Chapter 3: Meal

Words : 1410 Updated : Sep 9th, 2025

They stopped in front of the small two-bedroom cottage where Ariana, Ava, and their father stayed. Ariana let out a sigh, her body shivering slightly. This was worse than rain—the light drizzle had dotted her gown with unwanted polka dots, and the sharp wind nipped at her skin, raising goosebumps all over her arms. She desperately needed a hot bath, but she realized she’d have to wait an extra hour to boil enough water with their tiny kettle to get the perfect amount for a soothing soak. She exhaled again. Why is life always so cruel to me? she thought. While others had wolves they could talk to and lead, she had none — just her overthinking mind that only ever sparked intrusive thoughts. "Oh yes, Ava must have prepared dinner," her father said, snapping her out of her thoughts. Ariana was surprised too — a pleasant aroma was drifting from the house. It was rare for her sister to cook unless there was good news or she wanted something from their father. He moved toward the door and knocked gently. "Father, just a minute," Ava called out from inside. Soft footsteps followed until the wooden door creaked open—it looked like a little more pressure would break it. Ava stood there, wearing a baggy, milk-colored gown. Her brown hair was tied up in a messy bun, and her brown eyes shifted as they settled on Ariana. "Sis, you two came back so late. I was getting worried," she said, crossing her arms. Their father’s gaze settled on Ava — they had the same hair color, except for the streaks of white in his that marked his age. His eyes were brown too. It was often said that Ava inherited their father’s features, while Ariana took after their mother—golden-blonde hair and golden eyes. That resemblance only deepened her father’s resentment toward her, as she reminded him too much of his late wife. "What’s on your face?" her father asked, frowning as he noticed something smeared on Ava’s skin. The three lanterns hanging in the room were their only source of light. "Oh, this? It’s aloe vera. The neighbor gave it to me—she said it helps with acne and makes the skin glow," Ava replied, and their father simply nodded before stepping inside. Ariana followed, and Ava shut the door behind them. "We were at the council, settling your sister’s case," their father said as he sat at the small dining table, where food was already served. Ariana headed toward the other door to prepare for her bath but froze when she heard her father’s voice. "Where do you think you’re going?" She turned, signing. "Father, I need to bathe. I’m feeling cold." His expression hardened. "And how many hours will that take? Come and eat. After your meal, you can bathe." Ariana nodded reluctantly. His words left no room for argument. Ava crossed her arms and added, "Sister, you have to eat. Don’t forget — you’re carrying a little one inside you. You need to take special care of yourself." Ariana paused, caught off guard by her sister’s words. It was rare for Ava to be considerate or even act like a sister. Her steps faltered for a moment before she finally made her way to the table. The aroma of the food drifted up to her again, and her stomach let out a soft growl. Ava moved to the table, picked up the fruit juice, and gently poured it into the cups. PLOP. PLOP. PLOP. The soft sound of the juice pouring was the only thing that broke the silence. "Father, what was the conclusion at the council?" Ava asked quietly, her voice almost timid. Ariana casually took a piece of pineapple and stuffed it into her mouth. She was used to this act of kindness from her sister—it was nothing new. "She’ll be meeting the Alpha King," their father replied. The moment those words left his lips, the jug Ava was holding slipped from her hand— SHRANG! It shattered into pieces on the floor. Ariana’s eyes widened slightly as she looked at her sister, who immediately began to plead. "Father, I apologize. I did not mean to...," Ava begged. Ariana took another piece of pineapple, then a slice of apple, stuffing them into her mouth while waiting for her father’s reaction. She knew that jug had been a gift from one of the council elders on his birthday—it meant a lot to him. "You don’t have to worry, honey. Hope you’re not hurt," her father said calmly. "I am not, Father," Ava spoke sweetly. Ariana didn’t even blink she half expected that, If it had been her, the punishment would’ve been brutal. She remembered when she accidentally spilled tea while visitors were over—her punishment was to eat only once a day, and only at night. She was even surprised she hadn’t gotten ulcers because of it. Ava stood and rushed to the kitchen, returning quickly with a trash bin, a rag, and a small bowl of water for cleaning up. Her gaze flicked to Ariana before she asked: "Father... why does she need to meet the Alpha King?" she stuttered, her face tense with panic. "To take her punishment. He’ll be the one deciding it," he replied flatly. The breath Ava had been holding escaped her lips in a shaky exhale. Ariana caught that. It was more like a relieved sigh than anything. "Oh! Father, I almost forgot—the gowns arrived today for the ball tomorrow!" Ava said quickly, trying to change the subject and hide her expression. A smile stretched across their father’s face. "That’s wonderful news. I have no doubt you’ll find a perfect mate—perhaps even the Alpha King himself." Ava nodded eagerly. "Father, that was my exact thought!" she beamed. In the Kingdom of Harriem, gowns were usually sent to maidens during the Blood Moon Festival, which symbolized the time they might find their mates. It was also announced that the Alpha King would find his mate at the ball tomorrow. So, the palace had distributed gowns to the locals to make sure everything looked perfect. "Sister Ariana, yours is on your bed. I already took mine," Ava added with a sweet smile. Fake one. Ariana finally understood why her sister had been so unusually happy—it was because of the ball. No wonder she cooked and also rubbed aloe vera. "Father... do you think he’ll accept me?" Ava asked softly. No one needed to explain what she meant. Ariana knew. She was talking about the Alpha King. ’He hasn’t even found his mate yet and she’s already jumping to conclusions’ Ariana thought to herself as she took a sip of water. "Yes, honey. He surely will. You’re a kind, perfect young lady," her father said warmly. Ava smiled and stood to carry the cleanup items away. But her father’s face quickly turned serious again as he turned to Ariana. "Be quick with your food. How long does it take you to eat?" he hissed. ’Then why are you still eating? Are you not supposed to be done by now?’ Ariana muttered in her mind. Ava returned and sat down, her posture perfect—clearly trained in how to behave like a lady of high status. Ariana finally moved her hands, signing gently: "Sister, The Alpha King has yet to discover his destined companion yet. We don’t know if it’s you." Ava’s face twisted in anger. "What did you just say?" she asked, barely able to believe it—her face already turning red in disbelief. Ariana was just worried. Her sister was getting too obsessed with the Alpha King. Ever since their father took Ava with him to the palace on a council visit and she caught a glimpse of the King, her obsession had only grown deeper. "I’m just saying, Sister... I don’t want you to be hurt if he’s not your mate..." "That’s enough!" their father snapped before Ariana could finish. She dropped her hands and nodded. Ava’s face was already red with frustration as she turned to their father, waiting for punishment—but he stood and left for his room. Ava’s expression twisted even more when she realized he hadn’t said anything in her defense. She turned back to Ariana with a mocking smile. "I see now... I finally see why that stranger left you that night," she sneered, clicking her fingers. Her stare darkened with hatred. "Because he realized he couldn’t stay with a mute woman."

Chapter 3: Meal

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