Chapter 5 Time to make a move.

MILA'S POV

I stared confusedly at Nina for as long as I could count the time. I wanted to believe she might be making a mistake because she of all people knew whatever she was planning would definitely not work out.

"Nina." I finally opened up to speak, my eyes moving from her down to the bag she was still holding in her hand.

"Come on. Take it." She urged, ignoring my stares even if I was sure she understood why I stared at her that way.

"Why should I take it? You of all people should know I can't possibly sneak this in without Hernia finding out about it." I said, my eyes now fully back on. She withdrew her hand and dropped the bag beside her.

"Yes, you can. It's just you being a scary cat." She said back to me. And I could bet it was in mockery.

"Well, forgive me if that's what you think. But all I know is that I'm trying to avoid more trouble." I answered, adjusting my sitting posture.

"Oh, come on Mila." She groaned. I watched her expression change to that of a frustrated mother. "You're not going to live with them forever. And I'm pretty sure you know about that. Or, have you suddenly given up on your dreams?" She questioned.

Out of shame that I was being reminded of something I had held dear to my heart for a long time, I shifted my gaze away from her, letting it rest on the smooth grass right there in the garden.

What if she was right? What if I was slowly slipping into the world of pain that broke me and forced me to give up on my dreams.

"Mila!" She shook me when she realized I had gotten so lost in thoughts. I turned sharply at her only to see an inquisitive look spread up on her face.

"Come on. Talk to me." She urged. "I'm your best friend, remember? You can tell me anything." She said again. And of course, she wasn't wrong. I could tell her everything.

"What if I tell you that I feel like I'm slowly resigning to fate?" I finally opened up to speak.

"What fate are you talking about?" Nina questioned.

"Living with my uncle and his family forever as a slave." I answered.

Nina was quick to let out a scoff - one in disbelief. I could tell from the disappointing look on her face that had not been what she expected to hear from me.

"Can't you see that there's no route to escape for me?" I continued, hoping she would get to see from my standpoint.

"I'm sorry to say this to you, Mila. But, this is the most stupid statement I've heard you make since I met you." She lashed out, her words depicting that she had been affected by what I said even if her tone was in the most polite way possible.

"Nina, I -" I tried to speak, but she was fast enough to cut me short with a wave of her hand. I kept mute and waited to hear what she had to say to me next.

The wind was the only sound that interfered in the silence that reigned over us. I could tell from how she kept her eyes straightforward, that she was probably thinking of what I had said.

"Don't you have plans of going for the annual celebration?" Nina finally opened up to ask. "Didn't you perhaps think of it even for once?" She asked again.

"I did. I've always thought of experiencing the fun part of the wolf life asides being locked up all day." I began to respond. "And I thought of attending the annual celebration so that I could also find a man to love me. If possible, my mate. But -" I paused the moment I remembered.

"But what, Mila?" Nina was quick to ask me.

Even if I was going to spill the truth, I had to bow my head in shame knowing it would only add to the disappointment.

"I don't know if I'll ever find a man that will love me. I'm nothing but a slave." I said to my very own disappointment.

"And you won't remain a slave for the rest of your life. That is one point I want you to understand." Nina said, her tone rather soft and smooth this time. She placed her hands on mine, giving me a soothing pat. When I looked up to her face, I saw a large, reassuring smile embedded on her face.

"You need to know that one of the quickest ways to escape your evil family's wrath is getting yourself a mate. And one of the ways that can equally happen is attending the annual celebration." Nina continued, not ready to give up on her point.

I, on the other hand, didn't bother interfering anymore. After all, if I wanted to be honest, the plan of attending and finding a mate made sense to me.

"Which is why you have to take this dress with you. I had to get the perfect dress from the best seamstress in the neighboring market." She said and finally pushed the bag into my hands.

"But how do I sneak this in? And how do I also get Hernia to let me attend the celebration? I have a gut feeling that she isn't going to let me step out." I said, while I was checking out the dress.

"There are a million ways to sneak this in without her knowing. We just have to be smarter than she is." Nina answered. "And if in the end she doesn't let you attend, all you have to do is sneak out to attend."

"What?" I couldn't help but burst into a chuckle as I stared at her in disbelief.

"Come on Mila. There are times you don't have to be so scared of Hernia. She's just nothing but a witch." Nina hissed.

"Careful. The walls have ears." I nudged her.

"Who cares?" She scoffed, and I laughed. "By the way, I also have the perfect man in mind for you as a mate." She grabbed my attention, passing me a wink.

"Oh, God Nina. What do you possibly have running through your head now?" I groaned, rolling my eyes at her. "Who is it?"

"It's no one but Dray, the Alpha of the crescent pack."