Chapter Three.

Erica's POV.

Covered in new clothes, Mom stared back at me in tears.

I couldn't believe it, her freedom came by so fast.

“Oh Moon Goddess!” I exclaimed with joy, as I flung my arms around her…tears streamed down my cheeks as my heart alone couldn't bottle up the happiness.

“Everyday passed, and I never ceased to pray to the moon goddess, she was so kind to look at me…oh Erica baby, what did those evil people ask of you huh? Did they say you would work an extra hundred years?” Mom asked.

What was I going to tell her? That I traded my virginity for her freedom?

Even the moon goddess would not forgive such act…and mother would be heartbroken.

“Erica?” She cupped my face, as she peered into my eyes.

“It's nothing Mom,” I sniffed, as I wiped off my tears, taking in a deep breath, “ I begged them, that's all.” I lied confidently, and Mom fell for it, as she hugged me again, rubbing my back with her hand.

“I'm so glad to be with you.” She muttered.

We heard footsteps approaching, and as we turned our heads to the direction of whoever walked towards us…it was Lady Sara, clapping her hands …

“What a lovely reunion.” She smiled sarcastically as she got closer to us. “It's so good to have you back Celyn,” she said to my mother as she stroked her hair.

“Thank you, lady Sara.” My mother said with a slight bow.

I fumed in anger, she didn't have to thank her for anything.

“You don't need to thank me, it's just that…I was so happy when my daughter turned out to be the long awaited Luna of the pack. My anniversary with my sweet Peter wasn't just a happy event, it was…a blessing.” She said, as her eyes rested on me intently.

“It's good news, I'm happy for Miss Denise,” My mother said, as she stared at her feet, her voice was low and rough.

“Oh you should be, nothing good comes out from you anyways.” She spat on my mother like she was trash.

My hands balled into fists in rage…she must have gotten what she wanted, and we may be her servants, but this was too much.

“How sure are you that nothing good comes out from my mother?” I blurted, as my mother held my arm, urging me to stop whatever I wanted to start but…

“It is true.” Lady Sara answered with a smirk.

I scoffed.

“Incase you've forgotten, everything good comes out from my mother, you are only good at taking what's not yours, because nothing at all can come out from you.” I said through clenched teeth.

Lady Sara was taken aback, rather speechless…she peered into my eyes for a long time and chuckled.

“Steal? I don't steal my dear, it's either mine rightfully or mine through bargain,” she smirked.

And I understood the meaning of what she said, she did bargain for Denise's place as Luna, and I'd already gotten my part of the bargain…but still.

I took in a deep breath and let out a deep sigh.

“Thank you for whatever kindness you've shown us today Lady Sara, but it's high time you thought of us differently, after all…we owe each other, don't we?” I asked, as I pulled my mother along, grabbing the basket and leaving Lady Sara in her disturbed state.

“You can't eat your cake and have it back!” She yelled from behind and I stopped for a second. There was no use keeping up with the little argument, unless words would get out…and I didn't want that.

“Ahhh!” I winced, as I fell to the ground, the pain was so sudden, and it was intense. I placed my hand on the spot just below my neck in pain, as I groaned.

“Erica!” My mother knelt by my side trembling, as she stole a glance at Lady Sara, who looked surprised as well.

Soon the pain subsided and my hands slowly retreated as I breathed heavily, my chest heaving up and down as beads of sweats covered my forehead.

Then it glowed, it was a mark, the one I was not able to describe.

My mom looked at me eyeball to eyeball, I could hear her loud heartbeats as she swallowed.

“Who's your mate?”

My heart sank to the bottom.