a tempest of sound around us. Their judgmental stares bore into me, their eyes like lasers, waiting to witness the unfolding events. “I’m becoming the Luna of this pack, leading them with strength and grace. Do you really believe I care about the opinion of some measly orphan?”
Despite the sting of her comment, I stood my ground, determined not to show Nadia how much she had affected me. My feet planted firmly, I stood my ground, my clenched fists signifying the unwavering determination that burned within me as I looked into her eyes.
“You know, Nadia,” I began, “At least there’s still some milk left even after you tried to trip me.”
Chapter 21
Then, I bent over and picked up a mug that had fallen to the ground amidst the chaos. Without a second thought, T poured the rest of the milk onto Nadia’s hair, causing it to cascade down her face and saturate her attire. The park members were in disbelief, gasping in surprise as they watched, their eyes wide with shock,
Nadia let out a gasp as she desperately tried to stop the milk from flowing by grabbing her hair. With fury in her eyes, she shot me a glare that contorted her face. I slammed the empty mug on the table in a defiant manner.
“How dare you!”
Nadia’s hand swiftly struck me before I could respond, the sharp pain of her slap piercing the silence. I felt another surge of pain shoot through my cheek, this time it was more painful than the first time. I remained upright, my jaw firmly clenched while I confronted her with my gaze,
my heart
The door to the mess hall burst open, causing a loud bang that echoed throughout the room. As I turned, pounded in my chest, startled by the imposing figures of the previous Alpha Gavvyn and Alpha Zeke. Their expressions were a mix of confusion and concern, filling the doorway.
“What’s all this commotion about?”
Cutting through the tense atmosphere like a sharp blade, the previous Alphia Gavvyn’s voice boomed, Without hesitation, Nadia seized the opportunity, her eyes wide with feigned innocence as she hurried towards Zeke, her tears streaming down her face,
“Oh, Zeke,” With tears streaming down her cheeks, she could’t help but sob, her voice shaking with a mix of sadness and frustration as she shielded her face from view. “Maya has completely lost control! She attacked me for no reason!”
As I watched the scene unfold before me, a heavy feeling settled in my chest and my stomach churned with a sense of impending doom. I mustered the courage to open my mouth and defend myself, but I was met with an eerie silence as no words escaped my lips. It felt like the weight of the world was hearing down on me, pushing me deeper into the ground with each passing moment.
Swallowing hard, I felt the lump in my throat growing bigger with every passing second. How could I possibly find the right words to defend myself when it felt like the odds were stacked against me? The sight of Nadia’s tears and Zeke’s questioning gaze overwhelmed me, making everything unbearable to handle.
“Tell me, Nadia,” With a gentle touch, Zeke urged Nadia forward, his hand caressing her back. I was enveloped by a sense of bitterness, reminded of how he treated me weeks ago. “What happened?“_
With a snille, Nadia turned her tear–streaked face towards Zeke, seeking comfort.
“It was Maya,” Her voice trembled slightly, but her words were carefully chosen as she began. I asked her to give me a hand with the laundry while she was cleaning the bathroom. “I figured since it’s mostly the same job she would agree and help me with the task, but she didn’t. She kept insisting that our announcement during your ascension meant nothing, repeatedly emphasizing that I am insignificant. And I was line with that, so I respecteil her space and left her alone. And guess what? She poured milk on me today, thinking I tripped her. Zeke, why would I even consider doing something like that?”
The urge to protest burned within me, but the words I wanted to scream were stuck in my throat, a silent witness to the overwhelming injustice. Pullin, on the other hand, had no intention of staying quiet and made its presence known with a boisterous cry.
“That’s not true!” Stepping in front of me, Pullin interjected with a resolute and unwavering voice, ready to protect me. With anger in her eyes, she pointed a hand angrily towards Nadia. “She started it, she tripped Maya on purposel
Alpha Gavvyn’s sharp gaze darted back and forth between Nadia and Pullin, his stern face revealing his insistence on receiving an explanation:
“What’s the truth here?”
Clupter 25
No one spoke.
Unease settled among the pack members as they shifted in their seats, their eyes avoiding the weight of the truth as they darted around the room. Puffin’s small frame stood firm, a symbol of defiance amidst the turmoil.
Seeking support, I turned to Sammy, only to find her staring intently at the ground, unmoved. It felt like a betrayal. an agonizing sensation of a knife being twisted in my gut. The realization crashed over me like a wave, filling me with the understanding that they were all consumed by fear. Afraid to stand up, afraid to be the next target.
Undeterred by the silence, Puffin continued, her voice filling the air. “From the moment we started working, she has made it her mission to torment Maya relentlessly. She tripped her, and when Maya stood up for herself, Nadia slapped her.
“That’s not true! Maya is making up stories to cover her guilt.” In a display of feigned innocence, Nadia gasped and her eyes grew wide with surprise. “I’m not sure how she convinced the kid to side with her, but it’s possible she manipulated her perspective. Kids are known for being easily manipulated, as they are often unaware of others‘ intentions. Maya must have been whispering malicious words about me behind my back.”
Frustration surged through me, the heavy weight of injustice bearing down on my shoulders. I caught Alpha Gavvyn’s gaze, but his unreadable expression left me wondering what he was thinking.
Out of everyone, Alpha Cavvyn was always the one who saw me. Not just looked at me, but really saw me. He was the one who didn’t turn away when I showed up at the pack’s borders, bruised and bloodied, my heart heavy with the weight of abandonment. I wasn’t just another mouth to feed in his eyes; he saw me as someone worth caring for. Greeting me wholeheartedly, he looked into my eyes with a genuine kindness and understanding.
The memories of that day are so vivid, it feels like it happened only yesterday. The pain was still fresh, the wounds still raw. Without any regard for my presence, my parents dumped me near the pack’s territory. In my infancy, I found myself lost and alone, with no other options, no other sources of support.
And then, there he was – Alpha Gavvyn.
He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t question. He simply took me in, wrapped me in his warmth and protection. He reassured me, saying that the pack would protect and provide for me, ensuring that I would always have a place to call home. As I experienced that moment, a surge of hope filled my heart, like a candle flame flickering in the midst of a pitch–black
room.
But now, as I stand before him, his disappointment etched on his face like a scar, I can’t help but feel a sense of betrayal. There’s a judgmental glint in his eyes, as if I am the one in the wrong, as if I am the one who has betrayed his
Trust
I want to scream, to vent my fury and protest against the injustice that surrounds me. The suffocating weight of his disapproval renders me speechless, my voice failing to escape my lips. I want to plead my case, to make him hear the truth that Nadia is the instigator, and I’m merely struggling to survive in a pack that views me as a mere pawn in their power struggles.
Tell me the truth, Maya.”
I stare at him, trying my best to block out the sound of Nadia’s escalating sobs and the sight of her clinging desperately to Zeke.
“Alpha Gavvyn, I assure you, I didn’t initiate it. And I swear, that’s the absolute truth.”
“Did you intentionally pour the milk onto her? Made a conscious effort to downplay her status as the Future Luna of this pack? What about that, Maya, did you do that?”
I blinked in surprise, my eyes widening as I took a step back. I opened my mouth, hesitated for a moment, and then closed it again, my words lost in a jumble of stammering.
11:22 AM
Chapter 25
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–I did but=”
“Enough.” He averts his gaze, his expression icy and detached, leaving me alone, grappling with my thoughts and the ache in my heart. And in that moment, a wave of confusion and disorientation washed over me like never before. “T have heard enough.”
“Alpha Gavvyn-”
“Maya, your actions have caused me great disappointment.”
My heart shatters, and I feel a single tear escape down my check. I thought Gavvyn was different, that he saw the real me, not just the surface. Nevertheless, I’m beginning to entertain the possibility that I may have been mistaken.
Maybe my existence will amount to nothing, as if I were never here at all.
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