The room seemed to shrink around me suffocating any sense of hope I had left. Shadows danced maliciously on the walls accentuating the unknown horrors lurking in the corners. The air turned heavy and stale as if it carried the weight of my despair. My tear-stained face glistened in the dim light that managed to penetrate the room's oppressive darkness. Trembling, I wrapped my arms tightly around myself desperate for a glimmer of warmth and comfort. But all I found was the cold hard reality of my situation. He moved closer his presence suffusing the room with an unsettling aura. His eyes gleamed with a sinister intention stripped of any trace of empathy or mercy. His face was weathered etched with cruelty and malice as if it had borne witness to countless acts of torment and suffering. "I am certain you know the reason why you are here tonight. I hold the key to your freedom," he sneered brandishing a small tarnished key in his gnarled hand. "But freedom comes at a cost
"Please wait! Wait - Don't throw me into the cellar. Can you please help me?" "Help you with what?" One of the guards said, staring at me with disgust. "You do not have the right to ask questions, throw her into the cellar." The man ordered again and someone grabbed my arm from behind, pulling me towards the stuffy cellar right ahead. "Please, help... I... I kinda... I don't know... Just let go of me." "Just keep quiet and follow me." The man said and kept on pulling me. I looked back to see if anyone could help me stop him but they all had the same disgust look in their eyes. "Hold on!" Echoed a deep, bold voice. It was a voice everyone could recognize. I looked back and saw Beta Kristen walking towards us. "Why did you ask him stop?" A lady step forward. She also looked like someone in the military but definitely low ranked. "She doesn't deserve mercy. If she is opportuned, she could do worse. In fact, if the king sees that she's still out here, we will a
I was utterly speechless, a whirlwind of emotions coursing through me like a raging river. The reality of leaving behind the dark confines of the dungeon and entering this opulent chamber was almost too much to comprehend. The drastic shift in my circumstances was overwhelming but despite the overwhelming rush of thoughts I composed myself and hastened towards the maid who had been assigned to care for me. "Aunt Cleo!" I muttered weakly. Tears welled up in my eyes threatening to spill over as I closed the distance between us. Overwhelmed by a mix of gratitude disbelief and relief I found solace in the arms of my maid. Her embrace was filled with a warmth that spread through my entire being reminiscent of a long-lost mother's affection. In that moment all the pain and suffering that had consumed me for the past hours seemed to fade away replaced by a sense of security and comfort that I had longed for. Her comforting presence seemed to cast a healing spell upon my fractur
"Wait, what!?" I and Meemaw ejaculated in shock. Was it just shock or even trepidation? I looked into Kristen's eyes, it was expressionless has if he had said nothing. Could it be possible that we misheard what he said? Because if that was what he said, there should be some kind of remorse or even maybe joy on his face, but there was absolutely nothing to figure out."Oh.. I... I... w... was... just wondering. I think I didn't hear what you said." I said, stammering, waiting for him to say something back but he wasn't. "Can you please speak up? What did you say?"He cleared his throats, his eyes briefly flitted to the ground before locking onto mine once more. "Well, the alpha king has made a decision," he said his tone so grave. "You are to be the one to bear his heir."My heart skipped a beat as my mind struggled to process the information. Shocked and angered, I took a step back shaking my head. "No," she said firmly, her voice trembling with disbelief. "I won't do it. I won't be a
As I sat there on the bed, frozen in fear and uncertainty, my heart pounded in my chest and questions raced through my mind. What would the king do now? Would he seek revenge for my refusal? He looked angry and curious at the same time, what could be going on in his head?Suddenly, the heavy chamber doors swung open and a group of maids entered, their faces bearing a cold and distant expression. I watched them cautiously as they approached me, their steps deliberate and their eyes devoid of emotion. My anxiety deepened and a chill ran down my spine. What had the king instructed them to do?"Why did you barge in that way? Why do you all lack courtesy in this kingdom? Couldn't you have knocked before coming in?" I asked them, angry that they didn't even notify me before entering the room.Without uttering a word, the maids motioned for me to follow them. I hesitated for a moment, contemplating my options but the weight of their gaze and the uncertainty of the king's intentions compelled
Stepping out of the chamber, my heart raced in my chest pounding like a wild animal trying to escape its cage. Fear clutched at my throat as I made my way towards Beta Kristen who stood tall and imposing in his pristine uniform. I tried my best to appear composed and submissive as was expected of a slave in the presence of a beta. But inside my emotions tossed and turned like a tempestuous storm. Had the Alpha King changed his mind about punishing me? Or was there something more sinister awaiting me? Beta Kristen's steely gaze pierced through me and for a moment, I thought he could see through the façade I was desperately holding onto. My hands trembled slightly and I had to clasp them tightly to still their quivering. "His highness has granted you permission to explore the the pack house and gardens." Beta Kristen informed me, in a voice devoid of any warmth. "However you are to be accompanied by a guard at all times. You should consider this a privilege." A flicker of relief wash
I made an effort to disguise my unease mustering a smile as I pivoted to identify the person called Daphne. Approaching them with cautious optimism, I extended my hand for a formal greeting. However, my friendly gesture was met with a disdainful hiss as one of them abruptly departed without a word. Confused by the unexpected response I quickly retracted my outstretched hand feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. I couldn't help but wonder what had stirred such a reaction. Undeterred I turned my attention back to Daphne who stood before me with a sheepish smirk curving her lips. I didn't know what the smirk was supposed to mean but I knew for sure it wasn't a good sign. "Are you just going to stare at me? Won't you bow your head?" What? My eyes widened. The voice, though feminine, possessed a bold and authoritative tone. Her words left me utterly perplexed. But, witnessing the guard bow before her indicated her immense significance. I glanced behind me, intending to seek as
I made my way back to my chamber, my heart pounding in my chest with each step. The encounter with Daphne had left me shaken unsure of my place within the pack. But as I entered the room a familiar feeling of comfort enveloped me. Meemaw was already waiting for me with open arms. She was elated to see that I was back and she hurries to hug me. "Melina! You're back! How did it go?" she asked eagerly. I hugged her back and felt a surge of emotion. "Not so good," I said softly, frowning. She pulled back and looked at my face. Her eyes widened when she saw the red mark on my cheek. I didn't know it was so obvious. I glanced at the standing mirror in my room and saw the mark of red strips across my cheek. "Oh darn!" I cursed, realizing what the bitch had done to my face. "What happened? Who did this to you?" she asked in alarm. I sighed and told her everything that happened in the garden. How I met Eirene, who was friendly and how we vibed together. How Xanthe and Daphne were rude