Luna's Order

I blinked my eyes open and tried to focus on my surroundings. The sun was already up, which meant I had overslept and could no longer do my usual routine at the lake.

I shook my head in disappointment. I have no choice then. I'll have to use the communal bathroom today.

Fortunately, all the other omegas from my quarters were too busy thinking about the upcoming event to pay me much mind. At least for today, they left me alone and didn't pick on me as much.

The day of Odette's farewell party had finally come. While the higher-ranked wolves were nothing but excited, the servants felt overwhelmed as the weight of their responsibilities settled in. Wolves from all over the kingdom were going to attend, each an esteemed member of a high-ranked family, expecting nothing but luxury and extravagance upon their arrival to the Black Woods Pack.

I threw my damp towel onto my bed and quickly put on my maid's uniform, gathering my soft brown hair into a loose bun behind my neck. I didn't wash my hair on purpose—there was no time to let it dry, and I couldn't afford to give anyone another reason to scold me.

I was ready to leave the room but hesitated as a strange temptation pulled my hands toward the compact mirror hidden beneath my mattress.

Clutching the old circular object between my fingers, I took a deep breath and finally looked at my reflection.

What I saw was a miserable sight. Yesterday's beating had left its marks all over my body and face. The parts scraped by the canvas were now swollen, with dark bruises forming around them. If I were a high-ranked wolf, I wouldn't want someone like me serving guests—not even the low-ranked wolves—until my condition improved.

Last night, Yulianna had completely lost it. She usually avoided touching my face, wary of anyone realizing she had taken her anger out on me again. With so many eyes on her as the royal packs resumed their activities along the borders, she could never be sure if her abuse would finally be exposed.

I sighed. I guess her wolf was frustrated because the Alpha scolded her too...

Unlike the other omegas, who could snatch powder from the noblewomen's rooms while cleaning, I never dared to do that. Instead, I let my hair down again, pulling some of it over the side of my face, struggling to conceal the bruises and scratches. It would be uncomfortable to work like this, but it would be far worse if anyone saw them.

Realizing I was already late for my kitchen duty, I darted out of the room and ran toward the kitchen, bracing myself for the scolding from one of the cooks.

Being on kitchen duty meant helping prepare and serve meals for the entire pack, but with the banquet tonight, our workload had increased tenfold.

Sneaking into the kitchen, I grabbed the first available task and started polishing silverware, pretending I had been doing it for more than just a few seconds.

Gloria, the head cook, was already finishing breakfast. As her helpers brought in the food, my stomach clenched in hunger. The aroma of freshly made dishes was so enticing that I had to start humming to drown out the grumbling sounds my stomach made in envy.

They had truly gone all out, even for the regular meals today.

Attentive as always, Rita placed a tall cup of hot meat broth next to me before quickly slipping away—either to avoid getting caught helping me or simply because she was too busy herself.

I eyed the cup and sighed. "Broth this time? I guess she managed to secure it before Gloria used it all for the soup to feed the lesser warriors."

Despite my sigh, I took a sip, smiling as the warmth spread inside my stomach, momentarily easing the gnawing hunger. I was grateful for Rita's small gesture; it would be my only meal for the entire day, keeping me from collapsing mid-task.

As evening approached, it was time for the banquet roles to be assigned.

All the omega maids gathered on the first floor of the mansion, waiting for orders as Bryner, the mansion's head butler, descended the stairs holding a sheet of paper—the Alpha's final instructions.

Most of the slaves already knew their roles. Strong men were sent to tend to the horses or handle deliveries. With the amount of food and drink the noble wolves consumed during these banquets, the kitchen needed strong hands to keep supplies flowing from the cellar.

The more attractive girls were usually assigned to hospitality, serving drinks and appetizers to noble males—sometimes entertaining them, if such a thing was in demand.

Omegas like me were always restricted to the kitchen. Yulianna thought it was a disgrace to show noble guests that our pack had "faces like that."

Because of that, I didn't even bother listening to Bryner's announcements. I knew my place well. Today, especially, my face was exactly "like that."

I kept my gaze on the floor, waiting for the gathering to be dismissed, lost in thought. Suddenly, I felt someone tug at the skirt of my dress, demanding my attention.

Startled, I lifted my gaze, realizing that everyone was looking at me. Confused, I glanced toward Bryner, who regarded me with clear irritation in his dark brown eyes.

"Yes?" I asked quietly, still unsure why everyone's attention was on me.

The butler shook his head and repeated himself, his tone laced with annoyance. "Teya, you are in hospitality tonight. You will be serving drinks. Our Luna's order."