The feeling of exhaustion and fear gripped Maria's body the moment her eyes fluttered open. It was as if she were drowning in air, gasping for breath that never seemed to reach her lungs.
A fragmented memory of that fateful night flashed in her brain, but it was blurry... frustratingly unclear.
Something had happened, something important, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't recall.
However, one thing remained at the forefront of her mind—her parents. She needed to see their bodies, needed to know where they were kept.
Desperate for fresh air, she forced herself out of bed and stumbled toward the door. The moment she reached the entrance, she froze.
Two hefty men stood guard, their presence unexpected. They weren't the policemen she had seen earlier that morning.
"Where are you going, ma'am?" one of them asked, his deep voice calm.
"To see my parents, of course!" she snapped, rolling her eyes. Did she really have to explain herself?
"We're sorry, but you can't leave this room yet," the other man added, his tone more gentle but no less resolute.
"And who the hell are you to stop me?" Maria's voice rose in anger as her frustration flared.
"It's an order from Boss Bernard," the first guard stated plainly.
"Bernard?" Her eyes widened in shock.
The name alone sent a wave of rage crashing through her. Why would Bernard keep her confined? Why would he deny her access to go see her own parents' dead bodies?
Her fists clenched at her sides. This wasn't just about the engagement anymore, Bernard was making decisions about her life, her freedom.
Regret weighed heavy on her chest. She never should have signed those engagement papers in the first place.
Realizing there was no use arguing, Maria turned sharply and stormed back into the room, slamming the door behind her.
One thing was clear... Bernard had some serious explaining to do about the whole thing.
---
The sleepless hours crawled by. Morning arrived, yet Maria had been awake since dawn, her mind spinning. She couldn't understand Bernard's sudden change, his cruel behavior.
He wasn't the man she once knew as a friend and as an older brother.
At the sound of the door clicking open, she quickly turned her gaze toward the entrance. Cassandra stepped inside, her usual bright smile in place.
"Good morning, Maria! How was your night?"
Maria let out a tired yawn, sitting up on the bed. "It was okay," she lied.
"Wait, I noticed something strange outside." Cassandra sat beside her, concerned, flickering in her eyes. "Two unfamiliar men are guarding your door."
"That's Bernard's doing," Maria said through gritted teeth. "I'm being held hostage. I can't even step out of this damn room."
"Bernard?" Cassandra's brows shot up. "I overheard him on the phone last night as well. He was talking about… something disturbing."
"What was it?" Maria asked and Cassandra hesitated before answering.
"He mentioned something about… burning your parents."
The words struck like a dagger. Maria sprang to her feet, her pulse racing. "B-burning who?"
"Maria, please, calm down! That's just what I heard," Cassandra pleaded, stepping forward to steady her.
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Maria's voice cracked with emotion. "This is insane! Bernard is taking things too far. I won't let him do this!"
"Please, just think about your health first. I thought you already knew, that's why I didn't come back to mention it last night."
But Maria shook her head, her body shaking.
"Our pack has never done such a thing. Burning the dead is unheard of! Why would Bernard try to do this to my parents?"
Cassandra remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"I need to talk to him. Now." Maria's voice was laced with determination.
"Are you sure?" Cassandra asked hesitantly.
"I have no choice."
Without another word, Cassandra pulled out her phone and dialed Bernard's number. After a brief conversation, she ended the call and turned back to Maria.
"He's on his way here already."
"Good." Maria exhaled sharply.
Minutes later, Bernard strode into the room, exuding confidence. His handsome face held a dangerous calm, and his piercing gaze settled on Maria.
Cassandra quickly stepped aside, sensing the tension. Bernard barely spared her a glance before turning his full attention to Maria.
"Why did you call for me?" His voice was calm, but there was an underlying arrogance in his tone, making Maria refuse to back down.
"What do you plan to do with my parents' bodies?" Her voice was cold, yet there was undeniable pain beneath it.
Bernard glanced at Cassandra for a brief moment, knowing she told Maria about it before turning back to Maria.
"You already know the answer. Why asking again?"
"You intend to burn them, don't you?" Her fists clenched.
"Yes."
"How dare you make that decision without informing me?" Maria's voice rose, her anger barely contained. "You have no right! You're not even the Alpha yet!"
"It's the decision of the entire pack," Bernard replied, his tone unwavering.
"To hell with the pack!" she spat and Bernard's expression darkened.
"Mind your tongue." His voice dropped, warning her. "Whether you approve or not, it will be done tonight."
Maria lunged at him, fury consuming her, but Cassandra rushed forward, stepping between them just in time. Maria's hand trembled in mid-air, her palm itching to slap Bernard across the face.
"You know what?" Maria's voice dripped with venom. "I have nothing more to say to you. I want to speak with Beta Gilbert."
"Ugh?" Bernard scoffed. "You need to talk to me, not him. I am the next Alpha, and you will show some respect or..."
"Or what?" Maria sneered. "I will never see you as my Alpha. You're nothing but a coward—too weak to stand up to your own parents, too selfish to lead this pack!"
Her words pierced through him and his jaw tightened with anger.
"Being scared and hiding are two different things." Maria stepped closer, her words slicing like a blade. "A true Alpha stands his ground, thinks with his heart and logic, and leads with self-control. But you? You're just a pathetic, selfish coward!"
A flicker of anger, maybe even hurt, flashed in Bernard's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. Instead, a smirk curled on his lips.
"That is my final decision. Their bodies will burn tonight." His voice was ice. Without another word, he turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
Maria made a move to follow, but Cassandra grabbed her wrist.
"Please, Maria, think before you act. Remember, Bernard is going to be the next Alpha. And since you signed that engagement paper, he's also your mate."
Following her words, Maria froze. "How do you know about our engagement? I never told you."
"I overheard it last night. But I wanted to tell you about your parents first."
Maria sighed, pushing aside her frustration. "That doesn't matter right now. My parents do."
"Exactly," Cassandra nodded.
"Cassie, I need a favor." Maria's voice softened.
"What is it?"
"Help me escape. I need to stop Bernard."
"What!" Cassandra's face immediately paled. "That's impossible, Maria. Those guards won't let you leave. If Bernard finds out, I could be killed."
"Please," Maria grasped her hands tightly. "I know it's dangerous, but I can't just sit here and let this happen."
Cassandra hesitated, fear flickering in her eyes. But Maria's determination was unshaken. After a long pause, Cassandra exhaled and nodded.
"Fine. But we have to be smart about this."
"Sure!" Maria leaned in, whispering the plan and Cassandra swallowed hard.
"I hope this works."
"It will," Maria promised, her eyes burning with resolve.
"Okay…" Cassandra took a deep breath. "Let me go and start preparing."
As she left the room, Maria finally allowed herself to breathe. This has to work. It was her only chance...