After what happened yesterday, I didn't leave my room. Carina tried everything possible to get me to step out but I feigned a headache. I knew she didn't believe me but she let me be.
That was enough at least.
It was not a new occurrence for people to stare whenever I passed or to say hurtful things to me. I had lived with it for twenty years in the Royal Pack but lately since I had arrived here, it hurt a lot.
I told myself I won't take whatever they say to heart but I kept thinking about Elke's words. 'Weak and pathetic' that was what she used to describe me. I had seen the hatred in her eyes when she looked at me. It was enough to send me to the grave if looks could kill.
"Can I keep leaving like this?" I muttered to myself.
I had endured all the suffering known to man because I was human. Was it my fault that I was a human? Why couldn't they kill me when I was born so wouldn't have another weak human living amongst them.
You need to be stronger.
I heard the voice loud and clear like the person was sitting beside me. I looked around and I was alone. Was it my imagination?
"No" I muttered aloud. It couldn't be my imagination. I heard someone's voice. Was there a ghost that lived here? Goosebumps climbed my skin.
Just then, the door opened and I was startled. Carina walked in, looking at me in a questioning manner.
"Why did you jerk when I opened the door?"
"It was nothing, I was startled. I didn't expect you to just enter"
"Sorry about that I should have knocked. I figured you would be bored so I came to take you around the pack house. Before you argue, you need to know everywhere here and I think it would be helpful to you"
She made a point and I didn't want to stay in the room again because of treat so I quickly agreed.
"Yes" I stood up from the end immediately.
"An hour ago, you were adamant on not leaving and now you're suddenly interested. What happened?"
"A lot can change in an hour"
I didn't want to tell her about the voice. I didn't want her to think I've gone crazy and then report to the Alpha or one of the higher ups and I'll be locked up.
I followed her quietly through the halls like a shadow. I kept my sleeve pulled low over my wrist, I didn't want anyone to see the branding on my hand. Or maybe they've already seen it.
As we walked through the hallways, I felt their gazes on me. It felt like something crawling up my skin. I heard their whispers too.
"The human is pathetic"
"How could the Alpha bring such to the pack"
"I hate her"
I swallowed and kept walking. Carina stayed close beside me, she was quieter than usual.
"They won't stop staring" I muttered. Carina gave a small, nervous smile.
"It's what they always do. Don't let it get to you"
"I'm nervous"
"Don't be. No one would dare hurt you, they'll only talk but fear of Alpha Hades won't let them touch even a hair on your head" I let her words slowly sink in. I exhaled slowly.
"Seems like you're used to this?" I asked inquisitively.
"I'm still a wolf even though I'm the lowliest of the low but they don't really care about my existence or the existence of others like me"
"There are others like you here?"
"Yes, we are a many"
We kept walking and making little conversations and we turned a corner and I nearly collided with someone. A solid hand caught me by the arm before I could fall.
"Careful"
The voice was calm and deep. I looked up immediately and froze. He was tall, almost as tall as Alpha Hades but while Alpha Hades had a more compelling presence and power oozing from him, this man felt softer. A faint scar cut across his jaw.
His eyes studied me, not with hostility but more of curiosity.
"You must be the human" he said.
I straightened quickly, pulling my arm back.
"Iris"
Something flickered in his expression. His lips quirked in a smile.
"Cassian" he said.
"Good morning Beta" Carina dipped her head.
So this was him. Alpha Hades' second. That expanded the air of authority around him. The one who stood beside the Alpha. I also dipped my head.
"I've heard… very little about you" Cassian huffed a quiet laugh.
"That's probably for the best"
His gaze shifted briefly to my wrist. I was not quick enough to hide it.
"You're the one causing all the chaos in the pack" he added.
"I didn't know my presence would cause chaos. I don't mean to"
"I believe that"
The answer came too easily and it made me blink. What was surprising was that he was having a conversation with me. Me? A mere human.
"You do?"
Cassian leaned one shoulder casually against the stone wall.
"You don't look like someone who enjoys attention"
"I don't"
"Then we already agree on something"
A small, unexpected smile tugged at my lips. Carina glanced between us, surprise evident on her face.
Cassian must have noticed.
"What?" he asked. She shook her head quickly.
"Nothing, Beta Cassian. I-It's just… most people don't speak to her like that"
"Like what?"
"Like she's a person" Cassian's expression hardened slightly.
"That's shouldn't be. We should learn to be kind to everyone irrespective of what they are"
I didn't know if I should be suspicious or weary of the way the Beta spoke in my defense. I have never been defended by a wolf.
"Not so many people understand that" Carina said softly. He didn't argue.
Instead, his attention returned to me.
"You should be careful where you walk" he said.
"Some of the warriors and pack members would be mean to you even though they've been warned"
"I know"
"Especially Elke" Iris sighed.
"Yes. I'll try my best to avoid her"
I watched him and it was like he was studying me.
"If she ever challenge you, you just need to stand your ground" he said. I frowned.
"I can't fight her"
"I didn't say fight"
He straightened, pushing off the wall.
"Stand your ground"
"That's it?"
"That's everything" I searched his face.
"You really think that will work?" Cassian shrugged slightly.
"It's just an advice. It won't make her like you"
"I don't think that's possible anyway"
"No, it's not" he agreed.
I didn't need to ask why because deep down, I knew the reason but maybe I could ask Carina later. Another small smile slipped through my defenses.
It felt strange, talking to a higher up like this.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked quietly. Cassian didn't answer immediately.
I watched as his gaze drifted past me for a second to whatever it is that caught his attention and then back.
"It's just a friendly advice. I'm trying to make you more comfortable"
There was no mockery in his voice and so I knew he was serious. shifted beside her.
"We should go" Carina said softly. Cassian smirked faintly.
"Yes, you both need to leave now"
He stepped aside, giving us space to pass but as I moved past him, he stopped me.
"Your wrist, what's the mark?"
I stilled.
"What about it?"
"It's not normal"
"It's from a branding iron. It was given to me in the Royal pack"
"Really?"
He didn't sound like he believed what I was saying but he made no mention of that. A chill slid down my spine.
"I'm not lying. That's the truth" I said with fear
"I know. I'm not holding it against you. I was just curious about it. I hope to talk to you another time"
"Thank you" I said.
I turned to leave with Carina but I could feel his gaze on my back. That feeling of being watched made my skin to crawl.