Chapter Three

After an eternity, Jerry stopped; he had this satisfied look on his face. He turned and left the room without a word.

My stepmother and the girls didn't speak either; they looked satisfied and happy. They had planned this whole thing, and they had succeeded.

I lay on the cold floor shivering; I could feel the pain coursing through my body.

My body and mind were broken beyond repair, but my mind wouldn't let go of the unanswered questions I have. What was my father planning for me? What does he want from me? Why does he want me to follow them on this trip?

As I lay there. I could feel the weight of those questions pressing me down. Something wasn't right, I knew that but all I could do now is only endure.

In the darkness, I steeled myself. I couldn't break. Not now, not ever.

                                ******

After a few days, the pain in my body had dulled. The bruises on my body had turned purple and yellow, marking my skin. But I could walk even if stiffly.

Anyone barely spoke to me, not even my stepsisters, Ava and Avia. They just looked at me with their usual nonchalant and smug face, whispering and smiling to themselves as I passed like I was an accursed thing.

The next morning, Jerry came into my room unannounced; he just barged in as if he owned the place, which he did. His voice was angry and cut through the silence.

“We leave in ten minutes,” Jerry said and slammed the door.

I had just ten minutes, and if I delayed him, I would regret it. I quickly stood up to clean up, forcing my sore limbs into motion. The dress I was given was too small, probably intentional, and my shoes pinched. But I stayed quiet forcing it on. I knew better than to complain.

The carriage was already outside waiting when I opened the door. I climbed in without a word, settling into a corner as my stepmother clutched her bag like it was her child. Ava and Avia sat across from me talking to themselves.

The journey was so long that I lost track of time. the rocking of the wheels lulling me. I didn't know where we were going, but Jerry’s expression told me it wasn't somewhere ordinary.

The roads changed, the houses grew larger, spaced farther apart. Tall trees loomed both sides, casting deep shadows. I sat up. The air was different here. Like it buzzed with something I couldn't name.

Then I saw them.

People or something more. They stood tall, with alert eyes and powerful builds, watching the carriage like they knew who was inside. Some dipped their heads as we passed. Others there simply stared in awe or maybe suspicion.

The carriage stopped at a grand black iron gate; a guard opened it without being asked. We entered and I finally understood-wherever we were, Jerry was important here.

I looked around curiously, trying not to seem overwhelmed. The town was surrounded by dense forest. And yet it was alive, filled with people moving around confidently and purposefully. I heard strange words tossed around. “Alpha is inside, “Luna is approved,” “the Beta has returned.”

Luna? Beta? Alpha?

The words made no sense to me. It was until I overheard Avia whispering to someone outside that it clicked.

Werewolves.

I laughed quietly at myself. I thought she was just joking around but the look on her face told me otherwise.

Apparently, this whole town... this entire city was built for them. These people weren't just humans, they were something more. Creatures I thought only existed in stories.

And I wasn't one of them.

The realization hit me hard, and it made me sad. Suddenly everything made sense. Why Jerry always treated me like shit, like I didn't didn't belong. Why my stepmother and stepsisters hated me so much and treated me like dirt under their shoes. I wasn't strong, I wasn't like them.

I was just a weak bastard born of a maid.

In the evening, the house was full of different people dressed elegantly; laughter filled the air. The house buzzed with excitement. The Alpha had invited us to a grand banquet at his estate. He was giving Jerry some sort of award for his loyalty and service to the town, Darca.

My stepmother preened like she was the one receiving the award. Ava and Avia giggled excitedly, fighting over what to wear.

I tried to go to my room to hide, but I was caught by Jerry.

“Get dressed; you are following us to the party.” He said coldly. “You just have to smile and keep your mouth shut and behave. Do not embarrass me.”

I nodded slowly, my words failing me.

My stepmother threw a dress at me, I picked it up and looked at it. It was way too small.

Avia watched me change, giggling at my discomfort in the dress. She didn't need to say anything. Her eyes said enough: You don't belong here.

When we left for the banquet, the night was cold, the moon hung heavy above us, ull and bright. I felt unease as we approached the Alpha’s estate. It was enormous-more like a palace than a home. Beautiful flowers lined the garden, tall stone walls, golden lights glowing in every window and guards stationed at every gate.

As we entered, everything changed. There was loud chatter everywhere, music played in the background. I could smell the roasted meat and expensive wine. The people or should i say wolves elegantly dressed and moved with grace. Power radiated from them and i felt so inferior.

Jerry walked ahead like he belonged here. My stepmother clung to his arm like her life depended on his. Ava and Avia giggled as male eyes followed them.

I trailed behind them, looking lost. 

I felt the strange sensation again- —like a hum in the air. My skin tingled, and my heartbeat sped up. I turned my head, feeling eyes on me.

A man stood at the end of the room. Tall, dressed in dark brown with a silver sash across his chest. He wasn't smiling. His eyes were fixed on me, unmoving.

I quickly moved away.

“Don't get in anyone's way,” Jerry hissed as he passed. “Just stay where I can see you.”

 I nodded.

But deep

down, I knew I had already been seen.