CHAPTER 3

ATHENA

I stood there dumbfounded. Something in Ginny's eyes told me it was all a lie. She must have heard my conversation with my mother. The mocking smirk she was flashing back at me told me all I needed to know. She was lying.

"My sister has something to say as well," Ginny said as she withdrew from Enzo’s embrace.

“Go ahead sister. What is the big announcement,” Ginny drawled.

My throat went dry, and I swallowed to clear it. All eyes were on me now and I suddenly lacked the bravery to make the announcement. I looked at my mother, who gave me an encouraging nod.

I cleared my throat, not daring to look anyone in the eye. "I…am also pregnant." I blurted out.

Enzo immediately spitted out his wine and stared at me for a while. There was a little silence before he finally busted into laughter and everyone joined in the laughter.

For the first time in my life, I prayed that the earth would open up to swallow me. Enzo wasn’t laughing because of the announcement; he was laughing at me.

"How is that a big announcement?" He asked, through his laughter. "It is no big news that a concubine can be pregnant for an Alpha."

My heart sank into my stomach at his words. He was taking my pregnancy as though it doesn’t matter. He placed a hand over Ginny's childless stomach, looking lovingly at her. "My Luna has my heir growing in her womb."

I wanted nothing more than to scream and say she was faking it, that it was all a lie. But no matter how badly they might treat me, I had to keep my life. That meant keeping my mouth shut.

"You are not here to have babies, you are here to please your Alpha. If you start having babies and ruin your body, you will be nothing but the useless hag you were supposed to be." This was coming from the man I called my father.

I tried to drive back my raging emotions. My eyes stung badly with unshed tears, but I can’t let them see my tears. I have to be strong. I shamefully sat back on my seat.

"Aurora, tame your stupid daughter," My father turned his anger on my mother. "If she pulls this stunt again, you leave me no other option than to punish the both of you,” my father whispered to my mother to my hearing while he squeezed her lap hardly making her to wince in pain.

My mother nodded obediently, not daring to speak up. My father degrading her was not uncommon. But I would not be able to take it if he laid his hand on her again. My childhood flashed in my mind and I tried to fight the bile that rose in my throat.

"I’m sorry Father. It won’t happen again," I tried to pull his attention away from her to myself.

"Father," Ginny called while she walked towards us.

She came to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. “Please forgive her father, she was just too excited to break the news and I’m happy she did, at least the heir will have someone to play with,” she said out loud, rubbing her childless tummy.

The nobles at the table smiled at my Ginny’s kindness, but I knew well that it was just a game.

"Of course, my Luna. Anything you wish," my father replied, his voice had soft.

“Father, can I steal my sister for a bit?” Ginny asked, making me ponder on why she needed me.

“Of course, she’s all yours.”

Ginny grabbed my hand and led me out of the table, but she stopped short and suddenly clamped her tummy as though she was in agonizing pain and almost fell. I instinctively grabbed for her and stared at her confused.

 "Ginny," I called out, still confused.

"Ginny!" Enzo screamed, running to her side and pushing me away from her. He took her in his arms and she instantly went limp.

"Get the healers!" He ordered, carrying her into his chambers. Away from the guests, who looked as confused as I was. My father and mother trailed behind Ginny and Enzo.

I looked down to see a trail of blood from where Ginny was standing, confused at what had just occurred, I staggered back to my seat, trying to take in the drama that just unfolded. Was she trying to pull a stunt? What is she up to? These questions whirled in my head.

I felt someone touch me from behind and I turned to see a dark eye looking back at me with a scared expression. It was Mira, Ginny’s hand maiden. “Please follow me,” she pleaded and I didn’t oblige since she was my half-sister’s hand maiden, maybe my attention was needed.

I trailed behind her until she made a stop at the hall way, away from the quest. “You need to leave,” she said quickly, her eyes making a fast movement as she scans the environment. I could tell that she was scared, judging from the way she was rubbing her palm against her hand.

 "Hey…Hey, Mira," I called out her name softly as I grabbed her hand to reassure her, but she flinched at my touch. “Take it easy. You are safe.” I assured her.

She let out a heavy sigh and gently squeezed my hand. “You need to leave. Your sister is plotting something against you,” she said in tears.

I gave her a confused look.

“What do you mean?”

“The… The guard… the… the Luna. They…” she stuttered but before she could finish her word, I heard a loud footsteps approaching towards us. It was Darrel, Enzo’s Beta and also the Chief guard, with other guards, about ten of them trailing behind him in a double file.

"Seize her!" Darrel ordered.