Chapter 1

ANNA

"Hey! Wake up!" I heard my father's voice while I was deep in slumber. Suddenly, cold water splashed on my face, jolting me awake. Gasping for air, I struggled to open my eyes. Even though I had only slept for two hours, I had to help my mother with errands earlier. I was so exhausted and desperately needed rest, but my father was purposefully trying to wake me up.

"Father, do you need anything from me?" I asked him politely, despite my soaked clothes and mattress.

He smirked at me, indicating that he had something up his sleeve. "Yes, I need your help. The Lycan Prince and his mate's engagement party is today, and they need a servant. One of the housemaids didn't show up."

My father was hoping that I would go there and replace the housemaid. However, it was already 9 pm, and I just wanted to relax.

"But, father, it's my day off today. Can I just take this day to rest?" I asked him, hoping to avoid going.

He looked at me with anger in his eyes. "When did you learn it was okay to disobey your parents, Anna? This is unacceptable. You have to go and serve them. You know that the Rossi family is wealthy and can pay you a large salary."

Despite my desire to voice my disagreement, I remained silent, knowing that I wasn't allowed to express my opinion in our household. I was never one to defy my parents' authority, but I was just too exhausted to comply.

My father took pleasure in taunting me, his words dripping with sarcasm. "I bet your earnings for today surpass your monthly income," he sneered. I knew it was meant to belittle me.

As a servant, I toiled as a housemaid for our affluent neighbor. Despite living only a few meters away from them, I never slept there. I doubted my parents would allow it, knowing they couldn't bear to lose their free source of labor.

My parents treated me less like a daughter and more like a slave. With no source of income, they relied on me for financial support. My mother had a habit of taking my wages, leaving me with nothing to show for my hard work.

Everything I owned, from my clothes to my possessions, was gifted to me by my mother. At times, I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly their daughter, as their love for me was nowhere to be found.

My father's grip on my chin was tight, his anger palpable. "You will never say no to us, Anna. Don't forget your place. You are just our daughter and will do as we say. Without us, you are nothing," he spat through gritted teeth.

Tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I refused to let my parents see me as weak. They relished in my suffering, finding pleasure in it.

I couldn't understand why I was expected to be grateful to them just for bringing me into this world. I never asked to be born into a life filled with pain and hardship.

"Father, can I have my salary?" I asked, knowing it was a pointless question. I braced myself for his inevitable response.

He raised an eyebrow and sneered at me. "Of course, my dear daughter. But don't forget that everything you own belongs to us as well."

I couldn't stand the way my father looked at me, as if he owned me. It made me feel sick to my stomach.

Summoning all my courage, I spoke up. "Father, I would appreciate it if I could rest. I don't want to be too exhausted today."

Philip's expression darkened as he raised his hand and landed a hard blow to the right side of my face. The impact was so strong that my jaw throbbed with pain.

Tears streamed down my face as I looked up at my father in shock. "F-Father...?" I stammered.

He grabbed a handful of my hair and yanked me up from the mattress forcefully. "You do as I say, Anna. You have no right to defy me!" he spat. "Now go change your clothes and head over to Rossi's mansion!"

The Rossi family was responsible for managing the Black Pearl Pack, and Donovan Rossi was our Lycan King. Although his son was rumored to be his successor, I had never seen him in person.

Everyone feared the Lycan King for his sternness and authority, and the thought of coming face-to-face with him filled me with terror.

"Father, please, I'm too tired," I pleaded, hoping to escape this dreadful task.

But Philip hissed at me. "If you don't want to be hurt, then do as I say and go there! Now!"

As I took a deep breath, I realized that my options were limited. I am an illiterate and unranked wolf, almost like I don't exist at all. Even though I recently turned eighteen, my parents treat me like a young child they have to watch over, except they have never loved me. 

Despite the saying that "home is where one might feel the most secure," our house feels more like a prison to me. I don't understand why my parents take pleasure in abusing and tormenting me. They didn't let me study, so I gave up and now I struggle with reading.

The challenges I face in life make it difficult for me to find a well-paying and secure job. The only job available to me is being a servant, which is not ideal. My parents use me as their retirement fund, never bothering to help me and leaving everything to me. 

Naively, I hoped they would recognize my suffering and offer to help with the housework. Instead, they treat me like a slave and beat me.

There are moments when the thought of ending my own life crosses my mind, but I hold myself back. I don't blame the Moon Goddess or my unfortunate circumstances for the way things have turned out. I know there's still time to alter the course of my life.

In my solitary moments, I wonder why my parents don't love me. I never felt like they cared. Their indifference motivates me to work hard to earn their affection and approval. I refuse to lose hope that one day our family will thrive, and my parents will no longer treat me cruelly.

I will never stop holding out hope that one day we will have a thriving family of our own.

"Alright, Father," I acquiesced, resigning myself to his wishes. "I will change into my work clothes and be there shortly."

The joy on my father's face was palpable at my compliance. It was as if I had uttered a magic word. I couldn't help but notice the shift in his mood and aura.

"That's my girl," he exclaimed, his wide grin reaching all the way up to his ears. "I knew I could count on you."

I remained silent, feeling a tap on my back from my father.

"Be grateful, Anna," he continued, his tone filled with pride. "You've behaved well today, and I'll reward you for it. You can keep a portion of your earnings today. I won't share it with your mother, of course. I'll take seventy percent, while you can have the remaining thirty percent. That's more than enough for you to be happy. You should thank me for being so generous."

I swallowed the retort that rose in my throat and simply nodded in acquiescence. It was pointless to argue with him, and I knew better than to expect any kind of fairness or compassion from my parents.

I gave a sarcastic chuckle. Wow. In spite of the things he asks me to do, I feel as though I owe him some form of thanks in some way.

I want to explain to my father that I should get seventy percent of my salary, while he should settle for thirty percent. Considering that he will not be working there himself. But of course, I have my limitations. It is not possible for me to oppose my own parents.

They will just hurt me. That's for sure. I nodded. "Okay, father,"

I can read the satisfaction of victory all over his face. There is no doubt in my mind that my father is already calculating how much money he could make off of me. 

"Don't be concerned, Anna. I have my word. I will not tell your mother. If she ever wakes up and wonders where you are, I will tell her that I have a favor to ask of you. I'll keep it a secret from her,"

"How long will I have to work there?"

"The celebration began promptly at six in the evening and I anticipate they will conclude at midnight. However, before returning, ensure they no longer require your assistance," my father advised. I nodded in agreement before asking, "Will I also receive my salary today, father?"

My father scoffed at my question, replying, "Of course. The Rossis are never lacking in financial resources. Stop pestering me with your questions and change your attire promptly. Hurry up!"

Feeling subdued, I replied, "Yes, father."

With an eye roll, my father snapped, "You should be grateful for the money you'll receive today. What makes you so ungrateful? Now, go! Don't let me see your face in this room again for the next five minutes!" His warning tone dismissed me from the room.

Sighing in exasperation, I muttered, "This life is tough."