Hazel's POV

"Don't mind her, She thinks she’s safe. Very soon, he’ll use her like a pawn and sacrifice her to the gods, just like he did to most of his past whores."

That was the last thing I heard before I picked up my pace and ran.

I had always felt something was off about Alpha Matteo’s sudden kindness. But hearing those cruel words from his own pack members felt like a slap to my face. It hit differently, Harder than I was ready for, Making my heart bleed so bad.

Tears rushed to my eyes as I ran up the stairs, my chest rising and falling with each breath. Today was the first time I had left my room since Alpha Matteo brought me to this place.

And now, I wished I had stayed in my room because, all I ended up getting in return was a broken heart. Instead of the short walk I wanted to have, just to feel normal again.

The fact that his people see me as a traitor, an evil woman sent here with some twisted mission, shattered whatever hope I was holding onto. All I wanted was a place to call home, a safe space where I could finally belong. But this? This felt so much like a punishment than a new beginning.

The pain became unbearable as I slipped through the back hallway toward my room, dodging the curious eyes of guards and maids who probably already knew the rumors.

“Young mistress! We’ve been looking everywhere for you. What happened? Where have you been?” the head maid asked with concern, stepping into my room just few minutes after I had collapsed on my bed.

I didn’t say a word. I turned my face to the wall and stayed still, holding back the new wave of tears burning behind my eyes.

If there’s anyone I want to hear from, it’s Alpha Matteo. I need him to tell me this isn’t just some sick game. I need to know I’m not just another offering, or another name on his list of ruined women.

I buried my face in the pillow and cried even harder, the pain clawing at my chest was too much. My heart was hurting, my throat was burning, and my head kept spinning at every single thought, introducing more fear and sadness.

“Please, young queen. Your food is ready. Thanks to the goddess Alpha hasn’t noticed your few-minute absence,” Elora said softly, bringing me back to reality.

I sighed deeply, with a heavy heart.

“Elora, please… I just want to be left alone,” I said sharply, curling into my pillow, allowing tears slide freely down my cheeks. To worsen it all, my mind kept running wild, convinced nothing good would ever come out of this cruel world.

I cried for hours, waiting and hoping for him to come. But he never did. Not even a single message or knock from him.

Just when I'd lost all hope, I heard footsteps approaching. The door swung open, and seven guards marched in, with their boots making a loud noise against the floor.

“Oh great, what now?” I whispered to myself, slowly sitting up on the bed with red, swollen eyes.

“Young Queen,” Momo, the chief guard, said with a small bow. “The Alpha ordered us to take you anywhere you wished to go. Maybe a park, museum, shopping.....”

He sent them? Instead of coming himself? Why does it always feel like I want too much?

I stared at them for a moment, wiped my tears, and took a breath. I had no choice, Sitting in that room would only make everything worse. So I made up my mind to accept their request.

Besides, Any other places would be more considerable than this suffocating space.

“Is there any stream… or hill… or valley—anywhere different from here, where I can breathe and clear my mind?” I asked wearily, my voice barely above a whisper.

I saw Momo’s brows rise slightly in surprise, but he quickly bowed his head in respect. “Yes, my Queen. There are a few places like that.” He kindly replied.

I nodded.

Exactly all I needed to run away from this stuffy, strange wicked pack. Although it might be lonely out there, I bet I'd rather die of loneliness and hunger in another land than being hated in this cursed place.

I stood up slowly and walked to the dressing room, slipping into a beautiful black gown that flowed smoothly over my skin. It was soft and free, with an open back, letting my long hair fall gently down to it.

After dabbing on some of the scented oil Alpha Matteo had once gifted me, I wore simple flat footwear and got ready to leave.

“You look lovely, young Queen,” the chief maid said softly as I stepped out, holding the untouched food she had brought earlier—the same food I couldn’t even bring myself to look at.

I gave her a small silent nod and walked quietly toward the guards, who didn't hesitate in leading me to the pack’s chariot.

Sadly, the morning training session had just ended, And once again, all eyes were on us. From the youngest to the oldest, they all stared, whispering behind cupped hands.

This pack was known for its unity. And in a place like this, if you don’t find your footing fast enough, you’ll get crushed under their own feet.

I scuffed quietly, forcing myself to ignore their nasty looks and sharp tongue.

I looked around, searching the crowd with my eyes, hoping to see if I could catch a glimpse of Alpha Matteo, But he was nowhere in sight.

After one final glance, I climbed into the chariot with a heavy heart, and the guards quickly drove off—moving far from everything I once hoped could feel like home.