Chapter 5 Louisa's POV

I did not sleep.

I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling while the palace breathed around me. The sheets were too soft. The room was too quiet. Peace felt unfamiliar. It felt wrong.

Every time I closed my eyes I saw blood. My father on his knees. His head held high even when they accused him. Even when they dragged him out. Even when Alpha Reynold gave the order.

The man who now owned the room I was lying in.

I turned to my side. My chest hurt. The bond pulled at me like a wound that refused to close.

Mate.

The word tasted bitter.

I pressed my palm to my chest. Trying to calm the ache. Trying to remind myself that bonds could lie. That the Goddess could be cruel.

A knock came at the door.

I stiffened.

Come in.

The door opened slowly. A maid stepped in carrying a tray. She kept her eyes low.

Your meal. She said softly.

I looked at the tray. Bread. Soup. Fruit. Clean food. Warm food.

I felt sick.

I am not hungry. I said.

She hesitated. Then nodded. She placed the tray on the table anyway and left.

The door closed.

I sat up slowly. My body protested. Bruises screamed. But I forced myself up.

I needed to think.

Alpha Reynold was not stupid. He did not save me for pity. He did not bring me here for kindness.

He wanted something.

And whatever it was it scared me more than the rogues ever did.

The door opened again without a knock.

He walked in like he owned the air. Like the room bent around him.

I did not look up.

You are awake. He said.

I stayed silent.

You did not eat.

I pushed myself off the bed and faced him. My legs shook but I stood anyway.

Why am I here. I asked.

He studied me. His eyes were sharp. Calculating.

Because you are my mate.

I laughed. It came out broken. Ugly.

No. I said. That is not enough.

It is the only reason that matters.

I stepped closer. My heart pounded but anger held me upright.

You killed my father. I said. Say it.

His jaw tightened.

I gave an order.

You killed him.

Silence stretched.

Yes. He said finally.

The word hit me harder than a slap.

Then kill me too. I whispered. Finish it.

He moved fast. In one step he was in front of me. His hand gripped my chin. Not rough. Not gentle. Controlled.

If I wanted you dead you would not be breathing.

Then why am I here.

Because you are alive. He said. And because you matter more than you know.

I slapped his hand away.

Do not touch me.

His eyes darkened.

You are not in a position to give orders.

Neither are you. I snapped.

For a moment I thought he would lose control. I wanted him to. I wanted proof that he was the monster I believed him to be.

But he stepped back.

Rest. He said. Tomorrow you will meet the council.

My breath caught.

Why.

Because your presence here will not remain a secret. And Piper Gilbert will not stay silent.

The name burned.

What do you want from me. I asked quietly.

He looked at me for a long time.

I want you alive. He said. I want you protected. And I want the truth.

Then start with the truth. I said.

He turned away.

Not tonight.

The door closed behind him.

I sank back onto the bed. My hands shook.

The council.

That meant danger. That meant judgment. That meant Piper.

I curled into myself. Sleep finally dragged me under like a tide I could not fight.

I dreamed of fire.

Morning came with sunlight and pain.

Maids entered. Bath water. Clean clothes. Soft voices.

I let them work. I did not resist. I did not care.

When they were done I barely recognized myself. My hair was brushed. My bruises hidden under fabric. I looked like someone who belonged here.

That frightened me more than chains.

The council hall was massive. Stone pillars. Moon symbols carved deep. Power pressed down from every surface.

Alpha Reynold walked beside me. Not touching. Not leaving space either.

Eyes followed us. Whispers crawled along the walls.

I saw Piper before she saw me.

Her face froze. Shock first. Then fury. Then calculation.

So the maid survived.

Beta Gilbert stood beside her. His expression unreadable.

The council began.

Accusations flew. Rogue blood. Manipulation. Seduction.

I stood silent.

Then Piper spoke.

She cried. She shook. She played the victim like it was written into her bones.

She said I bewitched the Alpha. That I planned revenge. That I was dangerous.

The council murmured.

Alpha Reynold said nothing.

I stepped forward.

I am not here to beg. I said.

The room stilled.

You called my father a traitor. You killed him without trial. You made me nothing. If you think I am weak because of that then you are wrong.

Piper laughed.

She is lying.

I looked straight at her.

You sold me. I said. To rogues.

Gasps filled the hall.

Piper paled.

Alpha Reynold turned slowly. His gaze locked on her.

Is that true.

Piper opened her mouth. Closed it.

Beta Gilbert stepped in.

Enough. He said. This girl seeks to destroy this pack. Just like her father.

Something inside me snapped.

My blood burned.

The air shifted. Candles flickered. Shadows moved.

I felt it. Power. Real. Ancient. Awake.

I lifted my hand.

No. I said. This ends now.

The hall erupted.

And for the first time since my father died.

They looked at me with fear.

Not pity.

Not disgust.

Fear.

The air vibrated around my skin. It felt alive. Like it recognized me. Like it had been waiting.

I did not understand what I was doing. I only knew I was tired of being small.

Piper stumbled back a step. Her lips trembled. The confident mask she always wore cracked right there in front of everyone.

This is not possible. She whispered.

I looked at my hand. It was glowing faintly. Not bright. Not dramatic. Just enough to remind everyone that something was wrong.

The council members shifted uneasily in their seats. No one spoke.

Alpha Reynold finally moved. He stepped in front of me without touching me. Shielding.

Enough. He said. His voice carried command.

The pressure eased slightly. My chest heaved as the strength faded like smoke slipping through my fingers.

I swayed. He caught me before I fell.

Whispers exploded across the hall.

Witch.

Abomination.

Hybrid.

I clutched his sleeve. Panic set in.

I did not plan this. I said softly.

I know. He replied.

His grip tightened just a little. Steady. Certain.

And for the first time.

I realized the truth terrified me more than them.