Chapter 8

Aurora's pov

"Go with him," the alpha said, pointing a finger to the beta. As the beta walked past me, I bowed with a faded smile and quickly turned to catch up with him.

We both walked out of the throne room, and he looked at me with weird, narrow eyes. I turned away, avoiding eye contact with him.

We walked for a while until he stopped to look at me angrily. "You might be mute, but I believe you hear me loud and clear," he said. "I don't know your mission in our city or our pack, but I want to let you know that my eyes are on you. I don't trust you, and I want you to know that you might be able to fool my alpha with your pretend behavior, but you can't fool me. Because people like you are very dangerous."

All I could do was look away. I wanted to bring out my notepad to write him a reply, but it would only lead to more of his drama.

"Look at me when I am talking to you," he said, chuckling. "Yeah, that's right. Good thing you are mute and can't reply to me, and I want it to stay that way."

I was beginning to feel uncomfortable with his words, as his insults about my condition were no longer pleasing to my ears. I walked away from him to create some distance and waited for him to lead the way to the guard he would be appointing to me.

"You are rude, you know that," he said, "but I would allow this sly behavior for today. But you try this behavior towards me, this hatred you think you have, I would make it grow even more than what you have now."

The beta began to walk, and I followed him, anxious to meet the guard who would be assigned to me.

We walked in silence for a few minutes, the beta's anger still palpable in the air. I kept my eyes fixed on the ground, trying to avoid any further confrontation.

As we turned a corner, I saw a group of guards standing outside a large stone building. The beta approached one of them, a tall, muscular man with a stern expression.

"This is your guard," the beta said, nodding towards the guard. "He will be your personal escort and protector. You will do as he says and follow his instructions at all times."

I nodded, looking up at the guard, who eyed me warily. I could tell he wasn't thrilled about being assigned to me, but he nodded curtly and gestured for me to follow him.

The beta turned to leave, but not before shooting me a warning glance. "Remember, I'm watching you," he said, his voice low and menacing.

I swallowed hard, feeling a shiver run down my spine. I knew I had to be careful around the beta, but I was determined to prove myself and earn the trust of the pack.

The guard led me to a small room on the outskirts of the pack's living quarters. It was simple, but clean and comfortable. The guard gestured for me to enter, and I did, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

"I'll be outside," the guard said, his voice firm but not unkind. "If you need anything, just call out."

I nodded, smiling slightly, and Ryder closed the door behind him, leaving me to rest and settle into my new surroundings.

A few minutes later, as I was feeling bored, I stood up and walked to the door, knocking heavily. The guard opened the door and asked, "What is the problem, ma?"

I brought out my notepad and wrote, "I want to go out to see someone."

"See someone?" the guard replied, looking surprised. "I don't understand. You are new in the city; who do you know here?"

I handed him another piece of paper, on which I had written, "The person would explain everything to you. Let's just go."

The guard looked at me with a confused and equally surprised expression, but he moved aside, giving me way to pass. I nodded and led the way as we walked around the city. Some people responded to my nodding greeting, while others ignored me. But I lied as I knew no one in the city. I just needed to be sure that I had my freedom, especially after the beta's threat.

As we continued making our way to the market, some of the alpha's guards who were at the market murmured in a group as we walked past them.

"I know you are not feeling comfortable about the strange looks the other guards have been giving you, even right from when you and beta came to me," the guard whispered in my ear.

I looked at him, nodding my head.

"To be honest, ma, not everyone is happy with your presence, and you are not equally welcome here," the guard said. "You would have to prove your loyalty and earn the trust of the people, as the pack looks at you as a stranger."

I nodded again, taking in the guard's words. I knew it wouldn't be easy to win over the pack's trust, especially with the beta's hostility towards me. But I was determined to try.

As we walked through the market, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from the pack members. Some of them whispered to each other, their eyes darting towards me. I felt a pang of unease, but I tried to ignore it.

The guard led me to a small stall at the edge of the market. An old woman sat behind the stall, her eyes twinkling with kindness.

"This is our oldest elder," the guard said. "She's one of our pack's elders. I'm sure she'll be happy to... explain things to you."

The elder smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, welcome, child," she said. "I've heard a lot about you. Come, sit with me, and let's talk."

I sat down beside the elder, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, I had found a friend in this pack. As of what role will the elder play in helping me gain acceptance within the community