Rationing

Chapter 74:

Kaya's pov.

Panic ensued as soon as the lights went out, I was bumped into several times and I had to cover and protect Elior with my whole body to avoid him being hit.

The cries of children filled the air, along with the screams from women both young and old. I was too afraid to make a sound, terrified of what would happen next.

The lights suddenly came back on, restoring order to the safe house. The screaming died down a little, but the cries from children did not stop. I was surprised that Elior was quiet, not startled by all the noise. He was busy playing with the hem of my scarf.

“Calm down everyone! We just lost power for a few seconds, everything is fine!” Marta yelled out. She was standing on the podium again.

What about the scream that we all heard? Wasn't that going to be addressed? That scream was so haunting, I am convinced that this safe house won't be safe for long.

“The Alpha will come to address us all shortly, but until then, please maintain order!”

That evil man, I can't even stand to be in his presence. He killed Feyi in cold blood and tried to take advantage of me. I wish this ill fate befell him alone and not his innocent subjects!

After an hour of waiting for Alpha Silas to arrive, hunger began to take its toll on everyone there, including me. The children were complaining and so were the women, slowly, the peace and quiet started to disappear again.

Elior was also hungry, he was getting cranky and really uncomfortable. I can't even feed him, not when I haven't eaten in a while. I'll only make him sick.

A safe house is supposed to have food, but this place is empty. It's probably because this whole thing came as an emergency, they had no time to prepare for it.

I started to hear rumors of the Alpha's arrival and the atmosphere became less tensed. I guess they find his arrival as hope for them, but I don't see it that way at all. Alpha Silas is nothing but trouble and that's all he'll ever be to me.

A few guards walked into the safe house, creating a way for Alpha Silas to walk through. They pushed back the wailing women and children who were trying to touch him, making sure they didn't get close to him.

Alpha Silas walked through the crowd with his head bent until he got to the podium where Marta was standing. She bowed to him, giving him space to stand before everyone.

“Please remain calm everyone. I understand what you all must be going through, especially because this came as a shock.” He started, staring at everyone. His eyes briefly met with mine but I quickly looked away, feeling irritated. I hate everything that has to do with him.

“The men are doing everything possible to make sure that we combat the threat before it sinks everyone. But until then, you all will have to remain here, and pray to the moon goddess that we wage this war successfully.”

“War?”

“Oh my goodness!”

“A war? We're done for.”

Murmuring began to rise, everyone dreaded a war and I wasn't exempted. What could a war mean for me and my little baby? We're not even members of this pack, we could easily be sacrificed or given off just for the sake of the pack.

“Silence!!” One of the soldiers yelled, restoring order once again.

“Like I said, you all are safe here and you will remain here until the coast is clear. Food items will be brought in soon and shared appropriately, there's enough water and sleeping space. Everything will be fine.” Alpha Silas added and sighed.

I stared intently at him, I have never seen him look so defeated and afraid. Well, I know I only just got here but all I have ever seen in his eyes is wickedness.

Whoever this Axel is, he must really be a thorn in the flesh for Alpha Silas to be so deathly afraid of him.

Soon, he was done with his speech and was led out by his soldiers. The food items were brought in as promised but I was shoved aside, finding myself at the back of the line along with other slaves.

Apparently, we will only get something to eat once the members of the pack were satisfied. It was painful to be treated like this, I won't deny it. I can't help but feel sorry for Elior. This isn't any better than being in the forest with Feyi, the circumstances have gotten even worse.

“The Alpha is a cruel man.” I heard one of the slaves say and I turned to her.

“What makes you say that? Isn't it obvious that he has the interest of his people at heart?” I asked, purposely trying to get more information from her.

“Oh please. He would toss us into the lion's den if his own life is threatened, believe me. He has no heart.” She replied and turned away, sniffing.

“Don't worry, we will be fine.” I told her and she looked at me again, smiling. She stared at Elior, beaming at him.

“What's his name?”

“Elior.”

“Such a handsome child.”

“I just like you Kaya.”

How did she know my name?

“You must be wondering how I know your name,” she giggled. “I heard it from Marta. My name is Tessa.”

“Nice to meet you Tessa.”

“Ditto. Hey Kaya, I can give you a portion of my food when I get it, to sustain you and your baby.”

I was shocked that she wanted to do that for me. She doesn't even know me, and she also looked like she was starving. After a while, I managed to find at least one kind person here, but I still have to thread with caution.

“You don't have to.” I told her.

“I insist.” She smiled again.

It's a wonder that she smiles so much despite being a rejected slave here. I am impressed by her and sincerely hope that she finds genuine happiness.

We were still talking when the soldiers who were sharing the food started rushing out. The door that led down to the safe house slammed shut and we heard it being barricaded.

Oh dear, has the war began?