Air

I trudged back toward the house with my head down, Kalix following closely behind like a shadow I couldn't escape. Each step felt like a prisoner marching back to their cell after a failed escape attempt. 

As soon as we crossed the threshold, the room hushed briefly before erupting in greetings for Kalix. People gravitated toward him, their voices warm and respectful as they welcomed their alpha. 

I shrank back, hoping to slip unnoticed behind Kalix's towering figure. Maybe, if I were lucky, everyone would forget I existed. 

But luck was clearly not on my side. 

Kalix shot me a sharp glare, his dark eyes daring me to make a move. I froze like a guilty child caught sneaking cookies from the jar. 

Emily appeared from the crowd, her smile wide and radiant as she greeted Kalix. "Alpha Kalix, I'm so pleased you could join us." 

Her expression softened when she turned to me, but confusion flickered in her eyes. "Celia?" she asked, tilting her head. "Weren't you just with Clara? Why are you coming in from outside?" 

Before I could come up with a believable lie, Kalix spoke with that maddeningly casual tone of his. "I hate to inform you, Emily, but it seems Celia doesn't like your party." 

The words hit like a slap, and I looked around frantically, wide-eyed like a deer caught in headlights. Conversations faltered, and I felt every pair of eyes zero in on me. My face burned with embarrassment. 

What was he doing?! 

"Looks like someone's not a fan of parties," Oliver quipped, grinning widely appearing behind emily. 

"No, no, Emily!" I shook my head vigorously, my voice rising with panic. "I love the party! I was just... um... 

"Or maybe she just wanted some fresh air," Clara added, her eyes narrowed hands on her hips as she shook her head exasperated by my antics 

"Right! I was just getting some air!" I blurted out, voice too loud to sound believable. 

Emily tilted her head, clearly unconvinced. Her warm eyes narrowed slightly as if trying to solve a puzzle. "Getting fresh air?" she repeated, glancing between Kalix and me. 

"Yeah!" I nodded enthusiastically, despite the heat creeping up my neck. "It was getting... a bit crowded. I just needed a breather." 

Smooth, Celia. Real smooth. 

Kalix crossed his arms, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Interesting, considering she needed a breather out of a second-story window." 

My heart sank as people exchanged shocked looks. Some even whispered behind their hands. 

"Oh, dear Moon," Emily gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "Out of a window? Celia, are you hurt?" 

"No, no! I'm fine!" I waved my hands defensively, throwing a quick glare at Kalix. "It wasn't a big deal. Just... a small misstep. I was feeling a bit dizzy you know because of the accident." For some dramatic effect, i swayed a bit holding my head. 

Kalix let out a low chuckle, which he immediately masked as a cough when I shot him another glare. 

Emily's concern melted into something gentler. "You poor thing. We must've overwhelmed you." She grabbed my hand warmly. "Come on, let's get you some food and rest." 

Kalix raised an eyebrow but didn't object, though I could feel his looming presence behind me like a shadow as Emily led me toward the main hall. 

People were still whispering, and I knew my reputation had taken a nosedive in one evening. But at least I was no longer dangling from a window, and Emily was still her sweet, forgiving self. 

As for Kalix? I was convinced he was enjoying this far too much. 

His lips curled slightly, and I wasn't sure if it was amusement or triumph. Either way, I wanted to strangle him. 

I seethed quietly as Emily led me around the party. Kalix's smug face was burned into my memory like a brand. The embarrassment he'd caused me in front of everyone wouldn't go unanswered.

Revenge wasn't just a petty desire—it was a promise. But I knew better than to act impulsively. I needed a plan, a carefully crafted one that would knock that smug smirk right off his face. I'd bide my time and make sure it was worth it. 

Later that night, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. 

The atmosphere shifted abruptly. People scurried about, whispers flying through the house like restless shadows. Clara, who had been with me in my room, suddenly stood up, her expression tense. 

"What's happening?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. 

"There's someone important arriving," she said hurriedly, not offering more details. Her voice had a note of urgency. "Stay in your room." 

Before I could press for more information, she was gone, the door clicking shut behind her. 

I stood by the door, straining to listen. Voices filtered through the thick wood. 

"...with the Alpha," one hushed voice said. 

"They say he's dangerous," whispered another. 

"Everything has to be perfect for his arrival..." 

A guest, and by the sound of it, a dangerous one. The entire pack was preoccupied with preparing for his arrival. 

I wondered who it could be, but that thought was quickly replaced by a gleeful realization: this was my chance. If the entire house was in chaos, then they'd be too preoccupied to watch me. 

"This is it," I thought to myself, heart racing. "The perfect time." 

I waited, counting the minutes as the house gradually quieted. The air grew still, save for the soft breathing sounds from the one remaining guard in the house. 

Perfect. Patience was my only ally. I stayed frozen, barely breathing, until his breathing grew slow and even. After what felt like hours their breathing steady and rhythmic—a clear sign they'd fallen asleep. 

Adrenaline surged through me. 

Silently, I tiptoed to the window and peered outside. The moonlight bathed the grounds in silver light. I had no idea where I was going, but anywhere was better than here. 

 I slipped out of the window, this time without dangling from it. my bare feet soundless against the grass. My body tensed with every step, waiting for an alarm to sound or a voice to call out—but nothing came. 

Freedom was so close I could taste it. 

Clenching my fists to steady myself, I whispered, "This time, I'm getting out for real."