Cursed

The pack house was quiet in the early morning, the soft rustle of leaves outside the only sound breaking the silence. I clutched the broom in my hands, sweeping the long hallway just as I did every morning. The faint scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, but it wasn't for me. It was for the pack for them.

I paused at the sight of Daisy's room, her ornate double doors a stark contrast to the bare wooden planks that made up my tiny corner of the attic. A wistful sigh escaped my lips as I thought about her. My little sister, the shining star of the pack. The one everyone adored and favored, especially Father.

She had everything—beauty, strength, a wolf that she'd shifted into at sixteen and the unwavering love of our father, Alpha Kieran. I on the other hand, was nothing but a shadow in their perfect lives.

"Stop daydreaming, Arianne." Father's gruff voice startled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him standing at the end of the hall, his imposing frame casting a shadow that seemed to swallow me whole. His cold eyes, so similar to daisy, raked over me with disdain.

"Yes fath...alpha" I murmured, lowering my gaze. Father didn't like it when I called him anything rather than Alpha.

"Daisy needs her bath drawn and her clothes ready. Don't dawdle." His words were clipped, dismissive, as if I were nothing more than an annoyance in his day.

"Yes, Alpha." I corrected myself quickly, knowing he hated when I called him anything else. He didn't respond, simply turned and walked away, his boots echoing against the polished floors.

I felt the familiar sting of tears behind my eyes but blinked them away. Crying wouldn't change anything. It never had and it never will. I was the unfavored daughter of alpha kieran.

---

Daisy's room was as grand as ever, sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains and bouncing off the gilded furniture. She sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection in the mirror, a sight of perfection.

"You're late," she said without looking at me. Her voice was soft, almost sweet but the words were laced with disdain.

"I came as soon as I finished Daisy," I said, moving quickly to prepare her bath. The water splashed into the tub, warm and fragrant with the lavender oils she loved. You might wonder why I let my little sister walk all over me but you wouldn't understand when all your life all you ever wanted was your father's love and acceptance you'd do anything to get it. Daisy was father's favorite and for him to ever acknowledge me I had to make her happy.

"Father says there's going to be a feast tonight," Daisy continued, her tone light. "Most Alpha's will be visiting. Maybe i will find my mate tonight" She smiled at her reflection, her excitement palpable.

I felt a pang in my chest. Mates. The sacred bond that everyone in our world longed for. At twenty, I had no wolf, no mate, nothing. Most pack members shifted at sixteen and eighteen but I never had. They called me cursed and in my darkest moments, I believed them.

"Do you think I'll look good in the blue dress?" Daisy asked turning to face me.

"You'll look beautiful in anything," I said honestly, handing her a towel.

She studied me for a moment, her piercing blue eyes so much like Father's. "You're so plain, Arianne. I don't understand how we can be sisters."

I bit my lip, refusing to let her see how much her words hurt. "I'll make sure everything is ready for tonight."

"You'd better." She stood, dropping her robe carelessly on the floor for me to pick up. "And clean my room before you go."

---

The day passed in a blur of chores. Cleaning, cooking, preparing the pack house for the feast. No one thanked me, no one acknowledged my efforts. It was as if I were invisible, a ghost haunting the halls of my own home. My status in the pack was even below an omega.

When the feast began, I watched from the shadows, my stomach growling as the pack enjoyed the lavish spread I had helped prepare. Daisy was the center of attention as always, her laughter ringing out as she danced with the visiting Alpha's son. Father looked on with pride, a rare smile gracing his usually stern features.

I wondered not for the first time, what it would be like to have him look at me that way. To have him smile at me, to feel even a fraction of the love he showered on Daisy.

"Why are you skulking here?" Daisy's voice broke into my thoughts. She stood before me, her blue dress shimmering under the light. I was so lost in thought that I didn't see her approach till I heard her voice

"I— I was just watching," I stammered, stepping back.

"Watching?" She sneered. "You're embarrassing. Go to the kitchen where you belong."

Her words were sharp, cutting through me like a knife. I nodded, turning away before she could see the tears welling in my eyes.

The kitchen was quiet, the chaos of the feast muffled by the thick walls. I leaned against the counter, taking a moment to breathe. The loneliness was a constant ache in my chest, but tonight it felt unbearable.

A soft knock at the door startled me. I quickly wiped my eyes, trying to compose myself. The door creaked open, and Liam stepped inside. His dark hair fell into his eyes as he glanced around before spotting me.

Liam. The Beta's son and the only person in this pack who treated me like I mattered.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"I'm not crying," I said quickly, avoiding his gaze.

He raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "Arianne, don't lie to me."

"I'm fine, really," I insisted, forcing a smile. "Just tired from all the work." I said pulling strands of my blonde hair behind my ear, the only resemblance I had to daisy. Unlike her and father's blue eyes mine were brown plain old me.

Liam frowned, his grey eyes filled with concern. "You shouldn't have to do this alone."

"its fine I'm used to it," I said with a shrug. "But thank you."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You deserve better, you know. Don't let them make you think otherwise."

His words warmed something in my chest, but I quickly looked away, afraid he'd see too much. "I should get back to work. The dining room won't clean itself."

"Let me help you," Liam offered, grabbing a tray before I could protest.

As we walked to the dining room, I felt a small spark of hope. Maybe I wasn't completely alone after all.