5

Calista 

“Get in line!” a voice growled from the end of the hall, pointing toward the other girls in the room. 

Ariel, who had just finished dressing me, let go of me at the sight of her, “Good luck, 529S,” she whispered before she turned and walked away. 

That must be Madame Ysara, she had a commanding aura to her. 

I hurried inside and stood behind the last girl. We were all dressed the same and had tags bearing our numbers in front. The only difference was our hair. Mine was bright silver and most of them had black and brown hairs. 

“I will make this simple,” Madame Ysara started as she stood on a block, making her taller than everyone. 

“You do not speak unless spoken to. You do not dare to breathe without my consent. I hold your life in my hands, and you damn do as you're told,” she said, scanning the room. 

We all lowered our gaze.  

“Lastly,” she continued, her tone increased almost immediately. “You do not talk to the Alphas!” 

Now that last rule felt like it held more power. 

“You!” she called as she walked toward me.

My heart pounded instantly. I kept my eyes shut and my head down.

“Look at me!” she said, using the edge of the whip to raise my head.

She slanted her head slightly, then let out the most ridiculous laugh I had ever heard.

“Your hair’s doing all the work—but your face didn’t get the memo. I purchased only clean girls. Why are you here?” she asked.

“I... I...” The whip snapped across my back before I could speak, and I screamed.

The pain that tore through me didn’t belong to hands that small, it felt like it had been delivered by someone twice her size.

“Silence!” she ordered, then stepped back a little. “Your skin is smooth, but your face is disfigured. That scar on your neck should always be kept covered.”

She tossed a piece of cloth on the floor, and I picked it up and covered my neck.

At this point, my body ached all over—from the swelling on the right side of my face to the sting left by the whip on my back.

“Keep your hair down at all times. If I ever see that scar, I’ll give you another,” she said, turning and heading for the door.

We moved in a straight file behind her, flanked by two massive men in front and two behind. It took a few hours of walking before we finally reached the castle. 

My stomach rumbled with each step I took. 

The castle was larger than that of Ashvale, my jaw dropped instantly. There were thousands of people in Warhaven, it made Ashvale seem like a small town, and this was the mother city. 

We headed straight into the castle, and everything around us shimmered with gold and marble. My nostrils tingled with the aromas of roasted meats, baked pastries, and herbs I couldn’t name. Servants moved like clockwork, and chandeliers hung from the ceiling like stars frozen in place. 

Though we walked in a file, we didn't look like mere slaves. We were now maids, and honestly, from what I've seen and perceived so far, this was an upgrade. 

We stood quietly in the grand hall, just beneath the towering staircase, waiting to be assigned. 

I prayed eagerly to Freya, “Please… send me to Asher,” I murmured as I clenched my fist.

“529S,” Madame Ysara called, looking at me. 

My heart pounded as I waited, digging my nails into my palm and tapping my feet lightly on the ground. 

“You'll be assigned to the west wing. The quarters of master Asher."

My heart flared instantly, and I let out a sigh of relief. 

“Thank you, Goddess,” I mouthed, almost leaping with excitement. 

Something caught my attention instantly, as a scent drifted past my nose. Subtle yet sharp, it seemed to be coming from all directions. I had to keep my head lowered, not daring to turn it while Madame Ysara was speaking, but the fragrance lingered in the air, something delicious. 

My body stirred, a strange pull that reminded me of the way Armin’s kiss had once made me feel—but this was different. It was sharper, something I couldn't quite name. But what I was sure of was that my body wanted it. My mouth watered slightly, as a feeling of intense hunger rushed through me. 

Then, a deep, commanding voice spoke, “Ysara, that one is mine, assign her to my chamber.” 

Before I could think, my head moved immediately and my gaze met his. 

He was pointing at me, my heart pounded raggedly in my chest.

His appearance stunned me. His long, glossy black hair was pulled back into a small, tight bun, accentuating the sharp lines of his jaw. Even under the dim lighting, his skin seemed to glow, smooth and flawless. His body, well-built and lean, was evident through his fitted attire. His lips, full but firm, held a subtle curve that made it hard to look away.

I couldn't stop staring, this was the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life. 

Then I felt a slight pinch on my thigh, “Lower your gaze!” The girl next to me said, pulling me back into consciousness. 

Then my head moved downward. 

He had seen me staring at him, and I was sure I was already in trouble. My hands trembled as I hid them behind my back. 

Please let this be Asher. If it’s not... after what Ariel told me, I don’t even want to imagine what’s coming.

Then I heard his footsteps fading like he was walking away. 

A slight sense of ease rushed through me, that was definitely Asher, no wonder he spared me. 

“Well, today is your lucky day, 529S,” Madame Ysara's voice came in. 

“You have been personally assigned to the east wing, and you will work personally for Master Azazel. 

“You must really be unlucky.” she continued, her voice laced with cruel amusement. 

“You must really be unlucky.” 

Wait, that was Azazel? I'm doomed.