Ariana's POV

“Give me a minute,” he muttered before stepping out.

I nodded, swallowing hard.

Kayla whispered. ‘We’ll finally be free’

I forced a small smile as I sniffed.

At least now, I was going to see my father.

A few minutes later, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the dungeon. I raised my head and saw two guards walking in with Aiden.

One of the guards unlocked the dungeon door and swung it open before stepping aside. Both guards stood there, waiting for me.

For a moment, I remained frozen in place.

So, if it weren't for Alpha Damien's strange interest in me, Logan would have simply left me to die here.

“Ariana,” Aiden called.

I looked up at him as he gestured for me to come out.

I hesitated.

Or did Alpha Damien send him to get me because I'm from Nightfang? But then why would he want me as a servant?

Aiden stepped into the dungeon and walked toward me.

“I thought you were desperate to get out of here a moment ago,” he muttered. “Or don't you want to see your father anymore?”

Of course I wanted to see him.

I stared at him, opening my mouth to answer, but no words came out.

Aiden leaned down until he was closer to my height, his eyes meeting mine.

For some reason I couldn't explain, my heart suddenly began pounding.

Kayla whispered. ‘Step out already'

I quickly broke eye contact.

Before I could move, Aiden suddenly bent down and slipped one arm beneath my knees and the other around my back… In one smooth motion, he lifted me into his arms.

My eyes widened.

My jaw tightened. “Put me down!” I yelled. “You can't just lift me!”

He didn't answer instead, he adjusted his hold on me, keeping me securely against his chest as he walked out of the dungeon.

I stared at him in disbelief as he continued looking straight ahead.

How can he lift me so easily with my weight?

Kayla chuckled.

Don't even do that, this isn't funny.

“Put me the hell down,” I demanded.

Still, he ignored me.

He walked through the pack house, carrying me as though I weighed nothing.

Where is he taking us?

Kayla's voice came quietly. ‘He's definitely not going to hurt us’

You can't be sure of that. At this point, I think anyone can hurt us.

Instead of heading toward the main entrance, he continued outside, crossing the pack grounds toward another building. He stopped in front of a door, pushed it open with one hand, and stepped inside.

My eyes immediately scanned the room.

He walked toward a neatly made bed before gently lowering me onto it.

“You should freshen up,” he said as he straightened. “You can choose a dress from there.”

He pointed toward the wardrobe.

I remained seated on the bed, staring at him.

“I'll be waiting outside.”

With that, he turned and walked out, closing the door behind him.

I stared at the door for a few seconds before slowly getting to my feet.

My eyes wandered around the room.

It was simple but clean, with a bed, a wardrobe, a small table, and a full-length mirror. A door beside the wardrobe led to the bathroom.

Kayla muttered. ‘You should get ready’

I slowly walked toward the wardrobe.

Just then, my stomach growled loudly.

I sighed.

“Seriously?”

I opened the wardrobe and froze.

Inside were five different outfits, each designed in a simple but neat style; one was a long-sleeved black dress with a white collar and a fitted waist. Another was a dark gray dress with a matching apron. There was also a navy-blue uniform with a modest neckline, a long black skirt paired with a white blouse, and another dark-colored dress with subtle silver buttons.

They were all available in larger sizes.

“It seems he made preparations ahead of time,” I muttered.

I pulled one of the uniforms from the wardrobe and hurried into the bathroom.

A few minutes later, I stepped out of the bathroom dressed in the uniform.

I walked toward the full-length mirror and stared at my reflection.

The dress fit me comfortably as the white collar gave it a formal appearance, while the simple apron around my waist completed the servant's uniform.

I looked at myself for a long moment.

“I'm just… a failure,” I whispered.

Kayla said softly. ‘Don't say that’

“Can't you see it? Just take a look at me.”

I swallowed hard.

All my life, I had believed I belonged here… but it had all been a lie. I hadn't been able to see the truth even when it was staring right in front of me. I had trusted the wrong people and believed everything they told me.

Kayla replied. ‘Yes, you trusted and believed the wrong people, but now you have someone who wants you for who you are. You should appreciate that’

You mean Alpha Damien? Or Aiden? They want me as a servant.

‘You can still see your father. He's waiting for you’

He's the reason I'm doing this. Remember?

I swallowed hard and exhaled shakily.

But what if he doesn't really want me?

‘Ariana, he wants to see you. I know you feel broken and hurt because of everything you've been through, but you shouldn't let your past define you’

What do you mean?

‘You need to go through the process and complete your training, just like Aiden said. Then you'll be able to see your father’

I wiped away the tears forming in my eyes.

“You can do this, Ariana,” I whispered to my reflection.

I gathered my hair and rolled it into a simple bun, securing it neatly. Then I walked toward the door. I placed my hand on the handle and hesitated for a moment… finally, I opened it.

Aiden was standing outside, his eyes immediately settled on me.

Slowly, I walked toward him.

“Perfect,” he said when I reached him. “Now let's go have lunch. After lunch, your training begins today. You have a lot to learn.”

He stretched his hand toward me.

I glanced at it before looking back at him as I clenched my jaw.

“Show me the way,” I said coldly.

Aiden forced a smile before turning around and I followed him.

Soon, we arrived at a dining hall. The room was surprisingly small. There was only a table with two chairs, along with an elderly woman standing nearby.

The moment I saw her, I frowned.

I've seen this woman somewhere before… but where? Well, that isn't my problem right now.

“Welcome, Aiden,” the woman greeted warmly, gesturing toward the table.

Aiden and I sat down.

The woman picked up a menu and handed it to him.

Aiden opened it and glanced through the options.

“What would you like?” he asked me.

I blinked. “Anything is fine.”

He raised an eyebrow, then he looked back at the menu.

“I'll have grilled chicken, rice, and vegetable soup,” he said. “For her…” He glanced at me. “Same thing, but add some fruit and a glass of juice.”

I stared at him. “You don't have to…”

“I know,” he interrupted calmly. “I want to.”

The elderly woman nodded. “I'll get it right away.”

She collected the menu and walked away.

Aiden turned toward me.

“That's Mrs. Celine. She's in charge of providing meals for us whenever we need them,” he explained.

That name.

I looked away as realization hit me: Mrs. Celine was the owner of one of the biggest restaurants in the pack.

How had she suddenly become a cook here?

Kayla suggested. ‘Maybe she was hired by Logan, he obviously wants to impress Alpha Damien by treating Aiden well’

Suddenly a soft voice called out.

“Aiden!”

Both Aiden and I turned toward the entrance as a young, beautiful woman stepped in.

The moment she saw Aiden, her face lit up.

She walked straight toward him and threw her arms around him, pulling him into a hug.

My eyes widened as I stared at them.

Don't tell me my supposed instructor, who's supposed to train me, has suddenly gotten himself a lover?