章 9: Coldly rejected her help
Elowen had a quick shower. She wanted to get out of Cassian's room as fast as possible. Once she was dressed in the simple clothes the maids had brought, she hurried out, eager to put as much distance as she could between herself and that suffocating scent.
The maids were waiting outside, their expressions sour as they escorted her back to Luna without saying anything. No one could tell the difference between them, Elowen looked more of a servant than them. She blended well with them.
When they arrived, Luna's eyes lit up with a smile seeing Elowen.
"You look beautiful, just like a princess," Luna complimented because she wasn't seeing what everyone was seeing in Elowen, a broken, weak and average looking Omega. She praised Elowen for her purity and simple beauty. She could see how strong Elowen is, she could see in Elowen's eyes how much she has endured.
But before Elowen could respond, her stomach let out a loud growl.
Luna chuckled softly. "Sounds like someone is hungry. Let's get you something to eat."
Elowen shook her head firmly, her expression serious. "I won't eat anything until I see my brother."
Luna paused, her smile faltering slightly, but she nodded in understanding. She guided Elowen to a nearby sofa and sat beside her, gently taking her hand in her own. The warmth in her eyes was genuine, not something Elowen was familiar with.
"Elowen," Luna began softly, "Cassian made a mistake when he rejected you. But I can tell you that he's not a bad person…just different. But if you hate him now I'll not blame you."
Elowen's eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. She didn't understand why Luna was defending him or why she cared to explain his behavior.
But Elowen nodded politely, though inside her thoughts were racing. What kind of Alpha is he really? she wondered bitterly. An Alpha who doesn't care about the weak, who thinks Omegas like me don't deserve respect?
Luna's grip on her hand tightened slightly, as if sensing her thoughts. "He wasn't always this way, you know," Luna continued, her tone growing darker. "Cassian believes that strength is everything. He's grown up in a world where power is the only currency that matters. It's…how he was raised. His father was harsh, unrelenting. He drilled into Cassian that being strong was the only way to survive—that caring for those weaker than you is a burden, a waste of time."
Elowen felt a shiver run down her spine at Luna's words. So she's an Omega. She's weak in his eyes. Unworthy of his protection.
"Cassian has seen betrayal too," Luna added softly. "Not just from enemies but from those closest to him. It's hardened him. Made him believe that showing any vulnerability is dangerous. That's why he rejects anything that appears weak. But deep down, he's not heartless, Elowen."
Luna's expression grew more solemn. "Cassian's father was not just harsh; he was brutal. He ruled with an iron fist, and Cassian was made to follow in those footsteps. But there's more—Cassian's own history is filled with pain.
Elowen listened, her mind swimming with conflicting emotions. Luna was painting a picture of a man shaped by a world of violence and distrust—a man who had no room in his heart for someone like her.
But even as Luna spoke, Elowen couldn't shake her thoughts. What kind of Alpha can't see past his own fears? What kind of Alpha throws away a mate because she doesn't fit his idea of strength? Then how he's strong if he can't respect someone weaker than.
In that way, he's weaker than all those Omegas.
Luna must have seen the doubt in her eyes because she sighed and squeezed Elowen's hand once more. "Cassian is not perfect. But there's more to him than what he shows. He's built walls, yes. And he believes that power is the only thing that matters in this world. But those walls…they're built on pain."
Elowen's heart ached as she listened, but she still couldn't bring herself to fully accept what Luna was saying. Cassian's rejection of her, his cruel words—those were real. And no amount of pain or hardship could justify the way he had treated her.
But Elowen nodded again, keeping her thoughts to herself. She appreciated Luna's effort to explain, but inside, she still felt raw and broken. Cassian had made his choice. He had shown her exactly who he was. And no matter what Luna said, Elowen wasn't sure she could ever forgive him for it.
She's just a guest here. She didn't come here to stay and she has no right or position to debate with his mother on how he is. After she gets her brother she will leave.
Somewhere far. Where no one could hurt her and her brother.
The door swung open, and both Darius and Cassian entered. Darius was holding a small, frightened child, who immediately began to wiggle and reach out towards Elowen.
"Theo!" Seeing her brother, Elowen's heart leaped. She stood up quickly, her eyes wide with worry.
Darius gently placed the child on the floor, allowing him to run into Elowen's arms. She knelt down, inspecting him with trembling hands.
"Are you okay?! Do you have any injuries?! Did they hurt you anywhere?!"
The little boy clung to her, his voice quivering as he spoke. "I missed you, and I was so scared. Those people were really scary, El."
Elowen felt a wave of relief wash over her. She pulled him into a tight hug. "I missed you too," she murmured.
As she held her brother, Luna glanced at Cassian with concern. "How did Cassian get hurt?" she asked, noting the blood dripping down Cassian's forehead.
Elowen as well focused on Cassian and looked up to see him standing there with his usual cold demeanor, the blood staining his features. Cassian remained silent, his eyes as frigid as ever. Darius, seeing Elowen's worried expression, stepped forward to explain.
"A rogue wolf tricked us," Darius said, his tone steady. "He managed to strike Cassian, but don't worry. Cassian dealt with him decisively—broke his neck."
Elowen was grateful but also felt slightly guilty. She felt compelled to show her appreciation and offer help. She moved towards Cassian with her sincere voice. "T-Thank you for saving him. I can…help with your injury. I h-have some healing skills."
Luna nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's a good idea. It would be best to take care of that wound."
But Cassian's reaction was far from appreciative. He cast a disdainful look at Elowen and replied with a dismissive tone, "I don't need any help."
Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Luna standing there with frustration.
Elowen's heart sank. Despite her offer and Luna's encouragement, Cassian's harsh dismissal stung deeply.
She watched as he left the room, feeling both relieved that her brother was safe and disheartened by Cassian's coldness.
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