Chapter 7: Chapter Eight

Ariel’s POV

I stood where Kyle asked me to, my fingers nervously twisting the hem of my borrowed dress. He had gone off to meet Alpha Matteo’s daughter, and though I told myself it was none of my concern, my chest felt tight.

What if he finds out it’s me?

The thought clawed at me until I had to breathe in deeply, pressing my palm against my stomach as if I could steady the storm swirling inside me.

“Are you alright?” Kyle’s voice cut through my thoughts.

I turned to him. He stood just a few steps away, tall and broad, his expression calm as ever, though I noticed the sharp way his eyes flicked around as if cataloguing every shadow and movement.

“I’m fine,” I lied. My voice trembled slightly.

Kyle tilted his head, his mouth twitching like he didn’t believe me. “You don’t look fine.”

A small, awkward silence stretched between us. He shifted his weight, cleared his throat, and said, “Do you want to sit? Or… maybe eat something?”

I shook my head quickly. “No, thank you.”

He nodded once. Then, as though trying to bridge the uncomfortable quiet, he added, “The pack kitchens are always open. You should never hesitate to ask.”

I gave him a faint smile. “I’ll remember that.”

It was clear from the way he stood—hands clasped behind his back, posture straight—that he wasn’t the type for small talk. Still, he seemed to be making an effort for me. The silence pressed again, so I blurted the question that had been gnawing at me since Trent walked away.

“Who exactly is Alpha Matteo’s daughter?”

Kyle stiffened. His eyes darted away briefly before locking back onto me. “Why?”

I shrugged, feigning casual interest, though my heart raced. “Just… curious. Trent looked so serious when he left.”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” he said quickly. Too quickly.

My brows furrowed. “So you do know her.”

Kyle sighed, his jaw tightening as if debating whether to answer. “It’s better if you don’t dwell on it. Alpha Trent will handle everything.”

The evasiveness only sharpened my suspicion. “But she must be important,” I pressed gently.

His hesitation spoke louder than words.

“Kyle,” I said softly, “please. I’d rather know than keep imagining things.”

His gaze lingered on me for a long second, then he exhaled sharply through his nose. “Her name is Minerva.”

Minerva. The name landed heavy in the air.

“She came here months ago, half-dead,” Kyle continued, his voice low and cautious. “Trent saved her. Gave her protection, shelter… even trusted her with things most outsiders would never know.”

I swallowed hard. “And?”

Kyle’s eyes narrowed. “And she lied about who she really was. About where she came from.”

For a moment, relief washed through me like a tide. So… Trent didn’t know the truth about me. Not yet. My secret remained mine.

“Don’t let it trouble you,” Kyle said, misreading the flicker of emotion across my face. “Minerva’s situation is… complicated. But Trent will deal with her.”

I nodded, though unease still prickled under my skin.

Kyle studied me in silence, then his tone softened. “You need to relax. You’re safe here.”

“Safe?” The word felt foreign on my tongue.

“Yes.” His eyes were steady, unflinching. “Trent won’t let anyone harm you. But you should also prepare yourself.”

My breath caught. “Prepare myself for what?”

He shifted slightly, folding his arms. “For the whispers. The stares. The resentment. Not everyone will be happy about you being Trent’s mate.”

The words landed like stones. My heart squeezed painfully. “But… it isn’t even public knowledge yet.”

Kyle gave a small shrug. “Secrets don’t stay hidden long in a pack. Especially not secrets about the Alpha.”

I bit my lip, the weight of his words pressing down on me.

“You’ll need strength, Ariel,” Kyle said firmly. “Because once the truth is out, you’ll be tested. By everyone.”

Silence stretched between us again, heavier this time. I managed a small smile. “Thank you… for being honest.”

He gave me a curt nod, almost awkwardly, as if unused to gratitude.

Just then, the pounding of boots interrupted the moment. A guard approached hurriedly, bowing his head. “Beta Kyle, there’s been an altercation near the west training yard. Two of the high-ranking guards—”

Kyle muttered a curse under his breath. “Who?”

“Darius and Rowan, sir.”

Kyle’s jaw clenched. “Of course it’s them.” He turned to me briefly. “Stay here. Don’t wander.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him quickly.

His sharp gaze lingered on me for a beat longer, then he gave a brisk nod and strode away with the guard.

I exhaled slowly, tension unraveling from my shoulders. The silence of the hall pressed around me, too heavy, too suffocating. I needed air.

Just a short walk. Nothing dangerous.

I slipped out into one of the side corridors, letting my feet carry me. The manor’s stone walls loomed tall, lit by flickering torches. I traced my fingers lightly over the carvings as I walked, trying to calm the storm in my chest.

Turning a corner, I collided sharply with someone.

“Watch where you’re going!”

I stumbled back, heart pounding, and looked up into the cold, narrowed eyes of a young woman with striking features. Her long dark hair framed a face that was undeniably beautiful—but her expression twisted it into something sharp, cruel.

“I—I’m sorry,” I stammered.

Her lips curved in a smirk. “So this is the girl everyone’s whispering about.”

Confusion knotted in my chest. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” She crossed her arms, gaze raking over me like I was something she’d scrape off her shoe. “Trent’s little stray.”

My breath hitched. “Who… are you?”

“Kiara,” she said coolly, her smirk widening. “Second Beta of the Blood Moon Pack. Which makes me a lot higher than you’ll ever be.”

Her words sliced through me.

“And let me be clear,” Kiara added, leaning closer, her voice dropping like venom. “You don’t belong here.”

The corridor seemed to shrink around me, her presence suffocating, dangerous.