Maria Leaning against the wall of the factory where I worked, I tried to catch my breath but I knew I couldn't stop even for a second. If I got caught, my wage would be deducted and I couldn't afford that. I needed every single penny I could get my hands on. The deafening roar of machines filled the air as I assembled iron parts at lightning speed. The monotonous routine left my hands calloused and my back aching, the constant fear of accidents or losing a limb haunting me every moment. I glanced at my old, wristwatch that had so many cracks, I could barely see what was written on it anymore. And it was time to head over to my other job.I wrapped up everything quickly and walked towards my boss who was sitting on a chair and counting money. He looked up at me, took out a couple of dollar bills, and tossed them on the table without a word. He was always all about his money and business. I took it and darted out of the factory. The cold air immediately hit my skin and I sighed in reli

Maria In the dimly lit chamber, I sat on my bed, my eyes filled with sorrow as I gazed out the window. That seemed to be the only thing I did these days, gaze out of my window all day. My heart was heavy with the weight of loneliness, and I was lost in my thoughts, unaware of the world outside my room. Suddenly, I heard the door creak open snapping me out of my trance. Zoe walked in with a tray of food in her hands. Zoe was my handmaiden. She told me she was assigned to me the first day I was brought here. However, I never spoke to her because I had way too much on my mind but she was the only one in this castle who ever took her time to speak with me.And it wasn't just because it was her job. I never had any friends but I knew a kind person when I saw one, her warm brown eyes oozed with kindness and her long black hair shone brightly. But I didn't trust her completely yet. Looks can be deceiving. She placed the tray on the table and approached me smiling warmly."My lady, I brought

Maria I am free! Finally free! I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum. I couldn't stop, wouldn't stop, not until I was sure I was safe. I can’t think about spending another moment with King Leo, the thought alone made my body shake in disgust. But my body betrayed me, my legs trembling beneath me like leaves in a storm. I stumbled, my vision blurring, and collapsed onto the cold, hard ground.I lay there without making an attempt to stand up, I was tired and I didn’t mind if I died now, just when I thought about that, I quickly held my stomach, knowing that if I died my child was going to die too and I don’t want that. I couldn't help but look back, my eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of pursuit. But there was none. I was alone, completely and utterly alone.My mind raced with thoughts of King Leo, his piercing eyes and chiseled features haunting me. I couldn't let him find me, couldn't let him know about the secret I carried within

Maria I sat by the window, my eyes fixed on the world outside. I was trapped, with no escape from the pack that had taken me in. My life had taken a drastic turn, and I was now at the mercy of Alpha Felix. I couldn't believe how far I had fallen. A minute I was striving to send myself to college and the next I was battling to stay alive, if only the goddess hadn’t let my mother give birth to me, perhaps it might have been better. I sniffed, I didn’t want to cry, I had decided to remain strong, and crying wasn’t going to solve anything. So I sat there, lost in thought, allowing myself to wallow in pain, that was all I could do since I had no control over my life.I suddenly heard a knock at the door. My heart skipped a beat as it opened, and Alpha Felix stepped inside. His eyes were fixed on me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. So I stood up immediately. "Hmm, You're blending in well," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I can see that you're trying to make the best of your si