Bravery

CHAPTER FIVE

 ARAMIAH.

I smacked the demon across the face; then he turned the dungeon into my personal misery chamber. It had only been a day since I joined his pack, and I was regretting every breath.

My back was still screaming from Damon slamming me to the cold ground over ten hours ago. No one had come near this place since then. It was cramped, barely enough space for a dog, let alone a human. I wriggled, attempting to stretch, my eyes red and itchy from crying.

Crying didn't do me any good. Bruised arms and the stench of this enclosure surrounded me, choking me. My eyes were too dry to shed any more tears. I wasn't even sure I was capable of talking anymore.

 I felt like a pile of trash, the weight on my chest relentless, scratching at me. The dungeon stunk more than I could ever imagine. Every part of my body felt itchy and dry, and somehow the lump in my throat won't disappear.

This was way worse than Uncle Francis's dungeon. I felt like I could die if I spent any more time in this wretched place.

Maybe Damon was right about heading to hell. This was my automatic hell, and time crawled by, savoring my torture. Elongating it.

Wiping my forehead, I cautiously stood up, legs wobbly against the damp ground. My once-best dress now smelled like pig food, and I reeked of feet and every horrible thing people should not smell.

Standing on my toes, I tried reaching the small hole where sunlight seeped through. It was too high, out of reach, even if I tried all day.

"You're so stupid, Aramiah," I muttered, my voice shaky and barely louder than a whisper. "Y-you're so stupid! Why did you do that? Why did you think you could escape him?"

Why did I think hitting him would help? Surrendering to his roughness wasn't an option either. Treated like an object all my life, and it seemed the trend would continue. It's not like I didn't expect it. I should have known.

I should have known better.

I winced in pain, limbs aching. Footsteps approached, and I hit the wall again. Please, not him. Please, not him! I prayed silently, eyes squeezed shut. Anyone else could come, but I really couldn't stand looking at that beast's face.

Not right now. Not ever!

The moon goddess listened, and instead of him, two women appeared. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

As they approached, their prying eyes examined me. The intensity of their stares was unnerving. There was curiosity in those eyes. I bore the same curiosity, but I stood backed up against the wall, making sure to avoid the rotten gate.

"Luna Aramiah," the older one, about fifty, called out coolly. It wasn't until they were close that I noticed the accompanying guard and the stern expression on his face.

Everything unsettled me further. 

Luna? Luna. That word felt wrong. Reluctantly, I nodded, and smiles appeared on their faces. The younger one, my age or older, regarded me like a treasure.

It made me uneasy. I didn't know their next twisted plan. Each pack member seemed to nurse their own brand of madness.

"I'm Orion," she said, pointing to her companion, "And that's Zena. We're your personal maids. The Alpha wants you to be..." Indila scanned my dirty appearance. "...presentable for the announcement this morning."

Just open the gate and let me out! I internally cried. I forced a smile, dirt stiffening my face. "Oh…?"

May your Alpha trip over a brick and die! But I didn't say it out loud. "Yes, thank you." I didn't care about the announcement. To hell with it.

The guard opened the door, and I rushed out, startling Orion and the other girl, Zena, who kept staring at me like I was something out of her imagination. 

"Come with us, Luna Aramiah…"

"Just Aramiah," I corrected. They exchanged confused glances without speaking.

They bowed slightly, and I bowed too. What else should I have done? Zena giggled as she led the way. There was still youthful energy in her.

I returned to my chamber, the same Damon had taken me to yesterday. My heart pounded with every step, and my vision blurred. What was today going to lead to? I didn't appreciate getting asked to strip, and I'd hit him again if ever I had the chance.

I felt like I'd die if I ever saw him again. I wanted nothing to do with him. Just thinking about his beastly reaction made my stomach flip.

My hands trembled, and I hid them behind me. Fear consumed me. Breathing felt like a chore. It seemed clearer that I might not escape this hell hole.

"I've prepared your bath," Zena's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Please, go in…"

I followed her, and was led to the luxurious bathroom with a bathtub big enough for four. It was filled with rosy water and petals, a compelling sight and scent.

Finally, something good. I undressed and dived in. If they left, I might never willingly leave the bathtub.

I finished and got dressed, sitting by the mirror as Orion did my hair. Then, her words echoed in my mind.

An announcement? I locked eyes with her through the mirror. "Indila, you mentioned an announcement this morning…" My voice still carried fear. "What's that about?"

I didn't bother trying to hide how terrified I was of anything that involved their Alpha. He scared me. Every single thing about him did.

"Yes, you'll be introduced as the newest Luna!" Zena added from the corner, sorting out the dresses Damon had shoved into the insanely big wardrobe.

Although I loved the idea of looking pretty, it was the least of my concerns at the moment. 

Newest? Were there others?? I watched Orion give Zena a glare to silence her. They knew something. Of course they did!

My eyes widened. "There were other Lunas?!"

Orion hesitated. "You'll be introduced as the new Luna," she responded softly, emphasizing 'new' as she looked away.

I turned to her, a plea in my eyes. Tears were already streaming down my face.

"I…" I began in a low tone, trying not to burst into tears. "I need to know what kind of person your Alpha is, Orion, Zena. If there's any chance I'm going to survive in this pack. The rumors…"

"...are true," Zena completed, lowering her voice. "It's said that anyone who encounters the devil's vessel faces a lifetime of misfortune."

"Zena!" Orion called out to stop her.

"No, wait," I pleaded, turning away from the mirror to her. "The devil's vessel?"

Orion nodded, reluctantly. "That's what the Alpha is called. The living corpse of the devil, wherever he stays, only doom germinates. Vivum cadaver diaboli." She completed it in Latin. "He's to be feared. A man who's no longer one. A man who's greater than ten thousand beasts."

A shiver ran down my spine. This man they spoke of was my mate. What did I do to become this unlucky!?

"Run, child," Orion urged. "If you ever get the chance, run. Do not look back."

"People say…his horrible childhood made him the monster he is today…" Zena added.

"W-what…happened to him?" I asked hastily, fear flashing in my eyes.

Before they could answer, the door swung open with a loud bang, and the devil's voice caught me off guard, ringing in my ears.

"Quite the ceremony going on here. Where's my invite?" 

I froze.