HAZELI'm done with all of my chores for the day, and currently, I'm on my way to my room because I have just had dinner in the kitchen, and I have nothing else to do. I push the door to my room open when I get there and when I'm inside, I take off my clothes and put on my pajamas. I don't bother to shower because I'm so tired, and I just want to sleep. I jump on the pallet I use as a bed, ready to fall asleep immediately my head hits my makeshift pillow, but I'm surprised as that doesn't happen.Instead, I keep tossing and turning on the bed with my eyes wide open. I'm so restless, and it's apparent that the sleep I need is not coming anytime soon.I try to will myself to sleep, but I can't because my thoughts are all over the place. I even try to think about a calming memory that can serve as a lullaby to lure me to sleep, but no matter how I search the recesses of my memory, I can't seem to find a single one.Perhaps, it's because I don't have a single happy memory in my entire li
HAZELI scream, the sound filling the small space of my room as I'm suddenly jolted awake from my sleep. My breathing is heavy as I pant loudly, and my eyes dart around the whole place as I check if the unknown monstrous creature is still anywhere near me. My eyes are wide as I do that and after scanning the entire room for a few minutes, I still don't see anything remotely close to that, so I give up on my search and focus on getting my breathing steady.I'm still breathing hard even as I look through the windows so that I can determine the time of the day and see if it's already time for me to get up and prepare myself for my daily chores. ***As I go about my morning routine, the remnants of the nightmare are still clinging to the edges of my mind like cobwebs, and they refuse to be brushed aside for whatever reason. The image of that unrecognizable monstrous creature that was chasing me through the woods is just replaying in my mind over and over again, and it leaves me with a se
HAZELIt’s a new day and what it just means is another day of work for me. And the only thing that is certain about today for me is that I'm sure no one will bully or accost me. I'm also certain that I won't have that many chores to do today, and I'm glad about that, at least.Later on, as I move through the halls, a sense of isolation weighs heavily on my shoulders like a bundle of invisible chains binding me to the shadows and bringing me down.As I pass by the other maids, it is very obvious to me that they are avoiding me and their eyes slide past me as if I'm nothing more than a ghost haunting the corridors of the pack house. They have always avoided me, but it seems that now, they are only making it a point to do so because the taskmaster probably issued them a warning to stay away from me.The whole thing is quite irrelevant to me so I just label it as unnecessary and push it out of my mind, choosing instead to focus on my familiar routine of cleaning, sweeping, and mopping the
HAZELAs the news of the head taskmaster's departure from the pack spreads through the pack house like wildfire, I know that things will be different for me from now on.The rest of the taskmasters around, including the low ranking ones, will surely be glad that they have been given free rein for the moment, and the cooks will be happy that they won't have him breathing down their necks for some time, while the maids will be pleased that the taskmaster's presence won't hang around them and suffocate them anymore.As for me, a sense of foreboding settles over me like a heavy cloak as the news gets to me where I am. For the first time in recent times, I find myself truly alone. I will be without protection from this moment.I know all too well what this means. It means that with the head taskmaster gone, I will definitely be vulnerable to whoever wants to take advantage of me. It also means that I will be exposed to the whims and machinations of the other maids in the pack. They have ha
HAZELPanic surges through me and a primal instinct deep within me is urging me to flee, but I know that resistance of any form from me would be futile. They outnumber me far too much, and their combined strength surpasses my own too, so it means that I'm powerless to stop them as they drag me out into the hallway while their cruel laughter echoes in my ears like a haunting melody. With each step, the fear that has been lurking at the edges of my consciousness threatens to overwhelm me, but I refuse to give into despair. I square my shoulders as I steel myself for whatever lies ahead, because I'm determined to face my adversaries with dignity, even in the face of their relentless cruelty. But as they push me further down the hallway, their taunts grow louder and more vicious with each passing moment. I can't help but feel a sense of helplessness wash over me like a wave. Right now, I'm completely at their mercy because I'm just a pawn in their twisted games of bully and dominance, an
HAZELAs the announcement of the King’s impending visit spreads through the pack house like wildfire, a sense of apprehension settles over me like a dark cloud. Even though I know that this pack is his territory and he can come here anytime he wants to, I still can’t shake the feeling that the timing of his return is no mere coincidence. With each moment that passes by, my mind races with a lot of possibilities, and each one is more serious than the last. They run through my mind endlessly and I can’t help but dwell deeply on them. Could it be that the Alpha King has caught wind of the last disagreement that happened between me and my fellow maids? And if that is so, how did he hear about it? Who in this pack cares about me that much, enough to inform the King about this? Is he returning here to address the grievances that have been happening in this pack of late? That thought alone sends a shiver down my spine because I know all too well the consequences of getting the King angry.
HAZEL The maids I’m passing by are speaking in hushed tones about the embarrassment and humiliation I endured at their hands and as usual, Cathy and Gwen are in the middle of the conversation. As they keep talking about it, the words pierce my heart like daggers and I can't help the pain I feel in that moment.It is at that moment I know — with a sinking feeling of inevitability — that I’m indeed the reason for the King’s return. My altercation with the maids didn’t go unnoticed because someone definitely reported the situation to him, and now, they will have to face the consequences of their actions, whatever that may be. I just hope it’s not something too drastic because I won’t be able to stomach that if it happens. ***Now, I’m alone in my room and I’m completely surrounded by the deafening silence of my thoughts. I wrestle with the weight of the impending visit from the king. I can hear the rest of the people in the pack house buzzing about with excitement and anticipation, an
HAZELJust like a mechanical contraption, my body has become used to working day and night, and I have taught myself to make it bearable. It feels like with each completed chore, I’m getting bonus life points.That’s what I like to think, anyway. I hear the other maids chattering. None of the other higher ups are with us, and so our workplace is lively. I turn my head to see two maids whose names I have never learned, giving me dirty looks.No wonder I was feeling evil eyes on me. I stare at them, causing them to look away out of embarrassment before I continue with my activities.My mind is roaming all around the place. Perhaps it will be nice to have someone to talk to while working, to keep me company, but nobody seems to want any more than a few sentences at most with me, and I honestly don’t want to be friends with them either. I shake off the feeling of abandonment as I think about the king who had come on to me.Twice too!I felt like it was a prank or something at first, becau
HAZELThe days following the twins' recovery are filled with a deep sense of relief and gratitude. Zena and Kamila, who were once pale and weak from the poisoning and curse, are now thriving with renewed energy. Their smiles shine throughout their nursery and their light shines through and lifts the spirits of our kingdom.Arnold and Ethan watch over them with vigilant eyes, and I can feel their relief as we witness our children return to their normal selves. We gather as a family in the evenings, sharing meals and stories, cherishing each moment like a precious gift.One evening, as we sit together, basking in the warmth of our living room, with Zena and Kamila nestled between us, I make a vow out of fierce determination and love."I promise," I begin. My voice is steady despite the emotion that threatens to overwhelm me. "That I will protect you both with everything I have. No harm will ever come to you again."Arnold looks at me with trust and agreement in his eyes. Ethan nods in a
HAZELThe decision weighs heavily on my heart as I stand before the cell where my former taskmaster is held, shackled, and guarded. His eyes widen in fear as I approach, and his voice trembles with desperation when he speaks."No, please!" he pleads, his voice cracking. "I didn't mean for this to happen!"I meet his gaze firmly with my hands clenched into fists at my sides. "You poisoned my children," I say through gritted teeth. Each word I say is laced with fury and pain. "You will help us save them. That’s the final part of the ritual required for them to heal completely."The taskmaster recoils, and his face is pale with terror. "I… I don't know how," he stammers."You know more than you're willing to admit," I retort. My voice is low and dangerous. "And if you don't cooperate, I will make you regret every moment you spent plotting against us."With a wave of my hand, the guards unlock the cell and drag him out into the harsh light of day. His protests fall on deaf ears as I lead
HAZELOutside our suite, the pack house buzzes with tension. Alphas from packs send healers and messages of support. Members of our kingdom stand vigil, their faces filled with worry and grief. Days turn into nights, and the passage of time is marked only by the faint ray of hope that refuses to die. And then, finally, there’s a little change. Kamila’s fever breaks first, followed by Zenas’s, but their bodies remain weak.Relief floods through me and tears of gratitude blur my vision as I embrace them. "We made it," Arnold whispers hoarsely as his hand finds mine."We're not done yet," Ethan adds. "We still have work to do."The twins' recovery marks a turning point, but the scars of betrayal still run deep as questions linger in our minds. Who orchestrated the poisoning, and why? How could we have missed the signs? In the days that follow, we strengthen our security measures, monitor every meal, and go through our alliances. The maid remains locked in the dungeons, and right now,
HAZELAs the sun climbs higher in the sky, the packhouse buzzes with activity. Decorations are hung, tables are set, and guests begin to arrive from all around the kingdom. The twins are pulled away for last-minute meetings and greetings, leaving me a moment to breathe.As I stand on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, I watch as the people of our kingdom gather. Children chase each other through the grass, elders sit in quiet conversation, and warriors exchange nods of respect. This is our family, our home.A hand on my shoulder brings me back to the present. It's Arnold. There’s a soft expression on his face."Are you ready for this, Hazel?" he asks quietly as his gaze searches mine.I meet his eyes with a smile as I feel the weight of responsibility but also the strength of our bond. "We're ready," I assure him, knowing that together, we can face whatever challenges lay ahead.With that, we join the festivities, celebrating not only the coronation of the twins but also the unity
HAZELThe days pass and I bask in the comfort of motherhood and preparation. Each moment is filled with the gentle cooing of Zena and Kamila and the careful planning for the upcoming coronation. I find solace in the quiet moments with our daughters, even as decisions about the coronation swirl around us.Ethan and Arnold are diligent in their duties, and they consult with advisors as they attend to the needs of the kingdom. Meanwhile, I’m consulted on matters that require my approval, from the design of my coronation dress to the arrangements for the ceremony itself.One afternoon, as I nurse Zena and Kamila, I review sketches and fabric samples spread out on the table before me. "This one," I say, pointing to a sketch of a dress adorned with intricate embroidery. "I think it’s perfect."Arnold leans over my shoulder as he studies the design with a thoughtful expression. "It’s beautiful," he agrees softly. "Just like you."Ethan nods in approval too, and I can see that his eyes are
HAZEL"Hazel!" Ethan’s voice cuts through the darkness. It’s filled with fear and urgency. He and Arnold spring into action, and their faces are filled with confusion as they rush to my side."What’s happening?" Arnold asks. There is panic in his tone. I struggle to speak, but the pain I’m feeling makes talking impossible. Another wave of pain crashes over me. It’s stronger this time, and I cry out again, unable to contain the agony that rushes through my body.And then, as I try to stand, there is a sudden rush of warmth between my legs. It’s the unmistakable sound of my water breaking. The realization hits us all at once in the midst of the chaos."The baby," Ethan whispers. His eyes are wide with disbelief. "The baby is coming."The room fills with movement as Ethan and Arnold spring into action. Arnold dashes to gather towels and blankets while Ethan goes to call the pack doctor.The pain grips me in relentless waves, and each contraction pushes me closer to motherhood. Through t
HAZELThe sun hangs low in the sky, and it casts a glow over the serene water of the lake on the outskirts of the pack. Ethan, Arnold, and I spread out a blanket under the shade of a towering oak tree, and the gentle breeze brings the scent of wildflowers and pine to us."This is perfect," Ethan says with a contented sigh, as he settles down beside me. "This is just what we needed. A break from everything."Arnold nods in agreement as his eyes look over the peaceful scenery. "It’s been too long since we’ve had a moment like this."I smile as I feel a sense of peace settle over me too. "I couldn’t agree more."We unpack the picnic basket. It’s a simple but rich spread of assorted sandwiches, fruits, a pitcher of lemonade, and a jug of cool water. Ethan pours us each a glass of lemonade. It’s moments like these, where we can simply be together, that remind me of everything we’ve fought for and everything we have to look forward to.As we eat, laughter fills the air, mingling with the di
HAZELEthan’s face hardens. "Can you break it?"Seraphina nods. "I can try. But it will take time and energy. We need to act quickly."She begins to chant. Her words are ancient and melodic. I feel a cool breeze wash over me, soothing the fever that rages within. But it’s a struggle, and I can see the strain on Seraphina’s face.Ethan and Arnold watch with their hands clenched into fists. They’re helpless, and unable to do anything but wait and hope. I want to reassure them, to tell them that I’ll be fine, but the words get stuck in my throat.Time stretches on, and each second is just like an eternity. Seraphina’s chanting grows louder, and more urgent. I can feel the dark energy being drawn out, as it fights against her power. It’s a battle. I can sense it but I don’t fully understand it.Finally, with a final burst of energy, Seraphina’s chant reaches its climax. There’s a flash of light, and the dark energy dissolves, leaving me weak but free. The fever breaks, and I collapse back
HAZELPreparations for Ethan and Arnold’s coronation begin immediately. Despite the kingdom’s recent turmoil, there’s a sense of urgency and excitement in the air. The Great Hall, which still bears the scars of battle, is now buzzing with a different kind of energy. It’s filled with hope and renewal.The maids bustle around and they work diligently to transform the hall into a fitting venue for the coronation. It will be a modest ceremony because of our limited resources, but its significance cannot be overemphasized. This coronation represents a new beginning for our kingdom."Hazel, these are flowers that were requested for. What do you think?" one of the maids, Elara, calls out to me. I join her, and together, we arrange the wildflowers into simple yet elegant bouquets. Their vibrant colors bring a touch of life to the otherwise somber hall."They are beautiful," I say, breathing in the floral scent. "They remind me of the strength of our people."Elara smiles, and her eyes reflect