A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE

KAYLA

The morning light seeped through my windows, beaming gently on my face. At first, I covered my face with my pillow, trying to avoid the light and then, I rolled to the other side of the bed… tired from so much exhaustion. Suddenly, I remembered that today was a special day, my birthday. I yawned and sat on the bed, feeling a sense of excitement. I was finally eighteen!

I got up and stretched, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from sleeping in an uncomfortable position. As I walked over to my window, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful view outside. The sun was rising, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink– it was a relief that at least something was colorful today. I stared blankly into space before I went to curl up on my bed.

I was startled by the knock on my door.” I'm coming to get the door,” I said, as I groggily got out of bed and made my way to the door. It was one of the Gamma, the head servant.

“And what in the moon goddess name are you still doing in bed? It's morning already and there are chores to be done around the pack. The pack wouldn't clean itself, would it?” she said, raising her eyebrows in a mock-serious manner.

I nodded, “I would attend to them shortly,”. The other servants always reminded me of my duties and responsibilities, as if I could I would forget them.

She glared at me, “Then keep it moving,”

“Please… Would you kindly allow me a few minutes to take my bath?” I asked, hoping for some time to myself before the busy day ahead.

She was silent for a while,” Alright, I would give you time to freshen up, but you have less than ten minutes,” she replied firmly before turning and walking away.

I closed the door, and slumped onto the bed. I buried my face in my hands and sighed– my chest throbbed with pain. Just then, I quickly remembered I had less than ten minutes and jumped out of the bed, after which I rushed into the bathroom and had a quick shower. I wasn't about to get into trouble today…

I made my way to the servants waiting area where the other servants received instructions from the head servants, “Hurry now, don't be a slug!” She thundered, with hands akimbo.

I hastened my step and stood with the other servants who waited for her instructions. She gave instructions to the other slaves and finally, she turned to me.

“Kayla, I need you to start by cleaning the kitchen. It's a mess that requires a thorough scrubbing. Make sure to clean every surface, and don't forget to wipe down the counters and stove,” the head servant said.

I nodded slightly, "Okay”.

It felt bad that not one single person in the pack knew that it was my birthday, and what was worse was the number of duties that were being assigned to me on my special day.

“And when you finish with the kitchen, move on to the living room. Dust everything, including the shelves and the mantel, and most importantly don't forget to vacuum the carpet, it's too dusty. And also, be sure to tidy up any misplaced items,” she continued.

“Yes, I understand, I'll make sure to clean it properly” I said, trying to sound as respectful as possible.

“Good, Finally, I need you to clean the guest room. Change the sheets and make the bed, and don't forget to dust and vacuum. And you have to be fast about it, The hallway and the entryway requires tidying up too,” she concluded.

“Alright, I'll get right on it,” I said, starting to head towards the kitchen.

She called out to me as I turned to leave, “Kayla…”, I turned to face her, and she looked at me from my head down to my toes.

“Make sure you do the chores properly, I'm sure you would not want to get into trouble with either of the quadruplets,” She said in mockery while I shook my head and without a word, turned to leave.

As I was cleaning, my thoughts wandered to my mother. I remembered how she would always celebrate my birthday, making me feel special and loved. I missed her so much, and tears started to stream down my face. Likewise, I tried to hold myself together, but the pain in my heart was too much to bear. Since her death, I've always known pain, but the pain of having to celebrate my birthday like an outcast without her made it unbearable. Not even the Alpha King whom she called a husband treated me like his child. It was horrible to witness such change right after her demise…

Once i was done. I hurriedly made my way back to my quarters. I sauntered back to my room, and as I packed my few belongings into a small backpack, I knew I was finally leaving the pack. This was it; I had had enough of the taunts, the abuse, and the constant reminder that I was an outcast, even if I was only the innocent stepdaughter to the Alpha King.

I looked around the small outlet I called room one last time, and made my way towards the door, but just as I was about to leave, I remembered my mother's last words to me.

“Kayla, my child,” she had said weakly. “On your eighteenth birthday, go to my room and look for a locked box. Inside you will find something that will change your life. Promise me you will do this.”

I wanted to ignore her words and leave. This was my only opportunity of escape, but something kept nagging at the back of my mind. My mother had always been a woman of her word, and if she asked me to do something, it was important I carried out her instructions.

I carefully sneaked out of my room with my backpack, making sure to avoid the other wolves as I made my way towards my mother's room. When I got there, I hesitated for a moment before slowly turning the doorknob and pushing the door open.

I hesitated to open the door as I stood in front of it, staring blankly at the heavy old wood with scratches and cobwebs at its corner– my heart raced with countless thoughts. The lock looked rusted and ancient, adding to the mystery of what lay beyond. I took a deep breath and turned the key, the sound of the lock echoing throughout the silent room.

It was time to find what she said would change my life…