Hazel's POV
"Dismiss the guards."
Noah's voice was firm as he approached my cell, his command echoing through the dim dungeon. Evening shadows stretched across the walls.
"I want a moment alone with my sister," he added.
"Yes, sir," one of the wardens replied, and within moments, they disappeared down the corridor, leaving me face-to-face with my brother.
"Finally," I sighed, the weight of their constant watch lifting for the first time. They were always there—hovering, breathing down my neck. I turned my gaze to Noah, who stood outside the bars, staring at me with unsettling sternness.
"What took you so long?" I blurted, frustration and desperation slipping into my voice. "Why didn't you come sooner? Do you know what it's like in here? The stench, the mosquitoes—it's unbearable! I thought you'd come the very day that bastard threw me in here." My eyes darted to his hands, searching for keys, but there were none. He didn't even look like he intended to open the door. "Why are you so quiet? Is everything alright?"
He gave a bitter chuckle, his expression hardening.
"You should be grateful I'm even here," he said coldly. "I wouldn't have come at all if not for the seriousness of your offense. When will you finally start using your head, Hazel? You've been creating trouble nonstop, and you've brought all this on yourself."
A chill ran down my spine. His tone—sharp, threatening—reminded me of the Alpha himself. I stared at him in disbelief.
"What are you saying, Noah? Why are you talking like this?"
His eyes narrowed. "I'm not here to rescue you. And I'm not here to joke. I borrowed time from my shift to be here, so listen carefully. Every word I say matters."
A lump formed in my throat. He wasn't here as my brother—he was speaking like a warden, like a stranger. Panic stirred inside me. If Noah wasn't here to save me, then why was he here? To lecture me? To break me down?
"Why are you here, then?" I demanded, my voice trembling between anger and hurt. "If you're not here to get me out, then what do you want?"
His glare softened into something worse—disappointment. My heart clenched at that look, though I didn't know what I had done to deserve it.
"I'm here because our parents sent me," he admitted flatly. "And I want you to know they're disappointed in you, Hazel. We all are. Every single day you manage to bring shame, drawing attention and ruining your image." His voice rose, harsh and bitter.
The words stabbed me. I wanted to scream that he owed his position to me, but the betrayal was too heavy. My own family turning against me—it cut deeper than anything the Alpha had done.
"Disappointed?" My voice echoed through the cell. "Disappointed because I stood up for myself? Is that what this is about? You want me to roll over and obey him like a dog? To smile and accept his cruelty without protest? Is that it, Noah? I wish you were in my place—you wouldn't have survived a day!" My fury spilled out, trembling in the air between us.
He clenched his jaw, as if restraining himself. Then his words came like blades.
"You've shamed this family, Hazel. Don't you see? Your actions don't just affect you—they affect me. They jeopardize my future here. And I'll make this clear: if you get yourself into another mess like this, I won't interfere. I won't beg on your behalf. If the Alpha decides to destroy you, I'll let him. My only concern is my position, and I will not risk it for you."
Tears stung my eyes, but he pressed on.
"You don't understand how much power he holds, Hazel. He could tear you apart with a thought—and if you keep provoking him, it won't just be you. He'll come for the rest of us too. That's why I'm here—to warn you. Watch your words. Watch your actions. Do as he says, or suffer. As far as I'm concerned, you deserve to be here. You brought this on yourself."
With that, he turned toward the door.
"Get out!" I screamed, shaking with rage. "I'll keep standing for myself, no matter what! You can go to hell, Noah! None of you have ever been there for me—yet the moment I try to survive, you attack me! Just leave!"
He didn't look back. I watched him walk away, and the tears finally broke free, streaming down my cheeks.
I was nothing but a pawn—sacrificed for the family's ambitions. No one cared if I lived or died. I was broken. Utterly broken.