Relegated to Servitude

That night Serenity awaited his appearance like every other night, making sure her room was neat and tidy and that she was presentable. Just like clockwork, Alpha Damon came climbing up the ladder and motioned for her to come down, the rest of the pack members besides patrol were sleeping. 

She climbed down and was surprised when instead of heading outside like the usual routine he halted her and led her to the kitchen.

"Have I done something wrong?" she asked confused but he shook his head, putting a hand to his lips. 

"We have an important meeting just before your birthday and not enough servants to clean the pack house. Every night for a few hours, instead of going outside you will help the omegas to clean instead" he told her "I've increased the guards outside so don't even think about trying to run for it and if you tell anybody that you've been locked away in the attic you'll be severely punished and it will be far worse than any of the other's you've experienced" he threatened and she quickly nodded, looking down at the ground so he couldn't see her disappointment. 

"Stay here" he demanded, leaving swiftly as she stared wide eyed. Serenity debated whether she should attempt to flee regardless, but he was back quicker than she anticipated, a small, mousy looking brunette trailing behind him, her arms folded and clad in a typical maid's uniform. 

"This is Lauren" he introduced her to Serenity who gave her a tight lipped smile "and this is Sarah" he said as Serenity looked at him perplexed. No one besides him, Andrea and Roland knew about her until now, so why wasn't he using her real name? He shot her a warning look and she bit her lip before she blurted it out accidentally. 

"Lauren is going to show you how to clean the downstairs areas" he growled "the upstairs is not to be touched while everyone is sleeping. She's been told to show you and only speak if necessary. The same goes for you" he told Serenity gruffly. 

"Right, for the next three hours" he said pointedly "you will both clean. I want the kitchen, dining area and main living areas done. If I hear you speaking constantly or gossiping I will come back and punish you" he warned and the girls nodded their understanding. "Sarah" he added smoothly and Serenity startled, forgetting for a moment that he'd changed her name "I will come and get you once the three hours are up. Is that understood?" he checked and satisfied with their chorus of "Yes Alpha Damon" he turned and strode away, leaving the two girls together, who eyed each either with curiousity. 

"Right" Lauren said timidly "let's start with the kitchen first. It's a real mess at night time once everyone's eaten" she added and Serenity just nodded shyly, following and then halting in shock once she got a good look at everything they needed to do in such a relatively short time. 

There were dishes piled haphazardly everywhere! That was bad enough but they were all covered in uneaten food, nobody apparently scraping their plates before hand. Food was littered all over the large dining table and all over the floor. It would take more than an hour to get the kitchen done alone thought Serenity grimly. 

"How about you do the dishes while I start sweeping up?" offered Lauren and Serenity gave her a sheepish look. 

"I don't know how to, I've never had to do them before" she admitted, clearly shocking the other girl who was silent for a moment. 

"I'll teach you" she said softly, filling the sink up with hot soapy water while Serenity watched intently, memorising what needed to be done in the assumption she would be doing this every night. 

"You just wipe them over like this" Lauren said demonstrating "and make sure they're clean. Don't forget to scrape the food of them first though" she added unnecessarily and Serenity gave her a small smile as she nodded, eager to get started. This might not be the usual freedom of being outside but she was enjoying having somebody new to talk with and have company. 

The girls worked quickly and in tandem, Serenity picking up the cleaning side of the work relatively easily. It wasn't hard work but it was certainly time consuming and repetitive, especially since she hadn't realised how messy the pack house could get on a daily basis! No wonder they needed more help, especially since two omegas had recently joined another pack with their mates! 

"Sarah" Lauren called and Serenity blinked, realising hastily that she was speaking to her. 

"Yes" she said making her way over and Lauren pointed to the clock. 

"It's been three hours" she told her "you should go make your way to the study in case Alpha Damon has forgotten to take notice."

"What about you?" she protested and Lauren gave her a sad smile.

"I work until sunup" she explained "it's my job to clean every night and I sleep during the day. You go ahead, I know what needs to be done" she added and was taken aback when Serenity gave her a sudden hug, feeling sorry for the poor girl. How awful it must be to clean alone in the dark. 

"Go" whispered Lauren and pointed in the general direction of the study, Serenity walking slowly towards it. Lauren was watching her every move so she knew she couldn't make a run for it and besides if she did? They might punish Lauren as well and she didn't want that. She knocked on the study door, Alpha Damon opening it and blinking in surprise as he glanced at the clock. 

"Your three hours are up" he said gruffly, "let's get you back upstairs" he added and she followed him without a word, wondering which room Lauren was cleaning, not seeing her as she made her way back into the attic. 

"Get some sleep" Alpha Damon ordered "you'll be cleaning with Lauren every night from now on. It's time you learnt how, especially since you're going to be marrying Roland. A Luna should know how to keep the pack house clean" he added and just like that Serenity's brief moment of happiness faded within an instant. How quickly he'd reminded her of what was to come. 

"Yes Alpha Damon" she mumbled unhappily, climbing into bed as he watched, his hand in his pocket. She watched in shock as he produced a padlock, showing it to her. 

"Now that it's getting close to your eighteenth birthday" he said grimly "I won't be taking too many chances of you escaping. This will be put on your door every night until it's time for you to leave. The only people with a key is myself and Roland. Not even Andrea will be permitted to have one. It's to keep you safe" he said with a grin as Serenity lay there, in shock. Not once had he ever gone so far as this until now. She wanted to cry. He was taking the last little bit of freedom she had, not that she'd had much, and keeping her locked away for the next month as though she was nothing but an animal. The idea of Roland having a key made her sick, what would he do if he was only one of two people able to come and go as he pleased? 

She opened her mouth to protest, to plead for him not to do this but then closed it reluctantly. Begging and pleading would get her nowhere. Not if he was determined to do it. Instead she watched as he left, the distinct sound of the padlock being shut and locked, along with the door closing, loud and final. Serenity lay there, all her hope completely gone. She was filled with nothing but despair.