Camila's POV

With a forceful grip on my arm, the Alpha dragged me downstairs to the main hall, a spacious area capable of accommodating over 200 people. It seemed he had mind-linked everyone, as every member of the pack was present, ranging from newborns to toddlers, teenagers to adults, and elders. My mouth fell open as I realized he had summoned them all for my punishment. This meant he was incredibly serious about making an example out of me, and a sense of impending danger gripped me, causing a fearful gulp.

The hall was filled with various activities. Some pack members were seated on couches, while others stood or engaged in conversations with their mates or friends. Children ran around, playing and giggling. However, as soon as Alpha Cassius made his appearance, the entire room fell into a hushed silence. Every individual stood up straight, like disciplined soldiers, and bowed deeply, showing their respect to the Alpha. They remained in that position until...

"Rise," commanded Alpha Cassius. As everyone straightened up, their eyes still fixed on him with a mix of respect and pride, they hadn't even noticed my presence. The Alpha decided it was time to draw their attention to me, and he forcefully pushed me forward, causing me to nearly lose my footing. It was then that their gazes turned to me, and their expressions transformed into pure disgust and hatred.

Once again, Alpha Cassius grabbed my arm and pulled me back, his nails digging into the same spot as before. The pain caused me to tremble, but I bit the inside of my cheeks to stifle any cries or screams. This time, he applied even more force than necessary, and I was certain it would result in yet another bruise on my hand.

"As you all know, today's breakfast was delayed," Alpha Cassius began speaking in a deceptively calm manner, but I knew it was just the calm before the storm. "And I must mention, it wasn't just a mere delay of one minute, three minutes, or even five minutes. It was delayed by a whole hour." He emphasized the gravity of the situation. "All because she was too lazy to wake up early and put in an additional hour of effort to prepare breakfast." With his words, he once again pushed me forward, exposing me to the angry faces of the pack members.

"Now, as you are all aware of the rules, it's important to understand that anyone who breaks them will face punishment. Because of her actions, you all were delayed by a total of one hour, which could have been utilized for productive work instead of wasted on someone who never contributes and spends her time sleeping or lounging around," Alpha Cassius declared, his words piercing through my thoughts. I couldn't help but be bewildered by their accusations. Don't I work tirelessly in this pack? The majority of the household chores are carried out by me. However, before I could voice my objections, Alpha Cassius's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"I have decided to give her the most severe punishment to ensure she learns her lesson and doesn't repeat the same mistake again." Wicked smiles spread across the faces of the pack members as someone from the back began shouting, receiving support and amplifying the chorus of voices that reverberated throughout the hall.

"Because of her, we were late for school!"

"I couldn't make it to the salon!"

"We missed our training session!"

Accusations were hurled at me from every direction, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for their absurd behavior. My eyes involuntarily rolled at their lack of perspective. Seriously, I managed to prepare food in just one hour—a feat that should be considered super fast and commendable. Yet, they remained displeased. Are they mad, or am I? Whoever made the claim that men are never content with what they have was clearly right. They always crave more.

"Silence!" A powerful voice boomed, instantly silencing the hall. The pack members immediately bowed their heads, submitting to his authority.

"Her punishment has already been determined, and I summoned you all to witness it firsthand. I want you to understand the consequences of daring to defy me. Follow me to the training grounds, now!" Alpha Cassius growled, leaving no room for discussion. A wave of dominance emanated from him as I whimpered in fear. He forcefully grabbed my arm and began dragging me along. I resisted, pushing against his strong grip, but my struggles only tightened his hold. His claws dug into my arm, causing unbearable pain that eventually led to a piercing scream escaping my lips—so loud that if we were still inside the pack house, it would have shaken its very foundation.

"Shut the hell up! If you don't stop struggling, I have no qualms about ending your pathetic life right here and now. I'll make sure your last moments are the most agonizing and torturous experiences you've ever endured. You'll beg for a swift death, but I won't grant that wish so easily. I'll relish every stab I have planned for you. So, stop struggling and come with me like the cowardly dog you are," he hissed angrily, his face inches from mine. His eyes transformed into a menacing black, and I noticed fur starting to emerge from his skin. Trembling with fear, I flinched and looked down as he continued to drag me.

After what felt like an eternity of being forcefully pulled, we finally arrived at the training grounds.

"Go and stand in the middle," Alpha commanded with a cold tone, forcefully pushing me away. I stumbled but managed to regain my balance. Looking back at the pack, I saw them standing in a united formation behind him, resembling an army. Some wore smirks of satisfaction, while others appeared disinterested. The thought of defying his order briefly crossed my mind, but the memory of his deadly threat instantly extinguished that idea. Fear consumed me, causing my body to break out in a cold sweat. Reluctantly, I complied and made my way to the center of the training ground. My palms clenched and released repeatedly as I scanned my surroundings, hoping to find an escape route or a hiding place to delay this dreadful situation. But there was nothing—just an open field with the scorching sun bearing down on me.

Taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart, I turned to face them. Alpha stood before the crowd, exuding his authoritative presence with his hands casually tucked into his pockets, his infamous evil smirk etched across his face.

"You will be blindfolded, and two groups of wolves who are still undergoing training, along with one of our top pack warriors, will fight against you. Your task is to rely on your senses to defend yourself—just defend, nothing more! But remember this crucial piece of information: any act of aggression from your side will be the gravest mistake of your life, and we will ensure you regret it," he calmly explained, yet the underlying threat was palpable. My fear intensified. This punishment was even worse than what rogues faced. They were locked in dungeons without food or water, subjected to alternating beatings in an attempt to extract information or kill them. However, at least they knew who their opponents were. In my case, I wouldn't even know when or from where an attack would come. Shit! How would I survive if I couldn't fight back? These wolves were highly trained, and I stood no chance against them. Before I could ponder a solution to the predicament I had gotten myself into, Alpha continued speaking.

"All of this defense must be done in your human form. If you shift into your wolf form or collapse on the ground, your chores will be doubled, and you will face increased punches and kicks from the pack members. Understood?" I gasped. The cruelty and vindictiveness of their plan became evident. They sought revenge, but for what? Wasn't I already paying for the incident they blamed me for? "Try your best to remain on your feet if you wish to avoid the forthcoming consequences," he added with another smirk, causing my eyes to widen in shock as my face drained of color.

I knew nothing about fighting or defense, and they were well aware of it. That's precisely why Alpha chose this punishment for me. How could I possibly defend myself when they never allowed me to train and my senses were weak? A visible gulp traveled down my throat as my hands grew clammy with sweat. My mind and heart raced at a hundred miles per minute.

Despite being a werewolf and having a natural instinct for self-defense, I couldn't muster the courage to stand up against them. I'm too weak to fight back. How could I be otherwise when they barely provide enough food to survive, deny me rest, and even whip me with silver-covered whips at times? The scars on my back and upper thighs remain hidden beneath my clothing.

"Nova, did you hear that?" I called out to her, my voice filled with panic.

"Yeah, don't worry, and please try not to panic. We've always managed to get through situations like this," she reassured me. But how could I not worry? While she was right that we had encountered challenging circumstances before, this time it felt far more severe. We had often been on the verge of death, and just when I started to believe that my suffering was finally coming to an end, that my painful life would cease, I would wake up in a hospital bed with IVs attached to me. They always took us to the pack hospital, and we would return alive. Unfortunately. They had become so dependent and lazy that they couldn't even survive without a maid!

"Don't even think about dying yet. We still have to find our mate, and I'm sure that when we do, he will help us. With his love, he'll change your perspective on the idea of dying. Remember, being in his arms will bring you more peace than being dead," Nova said optimistically. Ha! As if anyone would want to mate with us. I doubt the Moon Goddess has even chosen a mate for me, and even if she has, he would surely reject me. No one desires a fat, lazy, and ugly omega as a mate. The pack members share this belief, as they constantly remind me of my mate's future rejection during their beatings. Strangely, I find solace in their shared belief.

"Shush, girl, you're really crazy. I can't fathom how you can think that way about our mate," Nova commented. Is that even a question? The real question is, how can she remain so positive about our mate? What does she know? She wasn't even with me when that tragic incident occurred. If my mate is from this pack, he will undoubtedly reject me. If he's from another pack, there might be a chance.

"Enough talking. Listen carefully. I will do my best to heighten your senses so that you can defend yourself. Please maintain control over your hands and legs. Don't let them overpower you, as you've always managed to do. If you follow my instructions, we'll be just fine," my wolf concluded confidently, while I groaned in frustration.

"I fear, Nova, that this may be our final ordeal. No matter what we attempt, they always find a way to break us," I confessed, my voice trembling with fear, as I surveyed the crowd, trying to discern who would be chosen to end my life. My heart sank when I noticed two burly men stepping forward.

"Cam, silence! Why do you humans always declare the outcome before even facing the challenge? Focus on them, not on me, and cease with your negative thoughts. If you were to die, don't assume I'd grant you a peaceful afterlife, for I won't. Now, concentrate," Nova admonished me, hushing my concerns while subtly threatening me with her words. I knew she wouldn't spare me either if I perished. She would surely ensnare my soul in this world and subject me to torment. What a wonderful wolf companion I have! Yet, despite her words, fear still gripped me. This was an experience I had never encountered before.

Dissociating my mind link from Nova, I observed that Alpha had formed a group consisting of two trainers, three others, and one warrior stationed at the end. That is, if I managed to survive until the end.

"Endure until the very last moment, relying on your feeble and repulsive legs, until it is my chance to strike, as I eagerly await my turn," the warrior Max taunted, wearing a malicious smirk.

"Blindfold her," commanded Alpha, and just as the order was given...

"If I may," Eliana interjected with a sickeningly sweet tone, casting a seductive glance at Alpha Cassius. He met her gaze with an impassive expression and nodded in response.

Eliana approached me, attempting to intimidate me with her six-inch heels, smirking all the while. However, I felt no trace of fear towards her, for she was nothing more than a leech and an actual embodiment of promiscuity. She positioned herself behind me and, with an unsettling force, tightened the blindfold knot while snarling, "Go to hell, whore." The sudden pressure made my eyes well up, and I gasped for breath.

"Begin," bellowed Alpha, his voice resounding throughout the arena, signaling the commencement of the battle between me and my approaching, unseen adversaries.

Camila's POV

I discerned the sound of two pairs of feet approaching, and my ears perked up, fixated solely on the rhythmic footfalls. One pair halted before me, maintaining a considerable distance, while the other pair stopped behind me.

I anticipated their next move, yet they remained eerily silent. Beads of sweat trickled down my forehead, tracing a path to my ear. Then, abruptly, I heard both sets of footsteps marching towards me simultaneously. Ah, so this was their strategy. I waited for the opportune moment, and when I sensed their proximity, I sprang into action. Swiftly, I ducked down and sprinted in the opposite direction. Once I was confident that a sufficient distance lay between us, I came to a halt, my breaths ragged. God, I was terribly out of shape. Who was I fooling? I yearned to train, but they refused to allow me.

A resounding crash followed my evasion, and the two individuals tumbled to the ground with a loud thud, groaning in pain.

"Remove these two useless trainers from my sight. I will deal with them later. Next group," commanded Alpha Cassius.

I strained my ears, but there was no sound, absolute silence. Either they had ceased their movements, or they were maneuvering into position with utmost stealth.

Then, from both my left and right, I heard the faint rustling of leaves—subtle yet alarmingly close. However, there was no sign of a third presence.

A twig snapped behind me, accompanied by an incoherent curse muttered under someone's breath. It was dangerously close. Reacting swiftly, I pivoted to defend myself. But my reflexes were not quick enough. The cacophony of footsteps running from every direction disoriented me, causing me to lose track of the sound's origin. I spun in circles, desperately attempting to fend off any impending attack.

Suddenly, two hands gripped my arms tightly from both sides, restraining me momentarily. Meanwhile, I felt a forceful punch connect with my face, breaking my nose and splitting my lips. The two hands that had restrained me promptly released their grip, only to join the third assailant mercilessly striking me with punches and kicks. I bit down hard on my lip, stifling the urge to scream, drawing blood in the process.

With each successive blow landing on my face, my strength waned, while their attacks grew increasingly forceful and potent. I instinctively raised my hands to shield myself, but it proved futile.

Realizing that defending myself was futile, I made a desperate dash to escape, with my assailants relentlessly pursuing me. Suddenly, a vicious kick landed on my ankle, causing it to twist painfully, and I collapsed to the ground, landing on my knees with a resounding scream of agony. The pain was excruciating, surpassing my ability to conceal it any longer. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision.

My energy was dwindling rapidly, and I doubted I could endure much longer. A collapse seemed imminent, and the ceaseless barrage of blows inflicted upon me only worsened my condition.

"Hang in there, Cam. Don't give up just yet. We will find a way out of this. Remember, we have faced similar situations before, and you fought with courage and determination. Don't let go of your will to persevere. Stand up to them," Nova attempted to reassure me. But her words had little effect. While we had encountered challenges in the past, this situation was more severe. They were out to kill me. I wished for death to claim me now.

"That's enough. Max, finish this. We have more pressing matters to attend to than this," sneered Alpha, brimming with animosity, reveling in his dominance.

The three groups of trainers returned, and I remained on the ground, struggling to collect myself. My heart pounded wildly within my chest, threatening to burst through my ribcage, and my breathing grew labored, a constant struggle to prevent choking.

Time slipped away, leaving me with no opportunity to devise an escape plan. I heard the distinct sound of boots approaching, the newcomer's aura less powerful than that of Alpha and Beta.

Still on my knees, Warrior Max stood before me, exuding an air of superiority. He cracked his knuckles and studied me for a moment before spewing his venomous words.

"What's the matter, whore? Where's your arrogant confidence and attitude? You're well aware that your laziness brought you to this fate." He spat on my face, a vile act of contempt.

I regarded him with utter revulsion, summoning the last shreds of my dwindling energy to shoot a defiant glare in his direction. With the back of my hand, I wiped away the viscous saliva that had tainted my face.

My display of resistance seemed to infuriate him. Emitting a fierce growl, he unleashed a punch, propelled by all his might, squarely connecting with my jaw, shattering it in an instant. The impact was overwhelming, and unable to bear the pain any longer, I crumpled to the ground. Nova's desperate cries for me to persevere fell on deaf ears. I was utterly overpowered, crushed both physically and emotionally. They had succeeded in breaking me entirely, from the inside out.

In that moment, I beseeched anyone who might be listening, granting me but a single wish: death. Yet, I knew all too well that no one would pay heed to the pleas of a pathetic and worthless omega who had committed the unspeakable act of killing her own parents. If any divine beings did exist in the realm beyond the clouds, I implored them to bring an end to my life, granting the liberation I yearned for, the freedom from the perpetual torment. It was my ultimate plea as the darkness engulfed my mind, and I embraced it willingly, vowing never to let it slip away again.