Xenra"Yes, my lady," the main guard answered firmly. With that, Akira turned around, and before she could walk away, she turned towards me again, a small smile on her face, before walking again.As soon as she left, I heaved a sigh, but I wasn't relieved at all. It was all messed up. I never intended to get into the palace, working as a maid. I knew I had to keep off.I knew I might not be able to keep up with any form of maltreatment, given the history of my heartbreak and hurt. I knew I might get tempted someday and say some things I wasn't supposed to, since I was someone who doesn't know how to bottle up my hurt.I realised working at the palace would get me tired down completely. I wanted to have some form of freedom.I was still fuming over the fact that I was selected when I saw the chief security latrine officer walking towards me. In that instant, I snapped out of the thought that had gotten me busy and forced a smile to my face.I wanted to rile him up and make him see how
XenraAs I made to leave, I was stunned to see a maid standing a few feet away from the door. When did she get in? I thought, as I began to ponder if she had heard my words."When did you get in? What are you doing here?" I threw my questions to her, my eyes narrowing as I attempted to read every one of her nonverbal cues.But my question seemed to have startled her instead. "Oh, I'm so sorry," her response came with a small stuttering."I was supposed to freshen up after you, so I came in here to get my things." Her words tumbled out in a rush. But I heard her last words faintly, as I had already drifted back into thought. Does that mean she had been standing there for quite some time?I took two steps closer to her, my gaze fixed intently on her as I determined to find out if she had heard me and how much she had heard. "Okay," I said as calmly as I could."So, does that mean you heard me just now? Like, you heard what I just said?" I asked her, my words dripping with suspicion as
XenraAs I dwelled on what I had just heard, I felt my blood begin to boil, even as my heart began to pulsate faster with a restrained fury, but then I knew I had to keep my anger in check not to give myself away."So tell me, what are the evil things you heard about her?" I asked as calmly as I could, forcing a smile to my face."Her?" She snorted, "Don't tell me you haven't heard about her," she said, her words dripping with disbelief.At that moment, I began to ponder what would make Zara respond that way, but since I wanted to get as much as I could, I shook my head in response, feigning a complete innocence.As soon as she saw my response, she took quick, short steps towards me, her eyes glinting with a sudden urgency that got me both confused and surprised.As if she were being careful not to be heard, she began, "I heard she's evil." Her words slammed into me, stirring something within me—anger. The anger I had managed to suppress earlier,I wanted to tell her to shut the hole
Xenra I was led by the head guard to Akira's palace. As soon as I got into her palace, I couldn't stop admiring the beautiful scenery, the large garden with a lot of lighting and poles, the spring in the middle of the compound, and the luxurious building. I was wowed by such high-level development. It was clear that Asher was taking good care of her. I had witnessed his care and love for her after the death of their parents, and I could tell that it didn't reduce a bit. Even though Asher was cold-blooded, I needed no one to tell me that he had a soft spot for his sister. The guard led me into a hall that was both large and beautiful. The walls were decorated with different portraits of her and her lovely brother, along with the portraits of their late parents. There were other artistic pictures of different scenery hanging up on the other side of the wall. A large chandelier hung down the high ceiling, with a fireplace at the other end of the wall. As I withdrew m
Xenra"What did you just say?" The chief maiden asked, her brows furrowing with shock and surprise written all over her face. The sternness in her voice was undeniable; she had totally put aside the gentleness I had earlier seen in her.Oh no! Did I just land myself into another trouble? Not again; I shouldn't have involved Asher."Oh, sorry," My response came almost immediately, but then I still needed to ascertain the extent of the trouble I had dived into.I turned instantly to the next maid standing beside me, "Was I loud?" I asked, and as I did, my gaze shifted to the next maid, who nodded her head in response along with the other one.Fuck!Inasmuch as I wanted to know how much they had heard, I didn't know how to ask them about it. I was so engrossed with my thoughts of how arrogant Asher was that I had forgotten to keep my lips sealed and gave myself away.I turned towards the chief maiden and lowered my gaze apologetically, "I'm so sorry, mistress; I didn't mean it that way.
Xenra"You," the chief maiden pointed at Zara. "You'll be working in the kitchen department," she said. But that was what I begged for; why didn't she just give it to me instead, since she knew she was sending someone to the kitchen?She turned and rang a small bronze bell in her hand, and immediately the maid that had gathered together dispatchedAs I stared at their retreating figures, I couldn't stop wondering what was going on. Why were they suddenly walking towards different exit doors?I was still in my thoughts when someone's voice broke into my head. "That's a dismissal bell and also an assembly bell. For now, it means we should resume our duties," Zara said."I have to go now; let me go begin my duties," she said again. Well, fuck off! Is she riding on the fact that she was working in the kitchen?I wasn't in the right frame of mind; the chief had totally set the pace for a bad day already, and the last thing I needed was someone butting in.As soon as she left, I turned tow
XenraHow dare you, Asher? After all these years, you're still arrogant, rude, and selfish!Well, that was supposed to be to his hearing, but I couldn't get myself to say it to him. I felt my muscles clenching tightly as the weight of his insults settled in my heart, causing my breath to grow heavy, and as I stared at him, I felt like punching him in the face.Well, in reality, I was doing all I could to not show any emotions. But what was he really feeling like? Does he think he was someone so mighty and strong? If not for his guards, I'd have dealt with him already and left a mark he'd never forget in his urgly face.'Did I just say ugly? Come on, he's not ugly, though. That part of him being ugly is definitely a lie.' I felt my anger residing as my attention shifted to his face.Well, that face of his was something I could kill for. How could he be that handsome and cold-blooded? If only he was a little warmer and caring, I'd have been his Luna already."How dare you? Are you sure
Xenra "Xenra," I answered, my lips curling inwards as I silently waited for the shock that would give them away. I wanted to see Asher's reaction when he hears my name, so I secretly stole a glance at him. Two seconds passed and there was no reaction from them, although I was more concerned about that of Asher's. 'Wait! What is going on? Maybe they didn't hear me or they're pretending not to,' I reasoned within me. This time around, I was going to make sure they wouldn't be able to conceal how they feel about me and the impact my name had on them. "I said my name is Xenra," I repeated, a little firmer this time around. Although I wasn't directly looking at Asher, I could see him with my side eyes, and I could see the mask of indifference that had coated his features. Akira herself didn't seem concerned or affected by my name. Oh, wow! Was I that insignificant to them? I couldn't deny the hurt I had felt at their indifference towards me. Everything seemed to happen
ASHER.My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Elder Ambrose, who cleared his throat to seek my attention.As soon as I turned to face him, he began to speak, "Umm, Alpha," he said as calmly as he could, with an awkward smile on his face."What Elder Bernard is trying to say is this: for someone as merciless as the vampire queen, we're afraid she wouldn't hesitate to wage war against us if..." He was still speaking when I swiftly interrupted him."So, are you asking me to relinquish our authority to her?" I questioned in a stern voice.At my words, the both of them quickly lowered their heads. "We dare not, Alpha." They responded in unison, and after about five more seconds, Elder Ambrose's voice came again, "We are not asking that you give up our pack to a stranger; we're only asking you to put every possibility into consideration." He pressed on while Elder Bernard nodded his head.Despite his effort to keep his voice steady, the fear underlying it was unmistakable. As for the pac
Asher.The news of the vampire queen's visit had spread like wildfire throughout the pack, stirring rumours and unease among my pack members.It was due to the growing uneasiness that I had summoned my two most trusted elders and the pack's physician. I knew I had to alleviate the pack's anxiety, and since I was determined to safeguard my territory, I decided to share my thoughts with them."I'm sure you've all heard about the vampire queen's outrageous request." I stated as soon as they settled into their seats."Yes, Alpha!" The three of them chorused. Their voices tinged with scepticism."Alpha, I must confess that my heart has never been at peace ever since she came to our pack. I'm glad you've called for this meeting." It was Elder Ambrose who spoke, and from the tone of his voice, I needed no one to tell me he was being careful with his words."Good!" I said with a steady voice. "Now, that's why I've called the three of you here today, to inform you of what I've planned to do."
ISABELLAAs soon as they left, I felt my anger simmering within me, causing my fists to clench tightly beside me."I've been working in the palace for a long time now, and the Alpha had never noticed me, but this Xenra that came in a few months ago has been favoured by both the princess and the Alpha." I reasoned.As my thoughts stretched on, my lips twisted in fury, and my gaze drifted into space.As I stood there brooding over my wrath, I felt a rising determination within me, and a great sense of urgency surged within me. My mind began to race with calculations."If this continues, the Alpha might as well make her the chief maiden someday." The words dropped into my heart, and my eyes bulged.Right there, I knew I had to do something, as I couldn't afford to let that happen. My fists clenched tighter, and I nibbled on my lip as I sought what to do."There's no way I'd sit still and watch Xenra steal my place right under my nose." I resolved within me.I needed no one to tell me tha
ISABELLAAs I stepped into the kitchen, my attention was immediately drawn to the two maids on the other side, who were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice my presence.I had wanted to sanction them for neglecting their chores and indulging in gossip until one of them said something that halted me in my tracks."No, Christy, she's lucky and privileged." Her words made my brows draw together, and I began to wonder who they were talking about.I carefully trailed my steps and took cover behind the shelves in an attempt to keep my presence hidden, and since I was still close to them, I heard the first one speak again."How can you say she isn't fortunate when, within a short time of her arrival, she started working for the Alpha as his personal maid?" She asked, her voice tight and certain."She hasn't even spent up to three months in the pack, and she's already been promoted to work closely with the Alpha." Her words dripped with hatred as she complained, and I s
RoyceI was still trying to get myself to say something to my mother when her voice came again."Why would you even think of such a thing? Have you forgotten that Xenra and the Alpha are ex-lovers?" The disbelief she had felt echoed in her tone as she spoke."I know, mother, how could I forget a thing like that?" I responded, even though I wasn't expecting an answer from her.Seeing the worry on her face etching deeper, I quickly continued."Mother, I know what you're concerned about, but you have to trust me; I won't act recklessly." I urged, my words dripping calmly as I stared at her."This looks reckless already, Royce!" She quickly answered."Why would you even consider a thing like that? How could you think the vampire queen would agree to work with us to take down the alpha?" She questioned, her strained voice ringing with anxiety.From the look on her face, it was clear she was frightened already, and I knew I had to assure her and put her mind at ease."The thing is, I'm not
Royce"My son!" My mother's voice rang with excitement as I returned back to my home after five days of being away.I could see a great sense of relief dawning on her as she stared at me, and I needed no one to tell me she had never been at peace ever since I left."Mother, I'm back." I responded with a smile on my face to assure her that she had nothing to worry about."Yes, my son," she answered, nodding her head fervently, and fell into my embrace as I drew her in. "It's so nice to have you back." Her voice came again in a soft whisper."You don't know how worried I've been." She stated, her words breathy, wrapped in the relief she had felt from my presence.I broke the embrace, and my smile broadened as I stared into her eyes."You worry too much, Mother," I said with a broad smile on my face."See," I gestured with my other hand for her to take a good look at me. "I'm fine." My words were wrapped with a chuckle as I assured her, while she nodded her head again as her smile broade
VAMPIRE QUEEN"Have you heard?" One of the guards standing by the entrance door asked his neighbor. His small voice caught my attention, and I turned towards them."What?" The other one responded, his voice tinged with curiosity as he turned towards the one who had just spoken.At that instant I began to walk towards them, gently trailing my steps not to attract their attention.As I got closer, I heard the first one say, "It has happened again. Last night." His words tumbled out in a hushed rush.The other one's mouth flew open at his words, and since I was already close by, I could see how wide his eyes were.Their words stung, and my lips twisted in a simmering rage. I had made up my mind never to tolerate any form of gossip, as I didn't want anyone to say any sort of rubbish about me.I needed no one to tell me whatever they were talking about had something to do with me, especially since they said it happened the previous night, and I wasn't going to spare them.'I would teach th
XenraMy steps were heavy with determination as I ran back to the room that morning. My eyes welled up with tears as I focused on getting into my room, and as I drew closer, the tears fell off my eyes like broken beads.As soon as I shut the door behind me, my sob grew heavier. I was so overwhelmed and couldn't hold back anymore.I hated how Asher was making me look like a fool in the presence of everyone. He had completely humiliated me and had never passed up any opportunity to get back at me. I knew I was caught in the middle of their clash of power and was only the tool on which he vented his anger.As soon as I got to my bed space, I crumbled to the floor and buried my face in my bed as I cried my heart out while Zara rushed towards me."Is this how Omegas are being used as tools in this pack?" I cried out, "They're really sufferings; I don't think I can do this anymore." "Xenra, it's okay; I beg you. Stop crying, please," Zara said as she placed her hands on my shoulders as sh
Asher"You assigned such a task to a female servant, while you have many male servants who are capable enough to perform them," Akira said, her voice rising in a simmering anger."How is it reasonable that you're asking my personal maid to feed your horses?" She asked, her voice tight with fury.My lips curled upwards, and a snort of amusement escaped my nostrils."She's now a guard in my mansion, dear sister, no longer your personal maid," I answered with a calm and steady voice as I turned towards Akira, who was glaring at me."As a guard in my mansion, she could be assigned to do anything I want, as long as I want her to. How's that a problem?" I threw my question at her.I wanted to remind her that even Xenra's life was at my mercy, and that even though I hadn't taken Xenra's life because of Akira's affection for her, I could still do whatever I want with her, anything at all that would make her life miserable.I had pushed Akira to a place where she would realize that the only op