Chapter 5
I staggered back to the rickety wooden hut.
I huddled in the darkest corner, my knees drawn up to my chest.
Outside, the cacophony of the servants‘ voices was a relentless assault on my frayed
nerves.
“Have you heard? Alpha Daniel and Sherry journeyed to the far–off Crystal Caves, where the Heart of the Ocean lies. It’s said to be a jewel forged by the moon goddess herself, and now it adorns Sherry’s neck,” one servant cackled.
Another sneered, “Everything he gives her is fit for a Luna. What did he ever give our poor Luna? Trinkets made by the lowest of
1/6
Chapter 5
+5 Points
pack artisans.” I had been so blind, mistaking Alpha Daniel’s fleeting kindness for true love, and blaming Snow for the unraveling of our relationship.
Unexpectedly, a pair of burly guards arrived at the hut.
“Alpha Daniel commands your presence in the east wing,” one of them grunted. I was too weak to protest as they half – carried, half – dragged me to a side chamber. Before I could respond, a messenger rushed in, announcing that Alpha Daniel’s mother Sara summoned me.
I remembered then that it was the day of the soul – cleansing ceremony for our lost child, a ritual meant to guide the spirit of the unborn werewolf pup to the afterlife.
I stood, swaying on my feet, for what felt
2/6
Chapter 5
+5 Points
like an eternity, surrounded by the solemn chanting of the wizards.
The ceremony was a blur of smoke and mournful howls.
When it finally ended, I stumbled out into the cold, clutching the pouch of silver.
When I opened my eyes, Sherry, with a sickeningly sweet smile that didn’t reach her eyes, turned to Alpha Daniel. “Please, Alpha, she looks so pitiable. Let her move back to the main house. I can’t bear to see her suffer like this,”
she pleaded, her voice dripping with false compassion.
The servants, sensing an opportunity to further humiliate me, gathered around, whispering maliciously.
3/6
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
“Alpha has been spoiling Sherry rotten. He bought her a gown woven with moon – spun silk and adorned with rubies the size of a wolf’s eye. Every day, there’s a new gift for her,” one of them hissed.
Alpha Daniel, his face still dark with anger, turned to me.
“You heard Sherry. You can move back. But first, you’ll wash all of Sherry’s clothes. Every last one of them. And if I see even a single stain, you’ll regret it,” he snarled.
I had no choice but to comply.
Day after day, I toiled over the mountain of clothes, my hands raw and bleeding from the rough fabric. The cold water stung my cuts, but I dared not stop.
4/6
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
One day, as I was struggling to wring out a particularly large gown, Sherry appeared. She was carrying a small bundle in her arms.
As she got closer, I realized it was a dead cat.
“Look at this,” she said, her voice cold.
“This is what a stillborn looks like. Pathetic, isn’t it?” she sneered.
I let out a howl of fury and lunged at her.
Just as I was about to reach her, Alpha Daniel burst into the room.
“What are you doing? You’re attacking Sherry now? You’re a danger to everyone. You’re out of control!” he shouted.
In a fit of despair, I grabbed the nearest thing
5/6
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
to me, a beautiful porcelain vase.
With all my strength, I smashed it against the wall.
Shards of porcelain flew everywhere.
I picked up a large piece, its edge sharp enough to cut through flesh.
I pressed it against my throat, tears streaming down my face.
