Chapter 22 Chapter 22 Chapter 22 "Is it true, Elara? What they said about you?" Thorne's voice trembled, his eyes searching mine for answers. I met his gaze, a bitter smile playing on my lips. "Would it matter if I said yes?" His grip on the maid's collar loosened, and she collapsed to the floor, coughing. "If they're not the ones responsible, then who is?" he asked, his voice dry. I shook my head, disbelief washing over me. "You already know, Thorne. You just never wanted to see it." Turning away, I walked towards the exit, his voice calling after me. But I didn't look back. I'd tried to tell him before, tried to make him see the truth about Corla and Miela. But he'd always dismissed me, choosing to believe in their facades. Now, the truth was out, but it didn't change anything. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the training field as I arrived. Soldiers from the Ashfang Hollow Pack were already running laps, their disciplined movements a testament to their dedication. I began my warm-up stretches by the track, nodding in acknowledgment as each soldier greeted me. "Morning, Gamma Elara!" "Pleasure to see you, Gamma Elara!" "A beautiful morning, Gamma Elara!" Their voices were loud, drawing curious glances from the Direstone Keep Pack soldiers. "Why are all those men greeting her like that?" one whispered to another. "I heard she's their Gamma," came the hushed reply. "A woman as Gamma? She must be exceptional." I smiled to myself, the warmth of their respect fueling my determination. Without a word, I started running, the Ashfang Hollow soldiers falling into step behind me, their synchronized movements a silent show of unity. After completing my ten-kilometer run, sweat clung to my skin, and my breathing was steady. I lifted the hem of my shirt to wipe my forehead when a familiar voice called out. "Gamma Elara! Would you like some water?" Turning, I saw Jory approaching, a bottle in hand. His youthful face was flushed, and his shirtless torso glistened with sweat. "Still keeping up with your morning routine, Jory?" I asked, accepting the bottle. He grinned, his eyes shining. "Of course. Twenty kilometers every morning, just like you taught me." "Good," I nodded, pride swelling in my chest. Jory had come a long way since joining the Ashfang Hollow Pack. Orphaned and ostracized, he'd found a place here, and I'd made sure he was treated with the respect he deserved. 1/2 Chapter 22 Have you had breakfast yet?" I inquired. He hesitated. "I probably shouldn't. The dining hall is for Alphas and nobles." "Nonsense," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're with me now. Come on." The dining hall buzzed with activity as we entered. Nobles from various packs filled the room, their conversations a low hum. The buffet table was laden with an array of pastries, fruits, and beverages. Jory's eyes widened at the sight. "This looks amazing!" I handed him a plate. "Take whatever you like." As we joined the line, snippets of conversation reached my ears. "Did you hear about last night? Our former Luna returned as Ashfang Hollow's Gamma and threw Lady Miela out of her room!" "Rejected by our Alpha and now bullying Miela? The audacity!" "And I heard she's involved with Ashfang Hollow's Alpha. Such a disgrace..." Before I could react, Jory stepped forward, grabbing one of the women by her collar. "What did you just say?" he growled, his eyes blazing. The woman shrieked, struggling in his grasp. "Who are you? Let me go!" "I'm Gamma Elara's soldier," Jory declared. "Apologize. Now." Security guards approached cautiously, but Jory bared his fangs, causing them to halt. "It's alright, Jory," I said calmly. "Let her go." He released her reluctantly, his eyes still burning with anger. "They were speaking ill of you," he muttered. "I know," I replied, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'll handle it." 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