THREE
The zipper of my duffel bag whined as I dragged it across the teeth, securing the sparse contents of what I could call mine. My hands shuffled through the drawer one last time, searching for a cloth that didn't scream neglect or poverty—a task akin to finding a diamond in a coal mine. All I found were tattered jeans and faded shirts, each holding the scent of despair like a stubborn stain. I let out a frustrated sigh.
I pulled out a simple, worn dress that had once been blue but now bore the uncertain hue of the twilight sky, dulled by too many washes. It was the best among the worst, and with shaking fingers, I folded it into a neat square, laying it atop the pile of clothes.
My heart hammered against my ribs, each beat an echo of the fear swirling in my chest. The decision to leave was a wild beast pacing within me, its presence terrifying yet somehow empowering. I would face the auditions to be one of the Alpha king's breeders, a thought that sent shivers down my spine, not from excitement, but from the terror of the unknown.
But the allure of freedom, of escaping this house that had become my prison, overpowered the dread. Every bruise from Kelly's spiteful hands, every cold glance from my stepmother, every dismissive nod from my father—they were the fuel to my resolve. I couldn't spend another day suffocating under the weight of their indifference.
"Escape or endure," I muttered to myself, gripping the fabric of the dress as if it were a lifeline. The choice lay before me, stark and irrevocable. With a deep breath that did little to steady my nerves, I zipped up the bag, ready to step into the unknown. Because anything—anything—was better than the life I was leaving behind.
The window had always been my secret exit. I stood before it now, my bag slung over one shoulder, ready to slip through once more. This time, though, I wouldn't be coming back.
A sharp knock at the door jolted me from my thoughts. My pulse quickened; the simple sound felt like a thunderclap in the silence of my resolve. Fear prickled at the base of my skull. Kellys mocking tone or my stepmother's cold reprimand loomed behind that door, waiting to shatter my plans into pieces.
"Freya?" A voice, soft yet firm, whispered. It wasn’t Kelly or her mother. it was Gerard.
I exhaled the breath I hadn't realized I was holding and approached cautiously, as if the floorboards might betray my escape with their creaks. My fingers grasped the doorknob, hesitating for only a moment before swinging the door open to reveal the house butler. His kind eyes met mine, carrying a silent understanding that spoke of shared hardships.
"Gerard," I whispered, my voice barely above the hum of my frantic heart. "I—I can't stay here any longer."
"Miss Freya." His use of formality a veil for concern. "What's this about?"
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I explained. "The palace... the auditions for the Alpha king's breeders. Its madness, I know, but I need to go. To get away from..." My voice cracked, the litany of grievances rushing forward—Kelly's barbs, her mother's disdain, my fathers neglect.
"From all of this," I finished lamely, motioning to the room that felt more like a cage than a sanctuary.
Gerard's eyes softened, his aged face crinkling not in judgment, but in empathy. He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Who knows, indeed," he said, a smile playing on his lips. "You might just be what the Alpha is looking for, Miss Freya."
Gerard was the unwavering support in this household who had ever looked at me and seen more than a burden or a plaything. "Thank you, Gerard," I managed to say, my throat tight with emotions I couldn't afford to indulge. Not when freedom was so close, yet still so faraway.
Gerard's hand rested on my shoulder, a gesture that held me to the moment. "It is a huge honor, Miss Freya," he said, his voice imbued with a warmth that filled the chilly room. "Many young ladies would leap at such an opportunity, the greatest Luna’s are picked as the breeders." His eyes held mine. "You could find your place among the elite at the king's side." I nodded.
"Be careful, though," he continued, his tone dropping to a low note of caution. "The palace is not just grandeur and grace. There are those within its walls who wield power like a weapon, and they will not hesitate to use it against the unprotected. Please do not trust just anyone."
I smiled gratefully at his advise.
"Thank you, Gerard," I whispered, reaching out to him. My arms wrapped around his sturdy frame, clinging to the only semblance of family I had known. His embrace was strong and reassuring—a silent promise that someone believed in me.
Tears pricked my eyes as the thought of leaving him hit me. Gerard had been the only friend I had. Now, releasing him, I felt the tether to this house, to my old life, begin to fray.
"Take care of yourself, Miss Freya," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "And remember, whatever happens, you are braver than you believe."
With those parting words, Gerard stepped back, his eyes glistening with unshed tears that mirrored my own. A lump formed in my throat as I realized this might be the last time we would stand together like this—in the safety of my small, dimly-lit room where I had grown up but never belonged.
"Goodbye, Gerard," I managed to choke out, the words raw and heavy on my tongue. And with one last look at the man who had been more of a father to me than my own ever was, I turned away, ready to face the uncertain path that lay ahead.
With Gerard's final words echoing in my heart, I glanced around the small chamber that had been both refuge and prison. The bags lay by my feet, stuffed with the meager belongings I could call my own—a few articles of clothing, a cherished book, and my mother's pendant. My hands trembled slightly as I hoisted one onto my back, the other gripped firmly in my hand.
I approached the window, its frame worn from years of secret departures. Pushing it open, the cool night air caressed my face, whispering of freedom and unknown destinies. I hesitated for a moment, But tonight was different; there was no turning back. With a determined exhale, I swung one leg over the sill and then the other, my hands steadying on the rough wood as I eased myself out.
The descent was second nature to me, my fingers finding purchase on the ivy that clung to the outer walls. The moon, concealed behind veils of cloud, offered illumination, but it mattered little. I knew every inch of this escape route by heart. My feet found the ground with a soft thud, and I paused, listening for any sign that my departure had been discovered. Silence greeted me, save for the distant hoot of an owl.
Turning away from the house that never truly felt like home, I navigated through the shadows of the garden, my steps quiet on the grass. The looming shapes of trees stood as I passed, their leaves whispering secrets to the night. I couldn't shake the feeling that they were bidding me farewell—or perhaps warning me of the perils ahead.
Finally, the main street came into view. My pace quickened, anticipation mingling with the fear that writhed in my gut. The station wasn't far now, its outline visible against the skyline, a beacon drawing me onward.
I reached the platform just as the train hissed and steamed, preparing for departure. As I stepped aboard, the conductor nodded curtly, taking no particular note of me among the throng of others seeking passage to the palace.
Finding a seat by a window, I settled in, my bags stowed carefully beneath my feet. The train lurched forward, the mechanical rhythm quickly becoming a soothing mantra. Leaning my head against the cool glass, I watched as the houses and streets of my childhood receded into darkness, swallowed up by the night.
Half a day's journey lay before me, half a day between the life I'd known and the one that awaited me at the palace. As the landscape outside transformed into a blur of shadows and starlight, I closed my eyes, surrendering to the uncertainty of my future, but holding tight to Gerard's belief in my bravery and the feeling of my mom’s spirit watching me with a proud smile on her angelic face.
FOUR "Hey miss.. miss?" The continuous tap on my shoulder pulled me out of my short nap. I opened my eyes slowly with a yawn. My body felt so tired and I knew I needed more sleep. "Miss, you are at the palace road. You should get down before the train takes off" My eyes shot open at the mention of Train. "Oh! We are here? Oh!" I hastily pulled my bag from under me and bolted out of the train in excitement. I stood in front of the Crimson palace. My breath caught in my throat at the beautiful sight before me. The palace stood tall and so huge, white marble gleaming in the sunlight. I'd never seen anything like it before. I couldn't help but stare at the beauty. As I made my way towards the palace gates, I noticed that I wasn't the only one here. Women from all over the kingdom have also come to audition to be the alpha king's breeder. everyone was talking excitedly amongst themselves as we all waited for the gates to open. I could hear whispers filling the courtyard as we waited t
FIVE If looks could kill, I would be long dead by now. I stood still and speechless as I stared at my sister who was glaring at me with fire in her eyes. Connor beside me, watched the both of us confusedly. "Do you know each other or something Freya?" He asked me. I opened my mouth to form a response but Kelly beat me to it. "Oh, I would have you know that Freya is my house maid. She must have sneaked out of the house the moment I left to join the auditions." Kelly said, she stepped closer to Connor who was frowning at me. I took a shallow breath, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. "You should send her home Mister. I will make sure my mother deals with her for deceiving everyone." "I seem to remember that the audition is open to every female in the land that is not married or promised to another man. So Miss Freya is just as free as you to partake in this program. If you will excuse me now, I have to be with the king." Conner said, brushing my shoulder lightly with a ki
SIX I scooped up the apple pie sitting beautifully on my plate and ate it generously, savoring the sweet taste as it melted in my mouth. I closed my eyes, feeling so content in that moment and even nostalgic. When I was smaller, my mom used to make pies like this. I remember how excited I always was whenever she announced that we would be having Apple pie for dinner. If only... "Hey, Freya. That's your name right?" Addy whispered to me as she shifted her seat closer with a cheerful smile on her face. I nodded. "Where are you and your sister? Hope you don't mind me asking" "Not at all. We stay at the western part of the kingdom, Not too far from the border. What about you?" "Oh I stay in the kingdom city. My house is only a 30 minutes drive away from here." Addy replied enthusiastically. You just know she was from a wealthy family and she has been showered love her whole life. Unlike me, who had been maltreated for as long as I can remember. My gaze turned to Kelly who wa
SEVENI awoke with a dry throat, my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth. I wondered if the ladies were still waiting outside my door. Now I wish I had just told them to get me some water before going to bed last night when they had asked if I needed anything. It was past midnight already. "I need some water or else I might die." I whispered to myself as if taking permission from myself. What could happen? The highest was that I would get caught by a staff member or the guards. I decided I would find my way to the kitchen and try as much as possible not to get caught. Though I knew I shouldn't wander the werewolf palace alone at night. Our guide had mentioned that we should never step out of our rooms without being called for. But I couldn't wait inside my room when I was dying of thirst could I? "There goes nothing.." I said as I gathered my dark long hair into a braid and slipped on a modest nightdress before creeping to the door. Stepping into the shadowy hallway, I shu
Eight "Rise and shine miss!" "Good morning miss!"I groaned as the cheerful voices of my maids woke me up, followed by the curtains being drawn, revealing the early morning sun that brightened my whole room so much that I had to raise the thick duvet over my head. "Ughh.." "Miss Freya, the orientation begins in an hour. We must get you ready as soon as possible." It was Grace speaking now. She slowly pulled the covers over me and smiled at me despite my scowl. I had never been a morning person even though I always woke up early to do the house chores back at home. But then I had Gerard who sometimes allowed me to sleep in. But now, I had no choice but to obey my maids. "Okay, okay, I'm up." I huffed as I exited my sweet soft bed. I couldn't believe how soft it was. It was like I should never get up from the soft tresses again. It was so unfair that the rich and privileged got to enjoy this every single day of their life and there was some of us that has never known what
NINE I couldn't figure out why Kelly was being so nice to me. It was so unusual of her. Kelly had never hugged me before, not even when I'd gotten her Christmas presents hoping to make her like me. I had given up trying to create the love between us when she had crushed the chocolates and tore out the fur of a pretty pink teddy bear I had gotten her 3 years ago. She had said to my face that my gifts were fake and useless and it should be the last time I ever got her any gifts. I had spent the whole evening crying in my room and feeling sorry for myself. Why did I desperately want my stepsister to like me? Maybe because I missed my mom so much and i just needed to fill the void that she had left when she died. But I had to learn the hard way that I couldn't make anybody like me. I just had to be myself and whoever wanted to like me will do so without being forced. My gaze trailed over to Addy. As if she sensed me looking, she also turned to me at that moment. We shared a know
TEN He was still staring at me. His gaze boring into the tiny pores on my skin, eliciting goosebumps that betrayed how I felt inside even though I was trying my possible best to keep a straight face. I simply could not believe it. He couldn't be that Wolf I saw last night. He would have mention it to his guide by now and asked them to throw me out of the palace for attempting to trespass. But then again, maybe he wanted to keep me here only to torture me slowly? I couldn't be sure. I straightened my spine and turned away from him. I focused on Aramatha who was still addressing us. I didn't hear much as my attention had been on King Rafe. "Ladies, you each have the opportunity to curtesy to your king and ask him one single question. He will answer you and whichever one of you he wishes the continue the conversation with will sit and have lunch with him. Miss Jessica, please step forward.." Aramatha said to Jessica who was first in line where we stood in front of the king.
Eleven I had not even used up to a week here and I was already getting punishments for no reason. Way to go, Kelly. She was the one that put me in this situation. I doubt I would be able to survive with Kelly constantly trying to sabotage me here at the palace. I needed to do something fast. I needed to get back at her so she would leave me the fuck alone. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood before the Alpha Rafe in his chambers. His piercing green eyes bore into me, his muscular frame tense. He had told me to follow him but I had no idea we were going to his room. The whole room was bigger than my house at home. It was like a building on it's own, I wondered how he didn't get lost in it."Now tell me, why were you sneaking around the palace last night?" he demanded. "You know it's not safe. And you have been ordered to always stay in your room, haven't you?" I stared at him, speechless. He looked really upset. His handsome face dark with a frown directed right at me. I trie