Everett’s POV
I kept my gaze fixed on the floor as I made my way through the shadowed hallways of the packhouse, my hands tightly gripping the fabric of my dress. I had trained myself long ago to tread quietly, to remain invisible. It was less painful to let them believe I was unaware, to let them think their insults bounced off deaf ears.
Walking beside me was Princess Stella, her steps smooth and elegant, yet her aura oppressive. Ever since Alpha Chester had publicly declared his intention to make her his mate, she had taken up residence here. Her mere presence made the air feel heavier.
Suddenly, something struck my foot. I stumbled forward, losing my balance for a split second. I managed to catch myself before I could fall, but a sharp pain pulsed through my lower abdomen from the jolt. My heart started to race.
Stella let out an exaggerated gasp and quickly moved her fingers to sign, "Oops! My bad!" But while her hands feigned concern, her lips told a different story.
"Serves you right, you worthless deaf girl. Honestly, why are you still hanging around when you clearly don’t belong? You're nothing—just a useless omega," she muttered venomously under her breath.
I bit down hard, my teeth grinding together as my fists clenched at my sides, fingernails digging into my skin.
"Everyone knows you want to take Chester from me," she hissed, her tone mocking. "You actually think you could steal the Alpha’s heart? Keep dreaming. There’s no world where he would choose a broken, deaf excuse for a Luna."
I lifted my head and met her eyes without flinching. I said nothing, just stared.
Her grin widened, and she gave a low chuckle before signing again, "It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it."
But her voice, dripping with disdain, continued: "You’re such a joke. Can’t even hear how people insult you right to your face. The maids snicker at you all the time."
I felt a tightness in my throat but forced my face to stay neutral. No emotion. No response.
Her soft giggles echoed behind me as we stepped into the dining room. I took my usual seat quietly, my hands trembling as I reached for my cup, trying to steady myself.
Then came the sugary voice. "Everett, would you mind handing me the soup?" she signed sweetly, her expression angelic.
I hesitated but nodded, reaching for the hot bowl in front of me. As soon as her hand touched the edge of it, she gave a sudden push, tipping the bowl straight into her own lap. The thick liquid splashed all over her elegant, pale gown.
"Aah!" she cried out theatrically, leaping back from the table in an overdone display of shock and distress.
I froze in place, stunned. I hadn’t even touched her. The confusion hadn’t even left my face when the doors to the hall were flung open. A cold chill ran down my spine.
Chester.
He strode in with his usual commanding presence, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. It stopped on Stella first, then darted to me—his expression immediately darkened.
"What happened here?" he demanded, his voice like a blade slicing through the air. His hands moved rapidly as he signed at me, “What did you do?” He didn’t wait to hear an explanation. He had already decided I was guilty.
Stella clutched her stained dress and gave a trembling sniff. She looked up at him, the image of a wronged and delicate princess.
"Oh Chester," she said in a soft, trembling voice, "please don’t be mad at her. She probably didn’t mean it. Maybe it’s just... envy. I mean, I can’t really blame her. You’re about to be mine, and she’s just... well, still an omega. Maybe her emotions got the best of her."
I choked back a gasp. She had rehearsed this role to perfection, and Chester, blind to her games, looked at me with disappointment etched in every line of his face. His signing grew harsher.
"How dare you harm someone of royal blood? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
Each gesture landed like a physical blow. I felt my chest cave under the weight of his disbelief. I wanted to scream the truth, to tell him everything about who she really was behind the sweet smiles. But I knew—it wouldn’t change anything.
It never had.
My arms dropped slowly, the fire inside me burning low. I gave a small nod, and without defending myself, I turned and walked out. Each step felt like I was dragging my soul behind me, but I refused to look back, even as tears blurred my sight.
Then I heard him. His voice, now low and comforting.
"I’ll discipline Everett for this," he murmured. "Don’t worry, Stella. She won’t go unpunished."
A bitter sound bubbled in my chest, but I forced it down. Instead, I placed a trembling hand over my belly, pressing gently over the small life growing inside me.
"Why would your father betray us like this?" I thought, my heart heavy with sorrow and disbelief.
