ouldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. My mind was still reeling from the sight of th

m sitting at his desk, his eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. I f

d, my voice barely above a

tly as he took the cup from my hand. "Thanks

I tried not to let it show. "Is there anything else I can

eyes already back on hi

dismissal. "Very well, Alph

me, his voice cold and detached. "Vaness

at the lack of warmth in his eyes. "Yes, Alp

t be late for our meeting with the Council," he said, his voic

d not to let it show. "Of course, Alpha,"

The Alpha's cold demeanor had left me feeling unsettled, and I cou

tion. I had been summoned to accompany him, but I knew my presence was mere forma

aces stern and serious. The Alpha nod

said, his voice

politics and territorial disputes. I stood silently

one of the Council members said, his voice urgent

need to consider the consequences of our actions. We

y?" another Council member asked. "W

we do nothing. I'm suggesting we think strategically. We

houghtful. I watched, fascinated by the d

turned to me. "Vanessa, thank you for ac

rt sinking. I ha

I said, my voice bar

feeling like a mere shadow. I knew my pla

eeling like a mere shadow. He didn't even glance i

id curtly, his voice devoid

some acknowledgement, some sign that he valued my presence.

id, my voice barel

rief moment. But when I looked back, he was alrea

on thin ice around him. I didn't know what I had done to de

ease. The Alpha's cold demeanor had left me feeling unsettled, and I

be careful around the Alpha, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointm

relief wash over me. I was alone, finall

el a sense of loneliness. I was alone, with no one to turn t

trapped in this life, with no escape. I was just a mere maid, a mere accessory t

from that hell hole.