Chained to the Enemy Alpha
Chapter 68: A Promise Is A Promise

Chapter 68: Chapter 68: A Promise Is A Promise

Lily paced the dim hallway, her fingers fidgeting anxiously as she glanced between her door and Zayn’s.

Three steps forward.

Turn.

Three steps back.

Her heart hammered against her ribs.

“What are you doing?”

The voice made her jump. She turned to see Ezra watching her, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. Lily tried to sign to Ezra. But from his expression, she could tell he didn’t understand her.

So, she reached for her notebook. She quickly scribbled.

‘Is Zayn angry with me?’

Ezra’s brow furrowed as he read the note. “No. Why would he be? Did you do something to anger him?” His expression shifted suddenly. “But he did— Never mind, it’s none of your business.”

He turned to leave, but Lily stepped in front of him, blocking his path. Her hands moved in a desperate attempt to sign her question.

Ezra sighed. “I can’t understand those hand gestures. Use your notebook if you want to say something.”

Lily furiously wrote.

‘Please tell me what’s going on with Zayn.’

“Nothing,” Ezra said, though his tone lacked conviction. “He’s just distracted. It’s probably because of the full moon tonight. That and his late-night sessions with the new girl.”

Lily’s blood ran cold. Late-night sessions? New girl?

‘New girl? Who?’ Lily wrote in the notebook, tapping it for Ezra to see.

Ezra hesitated. He regretted saying too much.

“I think her name was Shirley?”

Her teacher? Lily stared at him, wide-eyed.

“Look, I’ve said too much already,” Ezra muttered. “Just leave him be for now.”

Lily’s shoulders slumped. The urge to find Zayn evaporated, replaced by a hollow feeling in her chest. A small part of her believed there had to be more to it, it was telling her to trust Zayn. She turned back toward her room, each step heavier than the last.

“There you are.”

Zayn’s deep voice echoed down the hallway. He stood tall, his face stern, jaw tight. His eyes darted between Lily and Ezra.

“It’s time,” he said simply. “Both of you, come with me.”

Lily didn’t move. Her feet were rooted to the floor as her mind raced with questions. Zayn and Ezra were already at the end of the hallway. When Zayn realized Lily hadn’t followed behind them, he turned back.

“Lily,” Zayn snapped. “Move. Now. If you don’t want to help, stay in the packhouse.”

Her fingers quickly found her notebook.

‘I’ll go. I don’t break promises.’

Zayn’s expression remained unreadable as he turned and led them outside. Ezra shot her a warning look before following.

They walked deep into the forest, far beyond the main packgrounds. Lily struggled to keep up as they traversed steep slopes and dense underbrush. After what seemed like forever, they arrived at the mouth of a cave hidden behind a curtain of vines.

Inside, several of Zayn’s warriors had already gathered. A circle of molten silver gleamed on the stone floor, catching the light from the torches mounted on the walls. Heavy chains lay at the center of the circle.

The warriors stiffened when they saw Lily.

“Alpha, why is she here?” one of them demanded. “It’s not safe.”

“She can’t be trusted,” another added. “Not tonight of all nights.”

“Enough!” Zayn’s voice boomed through the cave. “Lily stays. If things get bad, she’s the only one who might bring the real me back.”

The warriors exchanged uncomfortable glances but fell silent.

“She’s our enemy’s daughter,” the first warrior persisted. “The daughter of the man who—”

“I said enough!” Zayn roared. His eyes flashed dangerously. “She’s earned my trust. That should be enough for you.”

Ezra stepped forward, backing Zayn up. “Alpha Zayn has made his decision. Anyone who questions it can leave now.”

No one moved.

Lily clutched her notebook tightly against her chest, her mind racing. She knew exactly what he meant by ‘bring him back’. She prayed to the Moon Goddess that things wouldn’t get too bad.

A commotion at the cave entrance interrupted her thoughts.

“I’m the one who made all the arrangements, and yet I’m not allowed in there? That’s ridiculous!”

Lily recognized that voice in an instant. It was Victoria. She pushed her way inside, face flushed red with anger.

“Zayn! There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you-” She paused when she caught sight of Lily. “What’s she doing here?”

“Victoria,” Zayn’s voice was cold. “Leave. Now.”

Victoria stepped closer to him, her hand reaching for his arm. “I made all the preparations, Zayn. Please let me stay, I’ve always been here for you on these nights. I can help you.”

Lily looked away, her heart twisted in a knot.

“I appreciate everything that you’ve done for me. But things can get bad. You being here will only make things worse,” Zayn replied, removing her hand from his arm, “Go back.”

“But—”

“Ezra,” Zayn cut her off, “escort her out.” free.webn\ove(l)(.)c(o)m

“This is ridiculous!” Victoria protested. She pointed her finger at Lily, “Why does she get to be here and not me?!”

“Because she is my Luna. She needs to be here, she’s the only one who can help me when it matters most,” Zayn explained calmly.

His words only fueled her anger.

Victoria’s face contorted with rage. She walked over to Lily to confront her. “You think you’re special? You’re nothing! You’ll never be what he needs!”

Ezra pulled her toward the exit. “That’s enough, Victoria! Zayn’s orders are final.” f\r(e)ewe.b no\vel.com

“Let go of me! Let go!” Victoria continued to struggle as she was dragged out of the cave, and her voice echoed through the cave.

Ezra released her arm once they were outside the cave. She stumbled a little but was ready to turn back to head in. Ezra blocked her path with a warning look.

“Have you forgotten what we talked about?” He asked coldly.

Victoria hesitated, taking a step back.

“For your own good, do as Zayn asked. Go back and stay put,” Ezra said before he re-entered the cave.

Victoria tightened her fists, her knuckles turned white. She was shaking in anger when she kicked the dirt and cursed.

“The nerve! Choosing that mute bitch over me?!” She hissed.

“She’s nothing but a liability,” Victoria said to herself. “I’ve been there for him every full moon for years. I’m the one who takes care of him after.”

She walked through the forest, lost in her thoughts and rage. But a group of chattering voices caught her attention. She slowed down her pace and hid herself behind some bushes to investigate.

A small group of pack members had gathered near the training grounds. Upon a closer look, Victoria recognized the woman in the centre. It was Shirley, the teacher Zayn had hired for Lily.

“I don’t care what you say about her,” Shirley said firmly. “I’ve spent time with Luna Lily, and she’s nothing like what you describe.”

“Luna?” a woman scoffed. “She’s not our Luna. She’s the daughter of a monster!”

“Her father killed my brother,” another added. “Why should we accept her as our Luna just because she’s the Alpha’s mate?”

“She’s a weakling without a wolf,” someone else chimed in. “How can someone like that lead us?”