Princess Ophelia's face twisted in rage as her maid, disguised as a palace servant, delivered the shocking news.
"The Alpha is intimate with the witch, Your Highness," the maid stammered.
Ophelia's hand connected with the maid's cheek, the slap echoing through the room.
The maid cowered, fearful of Ophelia's wrath.
Meanwhile, Aria's maids efficiently transferred her belongings to the guest house, unaware of the princess's fury.
Aria, however, welcomed the new arrangement. She needed space to attend the secret meeting with her people tonight.
"This worked out perfectly," Aria thought, a sly smile spreading across her face.
Ophelia, determined to destroy Aria, planted a spy among Aria's staff. The spy's mission was to gather intel on Aria's plans and report back to the princess.
As night fell, Zephyrine whispered to Aria, "It's time, my lady."
Aria nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. Tonight was the Netherlands meeting, and she would unveil her newfound magic powers.
With Kaida and Zephyrine by her side, Aria set out to free the remaining captives from Malakai's bondage. Removing their bracelets would be the first step toward their freedom.
"If we can free everyone," Aria thought, "we can find a way to return the Netherlands captives to their homeland."
The trio made their way to the hidden meeting location, Aria's magic pulsing with excitement.
As they arrived, Eira Shadowfire greeted them, her eyes shining with approval.
"Well done, Aria," Eira said. "Your powers grow stronger each day."
Aria smiled, ready to face the challenges ahead.
But Ophelia's spy watched from the shadows, waiting to strike...
The meeting ignited with Aria's powerful magic, shattering the bracelets that bound the witches and wizards. Freedom's thrill coursed through the air.
Eira Shadowfire's wise words followed, "Keep your magic recovery secret from the wolves. Let's learn physical strength, as Kaida Emberwood instructed."
The crowd nodded resolutely, eager to reclaim their power.
"Every night, we'll gather to learn fighting skills," Eira announced. "Kaida Emberwood will guide us."
Kaida stepped forward, his eyes burning with determination. "My late father taught me well. I'll ensure we're equipped to defend ourselves."
The captives, once enslaved in Blackwood's households, now stood united. Women, formerly confined to domestic chores, and men, forced into hard labor, were finally free.
That night, Aria returned to the guest house, unaware of Princess Ophelia's hidden spy watching her every move.
As Aria settled in, the spy slipped into the shadows, sending a message to Ophelia.
"My lady, the witch's powers grow stronger. She and her people now train in physical combat."
Ophelia's face twisted in rage. "This cannot stand. We must act swiftly."
The spy awaited Ophelia's next command, poised to strike.
Meanwhile, Aria drifted to sleep, her dreams filled with visions of freedom and rebellion.
The night's events marked the beginning of a secret revolution, hidden from the wolves' prying eyes.
Aria's heart fluttered as she entered the palace, seeking Elijah. Palace servants directed her to the gardens, where she finally found him.
But her excitement soured. Elijah rode the majestic white stallion, Ophelia perched elegantly beside him. They laughed together, and the horse, once wary of Aria, now seemed enamored with Ophelia.
Aria's jealousy simmered, her face betraying her emotions.
Elijah noticed her but surprisingly ignored her, continuing to enjoy Ophelia's company.
Ophelia's voice dripped with malice. "Slave!"
Aria spun back, expecting Elijah to defend her against the princess's intentional jab.
Instead, Elijah dismounted, helping Ophelia down. The princess strode toward Aria, her eyes flashing triumph.
"What brings you here, witch?" Ophelia sneered.
Aria's gaze locked onto Elijah, willing him to intervene.
"I came to deliver a message to the Alpha," Aria replied.
Ophelia snatched the opportunity to belittle Aria. "I'll tell it to him."
Aria's eyes pleaded with Elijah to speak up, but he remained silent, stroking his stallion.
"I don't think it's a good time to deliver the message," Aria said. "I'll see the Alpha later."
Ophelia's smile twisted. "There won't be a later. I don't want to see you in this palace without orders. This is Blackwood palace, not a Netherlands market square."
Ophelia's words cut deep. "You're a slave, not an indigene. You must write an entrance letter stating your request, like other pack members."
Aria's desperate gaze met Elijah's indifference.
Ophelia's final blow struck. "Did I make myself clear?"
Aria nodded, her heart heavy.
Without a word, Elijah mounted his stallion and rode away, Ophelia by his side.
Aria watched, feeling abandoned and humiliated.
Aria's eyes stung as she turned away, her dignity wounded. She hastened through the palace corridors, seeking solitude.
Zephyrine awaited her in the guest house, concern etched on her face. "My lady, what happened?"
Aria's voice trembled. "Ophelia... she humiliated me in front of Elijah. He didn't defend me."
Zephyrine's expression darkened. "We'll find a way to deal with her, my lady."
Aria's determination ignited. "I'll not be silenced. I'll confront Elijah."
That evening, Aria requested an audience with Elijah, adhering to Ophelia's rules. She penned an entrance letter, stating her request.
Elijah received her in his chambers, his expression unreadable.
"Why did you ignore me today?" Aria asked, her voice steady.
Elijah leaned back in his chair. "I was busy with Ophelia. She's a valuable ally."
Aria's heart sank. "You allowed her to belittle me, to call me a slave."
Elijah's gaze didn't waver. "You are a captive, Aria. That's the reality."
Aria's anger flared. "I thought we had something more."
Elijah's voice softened. "We do, Aria. But politics demand compromise."
Aria's eyes narrowed. "And what about us? What about our bond?"
Elijah's silence spoke volumes.
Aria rose, her dignity regained. "I see. I'll not bother you again."
As she turned to leave, Elijah's voice stopped her.
"Aria, wait."
But Aria walked away, her heart shielded.
That night, Kaida and Eira gathered the freed captives. Aria shared her encounter with Elijah.
Kaida's face set in determination. "We'll protect you, Aria. We'll fight for our freedom."
Eira nodded. "And for our rightful place in Blackwood."
The captives' resolve strengthened, their bond forged in defiance.
Meanwhile, Ophelia smiled, unaware of the growing rebellion...