Chapter 3 Caged Flames

Fiona's POV

The silence in my room no longer comforted me, it only reminded me of Kael's madness as I sat curled by the window, hand on my belly that was yet to show signs, drained from the morning nausea and sleepless nights.

It hurt so much to know that I could vanish and Kael wouldn't flinch but I couldn't do anything about the pain.

My mind was a huge mess and my only hope was Alpha Derek. But finding a way into his presence was a burden on its own.

Anger churned in my stomach, more violent than the morning sickness and I could not help but crave a cup of hot chocolate which had slowly become my favorite over the years.

Getting on my feet, I shed the oversized hoodie I had lived in for days, slipped into another dress that made me look less homeless, and made my way to the kitchen where I found Cassie, a former warrior from my pack, Eva and two other omegas.

They were talking excitedly and giggling loudly in between like they had just hit a jackpot. As soon as they caught sight of me, they chorused "Luna Fiona," softly.

Flashing them a warm smile, I walked toward the counter, helping myself with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. "What's the excitement about?" I asked curiously.

"Haven't you heard?" Cassie was the first to speak, her eyes shining brightly.

"Heard what?" I retorted, sipping slowly.

"About the elite combat, The Ravaryn Trails to be precise, happening in the Moonfang pack next tomorrow," Eva quickly chimed in.

I blinked. "I...I didn't hear anything like that."

Cassie leaned forward eagerly before saying, "Well, I think you need to attend and serenade them with your skills."

I shook my head. "I have too much on my plate to think about some festival."

"Oh, too bad," Cassie sighed dramatically. "If the festival wasn't an exclusive one, open to only Alphas, their mates, the elders and a few high ranks, I would have loved to attend because it is rumoured that Alpha Derek would be marking his presence there."

With my cup freezing halfway to my lips, "Alpha Derek?!" I echoed, my eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes," Cassie said with a grin, "the almighty blind Alpha would be there. And if you ask me, Luna, I would say you shouldn't miss such an opportunity to show how good your skills are to the rest of the world."

"It's been ages since I last trained. I don't think I still have my touch," I replied, shaking my head slowly.

"That's not a big deal," Cassie countered quickly. "We can practice now to see how rusty it might have gotten, which I doubt if it has."

"Now?" I asked.

"Or would you rather have it another way?" She teased, and I glanced down at my dress, unsure.

I gave in to Cassie's proposal, and we both made our way to the training ground with the others whispering excitedly behind us.

When we got there, the field was dried, but not completely empty, just as I like it. As custom, Cassie and I bowed softly to one another before the sparring began.

We faced off in a circle as murmurs tore through the little crowd present, obviously wondering if I still had my touch I was once known for.

Well, isn't that what we are here to find out?

Cassia made a swift leg sweep that was meant to knock me off balance as her first move, but I dodged, spun, and countered it with a knee jab that forced her back. She smirked. "Still quick, huh?"

"You tell me," I replied, stepping forward.

Despite my wounded heart, I dodged and countered Cassia's attack. She lunged for a shoulder lock but I flipped back and landed in a crouch, sending the crowd to explode with cheers.

Then Cassia shifted.

Her wolf-a lean gray wolf-growled playfully, challenging on.

Without hesitation, I leapt, summoning Nyra mid-air. My bones shifted and my skin stretched in a raw painful but beautiful moment as she answered my call. Fur sprouted as I landed with a thunderous growl, Nyra standing tall despite the past weeks of battling heartbreak.

The crowd roared excitedly, but I cared more about the spark of strength returning to me than winning the fight.

Her wolf lunged at me and Nyra met her in the air, slamming and pinning her to the ground with my claws. Cassie yelped in defeat and I shifted back to my human form as the crowd broke into applause.

Bringing me a bottle of water with a bright smile spreading across her face, "You see, Luna, that wasn't bad at all. I think you should reconsider going to the festival."

"Yes, I agree," Cassie added, "all you need is a little more practice and you would be all set."

"I think so," I admitted, walking away.

"Where are you going? I thought we would practice some more," Cassie called after me.

"I need to go see the Alpha and inquire more about this Ravaryn festival in question," I shot back.

I made my way to Alpha Kael's chamber, and I found Laila on the bed, covered with a duvet and her dark hair spilling on the pillow. I froze, surprised by her presence because I thought she was at the pack clinic receiving treatment after what happened the other day.

With my heart racing, "What are you doing in my mate's chamber instead of the pack clinic?" I growled angrily.

She turned her head lazily to me and without any remorse, "It wasn't my intention to be here, but the pack doctor recommended it because of my condition and I had no reason not to agree with that," she said in an infuriately calm manner as she slipped out of bed.

With my brows arched in confusion, I asked what condition she meant only for her to gasp and giggle before saying, "Oh, sorry, I thought you were already aware."

Her smugness made my stomach twist and I stared blankly at her.

"I'm pregnant," she smirked, breaking the silence, "and Miriam said I need all the rest I can get. That is why I am here with him, resting and also having some fun to keep the hole open as advised, you know what I mean, right?" She giggled again.

Taking a step closer, I let the bottle water I was holding slip off my hand as I balled my fist. "Did you just say you are pregnant?"

"You heard me right," she replied smugly, "I am carrying the Alpha's pup."

"How dare you allow yourself to get pregnant for him? So sleeping with him wasn't enough for you, whore?" I thundered, my heart sinking into my stomach.

She lifted her chin. "You can call me all the names you want, but what I won't accept is you blaming me for my fertility. By the way, you shouldn't be that daft to expect everyone to be barren like you."

Rage overtook me in an instant, and my hand struck her cheek in a slap. Before she could recover, I shoved her hard onto the bed and dived on her. We both struggled to gain control with Laila crying out loud and me trying to shut her up.

The door burst open and Alpha Kael stormed in with two guards. Their strong hand yanked me back, giving Laila the chance to kick me hard in my stomach. Air whooshed out of my lungs, forcing me to surrender.

Kael was by her side within a blink of an eye, lifting her head on his lap and stroking her hair while she cried profusely, whispering broken words about how I attacked her.

Leaving her side, "How dare you raise those filthy hands of yours on her?" Kael growled, pinning me against the wall with his grip fierce and rough.

"Kael, I...I..."

"Silence!" He cut me off sharply, his eyes digging a hole into my soul. "If you ever lay your hand or even the tiniest finger on Laila again, I will not hesitate to have your head chopped off in front of the whole pack," he roared, saliva spewing on my face.

"Kael?!" I exclaimed, tears rolling freely down my face as his threats pierced through me like a dagger, shattering everything that is left of him in me.

"Guards," he barked, turning his back to me, "Escort her to her room now. She's under house arrest until further notice."

"No, Kael. No, you can't do this," I cried frantically.

"I can. And I just did."

My body instantly went cold as I thought about how the house arrest had slimmed my chances of seeing the one person that can help me unmask Laila.