Chapter 2

~Eira POV~

As I was dragged into the Black Night pack castle, the memories of torment and suffering flooded back with a vengeance. The grandeur of Oia village was replaced by the oppressive darkness of the dungeon once more.

Alpha Ethan's rogues roughly released their grip on me, throwing me to the cold stone floor. Luna Emilia, his wife, approached with a venomous rage burning in her eyes. Without a word, she struck me across the face, the force of the blow stinging my cheek.

"Why did you dare to leave the dungeon and run away?" she spat, her voice filled with fury. I trembled, unable to find my voice in the face of her wrath.

Luna Emilia ordered the rogues to throw me back into the dungeon and make sure I don't escape from there anymore. I was dragged back to the darkness of my old cell.

The darkness enveloped me, suffocating my hope and filling me with despair. But amidst the despair, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I refused to surrender to the cruelty that surrounded me.

Time crawled by, with each passing moment feeling like an eternity. Then, unexpectedly, the dungeon door creaked open. Startled, I looked up to see one of Alpha Ethan's rogues beckoning me to come out. Confusion gripped me, but I followed their command, cautious of any ulterior motives.

They handed me a set of maid's clothes, indicating that I was to assist in the preparations for Emma's birthday celebration. I hesitated, torn between the desolation of the dungeon and the unfamiliarity of serving in the castle once again. Reluctantly, I changed into the maid's attire, concealing the scars of my past beneath the drab fabric.

Entering Emma's room, I found her sitting in front of a mirror, her delicate features reflecting innocence and privilege. Without knocking, I entered, unaware of the unspoken etiquette of such encounters.

Emma turned to face me, her gaze piercing through the reflection. "Are you not aware of the courtesy of knocking before entering someone's room?" she snapped, her voice filled with entitlement. "Get out of my room!"

I recoiled, startled by her boldness. I realized that even at such a tender age, she had been raised to wield authority and demand respect. Gathering my composure, I mustered a meek apology. "I apologize, young miss," I murmured, my voice barely audible. "I am here to assist with your birthday preparations."

But she was still angry with me and told me to leave her room immediately.

I left the room, feeling even more miserable than before. I was a slave once again, and there seemed to be no hope of escape. But deep down, I knew that Alpha Michael would never give up on me, and that thought gave me some comfort.

I knocked on Princess Emma's door and waited for her to invite me in. When she did, Emma regarded me for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "Very well," she said, her tone carrying a hint of condescension. "You may stay now, but be sure to mind your manners some other times."

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of my circumstances. As I began to assist with the birthday arrangements, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a glimmer of humanity buried beneath the layers of entitlement that surrounded Emma.

Hope ignited within me once again, as I vowed to endure this new role with grace and resilience.

*************

The venue was beautifully decorated with balloons, streamers, and other decorations. Many Alpha's from different regions came with their Luna's and children to celebrate with Emma. Daryl, Emma's older brother, gave her a wrapped gift and looked at me with disgust.

"What's that? Emma, is this your new maid?" Daryl said, pointing at me.

I felt angry and frustrated, but I couldn't do anything. Emma nodded, checking the gift Daryl gave her, "humm humm, I don't know why she was chosen to be my maid." These two siblings were getting on my nerves! But I just have to control it.

Suddenly, we heard the arrival of Alpha Mondragon and his Luna, Isabella. Alpha Mondragon was the most powerful and wealthy Alpha in the werewolf community, and no one could defy his orders. He was essentially a king among the werewolves.

Alpha Mondragon's wife gave birth 18 years ago, but the child died, and she hasn't been able to conceive since then. They adopted a girl named Ashley, who was also 18 years old. She was a wolf whose parents had passed away, and Luna Isabella took her in. However, they never forgot about their dead child.

Alpha Ethan and his wife, Luna Emilia, asked their children Emma and Daryl to come and greet Alpha Mondragon and Luna Isabella. I followed them from behind.

Alpha Mondragon was a towering figure, and his presence alone commanded respect.

"Happy Birthday, Emma," Alpha Mondragon said, smiling warmly at her.

"Thank you, Alpha Mondragon," Emma replied, smiling shyly as she bow her head a bit.

"Who is this young lady with you?" Alpha Mondragon asked, gesturing towards me.

"This is my personal maid, Eira," Emma replied, introducing me.

"Well, she looks ordinary. Get her out of my sight," Alpha Mondragon said dismissively.

I quickly left the room, feeling humiliated and ashamed. I couldn't help but wonder if this was the life I was meant to live - being a slave to werewolves and constantly looked down upon.

Alpha Mondragon Then introduced his adopted daughter Ashley, to Alpha Ethan and Luna Emilia.

The party was in full swing, and everyone was enjoying themselves. I was serving food and drinks when I heard a voice behind me. It was Ashley, Alpha Mondragon's adopted daughter.

"Hi, I'm Ashley," she said with a smile. "What's your name?"

"I'm Eira, Princess Emma's maid," I replied, surprised that she was speaking to me.

"It's nice to meet you," Ashley said. "You seem different from the other maids, have I met before you? You have a strong aura."

I didn't know how to respond to her compliment, so I just smiled and said "Thank you princess Ashley, but I don't think I've met you before."

I noticed she was looking at something behind me instead of looking at me, "Eira..." she called my name gesturing to someone behind me. I turned to see Rachel, Alpha Michael's maid, and ran towards her to give her a hug. "Rachel! What are you doing here? How's Michael?"

Rachel hugged me back and said, "I'm fine, and Michael sent me to check up on you. How are they treating you here?"

I smiled and said, "I'm good, thanks."

Rachel's expression turned serious as she said, "Michael also wanted me to tell you to stay away from Alpha Mondragon and Luna Isabella. They're not what they seem, and they might try to buy you as their slave, if they see that you're strong. Never show them you're strong!"

I looked towards where Alpha Mondragon and Luna Isabella were standing and nodded in understanding. "Thank you for telling me, Rachel. I'll stay away from them, and I will not draw their attention."

After Rachel left, I intended to return to the party. However, as I hurried through the crowd, I accidentally stumbled upon a young and incredibly handsome guy. He quickly reached out to steady me, his touch sending a jolt through my body. With a charming smile, he greeted me, saying, "Hello, beautiful." I pulled away, attempting to regain my composure, but my heart raced at the sight of his face and the allure of his smile. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

Emma shouted my name, interrupting me. "Eira! It's time for me to cut the cake. Can you tell them to bring it?"

I nodded and turned to leave, but when Emma saw the guy who had held me, she faced him and demanded, "What are you doing here?"

The guy, Arthur, smiled and said, "Happy birthday, Emma. I came to celebrate with you."

Emma just rolled her eyes and walked away, unimpressed. Arthur turned to me and said, "Don't mind her, Eira. That's your name right? I heard Emma call you that just now, and Emma is just a small girl."

I didn't bother listening to Arthur and just walked away to arrange Emma's birthday cake. When I got to the kitchen, I heard the bakers gossiping about Alpha Ethan's son with his mistress, and how Luna Emilia hate the boy so much. Someone said they saw him and that he was already at the party. Another person said that Alpha Ethan must have invited him because he loves him so much.

I pretended not to hear what they were saying and announced, "Princess Emma is waiting for her cake."

The bakers quickly brought out the cake, and I carried it out to Emma as she waited eagerly to cut it.