( Arias pov)
I woke up before the sun. My body ached, my arms and legs stiff from the long ride and the rough hands that had brought me here. The mansion smelled cold and sharp. Even the walls seemed to judge me.
Elena was already in the room, her eyes sharp. Mia followed close behind, folding her arms like she owned the world.
"Get up," Elena said. "You have chores. You have work to do."
I nodded silently. I had learned long ago that arguing with them would only make things worse. I still hated myself for trusting anyone here.
Mia sneered. "Try not to mess up today, Moonstone. I don't want my father angry with me."
I felt my chest tighten. Memories of our friendship surfaced — the times we laughed, shared secrets, and trusted each other. Now she was my tormentor.
I moved through the mansion like a shadow, cleaning floors, carrying heavy trays, obeying instructions while my mind worked on everything else. Every small task I did was an act of survival.
A servant whispered as I passed, "The banished child is here. Watch her. She is dangerous."
I clenched my fists inside my sleeves. Dangerous? Maybe. But I was more scared than dangerous. Still, I refused to show fear.
By midday, Elena sent me to the west wing to organize old scrolls and boxes. The work was meant to humiliate me, but I used it to explore. I found hidden corners, tiny cracks in the walls, and a few secret drawers. Small discoveries, but they made me feel powerful. I told myself, I will find a way. I will survive. I will grow stronger.
Then Mia appeared in the hall, her face red with anger.
"Aria," she hissed, "do this now. Go to the stables and clean the horses. And don't drop a single bucket."
I shook my head. "No. I won't. You're only trying to make me angry." what do you mean aria she said angrily I'm trying to make you angry?? I won't try to waste my time making you angry your mood doesn't change anything because you are worthless the only thing you are good at is killing your parents and taking chaos with you anywhere you go. Never speak about my parents again Mia I said angrily never talk about my parents again yeah you are right I burned them so I'll just burn you as well because you are of no use here .
Her eyes widened, then she slapped me across the face. The sting burned, but it also lit a fire inside me. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped her back.
She gasped and stumbled. I felt a strange mix of fear and pride. I had finally fought back.
She ran to the house phone and shouted, "Dad! Aria slapped me!"
I froze as footsteps thundered toward us. Alpha Leon's voice boomed down the hall, sharp and full of rage.
"How dare you touch my daughter, Moonstone?" I told you to stay in your room you only have two weeks to your freedom and you are trying to ruin my house before then he shouted so you don't get to mess around in my house anyone who messes around would be punished. I'm sorry alpha I said calmly I didn't mean to do it , no you don't get to apologise no one hurts my family and goes free so for that aria you take twelve strikes twelve times I watched as he raised his staff toward me. My heart hammered so fast I thought it would burst.
Then, a loud pounding came from the main hall. Guards rushed in, their faces tense.
"Alpha Leon! Sir! Some messengers are at our gate! They said they have come for their prisoner!"
My breath caught in my throat. Something inside me stirred — hope, fear, and a pulse of courage. I didn't know who they were, but I knew one thing: my time in this mansion was about to change.
I stared at the guards, my chest tight. My fists clenched. I won't let them win. I will survive.
And somewhere deep inside, I knew danger was close