Chapter 6 First step of betrayal

The moment I stepped through the familiar corridors, I pushed all thoughts of Olen and our awkward conversation out of my mind.

My focus was one thing.

Masha.

I walked down the halls, passing the carved wolf statues that my father commissioned, and it was all I could do not to break down in tears.

There were so many beautiful memories here, and the thought of him not witnessing any more broke my heart. Still, I passed by the row of our family portraits and the training rooms where I had spent countless hours honing my skills.

Every corner of this house reminded me of my childhood. I remembered racing Masha through these hallways, sneaking desserts from the kitchen, and one of my favorite memories was being chased by Father whenever he thought I was being mischievous.

The chase almost always ended with me having a sweet treat.

For a moment, it felt like I had been transported back in time. Until I reached the entrance to my mother's chambers.

Two guards were standing in front of the door, probably as a precaution. They didn’t look surprised to see me, but that was exactly how I felt when they stepped directly into my path, stopping me from going in.

I looked at them, but they were both avoiding my eyes. This had to be a mistake, right?

“What do you both think you’re doing?” I asked, but they remained silent.

“Move,” I ordered.

They still didn’t move.

I looked at Tyrion, expecting him to tell me that they were clearly mistaken, but there was nothing from him.

Tyrion was one of the old guards we had. He had taught me a lot of what I knew now. Most importantly, he swore an oath to protect the Alpha’s bloodline.

"Tyrion… this isn't funny. I've been through a horrible experience, and I don't have time for your jokes."

Tyrion's jaw tightened, but there was still no response from him.

Not knowing what else to do, I laughed awkwardly and stepped towards the door only to be blocked by them again.

“What are you doing? I need to see my mother!”

“The Alpha ordered that no one should be allowed in,” Tyrion finally said. His voice was flat and somewhat resigned. Like he had no choice in the matter.

But then his words registered in my brain, and I blinked in confusion.

“The Alpha?”

I almost laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. “In case you don’t remember, my father is dead. So unless the moon goddess somehow resurrected him from the dead…” I said. “Then I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Neither of them reacted.

Something felt wrong. Very wrong.

Then I began to panic. “Please, I need to see my mother,” I told them. Still, nothing from them.

I lost my patience and shoved Tyrion's shoulder. I was still weak, so he barely moved. I tried to duck between them, but the second guard grabbed my arm.

I tried to break free, but the guard used my weakness to his advantage and restrained me easily. Then it dawned on me in that moment.

They were following someone else’s orders.

But who could that be, and what had they done to my family?

The chamber doors opened slowly, and Masha stepped outside.

I sighed in relief when I saw that she wasn't hurt. Far from it. Masha was impeccably dressed, her hair was styled perfectly, and there were no signs of exhaustion on her face.

In fact, now that I had a closer look, there was no sign of grief in her expression, and she didn't appear surprised by the commotion.

Still, I was happy to see that she was okay.

“Thank the goddess, you’re okay, Masha. Now tell them to let me through,” I said.

Masha moved to me without saying a word, her expression giving nothing away.

I frowned. “Masha, what’s going on? I need to see mother.”

She didn’t respond.

“Masha?

Finally, she gave me a smug, satisfied smile that sent chills down my spine.

“You shouldn’t have come,” Masha said.

“This isn’t funny, Masha.”

“You no longer have a home here, Adrelle,” Masha added.

Her words didn't make sense. I stayed silent, waiting for the joke to land, but it never did.

“What the fuck are you talking about, Masha?!” I yelled, lunging towards her, but the guards seized both my arms.

“Is this some kind of sick joke? Tell them to let me go, Masha!”

Masha simply watched me, completely emotionless.

“Wait until mother hears this! You’re going to regret what you’re doing! You’ve lost your mind.”

Masha laughed cruelly and said, “If you want to visit the grave and tell her… then be my guest.”

Time froze in that moment. Her words felt like a slap in the face.

“... grave?”

Masha didn’t respond, she simply watched the realization slowly spread on my face.

I shook my head. “No…. no… no, no, no. I don’t believe you.”

“The healers…”

“She just fainted…”

My words slowly died, the guards saying nothing while avoiding my gaze.

No one was denying it.

“What did you do?” I asked Masha.

She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Masha. You know exactly what I’m talking about. You were with them… they trusted you.”

The hallway became deadly silent.

Masha crouched until we were eye level. She gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face.

Then she whispered so only I could hear her. "You've always been father's favorite… and mother… she never saw it coming."

I felt my blood run cold the moment she uttered those words.

Masha straightened, looking down at me one last time, then she said, "Take her away, she's not allowed in here."

Without question, the guards began dragging me down the corridor while Masha stood watching in the doorway.

In that moment, it finally dawned on me that I had just lost both my parents, and Masha looked like someone whose plan had finally succeeded.