Chained to the Enemy Alpha
Chapter 64: Finding Purpose

Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Finding Purpose

Lily winced as she pushed herself up from the bed. Her body still ached from the lashing she’d received days ago, but she couldn’t stand another moment of lying around doing nothing. The sun streamed through the window of her new room—the one adjacent to Zayn’s—reminding her that the day was already half gone.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Martha rushed over, her weathered face creased with concern. “You need more rest, child.”

“Martha’s right,” Talia said, entering the room with fresh bandages. “Those wounds need more time to heal.”

Lily shook her head firmly. The title of Luna had been thrust upon her, and she refused to be useless. She made quick hand gestures, explaining that she felt well enough to get up.

“You’re as stubborn as they come,” Martha sighed, helping Lily into a simple blue dress. “Your body heals slower than others. You know this.”

Lily nodded but continued getting ready. She winced again as she brushed her hair, the movement pulling at the healing wounds on her back.

Talia stepped forward. “Let me help with that.” She took the brush from Lily’s hand and gently worked through the tangles. “If you’re determined to get up today, at least let us take care of these bandages first.”

Lily sat still as Talia changed her dressings. The wounds were healing, but slowly—a stark reminder of her wolfless nature. Normal werewolves would have healed completely by now.

“Where are you planning to go?” Martha asked, folding Lily’s nightclothes.

Lily pointed toward the door and made a series of gestures.

“She wants to see Zayn,” Martha translated for Talia. “She thinks he might have tasks for her.”

Talia shook her head. “Lily, you should focus on healing.”

But Lily’s mind was made up. She needed to prove her worth—to Zayn, to the pack, and to herself. Being the Luna meant responsibilities, and she wouldn’t shirk them just because of a few wounds.

With Martha and Talia flanking her like protective guards, Lily made her way through the packhouse corridors. Eyes followed her progress, some curious, others hostile. She kept her head high, refusing to be intimidated.

They reached Zayn’s study, and Martha knocked firmly on the door.

“Enter,” came his deep voice. fr.eew eb novel..com

Zayn looked up from his paperwork, surprise flickering across his face when he saw Lily standing there. “You should be resting,” he said immediately.

Lily stepped forward, trying not to show how each movement sent pain shooting through her back. Martha spoke for her.

“Alpha, Lily wishes to know if you have any tasks she can perform as Luna. She doesn’t want to remain idle.”

Zayn’s eyebrows rose. He studied Lily for a long moment, taking in her pale face and determined expression. “There’s nothing for you to do,” he finally said. “Focus on recovery.”

Lily’s face fell despite her attempts to hide it. She forced a smile and nodded politely.

“Thank you, Alpha,” Martha said, guiding Lily out of the study.

Once the door closed behind them, Lily’s shoulders slumped in defeat. She leaned against the wall, not from physical pain but from disappointment.

“Don’t take it personally, child,” Martha whispered. “The Alpha has much on his mind.”

Lily looked at Talia and Martha with pleading eyes, her hands moving rapidly in sign language.

“She’s asking if we know of anything she can do,” Martha explained to Talia. “She feels useless just lying in bed.”

Talia considered for a moment. “You could help at the infirmary,” she suggested. “We’re always short-handed, and there are simple tasks that wouldn’t strain your injuries.”

Lily’s face brightened, and she nodded eagerly.

“Very well,” Talia said with a small smile. “Let’s head there now.”

The infirmary was bustling with activity. Injured pack members from recent border skirmishes filled the beds, while healers rushed between them.

As soon as they entered, a young healer approached Talia. “Thank the Moon you’re here! We need your expertise with the burn victims from yesterday’s patrol.”

Talia squeezed Lily’s arm. “Will you be alright while I tend to this?”

Lily nodded, gesturing that she’d be fine. Just then, a messenger approached Martha.

“Victoria requests your presence immediately,” the young wolf said to Martha. “She says it’s urgent.”

Martha hesitated, looking at Lily with concern.

“Go,” Lily signed. “I’ll be fine here.”

“Are you certain?” Martha asked, her weathered face creased with worry.

Lily nodded firmly, putting on a brave smile. Martha reluctantly followed the messenger, leaving Lily alone in the bustling infirmary.

Lily stood awkwardly in the center of the room, unsure where to begin. Pack members gave her a wide berth, some whispering behind their hands while others openly glared. She recognized some of them—they had been servants in her father’s household, no doubt remembering who she was and what her family had done.

Taking a deep breath, Lily spotted an elderly man trying to reach for a cup of water on his bedside table. She rushed forward to help him, carefully lifting the cup and offering it to him.

The man looked up, recognition dawning in his eyes. “You!” he spat, slapping the cup from her hands. The glass shattered on the floor. “Get away from me! Are you trying to poison me like your father poisoned our pack?”

The room fell silent. Every eye turned to Lily, who stood frozen in place as water soaked into her shoes and glass shards littered the floor around her.

Without a word, Lily knelt down and began picking up the broken pieces. No one moved to help her. Her fingers trembled as she collected the sharp fragments, and soon blood welled from multiple small cuts.

She kept her head down, refusing to let anyone see the tears that threatened to spill. When she had gathered all the glass, she rose and walked toward the trash bin, her hand dripping blood onto the floor.

After disposing of the glass, Lily slipped out of the infirmary, searching for somewhere to clean her wounds. She found a small washroom in the hallway and pushed the door open, only to collide with someone coming out.

“I’m sorry—” a deep voice started, then stopped abruptly. “Lily?”

She looked up to find Kael staring down at her, his eyes widening when he spotted her bloodied hand.

“What happened?” he asked, taking her wrist gently to examine the cuts.

Lily pulled back, shaking her head to indicate it was nothing.

“Those need cleaning,” Kael insisted. “Let me help you.”

Again, Lily shook her head. She gestured that she could handle it herself.

Kael watched her for a moment, something like understanding crossing his features. “You want to do things on your own, don’t you?” he asked quietly.

Lily nodded, relieved that someone finally understood.

“I respect that,” Kael said, “but sometimes accepting help isn’t a weakness.” He paused, then added, “How about a compromise? Shadow me for the day. You can help with my tasks, and I’ll show you how things work around here.”

Lily looked up at him, surprised by the offer. No one had given her a chance to prove herself before.

“What do you say?” Kael asked, a kind smile on his face. “Partners for the day?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Lily nodded gratefully. Finally, someone was giving her a chance.