Chapter three

~JESSICA POV~

Tristan exits without another word, leaving behind the suffocating weight of his menacing presence. I'm still shivering, my breathing ragged, as the guard who doused me with ice water enters the room. He unties me, his grip on my arm like a trap, and pulls me out of the room.

We head towards the servants' quarters, where the omega maids live. A wave of despair washes over me. This can't be happening. I'm an alpha wolf, reduced to nothing. Complete nothing. And I'm powerless to change it.

As I'm escorted past the omega maids, I hear their laughter and giggles. The sound grates on my nerves, a harsh reminder of my new life.

"Move." The guard's grip on my arm tightens, propelling me forward, as I'm forced to confront this new, humiliating reality.

My heart pounds wildly with anxiety, and I'm sure the others can hear it. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. The guard leads me to a woman with a distinctive mole on her chin. Clearly, the head maid.

"This is Gianna, the head maid," the guard says, his deep voice devoid of emotion. "She'll prepare you to be the perfect maid for the Alpha." With that, he turns and leaves without a glance in my direction.

I let out a defeated sigh, feeling a weight settle upon me. I look at Gianna, and she smirks, her eyes glinting with amusement. "From grace to grass, that's who you are,"

The other maids erupt into laughter, as if Gianna's insult is the most hilarious thing they've ever heard. I lower my head in shame, feeling a deep exhaustion wash over me. I'm so tired - physically, emotionally, and mentally drained.

My body aches all over, and I crave sleep, longing to escape into a dreamless oblivion. But every time I close my eyes, I'm back at the castle, cradling my brother's lifeless body. When I try to push that memory away, I'm transported to the forest, watching in horror as Tristan rips out my uncle's heart.

"Come on, you need a bath before your official lesson," Gianna says, already turning away. I follow her reluctantly, my feet heavy with exhaustion.

She leads me to a bathroom that's more like a public bathing area, filled with rows of showers and women chatting as they wash. After I finish showering, Gianna hands me a bland black and white dress.

I change into the dress, feeling like I'm losing myself with each passing moment. I follow Gianna, trying to absorb the endless instructions she's doling out. She takes me to the kitchen, rattling off Tristan's food preferences and the type of water he likes to drink. Every word makes my anger boil, and I struggle to keep my emotions in check.

I really want to scream.

"I really don't think I should be doing any of this," I mutter, running my fingers through my hair in frustration.

Gianna's expression turns icy, her eyes flashing with anger. "Why not?" she demands.

I meet her gaze, my defiance burning brighter. "Because I'm not going to be his personal maid."

"Are you insane?" Gianna asks, her voice heavy with disbelief. "If you provoke him, he'll hurt you."

I scoff, swinging my hands nonchalantly. "Trust me, he's already hurt me enough by wiping out my pack."

Gianna stares at me, her expression suggesting she thinks I've lost my mind. "Being stubborn won't protect you," she warns. "You're one of us now, and you need to act like it."

I bite back my retort, forcing myself to keep quiet. I have to accept my new reality, no matter how much it galls me. So I listen, seething inwardly, as Gianna continues to rattle off details about Tristan's eating habits.

It turns out he's not allergic to anything, which is decidedly bad news for me.

"Oh, actually, Alpha doesn't like apples," Gianna says suddenly, catching my attention.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "He doesn't?"

She nods. "Yes."

"Can it kill him?" I ask, a spark of hope igniting within me.

Gianna looks surprised, then bursts out laughing. "We don't think he's actually allergic, but he really dislikes apples."

"Oh.. That's good information. Thank you. I'll be sure to use it well." I nod, a small smile creeping onto my lips.

"Hmm." Gianna clears her throat, looking away from me, her expression uneasy.

She continues the tour, drilling into me the importance of obeying Tristan's every command. But I'm tuning her out, focused on finding a silver lining in this nightmare. And I think I've found it - using this personal maid charade to my advantage. I need to hurt Tristan, to make him pay for what he's done.

As we return to the main quarters, my body aches all over. Gianna leads me to a cramped bed, wedged between numerous beds belonging to the omega maids. They've been giggling at me all day, and I wonder if they think my situation is some kind of twisted joke.

Do they find it amusing that I'm here, alone and broken, after my entire pack was wiped out? Their snickers and whispers fuel my anger, and I know I'll find a way to make Tristan suffer.

The maids are all seated on their beds, chatting and glancing at me as they prepare for their duties. Since I'm assigned to serve only Tristan, I don't have anything to do until he summons me. I reluctantly lie down on the small, uncomfortable bed, closing my eyes and breathing hard.

"Jessica," Gianna's voice pierces through the fragile calm that's settled over me.

I open my eyes, looking at her. "Do I really have to?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Alpha wants you to cook and bring his dinner to his room," Gianna says, ignoring my reluctance.

I bite down on my lower lip, pushing myself into a sitting position. Displeasure clouds my entire existence. "Of course, as the Alpha wishes." I mutter, the words tasting bitter on my lips.