Chapter 8

Ella's POV

When I woke, the first face I saw was Julian's.

His golden hair caught the light with a soft glow, his blue eyes holding a look of concern. He sat at the edge of the bed, a cloth dampened with cool water in his hand, poised to wipe my forehead.

"Awake?" His voice was gentle, as if afraid to startle me.

I tried to sit up. My shoulder screamed with tearing pain. Julian pressed my arm down. "Don't move. The arrow wound hasn't healed."

The room was thick with the bitter scent of medicinal herbs. I looked around and realized this was a guest room in the East Hall of the main estate. Portraits of Silver Moon Pack's past Alphas hung on the walls. Through the window I could see the central garden, so different from the grim wolfsbane fields of the West Wing.

"The healer said you were lucky," Julian said, setting the cloth back in the basin. "The arrow missed your heart by an inch."

I opened my mouth. My voice came out hoarse, barely audible. "Your Highness..."

"Just Julian is fine." He poured a glass of water and handed it to me. "You saved my life. No need for formality between us."

I took the glass, my hand trembling. Not from pain, but from tension. We weren't alone in this room.

Kane stood by the door, his face dark as a storm. His gaze fixed on Julian's hand resting on my arm, fury simmering in his eyes. Victoria stood beside him, a faint, mocking smile playing at her lips.

"Ella," Julian turned to address everyone in the room, "you saved me. According to Silver Moon tradition, I owe you a reward. Tell me, what do you want?"

I gripped the glass, my heart pounding. This was my only chance.

"I..." I bit my lip. "I want to leave the Silver Moon Pack."

The air in the room went still.

Victoria let out a soft laugh. "A slave thinks she can make demands?"

Kane's fists clenched, his knuckles cracking audibly. "Ella, do you understand what you're saying?"

"I understand perfectly." I forced myself to meet his eyes. "I want to go back to Blood River, or to Free Haven. Anywhere but here."

"Ridiculous!" Kane took a step forward. Julian immediately stood, placing himself between us.

"Kane," Julian's voice remained gentle but carried undeniable authority, "she saved my life. She has the right to ask."

"She's playing you!" Kane's voice rose. "Can't you see? She threw herself in front of that arrow just to get close to you!"

"So what?" Julian turned to face him. "Even if it was an act, the arrow still went into her shoulder. She traded her life for this request. What's wrong with that?"

Kane's face flushed red. "She's mine!"

"Victoria is your mate," Julian said flatly. "Making such a scene over a slave in front of your mate—it's not very appropriate, is it?"

The words hit Kane like a slap. He froze, his gaze shifting between me and Julian before settling on my face.

"Ella," his voice dropped to something dangerous, "is this really what you want?"

I lowered my head, not daring to meet his eyes.

If I looked, I would weaken. I would remember those cold nights in Blood River, remember how he wiped my tears away. But I couldn't stop thinking of our unborn child. Couldn't stop seeing that glaring mark on Victoria's neck...

"Yes." I closed my eyes. "I want to leave."

Kane drew a sharp breath. "You think you can survive without me? A lowly Omega—how long would you last out there?"

"Better than waiting here to die." I opened my eyes, tears streaming down my face. "At least I'd die with dignity."

Victoria sneered. "What an act. A mongrel like you, talking about dignity?"

"Enough." Julian turned to her, his tone calm but carrying an Alpha's weight. "Miss Victoria, this is my territory. Mind your words."

Victoria's expression shifted, but she fell silent.

Julian looked back at Kane. "Brother, this assassination wasn't simple. The assassin used pure silver arrows, coated with wolfsbane. More importantly, they knew exactly where I'd be."

Kane's expression stiffened.

"What does that tell us?" Julian continued methodically. "It tells us someone inside the Pack colluded with outside bounty hunters. Someone leaked my location."

He paused, his gaze lingering on Kane's face. "Who do you think it could be?"

Kane's face turned ashen. "Are you accusing me?"

"I'm merely stating facts." Julian smiled. "Of course, I trust you wouldn't do such a thing. But certain people..." His eyes swept across the others in the room. "That's harder to say."

The tension became suffocating. I could feel the killing intent radiating from Kane, pressing down on everyone present like something physical.

"Your Highness," I spoke suddenly, my voice shaking but firm, "if leaving the Silver Moon Pack is too difficult, then I... I'm willing to stay in the East Hall to serve you. I only ask to leave the West Wing."

Julian raised an eyebrow, seeming slightly surprised by my request.

Kane whipped around to face me like a wounded beast.

"What did you say?" His voice was terrifyingly low.

I gripped the bedsheet, forcing myself not to look at his eyes. "I said I'm willing to serve the Crown Prince."

"Ella!" Kane's shout was almost a roar.

"Kane," Julian stepped between us again, "she has the right to choose where she belongs."

"I brought her back!" Kane's eyes were bloodshot. "Julian, after all these years, you still love stealing what belongs to others!"

"Love?" Julian countered. "I don't see you loving her. The one you love is standing right behind you!"

Victoria's face changed.

Kane stood speechless. He opened his mouth but no words came.

Julian turned to me. "Ella, are you certain?"

I nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. I'm certain."

"Very well." Julian smiled. "From this day forward, you belong to me, Julian Argyle."

"No!" Kane lunged forward to grab me, but Julian blocked him.

"Enough, Kane." Julian's voice turned cold. "She's made her choice. You need to respect her decision."

Kane stared at Julian, his chest heaving.

Finally, he spun around and stormed out. The door slammed shut with a thunderous crash.

Victoria gave me one last cold look before following Kane out.

The room finally fell quiet. I collapsed back against the bed, completely drained.

Julian sat down on the edge of the bed, meeting my eyes. "You made a smart choice. But let me be clear—this isn't a sanctuary. You'll need to prove your worth."

His tone was measured, carrying the assessment of someone in power.

I wiped away my tears and nodded. "I understand, Your Highness."

He stood and left the room, leaving me alone on the bed.

I stared at the ceiling, tears sliding silently down my face.

I knew I'd only escaped one cage for another. But at least in this cage, I wouldn't die waiting in despair.