Chapter 2

LAYLA'S POV

The usual whip on my back jolted me from sleep and I woke up to find Isabella looming over me.

“Oh, I wanted to see if you were alive or dead,” She smiled. “You know it's difficult differentiating the two when it comes to you.”

I sat up on the haystack and rubbed my eyes. My back throbbed but I was oblivious of the pain.

“Do you want me to get you anything, Your Highness?” I stifled a yawn as I asked.

Isabella smiled. “Yes.”

I don't know how but I found myself standing in the middle of her room, staring at a pile of expensive dresses.

“Which dress do you think Asher would want me to wear?” Isabella pouted her lips.

She picked up a green fishtail gown and a shimmering pink one. “Which one will suit me better? I want to stand out in the room.”

I looked between the gowns, becoming more confused by the minute. I wasn't used to dressing up nor have I ever attended any party or event to know how to.

“Say something!” Isabella fumed. “You're the fucking priestess, are you not? Talk to a goddess or something!”

This dumbo doesn't know I needed the drum to be able to talk to her.

I heaved a sigh and pointed behind her.

“What is it?” She asked, confused. When she followed my gaze, she gasped in shock. “I knew this was it!”

She picked up a long silver gown and placed it in front of her. “It totally complements my eye colour. King Asher will be stunned when he sees me.”

“If there's nothing else, I'll be going.” I said with a bow.

She turns sharply to me. “And where do you think you're going?”

Oh, I suddenly remembered my duties. “I'm so sorry, Your Highness. It slipped my mind.”

“Everything’s skipping your mind, you're good for nothing!” She hurled a dress at me. “Clean up this mess and go make breakfast! I'm parched!”

“Darling!” Cassandra called. “Where is that wretched sister of yours!”

“I'm right here.” I answered.

I could only mutter to myself when she appeared. “It's going to be a long day.”

Evening came and it was time for me to leave.

I returned to the prayer hut retained for the pack’s priestess and you would not believe what my eyes saw.

“Deflowering a maiden on sacred grounds is equivalent to treason.” I said in my calmest voice.

“Oh shit.” I heard a squeal which was followed by the ruffle of clothes.

The couple walked past me, throwing ice daggers before leaving.

I waved at them. “A bedroom would be nice. I recommend the villa downtown. The beds there are to die for.”

“Go to hell, freak!” The boy yelled.

“I've been there already.”

I unlocked the door and entered. The sweet smell of cinnamon greeted me and I smiled. This was the only thing original about this pack and the only thing I loved. If Raven were here, she would feel just the same.

I set down my backpack and laid on the straw bed. The mating ceremony must have already begun and I was right.

I could hear the sounds of the violin echoing in the distance. Everyone must be dancing their hearts out.

“That must be nice.” I whispered and looked at the ceiling. “If only I could leave this goddamn place.”

I didn't deserve this. Anything of it.

I was just unfortunate to have nearly died during childbirth. Raven had told me my mother died at childbirth but my step mother, Cassandra, said that the curse I was born with killed my mother and nearly killed me too. I didn't know how to believe it. Year after year, I would remain in here while others partied, wore dresses, make-up, flirted with boys, married and had children. That future was not for me at all. I was bound to the Moon Goddess and on her for life.

My thoughts drowned me further and sooner, I fell asleep.

The sound of thundering hooves woke me up from my slumber. What was happening?”

“The Lycan King is here! All creatures great and small are to gather at the grand hall to receive him!” It was the Herald.

I sat up immediately. Lycan King…. That was the man Isabella wouldn't shut up about. He was here!

The Herald went on. “The celebration at the hall has just begun! Make haste!”

The horse plodded down the road and the Herald continued the announcement.

I ran my hand through my hair. “Everyone is to gather at the grand hall. What will I even wear? I don't have any other clothes apart from those 2.”

Then it hit me. Of course, I have a special dress for a special occasion. I held up the lantern and walked to the closet. I had worn this dress but only once and that was the day I was made the pack’s priestess. Hopefully, I won't feel out of place when I wear it.

*****

The grand hall looked different from usual. The decorations looked more mature than the paper and satins that festooned the entrance and within. Now, golden trinkets filled every corner. It was very much like a grand hall.

“Care for one?” A waitress passed by with a tray of wine.

I reached out for one but she walked past me.

The ladies who were serving wine, giggled as soon as they saw me.

“Ouch. That's gotta hurt.”

“That’s what you get for being cursed.”

“What an uggo. Look at what she's wearing.”

“She looks like a deflated balloon.”

“She should just die already.”

I knew it was a terrible idea coming here. I clenched my fists and walked in the direction of the bathroom.

“Run away, you cursed freak!” one of the girls screams behind me but I ignored her.

Tears stung my eyes and I started running. The music was loud and my thoughts were louder.

“They will never accept you!”

“You will never fit in!*

“You're cursed!”

“Accept your fate and just die!”

“Just stop!” I screamed at no one. I couldn't take it anymore. For ten years, I've been hearing the same thing over and over again.

“What did I ever do wrong?” I sank to the floor on my knees and began to sob.

Maybe those girls were right. Maybe, I should die.

I took out the necklace Raven had given to me before she died. It was basically the fang of a sabertooth held with a black rope.

I undone the two buttons of my blouse and looked down at my chest where the scar from the birth was. It is a constant reminder that I survived for nothing. Before I could stab myself with it, an unusual scent filled my nostrils - Lavender and Wildberries. That was impossible. It couldn't be…

“What are you doing?” came the gentle tone of a deep voice.

I looked up to find a tall gentleman staring at me. “It’s none of your business. Go away.”

“Are you alright?” he joined me on the ground, his face an inch away from mine and I swallowed

His scent was lavender and wildberries. It couldn't possibly be true. Mybae my nose was malfunctioning.

“Your Majesty…” Another tall gentleman entered.

The handsome stranger took to his feet and held up his hands. “Come on. Let's go back inside.

“King Asher, it's time!” The gentleman said with a hint of impatience in his voice.

Wait. Did he say King Asher?