Chapter Two

“Reign” I could hear my mother's voice as she called out to me.

I covered my mouth, trying to suppress the laughter as I hid under the table right in front of her. She had gone to the living room and even my room but could not find me.

.

It was Father’s throne anniversary. It was the 13th year he became the Alpha of the Half Moon Park. I had informed my mother I did not want the red bow she had picked for me nor did I want the dress she got for me but she did not listen.

“Reign, where are you?” Mother placed her hands on her waist as she turned. She looked at the plates on the table in anger and was about to call out the maids for not cleaning it.

“What is the matter? Where is Reign?” I could hear Father’s voice from afar? His voice interrupted her action as he walked over to her quickly.

I was gripped with fear because if there was something Father never liked, it was me troubling Mother or making Mother shout. Not wanting to face Father’s wrath, I came out from where I was hiding.

“Mother”

“Where have you been for so long? You got me worried!”

“I have told you time and again, not to make your Mother shout, haven’t I?” Father reached for my ear, and just before I could save it, he squeezed it tightly. I winced in pain as it was so painful.

“She is just a child, Kelvin, I didn’t even complain to you” Mother tried to save me from Father’s grip with worry boldly written all over her face.

“Just a child? A disaster she is”

I could not tell why I was hurt at Father’s words. Of course, I was used to his words but each time he said them, it hit me differently. I was just thirteen years of age yet Father never failed to use and hurl insults at me for as long as I could remember.

“What is wrong with you? She is our child!” Mother yelled at her father. Yet another reason why Father loathes me, I guess.

He claims Mother yells at him only when I am involved. Father shook his head and walked away.

Ever since I could remember, Father had never been good to me. He had never been nice to me.

“Mother, do I not belong here?” My eyes were filled with tears. Mother could see the pain on my face as her face was just like a mirror, reflecting the pain I felt.

“You belong here, my child. You are our daughter” Mother embraced me and afterward, scooped me into her arms.

“But Father does not treat me like I am one. He does not treat me like I am his daughter” I could no longer hold the tears that fell from my eyes so I let them fall freely.

“Come on” Mother carried me to my room and placed me on the chair as she brought out a comb to comb my hair. My black curly mane was beginning to get tangled. It always does that.

“It is the truth, Mother” I pouted my lips as Mother gently brushed my hair and packed it into a bun. Despite being Luna, she did the majority of her things herself especially when it had to do with me.

Right from when I was a child, she would bathe me, make my hair, and even feed me breakfast herself.

It was amazing!

“Stop it, Reign. You have no idea how much your father loves and cares for you” She assured me as she continued brushing my hair.

Of course, I had no option but to stay quiet because Mother would try her best to convince me but what could I do?

The celebration went on well, of course, with Father trying to avoid being associated with me. It made no difference anyway, I was used to it. If wishes were horses, a beggar would ride one.

With every day that passed, I could see the worry on Father’s face increase. I don't know why though but the expression of worry did not seem to fade away.

“Alpha Kelvin” Beta Elvis suddenly rushed in one day while we were having a family dinner. A look of worry settled on his face too. Mother was also unhappy. What was going on with everyone?

“In a bit” My father looked at Mother and walked out of the dining room. Mother nodded In approval as she continued eating.

I had no idea of what was discussed but a few minutes later, Father walked back in with a frown settled on his face.

“Henceforth, you will begin to go with me to the train every morning” He stared at me, anger boldly written on his face.

My eyes widened in shock and so did my ear. What just happened? Did I hear him right?

“What do you mean?” Mother looked at Father with shock and fear in her eyes.

“W….why..why will my daughter go with you to train?” Her lips quivered in unison with her eyes which initially widened but began to flicker in shock.

“What do you mean? She is my daughter after all” His husky voice was beginning to rise. Fear gripped my heart. I did not know if I should be happy or sad. I doubt if I ever heard my father call me his daughter. It was strange and weird. I was excited he called me his daughter but was confused if he meant it or if it was just for that moment.

“Go to your room, Reign” Mother ordered. I nodded my head as I went to my room, walking slowly, trying to eavesdrop on whatever they would say.

As long as I would like to follow Father and have a moment with him, some of the few things I feared the most were anything about war or fight like sword fighting, archery amongst others and I believe that was why the moon goddess made me a female.

I sighed as I slowly strolled the stairs, walking straight to my room. I was an only child and I wished I had siblings. I sighed again as I waited for the meeting to be over so I could go over to meet Mother. A minute without my Mother was boring for me. I lay on the bed as I brought out a book to read.

“Reign!” I heard dad’s call. I jumped in shock. I had slept off without realizing it. I hurriedly dashed out of my room as I could not afford to anger Father.

“Get ready with me because from tomorrow, you would begin to go with me to the training ground”

Mom was quiet. I could not tell why because I had no idea of what Father had said to her but I knew whatever it was, it was not right.

“Yes, Father” I bowed my head in despair but even from the corner of my eyes, I could see the maids watch me in pity.

They knew what I was going through. I was no less a maid even at that tender age. If wishes were horses, a beggar would ride one. What choice did I have? I got to know from eavesdropping of course because no one would dare to tell me.

I got to know that my father had always wanted a son so when he had me, he considered me a disaster. How could I easily forget the disastrous and dangerous words Father said to me? Constantly reminding me I was worthless. Constantly reminding me I amounted to nothing. I didn’t need to be told before I knew Father hated me simply because I was a female child.

I didn’t choose my gender but Father was not ready to listen. As soon as Father was done, he walked away and I also headed to my room, laid on the bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.

“Wake up Reign”

I could hear my maid, Andrea, call out softly.

I pretended not to hear her as I was not willing to get up. Why would she wake me up at that time? It was still dawn.

“Come on, wake up” She tapped me gently but I pretended not to be aware. Why couldn’t I just sleep as much as I want?

“The Alpha awaits you” She finally managed to say.

“F.F.Father?” I stuttered as I flew up in fear. My heart beat tripled its usual. Why was father waiting for me? Then, it clicked me. He had said I was going to join him to practice.

“Come on, you know your father would be very upset with you if you are late”

“Of course” I rolled my eyes as I got prepared. “How do I look?” I questioned as I stared at her.

I was already frustrated and tired as I picked different outfits to know the perfect one for the training.

“This is perfect” She looked at me from head to toe as I was cladded in a small top and a trouser that looked so convenient for me to fight in.

“Come on, let’s go. I do not want us to be late or else your father would get upset” She stood up from my bed with an expression of worry all over her face. She was worried for me. I nodded as I watched her lead the way and then, I walked after her.

She looked behind occasionally to be sure I was behind her. Where was I going to run to even if I wanted to? I sighed as I walked past the mirror that was by my side, about ten steps from her. My mane was looking so rough. I had not brushed it that morning. I had only gotten dressed even without having my bath.

“Come on, hurry up!” She whispered to me as she neared the where Father was. I was a few steps away from her.

“I am” I furrowed my brows as I tried to meet up with her. She was way too fast. I looked around. There were several guards there alongside Father. Everyone had a sword in their hand.

“Good morning, your Highness” She bowed. He nodded in response and looked at me with a frown. I knew what that meant and it was not good.

“Good morning, Father” I greeted humbly, trying to avoid his gaze. Slowly, he brought out his sword. I could not dare to look up at him but somehow, something felt off.

“At this point, be prepared to die” He slowly said. My heart skipped two beats at his word and raising my head, it skipped even more

“Father!”