Mute

Aria’s POV

The morning light filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over the sterile room as I stirred from my restless slumber.

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I winced as I gingerly touched the tender skin of my neck, where the wounds inflicted by Brent’s henchman seemed to be slowly healing.

As I lay there, memories of the previous day flooded my mind like a relentless tide. The confrontation with Caspian, the sight of him standing there with Ellen by his side, a silent reminder to the life he had chosen without me. The mere thought of him filled me with a seething rage, a bitterness that coiled like a serpent within my chest.

But it was his refusal to let me leave that had ignited the firestorm of emotions within me, his words a d**ng declaration of his ownership over my life.

The mere thought of being tethered to him by the chains of duty and obligation had been enough to send me reeling, the weight of it all bearing down on me until I could no longer stand beneath its crushing weight.

As I recalled the argument that had ensued, the words exchanged between us like daggers even though I was a mute who used my hands to communicate, I felt a surge of defiance rise within me. I refused to be held captive by his will any longer, to be shackled to a fate not of my choosing.

With frustration boiling within me, I pushed myself upright, the determination burning bright within me as I prepared to face whatever obstacles lay ahead.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

But as I moved to stand, a wave of dizziness washed over me, threatening to pull me back into the darkness from which I had only just emerged.

Gritting my teeth against the pain, I steadied myself against the edge of the bed, my hands trembling with the effort. But even as I struggled to maintain my composure, a fierce determination blazed in my eyes, a silent vow to break free from the chains that were about to bind me and keep me trapped in a place that I wanted to leave.

The atmosphere in the room shifted the moment the doctors entered, their expressions grave and their movements deliberate. I watched them exchange a meaningful glance, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach as I realized that something wasn’t right.

With a heavy heart, I dared to voice the question that hung heavy in the air, my hands moving in the fluid motions of sign language. Can I leave now?’ I signed my hands

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dy but the weight of my inquiry was heavy in the room.

he response I received was not the one I had hoped for. One of the doctors shook cad, his expression apologetic as he delivered the news I had been dreading. “I’m ry,” he signed, his hands moving with a solemn grace. “You cannot leave this pack yet. Alpha Caspian is yet to agree to such.”

Frustration bubbled within me, a fierce determination igniting like a flame in the darkness. ‘But why?’ I signed, my hands trembling with emotion. ‘I’ll heal completely tomorrow.’

The doctor’s response was a heartbreaking echo of the reality of my situation. “I’m sorry,” he repeated, his expression sympathetic but his words like a chain binding me to my fate. “There’s nothing I can do. Only Alpha Caspian can grant your release.”

In that moment, a surge of defiance swept through me like a tempest, the desire to break free from the confines of Caspian consuming me. With boldness seeping through me, I made a decision, my mind made up in an instant.

Ignoring the protests of the doctors, I stormed out of the room, my steps purposeful as I made my way through the corridors of the packhouse. I knew exactly where to find Caspian, and I would not rest until I had confronted him, until I had demanded my freedom from his iron grasp.

Determination fueled my every stride, my heart pounding with boldness.

As I neared Caspian’s study, the echo of my footsteps reverberated off the walls.

Pushing open the door to Caspian’s study, I strode inside, my eyes ablaze with determination. The room fell silent as the Elders and Caspian turned to face me, their expressions of surprise and disbelief.

Caspian’s eyes widened in astonishment as he took in my presence, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Aria?” he exclaimed, his voice filled with utter disbelief.

I met his gaze head-on, my hands moving swiftly in sign language as I demanded my freedom. “I won’t stay trapped here any longer,” I signed, my movements sharp and decisive. “I demand to be released.”

The Elders exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mixture of shock and uncertainty. Never before had they witnessed such boldness from an Omega, let alone a

mute servant.

Caspian’s features hardened as he regarded me, his expression a mask of authority. “Aria, you know it’s not that simple,” he said, his voice firm but tinged with a hint of

Chapter

reluctance.

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But I refused to back down, my eyes piercing into his. “It is that simple,” I signed fiercely, my hands moving with conviction. “I won’t be held captive by you any longer. I deserve my freedom.”

A hushed silence descended upon the room as those who could understand me stared

at me.

The Elders exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to respond to my unprecedented demand.

Caspian’s gaze softened ever so slightly, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. “Alright,” he said, his voice low but tinged with resignation. “I’ll talk to the council. We’ll find a solution.”

Relief washed over me as I realized that my plea had been heard. Though the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, I knew that I had taken the first step towards reclaiming my independence.

With newfound respect, I met Caspian’s gaze head-on, a spark of defiance burning bright in my eyes. “Thank you,” I signed, my movements imbued with gratitude.

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