Chapter 11

Seraphina

My silk wedding dress cascades down my body, hugging every curve of mine. My hair falls in soft waves over my shoulders, my veil pinned just enough to look effortlessly bridal.

It's my wedding day again.

“Hold still, my lady,” the same maid I had attacked yesterday murmurs behind me, her fingers tugging the corset tighter.

I can't pinpoint exactly why Ann had to send her in particular.

Regardless, my gaze is locked on the mirror. I keep staring at my reddened lips, it is the same colour of lipstick I had chosen on my last wedding.

Quite the irony. I thought it was going to be the best day of my life. I was so happy to marry Raze. I still remember how I kept smiling, glancing at him to smile back but he never did.

Now, barely ten days later, I am here, putting on a wedding dress again. All to marry a total stranger and die afterwards, if I must add.

A shaky breath escapes me as she pulls the laces again, the sudden pressure dragging me out of my thoughts.

“Done,” she says softly, tying the final knot.

“Thank you,” I say, glancing at her.

But she doesn't nod. She only stares back at me, her expression unreadable. She is obviously still upset about what happened the last time.

“I'm only doing my job..” she finally says, looking down.

“I'm sorry about yesterday…”

“You don't have to pretend..” she says, dragging back her feet. “You're not the first elite to treat a maid unfairly… that's quite the order of things.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask, furrowing my brows.

She bows instantly, fixing her gaze to the floor. “I'm sorry my lady, I shouldn't have spoken beyond myself.”

“No… I want to hear it and I command it.”

She lifts up her gaze and I see the tears brimming in her eyes. She blinks it away instantly and swallows.

“I woke up underneath your duvet, without clothes and when lady Ann unlocked the door, I had to walk to the maids’ quarters unclad, every male servant savoring my nudity as I passed.”

My heart drops. I never expected her to go through such a situation. I mean, I admit, I didn't even think of what will become of her after I had left but I also never presumed she would leave without clothes.

“You should have worn any of the clothes in the wardrobe…” I say, pointing at the closet.

“Lady Ann didn't let me… no maid is allowed to put on anything else apart from the maid's uniform… she reminded me, tearing off a sleeveless gown I had worn.”

Seeing how sad she looks, I begin to imagine the ridicule she must have passed through. I feel like hugging her and letting her know I understand how she felt.

But before I can, the door swings open, the sound snapping through the room.

I turn slowly towards the door, only to see Ann walking in like she owns the place. The maid instinctively takes a step back.

Ann is draped in deep crimson that clings to her frame, her heels so sliver, jewelleries all over her hands and neck, her chin lifted.

She doesn’t even glance at the maid, clearly unbothered by what she did to her yesterday.

Her eyes settle on me, sweeping from head to toe.

“You have to learn how to knock.” I say, my jaw tight.

Her lips curve, unfazed. “You look gorgeous.” She steps closer, her heels clicking softly against the floor. “We are indeed the same size.”

I say nothing as she closes the distance between us, her hand reaching for mine.

The maid stiffens immediately, stepping back as if sensing something dangerous, Ann obviously enjoying the fear she instills in her.

Ann’s fingers wrap around mine, her grip light but controlling. “In a few minutes,” she says, moving ahead and slowly dragging me with her, “you will be Luna.” She leans in slightly. “But don’t let that get to your head.”

I pull my hand from hers. “Being Luna, means you will now be below me in rank.” I say quietly, turning to face her fully.

Her expression changes, her eyes widening.

I step closer. “You will bow to me….Don’t you dare forget that part.”

She stares at me, shock rippling through her features before it hardens into anger.

“You spoilt brat!” she snaps. “You…”

“Well,” I cut in, “this spoilt brat is about to sacrifice her life for your sister… and your pack”I add, my gaze locking onto hers. “The least you can do is accord her some respect!”

Something shifts in her eyes. She is obviously surprised. I doubt anyone has ever stood up to her.

She laughs. “My brother, the Alpha… paid…”

“Sixty million dollars,” I cut in sharply, not letting her finish. “I’m tired of hearing that as I’m tired of being in your presence.”

I glance at the maid.

She immediately bows and slips out of the room without a word.

I pull down my veil, in a way that a part of it covers my face. “I have a wedding to attend.” I say, stepping out as well.

Ann’s footsteps rush after me. “I was supposed to escort you to the hall!” she snaps. “You can’t find it without me.”

I don’t slow down. “Then you should probably show me the way or there won’t be any wedding and your sister dies after all.”

Instantly, I hear her footsteps quickening. She moves past me and points in a direction.

“This way,” she says, stepping ahead of me, her pace suddenly brisk.

A small smile tugs at my lips.

We walk in silence, I can swear she is trying not to annoy me.

When we finally reach the hall, she stops. “This is it.”

I step past her and I see the hall empty. Well not empty, the high Priestess and Alpha Evander are standing on a dais which is slightly decorated. Is this all she could do?

The audience is not even up to ten.

Then there is a man and a woman standing by the entrance, both dressed in formal attire, both smiling at me with a warmth that feels rehearsed. I don't even know them!

Oh wait! My chest tightens. Could there be Kenna’s parents? But I clearly don't look like Kenna and yet they are smiling at me.