INTRODUCING STACEY

A HURTFUL PAST

A knock on the door disrupted her sleep, causing her brows to crease as she rolled to the other side of the bed. She scrunched her eyes up, trying to get back to her sleep when another series of knocking came after.

“Hmm.” She groaned out, her hand fumbling on the bed as she reached for the blanket, throwing it over herself and acting cozy inside of it.

“You have to open the door princess,” she heard her maid say from the door, causing the frown on her face to deepen.

She was just about to open her eyes and remove the blanket on top of her when she noticed the knocks had stopped. She rolled on the bed, opening her eyes and putting her ears on alert as she waited for the knocks to come again. After a while of hearing nothing, she closed her eyes and was just about to sleep when the door opened with a loud bang.

“Stacey!”

The sound of the voice caused her to stand up from the bed immediately, her heart palpitating on her chest.

“Fa….father…” she called out as beads of sweats formed on her forehead immediately.

Pure disgust was evident in his eyes, shaking his head and walking out of the room immediately. Stacey gulped down in fear, her wolf, Frea already cornering itself in a part of her.

“He wants to see you in his chamber now.” The maid said, eyeing her in disgust also before walking out.

Everyone knew Stacey was just a weak princess. Born on the great day of the Moon, she was expected to have the power of the moon goddess, or the power of the thousand myth, but none of it happened to her. Her father cared for her since she was young, taking her to various priestesses but there was nothing.

She scrambled off the bed immediately, not bothering to check herself in the mirror as she dashed away from the room. Her heart pounded heavily on her chest, wondering the kind of punishment she might receive today. Her father was seated amongst the board of the pack, immersed fully in the discussion; he didn't notice she walked in until one of the elders cleared his throat.

He didn’t bother to hide the distaste on his face as his eyes raked her, a hand on his chin as he signaled for her to come closer. Gulping down in fear, she approached him and closed the space between them.

She gritted her teeth in pain as his nails sunk into her back, causing her to close her eyes deeply.

“You always find a way to disappoint me, even in front of my elders. You’re the princess of this pack..” he whispered into her ears, twisting the nails in her back, “act like one.” He added before removing it sharply and harshly.

Stacey bowed to him, doing the same to the elders and plastering a smile on her face. The whole pack knew how much her father despised her, and how he maltreated her, so there was no reason for her to hide the blood that dropped out of her body.

“Stacey,” she heard him call out, her feet coming to a halt and her whole body taking a sharp turn to face him.

“You may all leave.” He ordered the elders as they all stood up, the six of them trooping out of the room.

“It’s going to be fine. It’s going to be fine.” Her wolf managed to say to her.

Unlike other wolves, Stacey had no power to heal, which was more of the reason her father despised her. It was natural to not own any power, but it was contaminating to hear that the princess of the Ravenblood pack has no healing powers, a must have for all princesses.

“The rogues have been cleared out.”

“That’s great news papa.” She retorted with her head lowered.

“Make sure you clean yourself up and dress like a princess. You can continue acting like a maid when this event is over, but dress nice. We can’t say what he might ask for.”

“Yes papa, I’ll be sure not to disappoint you again.” She replied before turning out and walking away.

The maid was already in her room before she got there, and they were ready to prepare her. By the time she was done with the preparation, it was evening already and she could hear the chatters of the guests arriving.

“What’s happening?” She asked, twirling and looking at her reflection in the mirror.

The maid hissed out, packing the things and walking out of the room. Stacey put on a small smile, refusing to let herself be bothered by it. This was the highest of extravagance her father had done for her, a hello ball gown with long sleeves and a gold purse to match.

Her hand felt the Gold necklace hanging on her neck, making her smile, “what’s happening today?” She muttered to herself.

“The guest must be a big one.” She added, her smile widening before a voice boomed at her back.

“His highness is waiting for you outside,” the maid entered and said again.

The fear of her father took a hold of her again. Sighing and holding her gown by the edge, she walked to the door, only to be met by her father’s blaring expression.

“What took you so long to dress up! You’re supposed to be welcoming the guests!” He yelled to her face.

“I’ll be on my way, father. I’m so sorry.” She hurriedly said.

She bowed and lowered her head immediately, picking up the corners of the dress and taking her first step. As if her father’s yelling was not enough, luck decided to not be on her side again. She stumbled on her father’s leg, causing her to go down and fall on her face. Before she could pick herself back up and apologize, he picked her up with one of his hands, and delivered a hot sting to her face.

“Throw her in the dungeon! I don’t want to see her for the rest of the event!” He yelled and dropped her to the floor again, causing a pain to break through all of her body.