4: Cruelty of Reality

ROSENTINE

The next morning, I found myself staring blearily at the window as the maid flung the curtains open, sunlight flooding the room so suddenly it felt almost violent.

For a brief instant, all I could do was blink, trying to adjust to the sudden brightness. Then I propped myself up, only to wince when I felt like my head would split in two.

As I massaged my temples, it hit me that everything that had happened was not just a dream I wanted to escape—it was all very real.

“Get ready, you need to eat breakfast as per Alpha’s instructions.” There was a sharp edge to the maid’s tone, like she hated every second of this job but was too smart to disobey. I just let out a sigh and nodded.

Being the object of unnecessary hate, I was used to that.

When I got up, I watched the maid finish tying back the curtains, and before I could stop myself, I spoke, “Can I ask a question?”

She turned, hands planted on her hips. “What is it?”

“I never heard any news of Alpha Bastian getting married. Why is that? Did he marry in secret?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me, especially after my conversation with him.

After all, with someone as notorious as him, wouldn’t everyone be talking if he’d found a Luna? But no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t recall a single rumor about it.

“Well, that’s because he isn’t married.” Her answer was fast, like it was a matter-of-fact. “His fated mate didn’t want to bind him, knowing she might die soon.”

“Huh?” I blinked, the maid’s words ringing in my ears. I had heard the Alpha mention his mate was ill, that she was frail, but I never realized how serious it truly was until now.

Was that why he kept her hidden? Because he knew she might not be here much longer?

For some reason, my heart ached for them both. Especially for Alpha Bastian’s mate. I hadn’t even seen her, yet I couldn’t help feeling sorry.

“If you’re done asking, move already.” The maid’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned, but she was already rolling her eyes at me and leaving the room, her footsteps fading after slamming the door closed.

“What the...” I muttered, dragging a hand over my face, rubbing the sleep from my eyes before finally getting out of bed to face another day.

After splashing water on my face, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My blue eyes, once bright, looked dull and tired, ringed with dark circles. My skin was pale, almost blending into the white towel in front of me.

I sighed, gathering up my honey brown hair and working my fingers through the tangles before tying it up in a loose, messy bun.

For a moment, I closed my eyes, breathing deep, trying to convince myself that everything would be fine. That this wasn’t the end of the world.

It never was, no matter how bad things seemed.

After all, I always managed. Somehow, I always did, no matter how harshly life decided to test me.

When I stepped from the bathroom, I caught sight of a bag slumped on the floor near the cabinet. For a second, I just stared. Then I moved, legs numb, until I was kneeling in front of it, my hands fumbling with the zipper.

The moment I saw what was inside, I felt my throat tighten, tears burning behind my eyes. The cruelty of reality was hitting me all over again, making me realize just how my family had never truly loved me.

The fact that they had even gone so far as to pack my belongings was a painful reminder of their indifference toward me. As if that didn’t hurt enough, they willingly sent me away to become a breeder, just so they could get rid of me.

It felt like a brutal slap in the face, the final blow I never wanted to endure.

I let out a laugh, tears streaming down my cheeks as a sob broke free from my throat. My body couldn’t stop trembling as I zipped the bag shut and pressed my face into it, releasing a muffled cry of despair.

For a brief moment, I allowed myself to sink into the heavy weight of sadness and self-pity. But then I sensed someone beside me, and I quickly straightened up. Beta Owen stood there, his brown eyes fixed on me, filled with an unsettling indifference.

“I knocked, but you didn’t hear me, so I let myself in,” he said. His voice wasn’t unkind but not gentle either.

Suddenly, I could feel the flush creeping up my face. After all, he just caught me breaking down pathetically.

I believed I had already figured out how to hide my feelings, but it seemed I still hadn’t quite gotten the hang of it.

“If you’re done crying, you should head downstairs. The alpha’s waiting for you at the dining hall,” The beta went on, tone unchanging. If anything, he sounded bored, like he was just ticking off a chore.

At that moment, I wondered if anyone here would ever look at me with something other than indifference.

It was exhausting to be treated as if I had committed an unforgivable sin, so much so that I had forgotten what it felt like to receive even a hint of kindness.

“Just give me a moment,” I said as I brushed my cheeks dry with the back of my hand, struggling to pull myself together before rising to my feet.

Like I often did in moments of despair, I whispered a quiet mantra in my mind, convincing myself that everything would be okay. It took a little while, but slowly, I felt the tension ease and my heart settle again.

As soon as Beta Owen saw that I had pulled myself together, he turned and walked out without saying a word. I had no choice but to follow him; after all, I still didn’t know my way in this unfamiliar place.

Besides, it was clear he had come here himself to ensure I wouldn’t do something foolish like trying to escape.

“Can I ask something?” I said, shattering the silence as we strolled down the lengthy hallway.

With daylight streaming in, I noticed the stunning details of the decor around me—the elegant carvings and soft colors that adorned the walls, making the space feel both grand and inviting. It was different from how it looked yesterday.

“Go ahead,” he replied, which made me look away from the architecture and focus on him.

“Am I going to meet Alpha Bastian’s mate? Will she be joining us for breakfast?” I asked, and instantly, Beta Owen stopped walking, turning to look at me.

The air between us suddenly tightened, as if I’d just asked something forbidden.

I couldn’t help but swallow, feeling like I did something wrong when all I did was ask him a simple question.

“No,” he said at last, his brows drawing together. “You’ll meet her once she wakes up.”

“Oh, is she still asleep? I guess that makes sens—”

“She’s in a coma,” he cut me off, abrupt and sharp, causing me to freeze, eyes wide, as his words sank in. “It’s been two months since she collapsed, and until now, there’s still no sign of her regaining consciousness.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it. My thoughts spun, all tangled up. The more I learned about Alpha Bastian’s mate, the more complicated it seemed.

“Let’s get going,” Beta Owen said, already moving forward. I just nodded and followed, my mind buzzing with questions I didn’t dare voice.

While walking, every servant we passed glanced at me from the side, their stares cold, as if I were some intruder trespassing on their territory.

Because of that, I kept my head down, uncomfortable, trailing behind Beta Owen until we stepped into the dining hall.

Alpha Bastian was already in the dining hall, sitting at the end of the long table, exuding authority and presence. He was still in his loose robe, his posture straight, and his gaze was steady, making it clear he held power in this space.

“You sure took your sweet time,” he said as soon as I got close. His eyes then narrowed as he turned to me, probably noticing my red, puffy eyes from crying earlier.

I didn’t even get the chance to answer; he just gestured for me to sit, so I did.

“Eat. After that, we’ll discuss your place in this pack,” he commanded, lifting his coffee cup to his lips, his gaze assessing me from over the rim. “We’ll also conduct some tests to determine if you’re capable of carrying my child, and once you pass, you’ll be recognized as my official breeder.”