Chapter 31 Sage The moon is my only witness as I slip from the packhouse . Three hours until dawn - I've learned to measure time by shadows and silence . Blackthorn taught me that , along with how to move unseen , how to become nothing more than a whisper in the dark . My small bag weighs heavy against my back , filled with only essentials . No luxuries from the closet that was never mine . No delusions about belonging . The first guard patrol passes below my window - right on schedule . They're clockwork in their movements , just like at Blackthorn . Different pack , same predictable patterns . I count their steps until they round the corner , then ease into the shadows of the garden . The irony isn't lost on me as I use the defensive moves from training to avoid detection . Keep low , stay aware , use your surroundings . Alaric's voice echoes in my head , and I shove away the ache in my chest at the thought of him . A twig snaps nearby . I freeze , pressing against rough bark , barely breathing . Two guards pass so close I could touch them , discussing border patrol schedules . The information files itself away automatically - another survival skill I didn't know I had until Blackthorn . I make it to the edge of the formal gardens before the air changes . It feels thick , heavy with magic that makes my skin prickle . The wards . I'd overheard talk about increased security , about new magical barriers . The main paths will be watched . That leaves the dense forest to my left , dark and uninviting . But better the devil you don't know than the one who plans to discard you . Time becomes fluid in the forest . Minutes or hours pass as I push through undergrowth , each step taking me further from warmth and false safety . The temperature drops . Fog rolls in , thick and disorienting . A howl splits the night - too close . Could they have already discovered I'm gone ? I run . Branches whip my face . Roots try to trip me . Every shadow holds potential threats , but I can't stop . Won't stop . The fog thickens until I can barely see three feet ahead . Something moves in the darkness . Many somethings . I change direction , heart pounding . My foot catches on a root and I stumble , catching myself against a tree . Blood trickles from scraped palms , but there's no time for pain . The sounds of pursuit grow closer . I force myself forward , limbs heavy with exhaustion . Just a little further . Just a little- They materialize from the fog like ghosts . Royal guards , their silver and black uniforms unmistakable in the moonlight . Five of them , surrounding me in a standard capture formation . 1 drop into a defensive stance . The movements come automatically now , muscle memory from mandatory training sessions . For a moment , pride flashes in my chest - I'm not the same helpless omega they expect . But I'm also not a wolf . Not a fighter . Not strong enough . They take me down efficiently , professionally . No unnecessary roughness , but no gentleness either . Just the cold execution of duty . Chapter 31 +25 BONUS "The King will want to see her immediately , " one says , grip firm on my arm . " No , he won't . " The smooth voice cuts through the fog like silk . Eris emerges from the shadows , perfect even at this hour . " I caught her stealing from the royal vault earlier , " she says , eyes glittering . " Didn't want to disturb our King with such unfortunate business during the border crisis meetings . " " I didn't- " I start , but she speaks over me . " Check her bag . ' 11 They find a silver candlestick I've never seen before , planted among my meager belongings . Eris's smile curves like a blade . " But I didn't take that , " I protest . " I've never- " " A thieving omega . " Eris sighs dramatically . " How disappointing . And after everything Alaric did for you . " The guards ' faces harden . Of course they believe her - she's a highborn wolf , trusted advisor to the King . I'm nothing . No one . " The dungeon , " she commands . " No need to bother the King with this tonight . I'll inform him personally in the morning . " " No , please , " I struggle as they drag me toward the packhouse . " You have to let me explain- " " Save your lies , " Eris whispers as she passes . " No one believes a worthless omega anyway . " The dungeons are deep beneath the packhouse , cold stone drinking in the light . The cell door closes with a sound like finality . The guards don't bother chaining me - the cell itself is secure enough for a wolfless omega . Still , I examine every inch of my prison , another habit learned from Blackthorn . The walls are ancient stone , worn smooth by time . No windows except the small one near the ceiling , barely wide enough for moonlight to slip through . The door is thick iron , its hinges well - maintained despite their obvious age . A thin pallet sits in one corner , straw poking through worn fabric . The only other furnishing is a crude chamber pot . At least at Blackthorn , they gave me a real bed before they tried to kill me . Bitter laughter bubbles up in my throat , threatening to turn into sobs . How many times can one person start over ? How many times can you lose everything before there's nothing left to take ? I slide down the wall , wrapping my arms around my knees . The stone leaches warmth from my body , but I barely notice . I'm too busy cataloging my mistakes : trusting Cassius , believing I could have a place at Blackthorn , letting myself hope that Alaric was different . Letting myself feel anything for him at all . Above me , the moon continues its path across the sky , visible in fragments through my window . Its light catches my pendant , making the tiny etched flower seem to glow . For a moment , I swear I hear a woman's voice singing about moonlight and healing , but it fades like mist in the morning sun . I thought running away would free me . Instead , I've locked myself in a cage far worse than the one I fled . Maybe that's all I'll ever be good at running , from one prison into another . In the distance , a wolf howls . But this time , no one comes to save me . Chapter 32