Chapter 7 THE PRICE OF SURVIVAL

CHAPTER 7

Taya's P.O.V

Elder Stone's voice which normally carried a deep and commanding sound that made people listen changed in a way that felt both powerful and victorious.

When I heard this new sound, it caused an intense feeling of chill to spread throughout my entire body. I felt an uncomfortable shiver travel down my back making me feel quite uneasy.

At the same time it felt like my heart was having trouble beating properly in my chest. It was as if a cold and tight hand had gripped my heart firmly causing a sensation of pressure that made me anxious.

Then I heard the name Ethan Munson. He was known as the Lycan and just hearing that name made me feel uneasy. It echoed in my mind stirring up memories of the past that I would rather forget.

The memories I have were packed with many frightening experiences. I was having difficulty and really trying to take in air. Standing right in front of me was Ethan Munson the Alpha leader of the Shadow Pack.

This was the very pack that had caused the deaths of my parents-my real parents-the ones I had lost long ago before I even had the chance to remember what they looked like.

I felt a wave of fear and disgust wash over me and I instinctively pulled back unable to process what was happening. How could this be happening to me right now?

"No." I whispered softly with my voice so quiet that it was almost impossible to hear.

But even though it was faint there was a surprising power in that one small word a strength that I didn't even realize was inside me until that moment.

Elder Stone's eyebrows jumped up high in shock and disbelief. Then his expression changed completely twisting into a look of intense anger.

He leaned closer and said "What did you just say young girl?"

"I want to make it very clear that I will not marry him." I said while feeling more confident as I spoke.

There was a deep sense of urgency inside me as if my very life depended on this decision.

"I absolutely refuse to go through with it."

His anger exploded in a loud and fierce way. "You actually refuse? How could you possibly refuse your engagement and your responsibility to this pack? Do you have any idea who Ethan Munson is? Do you understand what this marriage could mean for our future and the future of everyone in the pack?"

"I really don't care at all!" I shouted with my voice getting louder as I expressed my frustration.

"He's a Lycan and he belongs to the Shadow Pack. How can you possibly expect me to marry someone who is a monster like that?"

His face twisted in anger and his eyes shone with a fierce and threatening intensity.

"Ella you need to understand that you should be thankful for the opportunity we have to create a strong alliance that will help ensure our future. This isn't just about what you want or don't want it is about the survival of the Pack! We have no choice but to do this and it is crucial for us to move forward!"

"Are we really talking about survival? And at what price are we willing to pay for it?" I asked with my voice shaking slightly but I stood firm.

"Can't you see what this marriage truly is? You are giving me up making me a sacrifice to a monster just to satisfy your own selfish wants and needs! I refuse to be used as a means to help you restore your unstable peace!"

Ethan Munson stood quietly in the dark shadows while appearing almost like a mysterious figure that seemed to soak up all the light surrounding him. His face showed no emotions and his eyes were as dark as shiny black stones reflecting only a strange and unsettling calmness.

He resembled a predator that was carefully observing its unsuspecting prey and serving as a frightening reminder of the danger that was nearby and could strike at any moment.

My anger suddenly became very strong and I felt a deep and urgent need to stand up and fight against the unfairness I was experiencing. I shouted loudly "I will not allow you to treat me this way!"

My voice trembled and broke because the pressure was so intense. I continued saying "I refuse to be something that you can use to get what you want!"

A strong wave of anger spread across Elder Stone's face making it very clear how upset he was. He moved closer to me and I could see his hand lift up quickly in a sudden and forceful way.

I didn't have time to respond or defend myself before his hand struck my cheek. The impact was sharp and painful causing a burning sensation that spread through my head.

I took a step back feeling a loud ringing in my ears as everything around me began to blur and spin. A deep sense of fear took over me almost like a basic instinct that told me I had to get away quickly.

I needed to escape from this man who had the audacity to hurt me especially in a place where I thought his daughter would be safe-his house.

In a moment of panic I turned around and ran as fast as I could with my heart racing loudly in my chest like a drum banging against my ribs.

I pushed my legs to move swiftly carrying me far away from the intense anger that was surrounding me like a raging fire threatening to consume everything.

The door quietly clicked shut behind me sealing me inside this small space that felt like a peaceful escape from the chaos outside. The room had a sense of familiarity but at the same time it felt different and strange.

It dawned on me that this was Becky's room the special place where she had spent her final days before everything changed... before the tragic event that shook both our lives.

In that room where the light was soft and not very bright there was Isabella. Isabella had her face hidden in her hands and it appeared that she was very upset.

Her shoulders were trembling as she silently cried and her whole body seemed to be overwhelmed with a deep sadness and despair.

"Isa... Mom?" I quietly asked with my voice shaking with nerves as I tried to keep up the lie.

She lifted her head and looked up at me with her eyes were wide open and filled with tears that hadn't yet fallen down her cheeks.

When our eyes connected I realized that I could see my own fear in her gaze. In that moment we both understood the overwhelming and suffocating fear that filled this house surrounding us like a thick fog.

"Becky." she said softly with her voice sounding rough and strained. "Oh Becky... I can't tell you how sorry I am."

I walked up to her with my heart heavy for the woman who reflected my own struggles.

"What's going on?" I asked gently with my voice hardly more than a murmur.

She turned her gaze towards me and I could see that her eyes were filled with a complicated mix of fear and a deep sense of desperation.

With a shaky voice she said "He... he is making you marry him against your will. His name is Ethan Munson. And I need you to know he's not just an ordinary man he's a Lycan and he can be very dangerous..."