Bound To The Broken Alpha (Amy and Daniel) novel Chapter 13

**When Dawn Breaks Slowly Hope Finds Space To Grow by Jin Rowan Vale**

**Chapter 13: She Tried To Kill Me**

**AMY**

A wave of hushed murmurs swept through the hall, a palpable tension hanging thick in the air. Clara’s confident smile faltered, just for a fleeting moment, as she realized I wasn’t going to let her words slide without a response. The unexpected spark of defiance in me caught her off guard.

Mrs. Carter, standing nearby, offered a subtle nod of approval, a silent acknowledgment that I had taken a stand. I felt a flicker of pride swell within me, but it was quickly overshadowed by the weight of the situation.

The seamstresses completed their work on the crimson gown, and I prepared to slip into the final dress—the ivory one. It was the most extravagant of the three, adorned with intricate jewels and delicate embroidery that seemed to shimmer under the soft light. As I emerged from the fitting room, a hush fell over the space, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of grandeur. Even I had to admit it was stunning.

For the first time, Mrs. Carter’s expression softened, her eyes glimmering with approval. “Yes,” she said, her voice warm. “That is the one for the binding ceremony.”

But before the seamstresses could make their final notes, Clara clapped her hands together in a slow, mocking rhythm. “Beautiful,” she drawled, her tone dripping with insincerity. “Almost makes you look worthy.” Her gaze locked onto mine, a challenge hanging in the air. “Almost.”

My wolf stirred within me, a restless force pressing against my control. My breath quickened, and for a moment, I felt the sharpness of my claws threatening to break free. Clara was being all too obvious, and her lack of self-respect was infuriating. It was clear she had a scheme in mind, and the very thought of it sent a chill down my spine.

Mrs. Carter’s voice sliced through the tension like a knife. “Amy, keep your composure. This is your test. If you fail here, the pack will remember it forever.”

I forced myself to steady my breathing. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. My wolf howled in frustration, desperate for release, but I kept her firmly locked away.

Clara’s smirk widened, clearly reveling in the struggle she could see etched across my face. I caught a whisper, too quiet for anyone else to hear, but my heightened senses picked it up.

“You’ll never make it through the ceremony.”

That was the final straw. I turned on my heel, ready to confront her, but Mrs. Carter’s hand shot up, gripping my arm with surprising strength.

“Not here,” she hissed under her breath, her tone urgent. “Not now. Save it for when it truly matters.”

I froze, my wolf howling in frustration at my restraint. Clara raised her eyebrows in mock triumph, as if she had already claimed victory. But she hadn’t won—not yet.

The seamstresses finished their notes and began gathering their supplies. Mrs. Carter dismissed them with a wave and turned to me, her gaze intense enough to make me straighten my posture.

“You did well enough today,” she said, her voice steady. “But this is merely the beginning. Clara will continue to provoke you. Others will, too. If you aspire to stand as Luna, you must not only endure but also fight back. Do you understand?”

I nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “Yes, ma’am.” I then excused myself, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

As I approached the door, I felt a sudden, sharp grip on my arm. Clara’s fingers dug into my skin, and irritation flared within me.

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