Escaped and attacked

Thalia'S POV:

You'll be hung by dawn tomorrow, Thalia." He said with a tone of finality.

I quivered.

"Alpha Thane, Please hold on!" A soft voice broke through.

It was Zara. A smirk played at the corner of her lips as she nuzzled in his arms. He looked down at her with a smile. "What is it, my Luna?"

"I plead that you make your judgment mild." She had her eyes fixed on me as she spoke. "I know she deserves to die, but I can't get over the fact that she was once my best friend, your mate too."

"What do you say then?"

"Let her live." Zara blurted.

Huh? Let me live? Did I hear her correctly?

From the way her eyes shone, I was sure that she was up to no good. Why would she want me alive, instead of dead?

"No, Zara" Thane started to say.

"We keep her alive, and make her crave death every single time her lungs take in air."

A smile formed on Thane's face and he nodded in agreement.

"Without a wolf, she's as useless as a mere human" Zara continued, "However, we can make her useful, right here in the pack's house by making sure she carries out all of the dirty tasks."

"A maid?"

Zara bobbed her head with an excitement that threw me aback.

"Yes! A maid." She squealed.

"Aren't you lucky?" Thane asked, directing his gaze at me. "My Luna has a kind heart. At least, she doesn't want you to join your father too soon in death."

My chest thudded within me, loud enough for anyone to hear if they came close.

I didn't know whether I should be grateful that she was sparing my life with an intention of making me suffer.

I look downwards, weak.

And with that, Thane made his decision. "Take her away, Guards. Keep her locked in the prison room reserved for the omegas. By tomorrow, she shall resume her duties as a maid"

I was numb. Somehow, I didn't resist as strong hands grabbed me and shoved me through the crowd. A few people spat on me as I stumbled through while others booed at me and yanked at my hair.

The guards didn't make an attempt to shield me from them.

Yet, I felt nothing—not even the sting of the slap that one of the guards threw at my face, shortly before he locked me up in the dimly lit cell.

"Thank the moon goddess that Luna Zara opted to save your miserable life." He hissed, walking away.

I sat on the cold, damp ground for a while, sobbing. I cried until my eyes stung and my voice became hoarse.

I was almost drifting off to sleep when footsteps approached me, startling me.

"Are you asleep so soon?" A familiar voice questioned.

I sprang to my feet and wiped my hands against my eyes as the figure came into view. It was Zara. She held a fire touch that left a glow on her face.

"Zara!" I gasped, as I drew close to the iron gates of the cell.

"Yeah, Xy."

"Wha-what are you—"

"Shh,” She snapped, "You have no right to question me. I'm only here to remind you of something."

I swallowed hard.

"Look. You are aware of your new status in this pack, and—"

"Please, Zara."

"Thalia, don't interrupt me again!"

I flinched, shocked by how different she seemed. This wasn't my best friend.

"You will be in charge of scrubbing the palace walls by tomorrow. I'll be moving into Alpha Thane's chambers and I want you to put that in order too. Do you understand?"

Tears welled up in my eyes. Was this what I was reduced to? A common palace maid?

"Thalia!" She barked.

I nodded, "Yes, Lu-Luna"

The words felt heavy on my tongue as I said them.

"Good for you." With that, she swung around and walked away.

I clung to the gates, wrapping my hands firmly around it. A small thought came to my head.

I didn't have to stay here. I didn't have to go through this pain and disgrace of being a mere palace maid. With the way my best friend was now talking to me, I was sure she would do worse by dawn. I fought back my tears and let out a sharp breath.

I had to...find a way out.

Yes..yes! I could flee if only I had a chance. My hands were still firmly clutched around the gates, and I shook it with a force.

"Moon Goddess!" I cried out. Then, I pushed hard against the gates again and something occurred.

My mouth dropped open as I realized that the lock was loose.

I gave it a hard shove again and the lock fell to the floor.

I stood, stunned.

Did this just happen?

I stooped low, picked up the lock and squinted at it. I wasn't imagining things or merely dreaming.

This was real!

I rushed out without thinking and ran down the quiet hallway, and I halted in my tracks as a realization hit me. If I was trying to escape, then I had to go the other way.

I ran the opposite direction and went through the exit at the other end of the building. It led into the woods. I kept running and panting until I was sure that I had covered a good distance away from the palace building.

As I ran through the forest, my feet pounded

against the earth and my heart raced with fear.

"Not so fast, young woman!" A voice thundered behind me.

Panic gripped me.

A gang of rogue wolves had surrounded me, before I could do anything, one of them lunged at me.

Its jaws snapped wildly and his teeth grazed my neck. I tried to defend myself, but it seemed too strong. His claws dug deep into my shoulder, and a searing pain shot through my body.

I struggled to break free, but my strength failed me. The rogue's grip tightened, and everything began to blur.

Just as all went dark, I thought I saw a flash of gray fur, a pair of piercing eyes, and a strong jaw clamped onto the rogue's neck. The attacker's grip loosened on me, and I fell limp.

Everything went silent as I slipped into darkness.