Chasing His Betrayed Luna by KiKi Jones

23. A Weak Princess

AURELIA

I dunked my face in a bowl of water, hoping to kill the anxiety that had settled in the center of my mind. No, I wasn't scared of Raiden neither was I bothered about the killer glare that Larisa sent my way before Alpha Tristan led me away from the couple. However, I was scared I'd break down before them like I almost did earlier.

I felt weak. I felt trapped, in fact.

And it was all because of the traumatizing memories that had been flooding my brain ever since I stepped out of the car. Inhaling the almost familiar air of the pack that broke me, had me gasping for my breath, and seeing Raiden with Larisa reminded me of the cruel things those two did to me.

My memories were fighting against the composure I was dying to keep up because I'd rather die than break before any member of this pack.

A sharp knock on the restroom door had me jumping back to reality. I took a few seconds to inspect my appearance in the bathroom mirror, noticing that I was as pale as a ghost. Perhaps Larisa was right to look at me like I was one.

"Are you alright in there, Lia? You've been off these past few days." Hazel's concerned voice slipped through the locked door.

Lo and behold, her face expressed the same concern when I unlocked the door, letting her in. I tried to smile and assure her. "Fatigue, Hazel. I've participated in more duels than ever this past few days and I have more to-"

"I understand but I'm still worried. You're suddenly so close off and anxious." Hazel looked at me like she could tell that I had been lying to her since the very beginning of our friendship. "You know you can talk to me right? I'm here for you, Lia."

"I know, babe, and I'm grateful," I uttered, pulling my friend into a genuine hug.

be staying in as long as we were in Raiden's pack. I could tell that this building was built recently as I couldn't

was big enough, Hazel, the kids, and I decided to stay together. Thankfully, we could all fit

when I entered the room. They looked so adorable as they slept, somehow staying connected to each other even though they were deeply asleep. Kyle's hand was on Katie's shoulder while Katie's foot rested on Kyle's lap. I felt a pinch of relief just by staring at them yet I was worried Raiden

even if he finds out, he

never forget that

announcing, "You've been invited to have dinner with the Alpha in the pack's dining hall." By Alpha, I knew she was referring to Raiden and the pack's dining hall was a big hall dedicated

be there soon." Hazel

been sent to help you

ready ourselves. Thank you." I didn't hesitate to say that to the person on the other side of the door. She has to be one of Raiden's servants and there was no

suspicious look but I shrugged, "It's not like we're

maid before relaxed. Hazel didn't question my obvious paranoia and we both took turns in the bathroom while giving the kids more time to sleep. It

Raiden's invitation to dinner.

looking like a weak princess, staring at the purple dress I picked for her with disdain

if only you stop acting like a boy." Kyle muttered to his sister as

"Nunya." Katie retorted.

alone in the room, "Don't be mean to your brother, Katie. You can

lips quivered but

Kyle

They usually have their

we leave the building together. We made it to the pack's dining hall in no