Framed

Nora

Today was my 22 year old birthday and I woke up feeling extremely happy. Other than the Alpha and the maids who taunted me, this pack has been nothing but bliss.

Today was a special day and it was my turn to cook. Cooking wasn’t a big deal but on a day when Alpha Alejandro was visiting, it was more than a big deal… Mistress Ella was going to supervise the whole process and make sure everything was perfect for the occasion.

I entered the kitchen and began preparing for the dinner, humming quietly as I smiled. Everyone noticed my joy but nobody asked, I wasn’t bothered.

I was just glad to be away from Violet and her daughter. On my birthdays, all they did was remind me of how my mother had died because she wanted a worthless thing like me to be born… How I was nothing but bad luck and the only reason I hadn’t killed her was because she was a very powerful person who was highly favored by the goddess.

All my birthdays, I had cried my eyes out, asking the goddess why I didn’t die instead of my mother but today was different.

I had a wolf, I was learning to live for myself and as a maid who would be getting paid, I made the decision to start saving up every penny until it was large enough to sustain me.

I had signed an agreement with Mistress Ella already and as night drawed, we began to set the tables. The table was neatly arranged and all lined by the side, our heads bowed with our hands behind our back.

Alpha Alejandro and Victoria walked in, exchanging pleasantries as they took their seats. Alpha Damien was a minute late but when they were all seated, thr dishes were served by Mistress Ella.

“It’s so nice to be here, Alpha Damien. I just say, you’re doing a great job ruling the pack…” Alejandro said in between bites and Alpha Damien grunted a response.

It could be me overthinking but I felt a heated gaze on my body, it felt like I was under scrutiny and no matter how hard I tried to dissuade the thought, it only made my hunch stronger.

“I’m already receiving congratulatory letters from the other alphas, everyone is thrilled to hear about the engagement and they’re certain it is going to be the wedding of the season, after all your union is a match made specially by the goddess.” Alejandro continued and I felt a tinge of jealousy inside of me.

“I have an announcement to make after the dinner.” Alpha Damien spoke and Victoria laughed dryly.

“You’re scaring me with your seriousness and little words. I’m getting used to it, by the time we’re married, I’m sure I’d be used to all your personalities already.” Victoria asserted and a chill ran down my spine as I remembered her words.

I felt uneasy almost immediately as I started sweating, suddenly everywhere became hot and I began to feel very restless.

Something felt wrong, something was wrong somewhere but I just couldn’t place my hands on it. It wasn’t the wedding but I struggled to push the thoughts out of my head.

“The union between our packs would be talked about for life. This is something even the Alphas are envious of. I’ve gotten three business proposals ever since and a few were talking to me about wanting to invest and start up new businesses in the pack. I had to halt all submissions because I knew they were doing this because of the marriage. I’m not selling my sister off or using her for business, I want her to have the best…” Alpha Alejandro mumbled, smiling at Victoria who and the broadest grin and I tackled with the urge to scowl.

“This meal tastes nice, who prepared it?” Victoria questioned Mistress Ella pointed at me.

“This is great, I love it.” She continued and my fears tripled. Victoria would never compliment anything, this was a trap…

There was something fishy here and I needed to get to the bottom of it. They finished eating and we began clearing the dishes.

“Cunning bitch.” A maye cursed under her breath as she neared me. I ignored her words as I returned to the dining room to pick up the dishes left.

“Victoria…” Alpha Damien stopped when Victoria suddenly slumped on the ground, we were all stunned and Alpha Alejandro bolted to her side, grabbing her hand immediately as he began shaking her vigorously.

Her mouth began foaming and we all gasped in shock. He stared at her fingers which were becoming black as her face went pale:

“She has been poisoned! Get a doctor!” He yelled and the maids scurried around, trying to get a doctor while Damien bolted to his feet.

I was gripped with fear. She was poisoned… How? Something wasn’t right… There was a mix up somewhere. I had prepared the food alone, I didn’t poison her.

“Take her to the room!” He barked at the guards who carried her immediately.

“You! How dare you poison my sister!” Alpha Alejandro roared as he raised his hand, ready to strike my face but much to everyone’s astonishment, Alpha Damien stopped him, gripping his hand firmly as they exchanged heated gazes.

I was sweating profusely as I trembled, I was whimpering in fear as I watched them, unable to tell what the outcome would be.

Goddess knew I was in deep soup, there was no way I could escape this and tears began streaming down my cheeks as I tried to plead for mercy and defend myself but words failed me.

“What are you doing! Are you trying to protect this little murderer!” He yelled and Damien’s eyes went dark with fury.

“Don’t touch her.” He mumbled calmly as he pushed Alejandro’s hand away roughly.

“Are you going to let her get away with this? Was this your intention? To kill Victoria!” He thundered.

“Lock her up without food or water until she’s ready to confess…” He ordered icily and I fell to the ground in shock, disappointment rippling through me as he turned his back to me.

“I’m innocent… I didn’t do anything! Please…” I pleaded at the top of my voice as two maids grabbed my hands roughly and began leading me to the dungeon.

I was thrown into a dark cold room. My back touched the ground with a silent thud and as I leaned on the wall, tears began streaming down my cheeks.

Violet had always been right, I was nothing but bad luck and I brought misfortune to everyone who crossed paths with me.

I felt bile rise in my throat as I was suddenly hit with nausea. I felt like throwing up but I forced it back, I was already at my worst.

Today turned out to be the most miserable birthday ever, I seemed to be getting worse with each passing year and maybe who knows, next year I’d be beheaded on my birthday.