Chapter 4 Four

• Evana’s POV
• The heavy doors shut behind me, sealing me in a world that isn’t mine. The Caballo twins left me on my own the moment we arrived, their cold dismissal ringing louder than any command.
• No instructions. No orders.
• Just silence.
• I stand in the grand hallway, feeling the weight of eyes on me. The walls are lined with dark stone, the torches flickering against the rough surface, casting shadows that twist and stretch. The air is thick, heavy with the scent of wolves—too many, too strong and I'm in the middle of it all.
• A sharp click of heels echoes through the silence. I turn my head as a woman approaches, tall and poised. Her dark eyes studying me with quiet scrutiny.
• "You must be Evana."
• Her voice is smooth but there is something else beneath it . She's trying to hide it but I can tell she doesn't want me here.
• She stops a few feet away, arms crossed over her chest. Her auburn hair is tied back in a simple braid and though she isn’t unkind in appearance, there’s a steeliness to her presence.
• "I’m Susan. I’ll be showing you to your room."
• I nod stiffly, gripping my bag tighter.
• "Follow me." She utters in a professional tone not too subtle and not too rude.
• I keep my steps light as I trail behind her. The halls stretch endlessly and with each turn, I become more aware of the wolves lingering in doorways, watching from the shadows. They don’t approach me but they don’t hide their curiosity.
• Or their disdain.
• I hear the murmurs.
• "She’s the one?"
• "Pathetic."
• "A waste."
• My fingers dig into the fabric of my bag, nails pressing against my palm. I keep my gaze ahead. Its not the first time I have heard people call me names like it was my fault to be born into this world by a rebellious father. His legacy seems to follow me wherever I go like a stigma.
• Susan says nothing about the murmurs but I don’t miss the way her eyes flick toward the others before she picks up the pace.
• Finally, she stops in front of a huge door and then she pushes it open.
• The room is small, nothing like the lavish halls I’ve passed through. A single bed, a dresser and a mirror barely enough space to breathe but its better than the sheltered cabin with leaking roof I was living in before.
• "This will be yours," Susan says, stepping aside.
• I walk in, taking in the simplicity of it all though it isn’t meant for a guest. It’s meant for someone tolerated, not wanted.
• Susan leans against the doorframe, watching me carefully. "You don’t have much with you."
• I keep my bag close. "I don’t need much."
• She lifts a brow, clearly curious but doesn’t push. "Do you want me to help you unpack?"
• "No," I answer, perhaps too quickly.
• Her lips press together but she nods. "If you need anything, you ask me. Not them."
• Them.
• The twins.
• The warning in her voice is unmistakable and she meant for me to listen.
• Before I can respond another voice sneers from the doorway.
• "Are you serious, Mother?"
• I turn just in time to see a girl step into the room.
• She’s beautiful. Dark brown curls frame a sharp, angular face and her figure is dressed in a form-fitting outfit that screams confidence but it’s her eyes that catch my attention—burning with open disgust.
• "Adriana" Susan says with a hint of caution in her voice.
• She looks me over once before scoffing. "This is what they brought back?"
• "Watch your mouth" Susan says with a warning lacing beneath her tone.
• Adriana ignores her, stepping further inside. "You should’ve just thrown her in the servants quarters. Why waste space on her?"
• I don’t move. I don’t react.
• Adriana notices. Her lips curl into a smirk as she stalks toward me slow and deliberate.
• "You must think you’re special," she murmurs, tilting her head. "You’re just an outcast that has been sold into slavery. Sebastian and I are soulmates Luciano doesn’t like weak girls" she whispers and I clench my jaw at the thought of Sebastian sleeping with this bitch then I shake it off. I don't have the right to be angry. They have not accepted me yet and I am not sure I want them to.
• So, I hold my breath as she leans in again. Her voice dropping lower. I don't let her get to me because I already know these things. I know how the entire world see me.
• "They don’t keep things they don’t use." She says while staring at me
• A chill races down my spine wondering if they were going to punish me for my father's sins.
• Susan suddenly grips Adriana’s arm. "That’s enough."
• Adriana yanks her hands away while stepping back. "I don’t see why you care. She won’t last long"
• With one final glare, she turns and strides out leaving only her lingering venom behind.
• Susan exhales sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "She’s young and foolish."
• I say nothing.
• Because Adriana wasn’t just cruel—she was right.
• I’m not here because they want me.
• I’m here because they own me.
• Susan steps toward the door. "I’ll send food later. Get some rest."
• I don’t watch her leave.
• I sit on the edge of the bed staring at the floor.
• Adriana’s words repeat in my head, a reminder of what I already know.
• The Caballo twins don’t keep things they don’t use.
• And I have no idea what they plan to do with me.
• The hours drag on. The packhouse is alive with movement but no one comes for me.
• Not Luciano. Not Sebastian.
• They left me here alone like a forgotten possession.
• I don’t know if that should bring me relief or fear.
• The tray of food Susan sent remains untouched. My stomach twists but I can’t bring myself to eat.
• Instead, I sit in silence, waiting.
• For what? I don’t know.
• But the moment will come.
• Because monsters don’t ignore their prey forever.