Chapter 24

Diane's POV

My back ached, and my legs trembled with exhaustion as I scrubbed the last section of the floor, releasing a deep sigh of relief.

It had been three days since I told Leo about my desire to train. Since then, I haven’t heard a word from him. He has left the hospital, disappearing once again from my sight while I remained here in this castle, trapped in this miserable life of torment and suffering.

It was 7 a.m.—still dim and quiet. The entire household was asleep, except for the night guards stationed at their posts like lifeless statues.

I’d been up since 5 a.m., cleaning the entire house. That was Mara’s rule: all chores had to be completed before the royal family awoke. They weren’t going to see me—my presence, she said, would ruin their day.

I was to stay in my room after every job and shouldn't be seen around the building unless summoned, which is why I rarely meet Leo, because he doesn't bother to visit me in my room.

The house chores were meant for two or three maids. But they had all been entirely shifted to me, and it was a really hard task, especially as I had lost all my wolf ability, but I had no choice.

What more could I expect? It was better than a death sentence… or being sent to work in the mines.

Wiping the sweat from my face, I gathered my cleaning tools and tied my hair back into a ponytail before heading upstairs.

As I reached the first floor, something compelled me to climb higher—to the second floor, which was a forbidden zone for me as that was where the royal family resided.

I wanted to see it. To find out where Leo’s room was.

The castle was a massive, breathtaking structure, but I was restricted from entering its most beautiful parts—crafted like a paradise.

In our werewolf pack, we read about the vampire king’s castle. Stunning. Ancient. A marvel of architecture and history.

Up those stairs lay that beauty. A place I’d only glimpsed in books. Golden carvings, ancient murals… it was said to look like heaven itself.

I wasn't allowed to clean up that part as I was going to defy it, according to Mara.

I stood there, hesitating, torn between fear and curiosity—until I heard footsteps.

Panicked, I spun around and rushed toward my room.

"Hey, stop right there!" A deep, unfamiliar voice barked from behind me.

I turned to find three royal guards approaching. They wore full uniforms with masks—only their eyes and mouths visible.

"Good morning," I greeted, unsure whether to run. Maybe they were here with a message?

"Follow us," the first one ordered. His tone was cold and commanding, his eyes glinting with malice.

It didn't bother me because everyone here looked at me like that. Loathing. As though I was their greatest enemy.

"Where are we going?" I asked as I trailed behind them. They descended the stairs and turned toward the backyard—toward the storeroom.

A knot of unease twisted in my gut. I couldn’t guess their intentions.

"Are you scared?" one of them asked, glancing back at me.

"I'm just confused," I replied. "The royal family will be awake soon. I should be in my room. Who exactly are you taking me to? This is the storeroom."

"Prince Leo wants to see you. He told us to bring you here—somewhere private," one of them answered.

My heart jumped in excitement. “Really?”

I gasped, a smile tugging at my lips. But the moment the door opened, my smile faded. It was pitch black inside.

“Why is—?”

Before I could finish, a powerful arm locked around my throat, cutting off my breath. I fought to breath while they dragged me inside, one of them clamping a hand over my mouth to muffle my screams.

The door slammed shut behind us, and I heard the unmistakable sound of a lock clicking.

With no wolf powers or abilities, I couldn’t see well in the dark or do much to free myself—and they used that to their advantage.

Not that I would have stood a chance, even if I could see clearly.

“Let me go!” I cried as they shoved me to the ground. My head hit the floor hard, pain bursting through my skull.

“Not until we’ve had our fun, little pet,” one of them sneered, pinning my wrists while another gripped my legs.

I heard the awful sound of my dress ripping apart, and I fought harder—but it only earned me slaps and punches that left me weak and dazed.

Tears burned in my eyes, blurring my vision as my body trembled at the terror of what was about to happen.

“I’m pregnant... with the prince’s child,” I sobbed. “Please... don’t do this. If I’ve done anything to offend you, forgive me.” I pleaded in agony, but their cold hands roamed my naked body carelessly, their breaths reeked of lust.

I was helpless. Every struggle was little to no effort to free myself as I was just a weak girl fighting against hefty, well-trained bodyguards.

“You’d enjoy this more if you stopped pretending,” one hissed. "The prince found you in a nightclub, didn’t he? You’re nothing but a filthy whore.”

“You should be grateful we’re even touching a pig like you,” another added, his words like knives in my chest.

They tore away the last of my clothing, their claws scraping against my skin and drawing out blood, but they didn’t stop. It even seemed my blood increased their lust.

I cried harder, shaking as they spread my legs.

“Please…” I whispered one last time, shutting my eyes as the full weight of what was about to happen sank in.

What had I done to deserve this?

Was my life even worth living anymore?

Wouldn't it be better if I died off?

They rubbed spit on the entrance, using it as lubrication, and I writhed in disgust, trying to close my legs. Another punch landed in my stomach, stealing the little strength I had left.

“We were paid for this,” one growled. “Don’t make it harder than it needs to be.”

“Who paid you? How much?” I pleaded. “I’ll pay you back—please, I’ll get the money. Just don’t do this to me.”

They burst into mocking laughter.

“You’ll pay us?” one jeered. “Where would a slave like you get $10,000? From the trash pile?”

“I’ll get it from Leo. He—”

A brutal slap cut me off and I could taste my own blood in my mouth. "Shut your stinking mouth and never call our prince by his name, you disgusting wolf!"

He moved to force himself on me—but I managed to free my right hand and jabbed my finger into his eye. He screamed, staggering back, blood gushing from his ruined socket.

“You little bitch! We’ll kill you.” another roared.

But just then, the door burst open.