CHAPTER 1

Aurora POV

Today is the happiest day of my life. My 18th birthday, the day I’m to be mated to the Alpha of our pack, Moonfall Damon Blackthorn. The day I dreamt of all my life, for as long as I can remember, I was raised as a slave who was never to have dreams and hopes. Slaves were the lowest of the low. We could be used for any purpose, whether willingly or not, and we have no right to complain or make a fuss. 

Throughout my childhood years, I was always the object of mockery and disdain. I cried up to the moon every night, wondering why fate was so cruel towards me, but I got no response. Finally, my prayers were about to be answered as I was to mate with the strongest leader of our pack.

I walked through the halls in high spirits as the sun shone brightly, while the birds whistled effortlessly in the castle trees. Suddenly, a harsh voice snapped at me.

“Get back to work, you lazy slave!” The head chef spat. I was taken aback but the sudden interruption, but I regained my composure quickly. I remained unfazed as I knew that nothing would take away my happiness on this special day. Or so I thought.

“Take this to the Alpha’s private study.” One of the castle staff gnarled at me. She shoved a basket of herbs to take to Damon’s study. I grabbed it with enthusiasm as I jetted off to his room. I knew the palace like the back of my hand as I virtually grew up here working as a slave. 

Some of the kitchen staff treated me with sympathy, while others treated me like a worthless servant. Always quick to remind me of my low status. 

I snapped out of my sour memories and strode up the stairs humming a folk song I learnt many years ago as a child. 

Before I approached the door to his room, I calmly dropped the basket on the floor and hurriedly adjusted my worn-out dress. “I may not be high-born, but I would like to look decent to my mate”. I thought to myself. After I was through, I picked it up and proceeded to knock on his door.

Tap.

I gently tapped his huge wooden door and waited for the invitation to enter. It was a punishable offense for a slave to enter the room of her Alpha without permission. I waited for a few seconds without a reply before knocking on the door again.

Tap.

Again, there was no response. Just as I was about to turn back to the kitchen, I heard a soft moan of a female. At first, I shook my head in disbelief, thinking my mind was playing tricks on me. But, it became louder and I could also hear the grunting sound of our alpha. My emotions got the best of me as I could no longer handle the suspense. I gently opened the door, and to my surprise, I saw Damon pounding his shaft into a lady with blonde curly hair and pretty blue eyes. That was Ember Rivers. Her bare legs wrapped firmly around his waist as his thrust became deeper. Their nakedness was in full display as their bodies almost melted into each other due to their proximity.

I covered my mouth not to make any squeaky sounds, but her cold gaze met mine. She grinned from ear to ear as her eyes flicked with triumph. She pulled him closer to her as their escapade intensified. Her claws scratched his back in ecstasy, which drove him further wild with passion.

I tried to move, but my legs were mounted on the floor like concrete, and my eyes couldn’t look away. It wasn’t till after they were done that he finally saw me at the door. He initially had a cold glint in his eyes, which later metamorphosed into a sinister smile.

“What are you doing here, Aurora?” He spat as he buttoned his jeans. His well-sculptured body was covered in juicy sweat, which surprisingly made him even more appealing. My entire body trembled as I feebly tried to speak, but nothing came out. From my peripheral vision, I could see Ember giggling with a cynical laugh as she put on her clothes.

“I…was sent to bring your herbs.” I stuttered, and I clenched my fists due to my poor reaction. I felt sorry for myself for being so weak and powerless. He had a smug face at my reaction, like he was expecting me. Tears flowed uncontrollably as I ran out of the room. I covered my face to hide my tears as I came down the stairs. I continued running till I bumped into a broad-shouldered figure.

“Hey…Aurora, is that you?” This muscular figure was Axel Storm, Damon’s beta. He also grew up in the castle of a prominent family, but he always treated me with kindness.

“I’m sorry, Axel..Master. Forgive my tardiness-” I snorted while stepping back away from him. He had a befuddled look on his face as he dragged me outside to the woods. My eyes widened at his bold approach, but I understood he didn’t want people to find more reasons to mock me while I was shedding tears.

When we reached the woods, I let out a sigh of relief as I inhaled the fresh breeze that twirled from the huge trees. Axel gestured for me to sit under its broad branches and green leaves.

“What happened, Aurora? I saw you running down from the alpha’s room. Did he hurt you again?” He asked with a concerned look. Tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down as I recanted what transpired between Damon and Ember.

After what felt like an eternity, he let out a weary sigh and tapped my shoulders to soothe me.

“Please don’t let his actions bother you. He probably just wants to ridicule you. I didn’t know that was his plan, he only ordered that you should be sent up with his herbs to his room.” His voice sounded sincere. My breath was caught in my throat at the thought that Damon purposely wanted me to see him and Ember together. Why will he be so cruel to me on my birthday of all days? I mumbled to myself.