Alethea(Zoe)
I freeze, my breath hitch as I take in the person standing at the door. My heart pounds at the realization, how much longer can I keep up this pretense?
It feels like the cracks are beginning to show, and people are starting to see through the facade.
She glances over her shoulder, checking the hallway to ensure no one is watching, then steps inside without waiting for an invitation. The audacity of it catches me off guard.
“What the hell? Who are you, and why did you just barge in like that?” I demand my voice is sharper than I intended.
I know exactly who she is, but I can’t let her know that.
She didn’t give a reply. Instead, she stares at me for a moment, her eyes searching as if she’s trying to piece together a puzzle.
Before I can say anything else, she suddenly steps forward and throws her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug.
It’s unexpected, I freeze on the spot. My arms were awkwardly at my sides, unsure of whether to push her away or return the hug. My mind races, but my body remains stiff by her actions.
“What… what are you doing?” I manage to stammer, my voice betraying my confusion.
But she doesn’t answer. She just holds me tighter, as though I’m someone she’s missed for a very long time. And for a moment, I don’t know whether to feel.
She pulls back, her arms dropping to her sides when she realizes I didn’t return her hug. Her eyes search mine, and I can see the hurt written all over her face.
“Oh, my world,” she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. “I can’t believe I would see you again. I thought I lost you that night when you were hit by that vehicle. I’m so happy you’re okay.”
She steps back, her hands brushing away tears as she moves away, her smile is soft but filled with relief.
Part of me wants to hug her back and laugh with her like we used to. Kayla was always kind to me during my time here.
But I can’t. I’m here on a mission. My identity must remain hidden if I want to get back to Northville in one piece.
I take a steadying breath, schooling my features. “I think there’s some confusion here, I don’t know who you are. Maybe you’re mistaking me for someone else.”
She bursts out laughing, echoing around the room. I step back slightly, unsure of how to respond.
She finally stops, brushing a tear from her eye as her laughter fades. Her gaze locks on mine.
“Oh, Ally, you can try to fool the others, but you can’t fool me.”
Kayla sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly as she studies me. “Ally, I understand why you’re doing this,” she says softly. “But there’s something I need you to know-I’m on your side.”
I narrow my eyes, feigning confusion. “On my side? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you’ve got the wrong person.”
She tilts her head, with a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, Zoe,” she says, emphasizing the name like it’s some kind of joke. “Isn’t that your middle name?”
My chest tightens, but I keep my face blank.
She steps closer. “You’ve changed your hair color, you’re wearing contact lenses to change your eye color, and maybe even had a little work done to alter your face. Your figure’s different now-you’ve got curves where you didn’t before. And those dermal fillers? They’ve enhanced your smile. Even your eyebrow shape is new. But despite all of that, Ally, I know it’s you.”
Shock ripples through me. How does she know so much? She’s pinpointed every single detail I’ve worked so hard to alter. But I can’t let her know she’s right. I can’t let anyone here know who I am.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” keeping my voice steady even though my heart is pounding in my chest.
“You’ve made a mistake. I’m not Ally.”
She shakes her head, letting out a quiet laugh as if my denial amuses her. But there’s no malice in her eyes-only a strange kind of affection.
“Okay,” she says finally, raising her hands in surrender. “If that’s how you want to play it. But just know, Ally-or Zoe, or whatever you want to call yourself-I’m not here to hurt you. I’m on your side, no matter what.”
I step back, my hand tightening on the edge of the door. “If you’re done,” I say, my voice colder than I intend, “I’d like you to leave now.”
Kayla studies me for a long moment before nodding. “I’ll go,” she says, moving toward the door. But before she steps out, she pauses, looks back at me with her hand on the handle, and turns back to face me.
“So, you’re going to let me walk out that door without asking me how I know you’re Ally?” she asks, her voice soft but firm. “Come on, Ally. I understand everything, and I’m on your side.”
Kayla steps closer, “See, Ally, I’ll help you in the best way I can. I’ll make sure no one knows who you are, just like you want.”
She smiles warmly and for a brief moment.
But I can’t give in. “I appreciate you… concern,” I say carefully, keeping my guard up. “But there’s nothing to help with. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to rest.”
“You might think Alpha Asher doesn’t know who you are,” she says quietly with a warning. “But I’m here to tell you-he knows. And you need to be careful, especially with Maya. She’s watching your every move.”
Her words hit me like a bucket of cold water, and I couldn’t hide the flash of fear that crossed my face.
“But,” she continues, “it breaks my heart that you couldn’t trust me enough to tell me the truth, even when I confronted you with it.”
I swallow hard, unable to find the words to respond.
Kayla’s gaze softens. “Be careful, Ally. And conceal that mark on your face.” She points to the faint birthmark near my ear, it gives you away.”
I stand there in stunned silence, unable to move or speak as she gives me one last look and steps out of my room.
The door closes behind her with a quiet click, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
How much does she know? And if Asher truly knows who I am, why hasn’t he confronted me yet? My hands tremble as I touch the spot near my ear.
I need to be more careful. I can’t afford any mistakes
My legs feel like they might give out, so with feeble steps, I make my way to the couch and sit, my hands trembling slightly. I stare into the distance, my mind spinning with Kayla’s words.
“This is just the beginning,” a still, small voice whispers in my mind.
I try to brush it off, but the warning. Asher knows. Kayla knows. And Maya… I don’t even want to think about what she’s capable of if she finds out who I am.
I bury my face in my hands, taking a deep breath. I’ve trained for this, prepared for every possible scenario, but nothing could have prepared me for this overwhelming storm of emotions.
A part of me wants to trust Kayla to believe she’s truly on my side. But trust is a luxury I can’t afford.
I glance at the faint birthmark near my ear in the mirror across the room, and anger wells up inside me. It’s such a small thing, but it’s enough to unravel everything I’ve worked for.
“This is just the beginning,” the voice repeats, louder this time.
I lean back against the couch, forcing myself to breathe evenly. If this is just the start, I need to be ready for whatever comes next. I can’t let anyone, not even Kayla, derail me from my mission.
Whatever game Asher is playing, I’ll play it better.