YILEYNA The Night of The Moon Goddess’ Festival arrived and, like every year, the skies were clear, the full moon gracing us with its presence, and the sheer ambience of the night was warm and welcoming. The merry music drifted in through the open windows, making you want to get up and join. I was getting ready with Charlene. She had been adamant that I spend the afternoon getting ready with her, although this was usually a time one spent with their families, and every year before this one, she and her mother got ready together just as I did with mine. "Those curlers look ready to be removed." Charlene said to the human woman who was helping us. "Yes, princess." Belinda replied, bowing her head before she came over to me and began to remove the curlers from my hair. I stared in the mirror at my face. My make-up was done, having been told my skin was perfect without a base. She said she’d do subtle touch-ups… but I looked entirely different… I looked older, more mature… My cheeks w

YILEYNA I wandered the streets that were a lot less busy than before, with most at the banquet, although many teens and children roamed the streets rather enjoying more street food than that of the banquet. I walked along with no destination in mind, refusing to allow the tears to fall. After a good hour of walking around, I decided that I needed to start packing. The Alpha said the passage of the title would be in a week’s time, meaning I needed to get out of there. First thing tomorrow, I’ll go looking for a place. Turning back, I decided to head home. I gathered a few discarded boxes on my way to the castle, that had probably contained items for the festival; they would come in handy to pack up my belongings. I guess once Theon becomes Beta, he won’t be Charlene’s guard, but I’m pretty sure he’ll still be training her. As long as I don’t need to see him. I picked up two more boxes and knew I wouldn’t be able to carry anymore, so headed back towards the castle. The guards opened

YILEYNA I watched him walk away, leaving me on the table, my heart thundering as I realised this was it. I knew it wasn’t going to be anything more than sex but to leave me the moment we were done… I clamped my hands over my mouth, muffling the sob that left my lips. I don’t know what I was expecting… but I wasn’t anticipating him leaving like that. Why had he felt disgusted at the end? Why could I feel his anger? I pulled my legs to my chest, rocking myself as I tried to control the pain that was suffocating me. I felt even more alone than I had before I gave myself to him. I cried softly into my knees, the sharp throbbing between my legs was a stark reminder of what had happened. A moment of pleasure with the man I had liked for so long... Was it worth it? Had it been worth it? I didn’t know the answer to that... At that time, I couldn’t think of anything but the pleasure. It felt like a dream come true, and I couldn’t deny that I felt like I was in heaven. But now I just felt

YILEYNA Theon had taken me to the hospital and had unashamedly told the healer I had sex the night before. So here I was with a mug of hot milk as Healer Shayna looked at me. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped together, concern clear in her warm brown eyes. "Was it consensual? From my examination, it seemed it was rather… brutal." "Yes, it was." I replied quickly, blushing at her question. She nodded, her curly blonde hair bouncing when she nodded. "Good. And are you on contraception?" "No…" "Would you like a contraceptive charm?" She asked. This was humiliating… but I remember Mom telling me that when the time came to make sure I got one… "Um, yes please." I said, staring down at the steaming mug. "I will have one prepared for you. Just come back monthly to have it renewed. Do you have any items you would like the charm to be put on?" I looked down realising I was still wearing Mom's rings I had picked out last night. "I have this." I said, my stomach sinkin

YILEYNA I stared at the small cabin that belonged to Theon, seeing the glow around the edge of the window, meaning someone was here... My heart skipped a beat, Theon would stay at the castle, right? Did he know I’ll be going on the trip too? I looked around. There was a scatter of cabins, each with its own garden area, trees and low fences surrounding each square of land. It was a nice area… I hadn't paid attention last time. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door. I didn’t hear anyone coming to the door, so I knocked again, frowning. Surely he was in there. I knocked again, louder, before the door was yanked open and Theon stood there, giving me a withering glare. "If no one answers, it means it’s unlocked." He stated icily, turning and walking off. "How was I meant to know that?" I retorted, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. The smell of something delicious filled my nose and my eyes scanned the kitchen counters. I was starving, only now realising I had on