Trapped. I feel like a bird in a cage, flapping its wings against the bars, desperate to break free. The walls of the palace close in on me, suffocating, leaving no room for escape. All I want is to fly the hell away from here, to escape the suffocating weight of my circumstances.

I haven't even seen him again—my mate, Alex. Oh god, why did it have to be Alex? Memories flood my mind, sharp and unyielding. I remember him well, the boy who was once so full of life and laughter. He was the little nuisance I never wanted, stubborn and irritating, with an ego that matched his bright, brash smile. I was always the oldest, the one who saw them all as a bit immature, never quite fitting in with their carefree antics.

Theo, Azalea, and Alex would play together while I stayed behind, buried in books and dreams, too often caught in the world of fantasy while they lived out their youthful adventures. But Alex eventually grew out of that phase, abandoning the innocent play for the harsh discipline of combat training. He sought strength, and in doing so, he left Azalea behind, like a feather drifting in the wind, uncertain of where it would land.

Theo at least had the decency to be kind, I think bitterly. He stayed with Azalea, guiding her through her sadness as she grappled with his brother's abrupt change. But Alex? He was nothing but a stubborn thorn, aggravating me with every breath he took. I never wanted this, never wanted him as my mate.

I can't help but shake my head in disbelief, yet something inside me craves him in a way I can't comprehend. It's a sickening feeling, twisting my stomach into knots. The bond pulls at me, gnawing away at my resistance, making me question everything I thought I knew about myself. But no. This is irrational. It's just the bond messing with my feelings, I tell myself. It has to be.

I close my eyes and lean my head back against the cool stone wall, trying to gather my thoughts. I picture Alex's face—the way his blue eyes seemed to shine with a light all their own, a spark that ignited something deep within me. My pulse quickens at the memory, and I scold myself for it. No, no, no.

I can't let this happen. I can't allow myself to feel anything for him, not now, not when I'm still reeling from this entire situation. This bond is a prison, chaining me to a boy I never wanted in the first place. And yet, deep down, there's a flicker of something—a sense of longing I can't shake off.

Get it together, Aster. I force myself to breathe, to focus on the things I know to be true. I don't want to be here, and I don't want him.

I storm into my family's quarters, heart pounding with frustration as I search for my father. I need answers, and I'm done feeling trapped in this gilded cage of a castle. Each step I take echoes with my fury, a constant reminder of my current predicament.

When I finally reach his office, I burst through the door without knocking. "Why the hell won't the guards let me leave?" The words spill out, laced with indignation.

My father looks up from his desk, surprise flashing across his face. "Watch your language, Aster," he admonishes, his tone firm yet gentle.

"I am not a child!" I declare, fists clenched at my sides, my eyes sparking with defiance.

"You are my child," he counters, unyielding. I meet his gaze with a death glare, the kind that has sent lesser beings scurrying away. But he stands his ground, sighing deeply as if he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. "The king won't let you leave. The whole castle just found out you are mated to his son. It may be dangerous for you now."

I scoff, bitterness rising in my throat. "Oh, what, so now I'm precious to the king as his son's mate? He wants to what? Protect me?" The sarcasm drips from my words, each syllable a jab aimed at the absurdity of my situation.

My father's expression shifts, the tension in the room thickening. "More like you could be held as leverage if someone gets their hands on you. The king won't allow his son to have that weakness."

I open my mouth, ready to unleash another sarcastic retort, but he continues, cutting through my defenses. "Aster, maybe it's for the best. You are safest here. I don't know what I would do if you were put in danger. You were never meant to stay at that pack forever."

His words sting, feeling like a betrayal that lacerates through me. "That pack? That pack is my family too!" I snap, the heat of my emotions igniting my words. "Both you and they have trained me to be strong. I can take care of myself!"

With that, I spin on my heel, rage propelling me towards the door. I fling it open with force, the sound echoing down the corridor as I storm out, a whirlwind of frustration and rebellion. Each step away from my father's office feels like a step away from the suffocating expectations and the life being forced upon me.

I will not be a pawn in this game, I vow to myself. I will not let anyone dictate my life or my choices. As I stride away, my heart pounds with determination, fueled by the urgent need for freedom. The thought of Alex lingers in my mind, but I push it aside, focusing instead on the goal ahead. I will find a way out of this gilded cage, even if it means facing the king himself.

How dare my father talk about my pack like that? I love them, and I can't forget that he is one of the king's minions. As I reach further into my familys quarters, determination fueling my every step toward what was once my room, Azalea suddenly blocks my path.

Her eyes flicker with disappointment at the sight of me still lingering in the castle. Azalea has always had this stupid crush on Alex, and I can see the hurt simmering beneath the surface. I know she must be crushed to learn that he's my mate. The bond pulls at me, a primal urge to defend what I now see as mine. I want to tell her to stay away from him, to claim my territory, but I know that's just the bond speaking, trying to manipulate my feelings. I can't let it control me.

"I thought you were leaving," she says, her voice tinged with disappointment.

I shrug, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I tried. Apparently, I'm being held captive."

She scoffs, disbelief lacing her tone. "It won't work," she blurts out, the confusion washing over me like a cold wave. "You and Alex."

The mention of his name makes my wolf stir within me, a low growl rising to the surface, but I push it down. "He will be king one day," she continues, her words like daggers piercing my already fragile resolve. "And you've always done whatever you could to stay away from this place. If you're with him, you will never leave again."

Her words stab me deeper than I expected, echoing my own fears. Does she really think I don't know this? A wave of sadness washes over me, tinged with guilt. I understand that I haven't been the best big sister. I haven't been there for her, and I can see that she must feel abandoned. I feel sorry for her, truly. But this isn't my fault, and I don't need this right now.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to remain composed. I don't want to lash out, but the frustration bubbles just beneath the surface. Instead of responding, I simply push past her, heading toward my room. I need to be alone, away from the disappointment, the expectations, and the reality of what has happened.

As I walk, each step feels heavier, weighed down by the chaos swirling in my mind. The walls of the castle feel like they're closing in on me, and the air is thick with unspoken words and lingering tensions. I finally reach my room, pushing the door closed behind me with a quiet thud.

The silence envelops me, a welcome embrace as I lean against the door, trying to gather my thoughts. This is not how my life was supposed to be, I remind myself, frustration boiling within me. I need to figure out my next move, to reclaim my agency in a situation that feels increasingly beyond my control.