birthday preparation

Arianne's POV

The heavy iron door of the dungeons creaked open, the sound echoing in the dark, damp space. My body ached from the cold stone floor, I don't know how many days I had stayed in the dungeons, it felt like months but I know it hadn't even been more than a week. This was my life, little food had been brought for me while here. I winced as I stood, rubbing my wrists where the shackles had dug into my skin. After Liam left I had been put in shackles like some damn traitor that they caught.

A guard stood at the entrance, his expression unreadable. "The Alpha has ordered your release," he said gruffly.

I nodded, my legs shaky as I followed him out. The bright light of the hallway stung my eyes, and I had to blink rapidly to adjust, the room I was held into had no lights.

When I reached my father's office, I braced myself. He was seated behind his grand oak desk, the very picture of authority. His piercing gaze bore into me as I stepped inside.

"Arianne You've embarrassed me enough," he began, his tone sharp and unforgiving. "You're lucky I haven't cast you out of this pack. You're a disgrace Arianne. And I will not tolerate another mistake. You have to earn your place in this pack."

I kept my head bowed, biting the inside of my cheek to stop the tears that threatened to spill.

"Do you understand me?" he barked.

"Yes Father" I said quietly.

"What did...." Before he could finish his words I quickly realized my mistake

"I'm.. sorry Alpha" I quickly corrected stammering. Fear humming through my heart scared that'll be taken back to the dungeons for my mistake. But it must be my luck day.

He dismissed me with a wave of his hand, and I hurried out of the room, relieved that for once his anger hadn't manifested in physical blows.

I wasn't as lucky when it came to Daisy.

The moment I stepped into the corridor, she was there, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she looked me over, her lips curling into a sneer.

"Look who came out of her cage. You think you're clever, don't you?" she hissed. "Trying to seduce Zane like that. You'll pay for this Arianne."

I held her gaze, my fists clenched at my sides. "I didn't seduce him Daisy. You walked in at the wrong moment and he lied to save himself. what kind of man does that"

Daisy's laugh was cold and cutting. "Of course you'd say that. Always the victim, aren't you?you're so Pathetic Arianne."

I stared at her, something in me hardening. For years, I'd tolerated her cruelty, her constant jabs, and the way she treated me as less than dirt. But something about this moment was different. I realized I couldn't keep letting her walk all over me.

"I may not have a wolf or father's favor," I said my voice steady, "but I'm still your elder sister. And I will not let you treat me like this anymore Daisy. you will show me the respect that I deserve"

Daisy's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before her sneer returned. "We'll see how long that defiance lasts," she said before storming off.

In the evening, my father summoned me again, this time to assign me a task I had long grown accustomed to.

"Daisy's birthday celebration is in two days," he said curtly. "I want everything to be perfect. You will ensure that the preparations are flawless, and as always you'll be in charge. I want everything in order for the big day understand."

I nodded, not daring to argue.

"You're dismissed," he said, already turning his attention back to the documents on his desk. I lingered wanting to say something maybe he didn't know, maybe he forgot or he just didn't care, but when it comes to father, I never had the courage. I sighed and quickly left him to be.

....

The morning of Daisy's birthday, I woke up before dawn. The house was already bustling with activity, omegas darting back and forth with decorations, trays of food, and other supplies.

I took a deep breath and dove into the chaos. I oversaw the arrangement of the grand hall, giving instructions and ensuring that every detail was in place as per father's command. The omegas whispered and snickered as they worked beside me, their comments cutting but not unexpected.

"She thinks she's in charge," one of them muttered loud enough for me to hear.

"Only because the Alpha said so," another replied. "Otherwise, she'd be cleaning the floors like the rest of us."

I ignored them, focusing on the task at hand. Let them talk. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of reacting or showing them how much their words hurt. I just wished I had a friend.

By the time the afternoon sun set, the hall was transformed. The chandeliers sparkled, the tables were adorned with elegant arrangements, and the entire space radiated opulence just like daisy always loved, a grand celebration for her birthday and father always indulged her.

....

Damien's POV

The following two days passed quickly. I stood in my room adjusting the cuffs of my black shirt. My reflection stared back at me, cold and unyielding. The Lycan King. Feared. Revered. Alone.

Adrian entered without knocking, his grin smug. "I see you decided to go after all."

"Don't make me regret it," I replied dryly.

"You won't," he said confidently. "It's good for you."

"Let's get this over with," I said, brushing past him.

The car was waiting outside, the cool air biting against my skin as the afternoon sun set. As I climbed in, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in my chest, I woke up with it in the morning.

I didn't believe in fate, but something about this night felt… different.

And though I refused to admit it, a small part of me wondered if Adrian was right. Perhaps this wasn't just about politics. Perhaps this was the beginning of something I couldn't yet understand.

...

Arianne's POV

Every thing was in place and soon the guests started arriving. after spending the morning preparing for the party I quickly prepared myself, nothing fancy just washing off the sweat I accumulated running up and down and went downstairs to make sure everything ran smoothly.

The grand hall was soon filled with the sound of laughter and conversation as alphas, betas, and other high-ranking wolves from various packs arrived. My father was at the center of it all, greeting everyone with his usual charm. Daisy, as always, was the star of the show as she walked down the stairs grabbing everyone's attention. she looked perfect like the princess she was, her smile radiating at the grand hall.

She looked stunning in a shimmering silver gown, her golden hair cascading down her back unlike mine that looked plain and dry. She basked in the attention, her laugh ringing out as she descended the stairs. father walked towards her a smile on his face as he helped her descend the last stairs, he whispered something to her and she laughed as father led her and started entertained the guests side by side.

I stood on the sidelines looking at their interactions, how bright father's smile was and a bitter smile covered my lips. The omegas I worked with darted around, serving drinks and snacks.

I caught Daisy's gaze from across the room. She smirked at me, her eyes filled with disdain, she knew what day it was today which made her very smug.

"Remember your place, sister," her expression seemed to say.

I clenched my fists at my sides but kept my composure. Tonight wasn't about me. It never was.

As I moved to check on the kitchen staff, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen.

The air in the hall seemed charged, as if the arrival of one particular guest would change everything.