Ahnarrah Carmeine Quin, daughter of the Duke and Duchess. The future ruler of the vast estate of Araceli. The beloved Lady Narrah for her people. Araceli's precious jewel.
Life is perfect, not until a tragedy happened. She lost both of her parents to an accident.She is mourning their death and acquaintances' visits to show their respect for their family. It's been unfortunate losing a great ruler.Orphan, that is what she is now. She has no one but her beloved people and her betrothed, Philip of Cameron.And his visit together with his family immensely lightens her misery.Excited to see him, she run the entire hallway to meet Philip and his family.She was about to enter the receiving room when she came to an abrupt stop. Philip and Charlotte kiss each other in front of their smiling parents.From her spot, she could clearly see the intimate act that stunned her. Her betrothed passionately kissing her distant relative who came to sympathize with her loss.She stared at the two intimate figures with a clenched jaw. She remained standing until Philip noticed her and Charlotte followed his eyes."Narrah, it's good you are here, come join us" Merlin exclaimed as she walked towards her with a fake smile. She gestured for Narrah to come closer.Calmly looking around the room, her gaze stopped at Philip whom he thought was decent enough together with his family. She took a step towards the group with her head held high.Philip looked awkward but Charlotte is audacious enough to smirk at her."We will take this chance to tell you that my daughter, Charlotte, will be marrying Philip of Cameron. Whatever talk made by your parents and the Baron is no longer effective" Charlotte's father announced while staring at Narrah who remained silent."What do you mean, my lord?""Call me, your Grace" the man seriously replied with a smirk, making her stare at him in confusion."The King has decreed, I am the new Duke of Araceli" the man continued.She remained quiet, staring at the triumphant smirk on the man's old bland face. The two women beside him mirrored his triumph.”Narrah, dear. I expect you understand the situation" the older woman sneered.Narrah? She was never addressed as Narrah. It's maybe her name but no one has addressed her with a mere Narrah except for her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Araceli.She is the only daughter of the Duke and everyone addresses her as 'My Lady', fit for her title. She is on a pedestal of the Royals. Everyone looked up to her. They bow with her mere presence, not disdain just like what she is seeing on her visitors' faces."I am still the Lady of this estate" Narrah muttered seriously, directly looking at the man's eyes.Chuckles sounded as three pairs of amused eyes stared at her."I'm afraid it's no longer the case, Narrah" the man slithered with a sinister smile.Narrah's unreadable eyes coldly stare at the man, her head held high. No one could be as impertinent as the man and it's riling her.”I am Ahnarrah Carmaine Quinn, the Lady of Araceli, you address me accordingly" Narrah repeated. Her cold gaze continues to stare at her visitors.The younger woman beside the couple scoffs as she mockingly stares at her."Save your arrogance Narrah, you are no longer the lady of this estate… but I am" the younger woman exclaimed smugly.Narrah's cold eyes turned to the woman who met her gaze with a challenge."You dare challenge the King's decree, Narrah?" the pompous woman exclaimed with a curt smile.The three people stared at the young girl who stood in front of them with an air of pride and arrogance, though unfit for her dim situation at the moment.Whatever she was thinking, no one could tell. She continues to stare at the people claiming her father's title and their whole family's identity."I am the only daughter of the Duke. I am the rightful heir of this estate. I am the Duchess of Araceli at my parent's demise" Narrah coldly mutters as she looked at each pair of amused eyes."Have you forgotten my dear, you are only seventeen" the woman replied with an arrogant smile."For a child, you are not fit to rule this vast estate. Your pampered and young life knows nothing but being fancy. So, don't be impertinent" the man spoke with obvious contempt in his voice."Be grateful for our charity, Narrah. We agreed to make you stay. You won't be left homeless, despite your uncertain status" the woman spoke scornfully."Your time of power has ended. You are nothing but a commoner. Just like your mother" the man continues with pure disgust.Narrah stared at the three people with a cold gaze as she lamented her situation. Her teeth grit at the mention of her mother.Everyone knows her mother as a commoner, no one knew her lineage. She was respected as the Duchess but every member of the peerage secretly looked down on her.A woman without royal blood, unknown of her ancestors, a nobody who only became Duchess with her marriage to the Duke."You cannot disrespect my father and my mother like this" Narrah muttered grimly."It's the King's decree" the man responded mockingly."What sorcery did you use to have persuaded the King of this treachery?" she confronted the man angrily.The man scoffs and smirks. He stared grimly at her but she met his gaze with equal intensity and arrogance."Until you are of legal age and I declare to the King that you are fit to rule this estate, I will be your Duke" the man cruelly replied.She grits her teeth as she stared at his devilish eyes. No words could unravel her thoughts."You are at my mercy, Narrah, and I expect your acquiescence. Earn my favor, by then, I might make you stay longer than I intend you to" the man warned with a glare."I am at nobody's mercy" Narrah responded defiantly making the three people in the room scoff."Believe me Narrah, you are" the man countered mockingly."Your arrogance is out of place. You are no longer the precious daughter of the Duke but just a mere peasant like all the servants inside this castle" the man sneered."Lower your head!" the man's voice thundered as he glared at the defiant girl in front of him. He tried to intimidate her but to no avail, Narrah held her head high without fear just like how she was used to as a Royal.”The Duke told you to bow your head!" the woman forcibly grabbed Narrah's head and forced her to bow, which she resisted. Narrah's face was devoid of emotions and unconcerned about the painful hold of the new Duchess."How dare you defy your Duke!" a slap ringed her ears as her face felt the pain from the Duchess's palm. Despite being hurt, she shows no emotion."Your useless mother should have taught you respect!" the woman continued as he forcibly pulled Narrah's hair just to make her bow."Don't malign my mother" Narrah turned to the woman and sharply stared at her, her eyes stone cold."Or what?! Do you think you can do anything? You are no one now Narrah, throw your arrogance away. I will say whatever I want to say about your whore of a mother" the woman angrily ranted as she cupped Narrah's chin in a tight grip."I told you to bow your head to your Duke and Duchess" she pushed Narrah to the floor, making the girl fall to her knees.Three pairs of eyes looked at her with a satisfied smile.”You are better kneeling on the floor" the younger woman exclaimed happily, making her parents chuckle."You should remember who you are, Ahnarrah Quinn. A lowly peasant. You belonged to the floor" the new Duke exclaimed haughtily as they stared at the girl who was once the princess of the kingdom she no longer owns.Ahnarrah Carmaine Quinn was the precious jewel of Araceli castle, loved by her parents and her people but despised by other royals due to the unknown blood of her mother.Once the envy of every young girl is now kneeling on the floor, hopelessly miserable.The pain in her knee is incomparable to the pain she felt inside. She was still mourning the death of her parents. She was supposed to be crying from their passing at this time, but the shameless family barged in and unceremoniously claimed what is rightfully hers.Tears stuck in her eyes, and not a single one dropped. She is furious, enraged by the treachery of the shameless family. They gave her no time to mourn. They have no decency to wait. Her parents were just buried but here they are, already claiming the power his father once possessed. A great power and influence every man envied.She wanted to cry but tears refused to fall. She wanted to weep but her pride won't allow anyone to see her pain."You have no one now, Narrah, but us. You either bend to our ways or suffer" the new Duke muttered after watching the girl who resists shedding a tear. Her hostility despite her uncertain situation is riling his anger. He grits his teeth as he watches Narrah's sharp glare at him."You will not have food tonight. You will starve in your sleep" the man added angrily and turned to the nearby servants who all bowed to him."I will punish anyone who would give this girl food! Make everyone know!" the Duke commanded."Yes, your Grace" all servants bowed low in fear of the duke's wrath.Same servants who have served Narrah's family for the longest time. Loyal people were all powerless to help her. They could only make subtle sympathetic glances at their once cheerful young lady."Hope you understand, dear Narrah. The wedding is political...and without your father, as Duke, you are no longer suitable for my son. The King had decreed a new Duke" the Baroness casually explained. Her expression is devoid of any glint of sincerity.Narrah remained silent, her throat too constricted to talk. She was overwhelmed by the turmoil of emotions inside her. She seemed to be repeatedly faced with the wall of nowhere, trapping her.She endured every scornful stare towards her as she allowed them to celebrate their victory of stripping everything from her. She can do nothing but swallow whatever unjustness they subjected her to.”I understand..." Narrah muttered calmly, taking her time to stare at every eye in the room. She made Philip the last.The man whom she thought was on her side. He was her childhood friend, though not that close. They almost grew up together and when Philip turned eighteen two years ago, they were betrothed to each other.Philip's family was like her own, or so she thought. She knew clearly now. They were never a family. They were after the title she would bring them."Good...I know you are smart, Narrah" Charlotte mockingly exclaimed before she faced Philip and shamelessly pecked another kiss on his lips. The two were about the same age and they could get married anytime.For someone who was homeschooled and heavily guarded since birth, she was so excited waiting for the time she would turn eighteen. It would only mean one thing and it is the time she and Philip could get married.She dreamed of having a happy married life like her parents, and she wanted many children. Though Philip and she were never intimate, they were at least friends. Marrying him even by arranged marriage is not a bad idea at all."You can serve the tea, now" the Duchess orders her with a stern tone. Treating her like a servant."Let's see where your arrogance would bring you" the duke scorned as he mockingly scoffed.****👑****As ordered by the duke, Narrah got no food that night. No one dared to give her any. Despite her hunger, she was unconcerned by her growling stomach.She sat still on the cold bed of one of the servant's rooms. She was ousted from her bedroom, bringing nothing but a few personal things and a framed painting of her parents. A painting she did herself. Her mother likes to paint, and so does she.Caressing the smiling faces of the two most important people in her life, sobs filled the room."Mother...father..." she whimpered as she tried to catch her hitched breath as tears poured down. "I was not ready for this. How could I fight alone?" she whispers painfully.She has a lot of questions no one could answer. Her mind is in turmoil, and her heart is breaking into pieces. She is so caught up with her emotions when her stomach growls. She is hungry and she has nothing but water. She was used to a feast her family would always enjoy. Laughters and stories over their sumptuous meal. But now
Her knees almost buckled but she tried to walk with her head held high. Pride is her only refuge at this time when everyone seems to conspire against her. She failed to protect herself and she felt bad about it. Her ability abandoned her when she needed it the most.With her trembling body, she slowly walked toward the kitchen, and relief washed over her upon seeing a familiar face. Her tears struck earlier, now threatening to flood her eyes.Erra hurriedly went to her side upon seeing her in a miserable state."Erra…" she suddenly burst out crying, clung, and hugged Erra tight to the surprise of everyone."My lady?"Everyone was worried but Erra hurriedly pulled her to the back where no one could see them, in case anyone from the shameless family came looking for Narrah.Erra just let the girl cry, holding her tight and gently rubbing her back. She gave her the time to pour everything by crying. She could feel the girl's body tremble."This is too much, Erra…I don't deserve all of the
Silence ruled while angry eyes bore at Narrah. If looks could kill, Narrah would be dead from the deadly glare she got from the people around her, especially from Charlotte."You shameless bitch!" Merlin angrily exclaimed before she forcibly pulled Narrah by her hair. The girl grimaced at the pain but did not utter a sound."You dare mess with Charlotte's betrothed!? You insolent brat!" painful palms covered Narrah's cheeks as Merlin repeatedly slapped her. Narrah's face numbed but she remained quiet. Even though she tried hard not to cry, tears streamed down her fevered cheeks. She endured Merlin's palms, mindlessly slapping her. Merlin's hands hit wherever her hands would land. Forcibly pulling Narrah's hair until Narrah had enough. "Enough...!" Narrah angrily exclaimed as she pushed the woman away from her, causing Merlin to stumble backward and eventually fall on the floor. Whimpering in pain. Gasps of shocks echoed, seeing the duchess on the floor. Charlotte ran to her mother's
Narrah slowly regained her consciousness as the pain overwhelmed her body. She was neatly wrapped up around her chest and she cannot move her limbs. She grimaced and groaned in pain when she tried to move, making Erra wake up."My lady...don't move" Erra scrambled to her feet and hovered above Narrah. "What happened?" Narrah whispered, her voice hoarse and parched. Erra has gone quiet while she just stared at her young lady's dull eyes. "You lost consciousness, my lady. We need to wrap you. Two ribs are broken" Erra softly replied, pain in her voice as she speaks. Narrah became quiet and thoughtful. Memories flashback and the last she could remember was the unbearable pain from the duke's kicks. "I don't deserve this, Erra" she whispered weakly, her eyes brimming with tears. Erra remained silent while tears started to form in her eyes again. She watches different emotions cross the girl's bruised face. Narrah looked miserable and she couldn't do anything but cry with her."No one
Two figures sneaked out and ran through the darkness of the night. Concealed by black cloaks and shadows they made it through the forest behind the huge castle. After Erra and Narrah's serious talk, words were secretly passed to all trusted servants of Lady Narrah's decision. Everyone made their part in ensuring Erra and the young lady's safe departure. Erra abruptly stopped noticing Narrah falling behind. She turned around and saw the girl staring at the towering structure from afar."Lady Narrah..." she softly called as she retracts her steps and stands behind the girl."Will I have the chance to come back here, Erra? Will I see my home again? Can I restore the glorious time of my father's rule? Can I protect my people just like what you are all saying?" Narrah softly asked as she sniffed her tears.Erra, too, stared at the castle ahead of them as she remained silent. The once jovial place now looked gloomy and dark."No one prepared me for this Erra. Mother and father taught me ev
After the incident with the wolves and retrieving her arrows. The two walk and run through the thick forest, trying to be on guard. They could hear howls from everywhere, causing spine-shivering fear.Narrah looked up at the fading moon, soon it will be dawn and she felt a little relief, looking forward to a bright day. The sun would greatly help their path towards where Erra planned to take her. The howls from the distance are creeping her tremendously. For someone who is so sheltered like her, the unknown outside of the castle terrifies her.The sun has started to rise and the two paused for a while to watch the rays of light creeping through the thick leaves of the trees. Despite the bright sunshine, there are still dark parts of the forest. Haze surrounded their paths. Thick branches and leaves of trees block the bright sun. "Let's stop and eat for a while, my lady" Erra said while she looked around for a good spot for them.Narrah quietly followed as Erra w
Silence ruled as Narrah continued to gawk at the man who already looked impatient and irritated."Get her toy" the man barked his order. Narrah was interrupted from her thoughts when another man jumps off the tree. Having no choice, she peacefully gave her bow and arrows. Even with her fears, she gritted her teeth in annoyance from what the man called her precious weapon. Her bow and arrows were never toys, neither a mere display. "What business do you have in this part of the forest?" the man with unusual eye color asked. His tone grim and serious.Narrah stared at the man's eyes in silence, scowl adorned his face while waiting for response. The beasts started to growl when the man was ignored."We are just passing. We intend no harm" Narrah calmly responded after the tensed silence. "The forest is tricky for two young lasses. You seemed to be in the wrong place" the man casually replied."As I said, we were just passing. We won't linger" Narrah insi
Narrah continued to gape when she noticed Erra doing the same while looking around. She had figured it out too and just like her, Erra was shocked.They were never prepared to encounter the mythical creatures they thought to exist only in legends. Narrah had read books about human wolves but never did she expect she will meet one, someday. Worst, they were caught in the middle of the beasts' wars, like the book about werewolves she was reading with her mother. Is she this sheltered? Not knowing these creatures also exist and living with them? She was not aware she might have talked to one before. Do her parents didn't know too or she was just spared of such information? She stared at the filthy-looking wolves, wondering if they too can become humans like the wolves who were with them. Werewolves, as she was thought, were ferocious beasts who are bound to the power of the mate bond and their moon goddess. Territorial and vindictive. Supernatural creatures with extraordinar