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.

Camila's POV

I luxuriated in the overwhelming sense of bliss, relishing the inexplicable joy coursing through me. Shouldn't I feel remorseful for belonging to the most wretched pack imaginable? Yet, lying here on this plush bed, basking in the tranquil breeze, I yearned for this moment of serenity to last indefinitely. Reality, however, beckoned me back, reminding me that I couldn't revel in peacefulness forever. I couldn't afford even a moment's respite, but why did it feel as though I had been transported to heaven? My thoughts abruptly halted as distressing memories flooded my mind. In a jolt of realization, I shot up from the bed, hastily opening my eyes. Without delay, I sprang to my feet, swiftly securing my hair into a ponytail, and hurried downstairs to prepare breakfast for the pack.

But as my surroundings finally registered in my consciousness, my jaw dropped in disbelief. I struggled to comprehend if this breathtaking scene before me was real or a figment of my vivid imagination. Whatever it was, it held an undeniable beauty. Stumbling on my own feet, I stood dumbfounded, captivated by the enchanting panorama that unfolded. I lost my balance and landed on the ground, cushioned by a carpet of grass. Towering trees adorned with vibrant flowers, butterflies dancing in the air, and birds reveling in the serenity of nature—it was a sight to behold. A nearby stream added to the magnificence of the picture.

Regaining my composure, I found myself clad in a simple yet elegant white and gold dress, its beauty stealing my breath away. A gasp escaped my lips in awe, contemplating who this exquisite dress might belong to. I had never had the opportunity to wear something so resplendent. I cautiously twirled, admiring its graceful contours, wary of causing any damage to its allure.

Was this a dream, or...? Suddenly, the reason for my awakening surged back into my consciousness. Fear instantly gripped me, extinguishing all the preceding happiness in an instant.

Could this be what I think it is? Am I dead?

"No, dear, you are not," a soft yet familiar voice chimed in. Startled, I turned in the direction of the voice, and a gasp reverberated through the air as I beheld a sight I thought I would never witness.

There, standing before me, adorned in a dress similar to mine, was the person I loved most in the world... my mother, wearing her signature radiant smile.

I gazed at her intently, refusing to divert my eyes or even blink for a moment. Questioning whether it could be a mere figment of my imagination, I surveyed my surroundings, savoring the captivating scenery. Yet, my traitorous eyes involuntarily gravitated toward the one person who stood out amidst the splendor—my mom.

My heart raced, unable to accept the reality before me. She couldn't be here, or perhaps she could be. But first and foremost, where was I? How had I ended up in this place? Shouldn't I be in the pack hospital or, worse yet, in the morgue?

"Don't, dear. Don't dwell on such thoughts," her melodious voice interjected, halting my train of thought. My eyes, without any conscious command, fixated on her.

No, this couldn't be real. I couldn't be here. It must be a trick played by my mind, a foolish game of emotions. Why subject me to such an intense rollercoaster? I blinked repeatedly, hoping that when I opened my eyes, she would no longer be there. Yet, to my surprise, she remained, wearing a slightly perplexed expression. Closing my eyes briefly, I reopened them, only to find her still standing in the same spot.

Rubbing my eyes in disbelief, I mustered the courage to ask, "Mom, is that really you? Are you truly here, or am I trapped in a dream?"

"Sort of. I exist within your mind, but I am still real. If you doubt me, why don't you come closer and embrace your momma? Then you can decide for yourself if I'm real or not," she replied in her tender, motherly tone.

Initially hesitant, I took a couple of hesitant steps, filled with trepidation. However, as I witnessed her steadfast presence and her angelic smile, I threw caution to the wind. Without a second thought, I sprinted toward her with all my might, wrapping my arms around her tightly, afraid that releasing my grip would cause her to vanish.

"Oh, Mom, I missed you so much," I sobbed.

"I know, my dear, and I've missed you too," my mom replied, holding me just as tightly as I held her.

"I love you, Mom," I cried, burying my face in her neck. My parents were the only ones in front of whom I could shed tears without feeling embarrassed. I released all the pain, hurt, and agony that had been bottled up inside me for years.

"I love you too, baby, and we're sorry we left you to face the world alone," she replied, a tear slipping from her eye as she gently stroked my hair.