1. Lyra's Pov

Lyra's Pov

"Lyra, Lyra!!"

I heard someone calling out my name as I lay curled up in my small bed on the floor trying to catch some sleep. It’s barely 5am in the morning and I don’t think anyone is up yet unless..

"SPLASH!!!"

 I was suddenly pulled out of my mental debate and into the reality of the date.

My mother was awake!

I couldn't see a thing even as I hurriedly got up on my feet. All I could hear, was the sound of water as it kept dropping on the ground repeatedly.

Each sound of the water as it splash on the ground reminded me of the tears that fell from my eyes daily, but somehow, this was comforting.

I could feel my body drenched and the coldness of the water like a wave, quickly penetrating my thick skin and instantly I sneezed.

Suddenly, I could hear the sound of bells as it kept ringing, it's tone piercing through my ears but somehow didn't make me as anxious as I should be. It was as if it's tone were melodious more than the music I have to force myself to listen everyday because I don't even get to chose the type of songs I listen to.

I was not in control of my own life, my mother was. She alone get to decide when I sleep, how long I sleep and when I wake up.

I sighed, pushing her thought out of my mind, still trying to grasp the sudden fresh air that sent shivers through my spine. I could feel my whole body visibly shaking.

 My eyes felt like it's been clenched shut for a day, it's tiredness making me force it open but then-

Mother was standing right above me with another bucket, ready to pour it content on me once again. The drops of water from the bucket dripped on my skin and that's when I realized, I was all drenched.

"Mother..."

I called in a low weak tone but before I could finish my sentence, her palm met the skin of my cheek hard.

"Do you realize what time it is?"

"I'm sorry mother." I clenched my right cheek and knelt on the floor. My body dripping water on the floor.

The gust of cold winter air hits my skin coursing shivers to rush through my spine. I was quivering. My gaze drifted towards the window only to find it opened. I recalled shutting them before bed last night.

"Have you forgotten today is the Alpha fight ceremony?" Her brows creased and I quickly lowered my head in apology-

"I'm sorry mother, I will leave now." I savaged my lower lips waiting for her response but she hissed coldly, robbing me of my breath as I froze on my knees.

"Hurry up and join the other coolies to serve the guests."

"Okay mother."

"What are you waiting for? Get going!" She growled and I quickly stood on my feet and dashed out of the room.

....

Each step I took towards the stage where the ceremony was being heard were frightening. When I looked forward, I could see the other wolves, gnashing their teeth as they wait for me.

I lowered my eyes immediately. Their hissing sounds and laughter spikes the memories of yesterday-

"Hello pimples girl."

"I'm sure she doesn't bath well, that's why she has boils all over her face."

"She is so ugly, who is going to claim her as mate?"

The sounds of the bullies from yesterday kept resounding in my ears making my blood boil.

I remember gritting my teeth as I tried to keep my cool while working as one of the coolies preparing for the Alpha fight ceremony, but the bullies voices only got louder in my mind.

Lily my wolf almost teared them apart but I reminded her, never to result to violence except when it's necessary.

As I approached the venue, I took a deep calming breath, reminding myself once more not to listen to all kinds of words they've probably came up with over the night just to say to me as they aren’t true.

It never ends, each day they had something new but the point is never to allow their words get to me.

When I got there, I completely ignored their taunting words, focusing on the ceremony, the only reason I'm here.

But to my surprise the event have already started.

The Alpha fight ceremony was held for the sons of the Alpha of blood river pack. The Alpha had two grown up sons of months apart, and only one can take over as the Alpha of their pack, hence the duel.

There were people squeezing their head to watch the duel. I joined the other coolies to serve drinks to the guests.

"Asher is a no-bless child, I doubt he will win the duel." One of the coolies said and I instantly met her gaze.

"What do you mean?" I asked trying to feed my curiosity as it was a term I wasn't familiar with.

"His parents aren't mate, but Kaden's parents are mates. The Alpha of the blood river pack married Asher's mother before he found his mate. He left her for his mate."

I felt my heart tightened by their words, and instantly my eyes wells up as I turned to catch a glimpse of Asher, but instead, I met Kaden's face.

I could see the way Asher's hands wrapped around Kaden's waistline, his muscles tightened as he tries to pull him down with his strength.

I thought I knew grief, when my mother slowly turned me into slave in my own home. I thought that was the end of me. And worse, there was pimples all over my face making me ugly. I thought no one else was going through such cruelty like I was, but standing here and staring at the stage, I couldn't help but wonder, how Asher have lived his life-being called a no-bless child.

My heart etched at the thought of how important this duel was for him, maybe because I could relate to his feeling of always being looked down upon.

I kept staring at the stage. When he carried Kaden on his arms and hit him on the floor, the lines of excitement slowly appeared on my face as I smile like I had just won a grand prize, but then-

I met his eyes as it kept wavering around, there was a sudden rush of excitement that went through my spine.

My wolf was sniffing the crowd, as though trying to catch a scent that was a bit distant but yet alluring...

The air was suddenly filled with cinnamon mixed with Freesias, and the closer I gazed at him I recognized him,

Mate!

A Mate! Asher is my mate!

The skin on my forehead crinkled as both my brows raised in excitement.

I noticed his shoulder raised slightly as he angled his head towards my direction. He seemed to have felt it too. He was staring into the crowd and his nose as though he was sniffing around.

I know, I could feel it!

Just when he turned to my direction Kaden aloft on his feet and struck Asher's head.

"NO!!" A silent cry escaped my lips as I stretched my hand at him, and instantly our gaze met before he stormed the ground and passed out.