Maria.
I woke up with a slow, lazy stretch, my arms reaching above my head as a distant bell rang through the pack grounds. Its sound was sharp and commanding, cutting through the remnants of sleep clinging to my mind. I groaned softly, blinking up at the unfamiliar ceiling for a brief second before reality settled in. Over the past few days I had spent in the Moon Bridge Pack, I had learned one thing clearly—when that bell rang, it wasn't a suggestion. It was an order. Every rogue was expected to gather immediately and get to work.
I rolled off the bed and sat up, rubbing my face tiredly. An Omega here was quite lucky. They belonged, had structure, and had protection. Sometimes I caught myself wishing I was one of them. Life would have been simpler. No numbers. No constant uncertainty. No standing in line wondering what kind of fate the day would throw at me.
I stood up and glanced toward Galen, who was already awake, tightening the straps on her worn boots.
"Already up?" I muttered, forcing a weak smile.
She looked up at me. "That bell could wake the dead," he said dryly. "You'd better move fast before they start barking orders."
I sighed. "As if they ever stop."
Galen chuckled softly and straightened. "Relax, Maria. It's just another day."
"Another day of wondering if today is the day everything goes wrong," I replied, grabbing my own things.
She paused at the door and glanced back at me. "You'll be fine," she said, her voice lower now. "Just stick close, yeah?"
I nodded, grateful for the small comfort her words offered. Though I was still damn wary of her. We stepped out together and joined the flow of movement heading toward the field.
By the time we arrived, other rogues were already lined up in rough rows, shoulders squared, faces wary. The air felt tense, heavy with unspoken thoughts. A few wolves were taking head counts, calling out numbers while others shifted impatiently on their feet.
Low murmurs rippled through the line.
"The guests have arrived," someone whispered.
"Hope you recall your number?" another voice murmured nervously.
"Yeah. I pray mine is kind."
A soft scoff came from behind me. "Imagine getting a sassy guest. My day could only get worse."
I exhaled deeply, the breath leaving my chest slowly as their words sank in. My fingers curled at my sides as my heart thudded a little faster. Guests meant unpredictability. They meant judgment. They meant being watched and measured.
I glanced sideways at Galen. She kept her eyes forward, jaw set, but I could tell she felt it too—the shared tension, the silent fear that crept in no matter how hard we tried to ignore it.
I lifted my gaze toward the sky, barely visible above the towering trees, and whispered silently to the one being I hoped still listened.
Moon Goddess, please make mine a good day.
Just one good day.
"Room 402, guest 112 has arrived," the official announced, his voice ringing clearly across the courtyard.
The words hit me like a sudden blow. My shoulders stiffened, muscles tightening before I could stop myself. So early. Far earlier than I had anticipated. My breath hitched slightly, and for a split second, I felt as though the air around me had grown heavier, pressing down on my chest.
"Rogue 456! Actively welcoming the guest!" I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady even as unease coiled in my stomach. Without hesitation, I turned and rushed toward the gates, my boots striking the ground in quick, purposeful strides. Outwardly, I moved with discipline and precision, the way I had been trained to. Inwardly, my thoughts were already spiraling, chasing questions I wasn't ready to answer.
The gates loomed ahead, tall and imposing. As they slowly parted, the figure beyond them came into view. He descended with an air of quiet authority, every step measured, every movement carrying a natural dominance that demanded attention. He didn't rush. He didn't hesitate. He simply walked forward, as though the space itself parted willingly for him.
As expected of me, I bowed my head in respect, lowering my gaze to the ground. It was instinctive, automatic, etched into my bones by years of survival. But when I straightened and lifted my eyes, my body betrayed me.
I froze.
The world seemed to tilt, the sounds around me fading into a dull hum. Standing before me was a face I knew far too well. A face I never expected to see here.
It was Darren.
Darren Copper!
For a heartbeat, I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. My mind struggled to catch up with what my eyes were seeing. Darren. Here. Of all places.
What was he doing here?
Weren't he at odds with the Quadruplet Alphas? Hadn't the tension between them been thick enough to cut with a blade? My thoughts tumbled over one another, frantic and disordered. And worse—weren't they calling me a spy because of him? Because of my connection, my past, the shadow his name seemed to cast over me?
A chill crept down my spine.
Were the Quadruplet Alphas trying to test me?
The possibility struck hard, sending a sharp pulse of fear through my chest. My throat tightened, and my heartbeat surged, pounding violently against my ribs as though trying to escape. Each thud echoed in my ears, loud and unforgiving. I could feel it racing, accelerating beyond my control, my pulse betraying the calm mask I struggled to maintain.
Oh no.
My fingers curled slightly at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I fought to ground myself. Darren's presence alone felt like a spark tossed into dry grass, dangerous, unpredictable. Every accusation, every suspicious glance I'd endured suddenly resurfaced in my mind, sharper and more threatening than before.
I stood there, caught between duty and dread, my heart pacing faster with every passing second, knowing that from this moment on, nothing would feel safe again.