Chapter One

Invisible.

That was one word that relates with me the most these days, a word that best describes my life.

And invisible was exactly how I felt as I sat by the window of my room, staring down at my family gathered in the courtyard below.

And that feeling of not been seen dwelled on as I watched them fawn over my sister, who was covered in sweat and dust from sparring with a guard.

A sigh escaped my lips, when my mum drew her in for a hug, not minding that the dust and sweat might stain her elegant white gown.

I drew the curtains closed, shielding myself from the sight that never failed to prick at my heart.

One would think that I'd be used to it by now.

It's been five years since the local Mage confirmed my parents' worst fear - that I was born powerless.

Five years since my parents all but abandoned me. Five years of them treating me like an outcast.

Five years of being relegated to the sidelines, the shadows and watching my sister bask in a spotlight.

But even though it's been long, the pain still cuts a lil bit deep, despite my attempts to steel myself against it.

I shook my head and returned to my painting, at the other end of the room, picked up my brush and once again lost myself to the strokes of my brush and swirl of colours on the canvas.

But this brief respite was shattered by a soft knock at the door, and I looked up just as the door opened and Pauline - my handmaiden - entered with a basket in her hand.

“Hello m'Lady.” She curtsied and I scoffed.

“The formalities aren't necessary, Popo. It's just you and I in here.”

“Yes,” she agreed, shutting the wooden door behind her with her legs, “but the stars know that your father will have my head if he ever sees me being familiar with you.”

“Lucky for us both, he doesn't pay that much attention to me. What do you have there?” I quickly asked as her brown eyes turned sad. I didn't want sympathy.

“Oh, it is your dress, dear.”

I dropped the brush with a frown and fully focused on her and the basket in her hand which she placed on my bed

“Sorry - dress for what?”

“Oh. Your father invited you to dinner.”

That had me frowning deeper.

Father, inviting me to dinner?

Why?

Did anything happen?

Why am I being summoned by my father dearest?

The last time I was invited to dinner….

I shivered at the memory.

It didn't end well at all — for me at least. But what cares how I feel?

I eyes the basket sitting prettily on my bed, contemplating the thought of perhaps rejecting the invitation.

But I knew just how impossible that was, so with a sigh I turned to Pauline.

“Let him know that I'll be there. Thank you Pauline.” I said hiding my inner conflict behind a forced smile.

She nodded with a smile and left the room.

I reluctantly opened the basket and pulled out a well folded blue dress.

I placed it on the bed without unfolding it but I could tell that it was very beautiful by just looking at flowered patterned embroidery by the sides.

The next few hours were just me, painting and still wondering what was so important that my father summoned me to have dinner with them.

That was something he has only done once in the past five years.

I am the family taboo.

The forbidden branch in the family tree, and that is why my parents try as much as they can to avoid any sort of contact with me.

The only one who still made me feel a little bit welcome was my twin sister.

She was never as serious as our parents when it came to hating me.

Lyla was nice, and had always been the kindest between us.

But no matter how big your heart is, when you are continuously fed a certain narrative about someone you love, your relationship with that person suffers a desk from it.

For the past five years I had watched as we slowly grew apart. She started visiting less frequently from daily to weekly, to monthly.

Now she only comes once in a long while. At least she is still coming.

But these days she has a kind of fear in her eyes. Fear that replaced the usual warmth and love.

I can never blame my sister though.

I try not to blame or judge her.

But what I cannot stop mse;f from doing is hating her. Not that she deserves it, but it still stocks watching her have everything I could not have.

Hours later, Pauline came in and helped me get ready for dinner then escorted me down the endless halls and stairs that took me to my family’s chambers.

Yes.

Father had invested lots of effort in making sure that I stay as far away as possible from the rest of the family as I possibly can.

Again, I cannot blame them.

The large golden doors that led to the dinning hall opened, and I walked in, the long hem of my delicate gown flowing behind me.

The gown is pretty.

I had admitted to myself when I stood in front of the mirror admiring ust how elegant and classy it looked. An usual sight for me since my wardrobe were mostly filled with black dresses.

My parents were already seated at the large dining table.

“Hello father, mother.” I greeted.

Mother just murmured a response, but father flashed me a smile which I ignored - confusing as it was- and went ahead to sit down on a chair that was far from them.

“Oh come on now Xenia,” Father’s deep voice interrupted me, “Come sit beside me. You do not have to be shy.”

I raised my brow confused, threw a glance to my mum but she was a little bit too focused on the apple in her hand.

What on earth was wrong with them and why did my father have that silly smile on his face? Like he cares about me.

Where's the disgust, the contempt?

Or have I somehow walked into an alternate universe where my sister does not exist and my parents love me regardless of my lack of powers?

Highly doubt it.

“No father. I am quite comfortable here.” I said, with a tight smile.

I was not playing into any silly games he might have in mind tonight.

He shrugged, as if telling me to have it my way.

Where was Lyla?

As if my thoughts drew her out, I raised my head to see her walking into the dining hall, dressed so beautifully in a pink dress that was almost similar to mine.

Her golden hair was shining as they bounced off her shoulders with each elegant step she took , the light making her very pale skin glow.

And complimenting her beautiful dress and hair, was the smile she wore which made her look more breathtaking.

And that is exactly how I look, although I doubt my smile would be as sincere, pure and as big as hers ever again.

She kissed my father on his cheek followed by my mother then stopped in front of me ner smile dropped a little.

“Hello Xenia.”

My response was an eye roll as she sat down beside our mother who grinned at he5 making my stomach turn.

“Now that my whole family has gathered here, I have an important announcement to make.” Father said, clearing his throat.

We all turned to him although mother gave me a strange look before shifting her gaze to my father who was beaming ear to ear.

Something was definitely up. And something tells me that it is going to affect me in ways I cannot begin to imagine.

“As you all know, our business almost went bankrupt a couple of months back.”

I raised my brow.

I didn't know that.

“It has been very hard trying to get everything back up and back in control. In fact I almost gave up - but thanks to the goddess, I finally found a way out.”

My ears perked as he looked at our faces one after the other.

“So what is the way out, father? I know how stressful this has been for you.” Lyra said with a soft smile.

“Yes! It has been. Well last week, a representative from Silver fang pack came to me with an amazing proposal,” He glanced at me before averting his gaze, “they are willing to offer us half a billion dollars to get our company back up, with more support. They offered fifty million dollars to us too.”

I frowned.

That was - a little bit too much.

Silver fang pack was known to be the most famous pack, the richest and the biggest too.

Although they have one tiny flaw.

Their Alpha was disabled - something that most of the community frowns upon because they feel it is a taboo and it makes him weak.

Why would they pick a sudden interest in a small company that was way beneath them, and why would they offer so much?

Lyra whooped heavily with my mother too but i just sat there staring at them in confusion.

I knew how the world works.

Enough to know that it cost my father something.

And to confirm my thoughts, the father cleared his throat, “In return for that…i will have to give one of my daughters to become the alpha’s uhm…mistress.”

My heart fell immediately when his gaze shifted to me.

No, no no he cannot do this.

“The Silver Fang pack has offered more than half a billion dollars for you Xenia, and we accepted the offer. As from now you are their Alpha’s mistress.”