6-Trembling Reality

What had I done?

I stared at my trembling hand, memories of today's events unfolding before me like a vivid dream. Was I still dreaming? Had I died in the forest, only to wake up in heaven? That might explain the luxurious duvet covering me—the same one I used to shield myself from the Alphas' predatory gazes. I vividly recall the blonde-haired Alpha with a wicked smirk, his eyes fixed on me as if he wanted to tear me apart, albeit in a strangely enticing manner. And of course, I couldn't shake the memory of my almost second kill.

Today, it seemed, I was on a roll.

His black hair, like his brother's, cascaded down in long waves, always impeccably arranged. I knew he harbored

hatred

towards me, likely biding

and waiting for the right

time to strike, like a predator patiently awaiting the perfect moment to devour its prey. However, there was something in the way he looked at me that stirred desires I mentally chastised myself for entertaining

or maybe I was just mad. His hazel eyes had a captivating power, undoing me, while Michael's eyes cast a spell over me. Intimidating, yes, but undeniably sexy. Lord, the thoughts that crossed my mind.

As I said, it felt surreal—encountering the most feared Alphas, alive and negotiating a deal with them. So much happening at once. Slowly, I began to gather myself, running my fingers through my disheveled hair and wiping away the tears in my eyes.

In heaven, do we cry? I couldn't help but ponder, questioning the reality of this surreal encounter.

No, it couldn't possibly be true. I was destined to be a Luna, not an outcast. Yet, either way, death loomed — whether from the mysterious force preying on my mates, leading their pack to retaliate against me, or if I dared to reject their offer again. In every scenario, I faced a grim fate.

Why was I even born? This isn't a mere expression of frustration but a genuine question. If my life was bound to end like this, was it even necessary? Pain, hurt, and mischief have defined my existence from the very beginning. I can't shake the feeling that I'm a mistake, and soon, they'll realize it too — if they haven't already met their demise.

A knock echoed, drawing my attention to the intricately designed golden door I hadn't noticed before. Startled by the sound, I hastily wiped away the tears streaming down my face, only then realizing I had been crying.

"Yes," I whispered in my mind, maintaining silence. I sought solace under the duvet, hoping that whoever stood at the door would simply fade away, much like everything else in my tumultuous life. The door creaked slightly, then swung open.

A lady entered, youthful but not as young as myself. Her short, brown, curly hair was impeccably combed, framing a face that seemed flawlessly composed with just the right amount of makeup. Her lips, painted a glossy red, added a touch of allure. Clad in a snug, blue gown that accentuated her curly hips and slender waist, she embodied a beauty that left me questioning why girls like her would choose me as their mate. More importantly, who was she?

"Your Highness," she greeted.

Before I could comprehend the unfolding situation or understand why she addressed me as "Your Highness," she gently clapped her hands. Suddenly, a group of people filed into the room, neatly forming two lines, all dressed in white. They were females of varying ages, and every pair of eyes fixated on me.

Stunned, I remained motionless, my mind swirling with countless questions. Why were they here, gazing at me without averting their eyes, and why did each of them wear a friendly smile? Confusion gripped me.

"Let's get to work," the lady in blue clapped her hands once more, and the assembly began to move toward me. She shot me a reassuring smile, saying, "Don't worry; we are here to serve you."

My gaze remained fixed on her, and my face betrayed a myriad of discomfort. Abruptly, my duvet was yanked away, laying bare my nearly naked body in a room occupied by over twenty people. Not to mention, the room's unnatural size heightened the surreal sensation, as if I were a doll dwelling in a giant's abode. Okay, maybe I was exaggerating, but it was undeniably vast.

"Get away from me!" I shouted as two hands attempted to pull me out of bed. This couldn't be real—I must be dreaming.

#

5 hours later

My gaze rested upon a girl with long, light brown hair reminiscent of a sunset, meticulously brushed and straightened to cascade gracefully at her side. Its richness and luminosity were almost blinding. Her lips, a bright pink, held a subtle beauty akin to an angel's. Her skin resembled honey, only better. She was absolutely stunning. I sighed in awe, turning back to find the lady in blue smiling at me. Unable to resist, I returned the smile.

"You look absolutely stunning," she complimented, and the others echoed the sentiment with smiles. For the first time today, a genuine smile graced my lips. I mumbled a thank you and turned to admire my transformed reflection in the mirror.

Soon, the crowd departed, leaving me alone with the lady in blue. It became apparent that my earlier screams for help had, unexpectedly, led to a makeover, turning me into a stunning goddess.

"You could have just said we're here to bathe, dress, and transform you from a smug to a goddess," I remarked, still fixated on my reflection, eliciting laughter from her.

"If I had said that, would you have stopped screaming?" she inquired.

I turned to her, pondering for a moment before responding, "No."

"You see, Your Highness," she grinned, her joy evident in the mirror. I smiled back at her.

"Can you stop with the formality?" I suggested. "At least when it's just us," I added, noticing the initial discomfort on her face that soon softened into a smile.

"Alright then—"

"Elena," I interjected.

"Alright then, Elena," she chuckled. "What's your name?"

"Emily, your personal assistant, and maybe your savior in this place," she said, moving closer and sitting on the bed. I turned to her, offering a smile.

"Savior," I mocked, aware that no one could save me from this. I had signed a deal with the devils, or perhaps I was the devil, and they had a deal with me. I supposed I would just have to wait and see who met their end first.

"Can I show you around? This palace is quite big," she offered. "I've been working here for years, and sometimes I still get lost."

I chuckled, rising to my feet and allowing my purple robe to cascade to the floor. Its satin fabric, adorned with netted edges, revealed a long and elegant garment beneath—a white satin short gown that exuded sophistication. Following Emily through hallways adorned with intricate designs and golden statues, I couldn't help but notice her familiarity with the surroundings. Yet, my mind wasn't focused on the architecture; another question loomed, and despite my efforts to resist, curiosity got the better of me.

"You're accustomed to this, right?" I inquired.

"Yes, as I mentioned, I've been here for most of my life," she replied.

"That's not what I mean," I whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"Are you accustomed to taking care of girls brought here to be mated with the Alphas?" I asked, delving into the heart of my curiosity.

I chuckled, rising to my feet and allowing my purple robe to cascade to the floor. Its satin fabric, adorned with netted edges, revealed a long and elegant garment beneath—a white satin short gown that exuded sophistication. Following Emily through hallways adorned with intricate designs and golden statues, I couldn't help but notice her familiarity with the surroundings. Yet, my mind wasn't solely focused on the architecture; another question lingered, and despite my efforts to resist, curiosity overcame me.

"You're used to this, right?" I inquired.

"Yes, as I mentioned, I've spent most of my life here," she replied.

"That's not what I mean," I whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"Are you accustomed to caring for girls brought here to be mated with the Alphas?" I asked, probing into the heart of my curiosity.

She smiled widely “what?!” I just had to ask

“ you are the only one, they have ever brought in the

palace

” she whispered like it was a secret and ran off