Cassian and Soren were by his side, and Violet followed right behind them. By the slight limp in her walk, my guess was that they continued their activities after they left last night, despite claiming the lack of mood.
Disgust instantly rolled through me as I watched them, and I tried not to think about the pain that tore through my chest.
Without a proper rejection, they were still my mates. Watching them be intimate with another woman―especially one who wanted me dead―felt like I was being stabbed a thousand times over in my chest with a hot silver stake.
When she walked past me, she wore a smug grin, pride hanging off her features. Purposefully, she moved her hair away to display her bare neck. The triplets had not marked her officially, but they had left plenty of other marks on her neck. Love bites littered her pale skin, and she wore them like a badge of honor.
My stomach churned at the sight, and I had to force myself to look away.
"Keep your eyes off of the Alphas and the future Luna," Cedar snarled from beside me. "I don't know what possessed them to spare your wretched life, but the moment they want you dead, I will be the first to run that silver blade through your heart."
"I don't doubt it," I muttered under my breath, keeping my eyes on the ground and nowhere else.
I clenched my teeth tightly, trying not to let my emotions show.
Once, a very long ago, the memory I had of Cedar was a loving older brother. Even though my memories from the kidnapping were hazy, I could briefly remember the time spent in Shadowclaw before I was taken away. A time when my parents cared for me as equally as the rest of their children, a time when Willow was healthy, and a time when Cedar was still kind.
Correction―Cedar was indeed still kind. However, his kindness was reserved for everyone else but me.
The older brother from my memories was long gone.
"Commence the ceremony," Rowan commanded, choosing to ignore us.
The elders of the pack stepped forward, and they began to chant prayers that were supposed to help my sister move on to the afterlife.
I raised my gaze to take a peek at the empty casket. Alphas Rowan, Soren, and Cassian stood right at the front. Violet, on the other hand, was almost sprawled over the casket, sobbing quietly as the elders continued to utter prayers.
"May the Moon Goddess guide her soul, and grant her a safe passage to the afterlife…" the elders said.
My head felt light. I could barely register their words. A low growl came from my stomach, and my hands instantly moved to wrap around my belly.
I couldn't remember the last time I had a proper meal. I barely ate anything the night before. The kitchens had already run empty by the time I finished up my chores, and I had gone to bed hungry. After that, Willow went missing, and everything had turned into chaos.
My cheeks turned red. I hope no one heard it. I didn't need yet another addition to my quickly piling list of crimes, such as interrupting such a sacred ceremony.
However, my body didn't grant me mercy. It growled in hunger again, and this time, Cedar heard it. He cast me an annoyed expression. With the prayers still in progress, there was nothing he could audibly say. Yet, his expression told me all I needed to know.
'Shut up before I make you.'
He wasn't the only one. Even Alpha Soren turned his head slightly back, his eyebrows furrowed. He watched me carefully from where he stood, and only upon an unusually loud cry from Violet did he snap back to attention, turning back to face the casket.
I hunched over as though that would help dampen the sound. My eyes squeezed shut, and I began to beg my body.
Please shut up. Please shut up. Please shut up please shut up please―
My eyes snapped open when I realized my surroundings had turned quiet. Everyone had their eyes on me, watching as I squatted down on the ground, my arms hugging my knees.
"What are you doing now?" Cedar hissed. "Get up!"
He roughly grabbed my arm, yanking me to my feet. I gasped at the sudden movement. The moment I was up, Cedar pushed me forward, and I stumbled a little before catching myself.
With everyone's eyes on me, I walked to the casket, wincing as pain began to bloom from my belly.
Once I was in front of the casket, someone kicked my knees from behind. They buckled instantly, and I folded, falling to the ground, bracing myself right before my forehead could knock on the solid wood.
A few sniggers resounded, and a quick glance around quickly showed plenty of people who wore smirks or sneers. They either relished in my pain or hated that I was still here, breathing.
Violet stood up, taking her place next to the Alphas. She quickly leaned into Cassian's hold, and the latter began to rub his hand up and down her arm in an attempt to comfort her.
"Cut her open!" one of the elders declared. My eyes went wide.
"What?"
Two warriors came over instantly, grabbing me by my upper arms before pressing me against the casket top.
"Wait! What are you doing?"
Didn't Alpha Rowan say I was to pray for my sins? Cutting me open wasn't part of praying, last I checked!
Horror bled through me when one warrior came over with a silver knife on a tray. Its handle was made of leather so that werewolves could still wield it, but the silver blade was sharpened and lethal.
I began to struggle, but I was no match for their strength.
The Alphas made it very clear last night that they had no intention of killing me so easily yet. Dread pooled in my stomach when I realized that their torture would not be limited to emotional and mental tactics, but also physical ones.
Alpha Cassian walked forward, took the knife from the man, and marched straight towards me. His long strides quickly brought him close, and I felt my head starting to grow lighter and lighter.
He grabbed my left hand, brandishing the knife. The blade glinted in the light. I felt my heart in my throat. Dots began to fill my vision.
"Please…" I weakly pleaded, tears welling in my eyes uncontrollably.
Yet, all my pleas were met with silence and the glaring look of hatred in Cassian's eyes. I shut my eyes and braced for the impact, but a sudden cry echoed through the forest clearing, quickly gaining everyone's attention.
"Rogues! Rogues are attacking!"