Chained to the Enemy Alpha

Lily watched as the servants loaded the last of the supplies onto the wagons. She oversaw the final preparations with Ragnar by her side. The journey to the Capital would take several days, and Zayn had insisted they bring everything they might need.

"Everything seems to be in order, Luna," Ragnar said, his voice gruff as always. His eyes scanned the bustling courtyard with military precision. "We should be ready to depart within the hour."

Lily nodded, adjusting the light cloak around her shoulders. The air was chilly, warning of the approaching autumn. She signed to Ragnar, her fingers moving swiftly.

"Yes," Ragnar translated her thoughts aloud, "Alpha Zayn wants us to reach the first checkpoint before nightfall. The roads should be clear, but we can't be too careful."

Lily's gaze drifted to the pack members scurrying about. Some still cast wary glances her way, but most had grown accustomed to their Luna's presence. Progress, however small, was still progress.

A wagon rolled past them, piled high with trunks containing formal attire for the royal gatherings. Lily couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness in her stomach. This would be her first official appearance as Luna of the Obsidian Moon pack at the Capital. She knew the other Alphas and Lunas would be watching her closely, judging her every move.

Martha had spent the past week coaching her on proper etiquette and protocol. The older woman's guidance had been invaluable, and Lily was grateful she would be by her side.

"The last wagon is almost loaded," Ragnar reported, checking his timepiece. "We're right on schedule."

Lily smiled and signed her thanks.

Just as she was about to turn toward the main building to gather her personal items, a sharp, piercing scream cut through the morning air. Lily's heart dropped. The voice sounded familiar.

Ragnar's hand went to the dagger at his belt.

"It's probably nothing," he said, though his narrowed eyes betrayed his concern.

But Lily was already on the move. Her steps were quick and purposeful. Something didn't feel right. She couldn't explain it, but an instinct deep inside urged her forward.

"Luna Lily! Wait!" Ragnar called after her, quickly matching her pace.

They rounded the corner of the stables to find a small crowd gathering. They stepped aside respectfully as soon as they saw Lily approach, revealing the source of the commotion.

Lily's heart stopped. It was Martha.

She lay on the ground, face contorted in pain as she clutched her right ankle. Even from a distance, Lily could see the swelling and bruising.

Lily rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside Martha. The older woman tried to smile through her pain.

"It's nothing, my Luna," Martha insisted, though her voice was strained. "A small accident, that's all."

Lily's hands moved quickly, signing her questions as Ragnar translated for those watching.

"Luna Lily wants to know what happened," Ragnar announced. "Did anyone see?"

The gathered wolves exchanged glances, but no one stepped forward. Martha shook her head.

"I was carrying some supplies to the wagons," she explained, grimacing as she shifted slightly. "I must have stepped wrong. My old bones aren't what they used to be."

Lily signed again, her movements sharp with concern.

'We need to get you to the infirmary. Immediately.'

Martha shook her head adamantly. "No, no. We're leaving soon for the Capital. I'm sure it's fine."

Lily's expression was firm as she signed her response.

'Martha. I insist.'

"Luna Lily insists," Ragnar echoed her words, his tone left no room for argument.

He bent down and carefully lifted Martha into his arms. Without waiting for further discussion, he bent down and carefully lifted Martha into his arms. The older woman let out a pained gasp as her ankle was jostled.

"This… this really isn't necessary," Martha protested weakly, though her face had gone pale with pain.

Lily led the way to the infirmary. Pack members quickly stepped aside, watching with curious eyes as their Luna and her guard carried the older woman across the courtyard.

They arrived a few minutes later. Kael was organizing medical supplies when he saw them enter.

"What happened?" he asked, immediately clearing a bed for Martha.

Ragnar gently set Martha down on the bed as Lily signed an explanation.

"Martha fell and injured her ankle," Ragnar translated. "It looks bad."

Kael carefully examined the injured ankle; his touch was gentle and professional. Martha winced as he pressed on the swollen area.

"Your ankle is severely twisted," Kael confirmed after a moment, expression grim. "You won't be walking on this for several days at least. The swelling looks bad, too."

Martha's face fell. "But we're leaving for the Capital today—"

"You can't travel in this condition," Kael interrupted firmly. "You need rest and regular cold compresses to reduce the swelling."

"I'll manage, like I always have," Martha insisted, looking desperately at Lily. "Lily needs me for her first appearance at court. I just need to be bandaged up."

To prove her point, Martha attempted to stand. But the pain was excruciating. She could not put any pressure on it. Her legs gave out. She fell forward. If Lily hadn't caught her in time, she would have hit the ground hard.

Once Martha was back in bed, Lily's eyes hardened with determination.

'Martha, you're not going anywhere. You are staying here to recover,' She signed to Martha.

Ragnar translated what she said for Kael to understand. He nodded in agreement.

Martha's eyes welled with tears, not from pain but from disappointment and worry. "But my Luna, who will help you navigate the court? The royals… the Alphas and Lunas you'll meet. They can be vicious, especially to…"

Lily understood Martha's concerns. Without her most trusted maid by her side, she was walking into the belly of the beast unprotected. Lily's expression softened as she sat beside Martha on the bed and took her hands.

Her signs were slower now, meant only for Martha.

'You've taught me well, Martha. I'll be fine, I won't let you down.'

Martha squeezed Lily's hands. "It's not you I worry about failing, my dear. It's those around you who might fail to see your worth."

The infirmary door opened, and Ezra stepped in. "Luna Lily," he said with a respectful nod. "Everyone is ready to depart. Alpha Zayn is asking for you."

Lily nodded, then turned back to Martha. She leaned in and embraced the older woman tightly.

"Be careful," Martha whispered against her ear. "Trust no one completely, not even those who claim to be allies."

Lily pulled back with a reassuring smile, trying to project confidence she didn't entirely feel. She signed a promise to return safely.

As Lily followed Ezra out of the infirmary, Martha caught Ragnar's arm before he could leave.

"Ragnar," She said in a low voice, "Protect her with your life. If anything happens to her. So help me–"

"Ragnar nodded, "You have my word, Martha. I'll protect her with my life."

Martha released him with a nod, watching as the door closed behind them. When they were gone, she tried once more to stand, desperate to follow despite her injury.

"Don't even think about it," Kael warned, gently but firmly pressing her back onto the bed. "You'll only make it worse."

Defeated, Martha sank back against the pillows. She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer to the Moon Goddess, her voice barely audible in the quiet infirmary.

"Watch over her, Moon Goddess. Guide her path and bring her home safely."