Chapter One

I, Alia, has always been the outcast in the Moonshade family. A shadow trapped in a house i didn't belong, tolerated but never accepted. Born from violence and lived in the shadows.

My Mother had been a maid, who caught the attention of my father Jerry Moonshade, one of the most powerful werewolf bloodlines. She was raped and then left to die after giving birth to me like she was nothing. 

A crime my mother never got Justice for, who would dare question Jerry Moonshade?

I knew i meant nothing to my father and i was an act of betrayal to my step mum and stepsisters.

While my half-sisters lived in luxury, draped in silk and fine linen, I was always in the shadows, unwanted and unseen. I never for once experienced what was called the word ‘Love’ neither from my father, stepmother and my half-sisters.

A knock interrupted my thoughts, I stood up from what I couldn't even call a bed and opened the door. “You are being summoned by Lord Moonshade”. She said and without another word she left.

I closed the door, leaning on the doorframe wondering why Father must have summoned me, without thinking much of it, I left my room heading to his study. 

I stood Infront of my father's study, i could feel my heart almost ripping out of my chest and suddenly I felt cold. I took in deep breath to calm my nerves and with all my willpower knocked.

“Come in.” 

A cold icy voice said.

I opened the door, stepping into the study room. My father sat behind his usual black desk, he looked up from the papers on the table. His piercing golden eyes meeting my mine, I could clearly see the disgust on his face.

I immediately looked away feeling a kind of way I can't explain. I could hear my stepmother scoff and stepsisters Ava and Avia whispering to themselves as if this was a show they were enjoying.

This was not a family meeting i could sense that.

“You summoned me, father.” I said while trying to keep my voice steady and void of any emotions. Years of enduring their abuse had taught me never to show weakness.

“Yes,” Jerry said, leaning back in in chair. “You will be joining us for our autumn vacation this year.”

A cold shiver ran down my spine, it was as if I misheard him. 

For years I had always been locked away in the house whenever my father and his family went on family vacation. Still in shock “I'm sorry?” I spoke.

My father let out a low dangerous growl. "You heard me go and get ready.”

I could see my step mum from the corner of my eyes she had turn pale with rage, her fingers turning white around the bottle of wine she held. 

“She doesn't need to follow us.” She said giving me an icy glare. “She has never followed us so why must she come now?” 

My stepsisters stared at him in shock, words eluding them.

“She comes.” My father said dismissively, finality in his tone.

I could feel the churning in my tummy because for the very first time, I was acknowledged by my father Infront of his family.

I was sure Alpha Jerry was up to something because he always did things for his own personal benefit, but what could this be about? I had no idea

                            ******

The morning of our departure around 3am i wasn't so sure about what the time was, i heard my door creak before i could move, two hands held me down while one clapped over my mouth. I tried to free myself, but I couldn't. couldn't. I could hear the evil laughter of my step muffled and giggles of my stepsisters, sisters, Ava and Avia.

i was right.

“Don't struggle Alia, you'll only hurt yourself more. Ava said. 

What are you doing to me? I tried to say but the sound came out muffled under Avia’s palm. 

Pain surged through me as they started tying me up. My heart raced as i realized what was happening. 

I tried to scream again but it was to no avail.

“We are only trying to keep you where you belong Alia, you should be happy.” My stepmother spat.

I tried to free myself from the rope, but Ava nails dug into my skin. "Stop fighting,” “You thought we would let you come with us?” she let out scoff. “You are nothing but a useless bitch, you belong in the shadows and that’s where you should stay, asshole.” Avia added.

I felt different emotions, anger, frustration and sadness. what did i do to deserve to be treated this way? I thought to myself. I had spent my entire life being treated like trash, like i didn't deserve any form of happiness.

I knew something was different tonight, i could sense a feeling. Was it fear?

Why were they so afraid of me following them? Why were they so afraid of what my father had planned? 

What was so special in Darca that made them so desperate to keep me here?

By the time i had been tied up, i was roughly shoved into my storage closet.

My throat felt dry from screaming.

I was beyond terrified

No one could hear me.

No one ever did.

I tried to free myself, but it caused me more pain.

I heard the door been locked, followed by the sound of their footsteps retreating down the stairs.

I had been left in the shadows for too long, hidden away when guest came visiting. 

 I blinked the tears at the corner of my eyes away. I can't cry not at this time, i thought. I had learnt crying was only a form of weakness and no matter how hard I cry; my situation wouldn't change.

I tried to shift my fingers, trying to find anything beneath me to cut the ropes but it was futile.

Please i whispered, not again

I closed my eyes engulfing the darkness.