Chapter 2

Tension permeated the banquet hall's atmosphere. I could sense it as soon as I arrived. I tried to ignore the stares and whispers as I walked around the room with my tray of wine glasses.

Since last night, everything has been different. Everything about Thorne's presence and eyes felt different. The attraction, the connection that seemed to hum between us. I still found it hard to believe. Was he my true partner? Or was it all in my head?

I saw Thorne as I made my way through the crowd. He appeared to be every bit the strong Alpha he was as he stood by the fireplace. But something wasn't quite right. He had a tough, aloof face. He wasn't specifically focusing on anyone, save for her, of course.

Lydia.

I tried to ignore the ache of jealousy that squeezed at my chest. Her hand rested softly on Thorne’s arm, and he didn’t draw away. It wasn’t right, yet I couldn’t stop myself from feeling like an outsider. It was obvious they shared something.

I looked away quickly, determined not to let my emotions get the best of me.

"Amara."

I gasped. I paused, the tray nearly dropping from my grasp. It was Thorne’s voice—low, dominating. My heart raced as I turned to face him.

“Yes, Alpha?” Despite my heart racing so loudly that I could hardly hear myself, I spoke steadily.

Everything else seemed to vanish for a moment as his gaze met mine. However, the moment was brief, and I could see how icy his eyes were. My soul felt as though someone had covered it with ice.

"Amara," he said, his voice stronger this time, “I need to speak to you. Now.”

I swallowed, feeling a tight lump grow in my throat. I had not hoped for this tone. I didn't feel a connection to this Thorne last night.

"Alpha, I'm listening."

His face hardened as he stepped closer. "I sensed it. It was last night that I glanced at you. I believed I had identified the connection. However, I was mistaken.

I felt sick to my stomach. "Wrong?"

"Yes," Thorne replied in a low, definitive voice. "I’m rejecting you, Amara. You are not my mate. You were never meant to be."

The words hit me like a slap. I felt the sting down to my bones. "What?" Breathing became difficult for me as I gasped. But you sensed the attraction last night.

As though trying to persuade himself of something, his jaw tensed and he averted his gaze for a moment. "No. I am unable to accept you. Not right now. Not ever.”

I was having trouble breathing. My chest felt like it was being squeezed. “But—why? Why would you”

“You’re beneath me,” he spat, his voice hoarse. “You’re a slave. You’re nothing. And I'm not going to let my wolf pick you.

I recoiled as though he had given me a face slap. The anguish shook my body. The connection between us was genuine. There was no denying it. Thorne, however, was denying it. as well as myself.

Tears threatened to fall, but I blinked them away as I took a wobbly step back. "Did she cause it?" My voice trembled as I asked, unable to stop myself. I gave Lydia, who was standing close by and observing us with an unreadable look, a nod.

Thorne's eyes shifted from me to her and back again. A grimace curved his lips. "She is not involved in this. You're not strong. You're not worthy of me.

My heart broke. “I’m not weak,” I whispered. "I"

Thorne cut in, his voice colder than I could have ever imagined, "You are." "And I will not let a mistake like this divert my pack."

I felt like screaming. to retaliate. However, the words refused to come. I was consumed by the hurt and the rejection. How could he say things like that? How could he discard all the potential we had?

I didn't care who saw me, so I turned away and fled the banquet hall. When the tears finally came, I continued to cry. I was unable to remain there. Not with him, not with her.

Later, I was sitting in the shadows of the garden, trying to steady my breath. The air was cold on my skin, but the burn in my chest wouldn’t diminish.

“You shouldn’t have gone in there,” a voice said quietly gently.

I looked up to see Lydia standing a few steps away, her expression unnaturally calm. Too calculated.

"What are you looking for?" My voice was hoarse as I asked.

"I just want to make sure you're alright," she responded charmingly. “After all, you must be devastated by the rejection. I don’t believe anyone anticipated him to be so... blunt.”

“Why are you here?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.

Lydia drew closer, her gaze never leaving mine. “You should accept it, Amara. Thorne isn’t the ideal decision for you. Not when you’re nothing more than a lowly servant.”

“I’m not” She interrupted me before I could finish.

Lydia responded, "No, you are," with a smile that stopped short of her eyes. And you shall remain forever. Thorne is worthy of more than a person like you.

Despite clenching my hands, I remained silent. I couldn't allow her to affect me. Not right now. Not after everything.

Lydia went on, "Tell me something, Amara." "Now what are you going to do? You've been turned down. You'll need to locate a new place to call home. Or perhaps you'll remain here. But you will always be beneath us.

I inhaled deeply and forced the rage back down. "I'll make it through. I'll get through this.

Lydia grinned broadly. "Will we not, see?"

I lay in my cramped lodgings later that night, unable to fall asleep. I kept thinking about what Thorne had said. His denial. I still felt the anguish like a second skin.

But I felt something else burning. A fresh resolve. I refused to simply lie down and accept it. No matter what, I was going to live.

I would also cause Thorne to regret this.

I wouldn't be his helpless, pathetic partner. I would disprove him.

I strained my ears as the sound of whispered voices cut through my thoughts. When I realized who was speaking, I froze.

Lydia Thorne.

With my heart thumping in my chest, I stealthily made my way to the door. As I heard their conversation, I placed my ear to the crack, gasping for air.

Lydia said in a quiet but firm voice, "We can't let her stay here." "She poses a risk."

Thorne answered, "She won't be a threat for long." He spoke in a chilly tone. "I'll see to that."

"Well," Lydia remarked. "She'll be leaving shortly. And nothing will get in our way once she is.

Breathing caught in my throat.

They were scheming to harm me.

They desired my departure.

However, I had no intention of leaving.