04

LILY’S POV

Groaning, I placed my palm on my head and winced as my eyes fluttered open carefully, trying to adapt to the lights in the afterlife but something was overly different.

I was in my room and on my bed.

How did this happen? Why am I here and not with the moon goddess?

Multiple questions ran through my mind and no matter how much I pondered on these questions, I couldn’t place my finger on a single answer.

My brain felt messed up and I closed my eyes and opened it back more times than I could count but I was still in my room and not in the afterlife.

Maybe I’m just waiting for the grim reaper to lead me home. But, why does the waiting area look so much like my room?

The sound of the door opening put a halt to all the questions I could possibly have and I lifted my gaze to see two maids enter my room with a bucket that I recognized so well.

It was the same bucket from the sewage and they looked like the same maids that had come into my room to bully me the day of my death and it was at that point that my eyes widened.

Sheer black fright swept through me when I realized what had happened but even at that, I still couldn’t believe something like this could possibly happen.

Had the moon goddess given me another chance like I’d asked before I died?

My head pounded as everything came rushing back to me and as quickly as I could, I laid back on the bed as I waited for what was going to happen next.

Then it happened, just like the last time.

The maids attempted to pour the sewage water on me but I was swift enough to dodge, saving myself from the stinking water and the insults that were going to come next.

“I didn’t know witches get lucky or you’re just saved by your stupid coven!” One of the maids gritted, her annoyance and irritation clear in the way she looked at and spoke to me.

I could tell that they were angry that they couldn’t do as they had wanted, insulting me gives them the kind of satisfaction that they were unable to get today.

“Be ready in three minutes or you’re not going to like what’s going to happen to you,” the other maid said but I only remained silent, “we have a big event later today and can’t afford for you to ruin it.” She hissed before walking out of my room.

Hurriedly, I got ready and I was even done before the three minutes they gave me lapsed. My mind was flooded with tons of thoughts, raging questions and what to do to avoid death again.

Without caring about the other maids, I sat to think about my next line of action and that was when an idea came to my mind.

I have to find a way to make the princes' attention move to me.

I have to avenge my death, I have to make them pay for what they’ve all done to me and the only way I can do that is to play a game, a game where no one knows anything about me.

“Lily, I am so sorry, I hope they didn’t put you through much trouble?” A familiar voice put an abrupt stop to my pondering and I lifted my head to see Kate, she was one of the maids too and probably the only one with a heart.

“No, I’m fine.” I managed a smile as I stood to face her and I saw Kate flash me a painful smile as she closed the gap between us, her eyes carefully scrutinizing me as though searching for bruises.

“I don’t know what to do with them,” she sighed and just when I wanted to tell her not to do anything about it, she continued, “the way they treat you is horrible and unacceptable.” She added and I smiled wryly.

She’s right, no one should be treated the way the maids treat me but it’s something I’ve made my peace with for a long time and I wasted no time in telling her that.

“Kate!” I called before she could leave my room. I needed her help if I wanted to play this game to perfection, Kate is my only way to do that and so without thinking, I fell to my knees.

“What— what are you doing?! Stand up!” She said quickly, her eyes widening with both shock and confusion as she tried to get me to stand up but I remained stuck to the ground.

“Lily, stand—”

“I need your help!” I cut in before she could finish talking and I saw her raise an eyebrow, probing me to ask for whatever it was I wanted.

“I need a makeover.” I blurted out and saw how taken aback Kate was. I knew she was a good makeup artist; I’ve seen her do it for the Luna of the wolf.

I told her about my plan and everything and with a heavy sigh, Kate agreed to give me the makeover I badly needed and the plan was soon set in motion.

Switching places with Kate, I appeared at the party and it didn’t take long for the makeover to start serving its purpose. I could feel eyes turning in my direction and people murmuring, wanting to know who I am.

Great! It’s working.

“Mate.” The sound of the Princes’ growl caused me to raise my head up and the look I didn’t see in their eyes the first time was there. They looked happy and satisfied and there was an approving gaze in both their eyes.

Finally.

No one knew I was a mere slave in the pack except for Kate, who had helped me orchestrate all of this. I finally have my mates attention and this time there’s no going back.

“Oh, Alphas,” I said softly as I bowed my head respectfully, “there you are.” I smiled sweetly as I got closer to them, letting them take a whiff of the vanilla cologne I’d used.

“I’m so tired, Alphas, I need a place to stay, as I’m just coming from a very long journey.” I added, I was shivering deep within me with different thoughts running through my mind but I kept composure.

“You came here for us?!” They said happily and I nodded in response, “you’re everything we want in our mate and don’t worry, you’ll have a place to stay.” The oldest said and I smiled.

We were still in the middle of our conversation when Sofia, the pack’s priestess came to seek the attention of the Alphas.

Soon after, they were coming back with their faces beaming with pleasant smiles and I couldn’t help but return the smile.

“We accept you as our mate.” They said in unison and I felt my stomach tighten with so much happiness.

I'm going to make them pay.