CHAPTER 2

“I pace like a wandering spirit, my house on fire. Invisible smoke choking the illusion out of me.”

Astrid had always been a fan of strong scents. Her intoxicating scent of sensations fruits and spices weaved through the confines of the dungeon, announcing her presence.

"Bring her," her sharp tone cut through like a piercing knife on a cold winter night.

My father was a brutal force, and quick to action, but Astrid prides herself in mental torture, a slow but grueling journey to break her subject.

I was roughly dragged out of the confined space I had called mine. I hissed, my eyes squeezed shut as the sun's rays shone on my face.

"Astrid," I croaked, my voice hoarse from not speaking for a while.

My eyes took in her pristinely tailored gown that accentuated her curves.

"You look horrible," she said, staring at her immaculately manicured nails that glittered under the sun's rays.

"I've got some good news," she said, smiling slyly at me.

" But that is going to have to wait. Hit the shower, your stench is spoiling my good mood," she blurted, walking out of the dungeon.

I felt eyes stuck on me as I waited patiently for the guard to remove the chains from my hands.

"The other lady, will she be out soon?" I whispered, staring at the shut door.

The guard's eyebrows knitted in confusion as he stared at me, "there's no woman there," he answered, pushing me out of the dungeon.

My eyes widened in shock, " someone was there. I heard her," I said. But it only sounded like I was trying to convince myself.

I hated the darkness, it had the power to control imaginations, but I could swear I spoke with a lady all through the night.

"Maybe it's your mother, the one you killed," he sneered, his eyes darkened as he dragged me towards the servant quarters.

The stony pathway dug into my feet, eyes watched me as I was dragged through the training arena, like a defeated enemy.

Miss Ruth stood at the entrance of the servants quarters, her face in disdain as she took in my appearance. It had only been a night but I looked like I had spent weeks in there.

"Freshen up Daisy, we have guests," she commanded, walking out.

I gave her a subtle nod, wincing slightly as I moved towards my room, my eyes fixed to the floor, avoiding the scornful looks around me.

I could hear their murmurs as I walked by, their eyes fixed on every move I made, "I still can’t believe she's Astrid's sister," one whispered.

I could understand their disbelief sometimes, I was nothing like Astrid, while Astrid looked like a mermaid with a voice of a siren, I was nothing compared to her beauty.

My body instantly relaxed as I shut the door behind me, my back resting on the door as I took in much needed air.

It was always better to not let them see how far their words cut into me, sometimes I wondered if they knew that what they said got to me.

I decided to move into the bathroom, time was precious and miss Ruth hated late comers.

I bit back a shriek as the cold water touched my skin. The cold water jolting me awake from my self-loathing.

I quickly put on the gown that had been laid out on the bed, the uniform that had constantly become a bane of my existence, reminding me of my status. This was Astrid's great way of reminding me of just how low I was, an omega, a maid.

I kept my hair in a neat bun, a few strands freely framing the sides of my face. I pinched my cheeks, to bring color to my dull face, my green eyes looked void of life.

"Nice of you to finally join us," miss Ruth said, announcing my presence.

"Tonight, Alpha Smith will be hosting Astrid's guest, the Alpha King," miss Ruth addressed.

Gasps of surprise could be heard around the room at the revelation. The Alpha King, the ruler of all werewolves was a man of great power and royalty. He had single handedly fought for the redemption of werewolves from under the tyranny of the Rogue Alpha. A defective group lead by a vicious killer.

"And as we all know, we are an extension of our Alpha, do not embarrass him," miss Ruth instructed.

" Yes Miss Ruth," we all chorused, walking out of the quarters towards the Alpha's mansion.

"Daisy," miss Ruth called.

My heart sank as she called my name, "Astrid has placed you in charge of serving wine, you are to ensure they lack nothing in their cup," she said.

I nodded silently, moving towards the one building that has never been my home. The hallway was decorated with pictures of my mother and Astrid.

A family portrait of my parents and Astrid was proudly displayed by the fireplace. Nothing tied me to the Alpha, apart from our shared last name.

Astrid's loud laugh broke me out of my reverie. My eyes took in the familiar faces in the room, "daddy," Astrid shrieked, tossing a throw pillow at him.

My father's laughter rang through the room, his eyes twinkling in delight as he swiftly caught the pillow she threw.

"Alpha, dinner is ready," miss Ruth announced, bowing slightly in respect as she addressed him.

"Great, I am starving," my father joked, rising to his feet.

" Daisy, get the wine," miss Ruth hissed in my ear.

And with quickened steps I rushed down to the cellar, praying to the moon goddess I found the perfect wine to suit my father's taste.

"Tonight isn't about father," I whispered to myself.

" Tonight is about the Alpha king. Now, what would a fifty year old wolf drink?" I muttered.

" Fifty?" A gentle voice asked.

"Do I look fifty?" His smooth velvety voice asked, the baritone in his voice sounded like a well oiled engine purring.

My eyes widened at the realization that I had an audience.

“Hades?” I whispered in disbelief.

The sly grin on his face told me he recalled exactly who I was.