Party

The next day was heavy and slow. I woke up feeling strangely light after the deep, dreamless sleep that followed the old woman's comforting presence. But that fleeting peace was quickly overshadowed by a dark cloud of brooding thoughts. 

my eyes sore and puffy from all the crying. The heaviness in my chest lingered, but I decided then and there—I was done crying. 

Yes, I know, it's probably the hundredth time I've made this decision, but this time I was serious. I was going to get my emotions under control and stop wallowing in self-pity. 

The sunlight was glaring through the windows, warm and relentless. I blinked, squinting against the brightness. A delicious smell wafted through the air, making my stomach grumble in protest. 

I glanced toward the table and froze in surprise. Fresh clothes and neatly arranged food waited for me. Did someone come in while I was sleeping? I must have been in a deep sleep not to notice. 

Curiosity piqued, I walked over and touched the clothes. It was a beautiful dress in the color of the sky, printed with delicate white flowers. The fabric was soft and clean, clearly new. Hesitating for just a moment, I went and took a warm bath and I changed into the dress, marveling at how perfectly it fit. 

Then I ate the food and looked around the room I was staying in, I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I forgot to even observe my surroundings. There was a table by the window to sit and eat and do whatever one wanted and then lining the other wall were bookshelves there were tons of books. 

Books were my lifeline, my salvation. 

 I walked to the books chewing my food, there was an impressive collection of books but they were mostly self-help and educational books i skipped them and searched for something with romance and I found it in the last shelve. 

If there was one thing that could keep me sane through this mess, it was reading. I grabbed the most promising one, a well-worn romance novel with a faded cover, and carried it to the table. 

Settling down, I let the world outside blur into the background. For now, I could escape into a world where love conquered all, where heartbreak was mended with a single glance, and where life was simple, yet meaningful. 

This was how I was going to survive. One page at a time. 

I had no idea how much time had passed until I stretched my arms and legs, my muscles stiff from staying in one position for too long. I glanced toward the window, my eyes widening when I saw that the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink—the sun already setting. 

Wait... had I just spent the entire day in bed reading? 

Apparently, yes. 

I let out a small laugh at myself, shaking my head. I'd been so engrossed in the book that I lost track of time. I knew books were the solution i needed. 

But what surprised me more was the quietness. 

Usually, there were sounds— distant voices, maybe the occasional argument (probably involving Oliver being a pain). But now? Silence. 

Had they forgotten I was in here? 

The idea made me uneasy. I placed the book down, marking the page with a makeshift fold, and stood up. My legs felt a bit weak from being curled up all day, but I pushed the discomfort aside. 

As if conjured by my thoughts. A knock sounded at my door, and Clara entered with a cheerful expression. "Get ready. We're going to a party," she announced, a playful glint in her eyes. 

"Party?" I echoed, blinking in surprise. Not going to lie—I was a little excited. After spending an entire day locked up in this room, going anywhere sounded like a treat. 

But then reality set in. 

Wait. Why would they take me to a party? Aren't I still a stranger to them? Am I even invited? What if this was some elaborate ploy to lure me out and torture me? Maybe they wanted me to drop my guard and cooperate. I couldn't just trust these people blindly. 

I'm too good for this world to fall for traps like this. 

"I'm not in the mood," I muttered, hoping the excuse would work. 

"Too bad," she said with a mischievous grin. "The alpha said everyone has to be there. And by everyone, he means you too."