HEAD TASKMASTER The girls have been muttering more than usual today, and everywhere seems to be more annoying than it usually is. Everywhere I go, it feels like someone is whispering, and they say that whispers spread like wildfire, and this one seems to have gotten to everyone else except me.Not that I mind. I have too much work to do than to be worrying about who has found whose mate and what is happening to anyone else.“She has gone!” is what I hear from a maid and her co-worker as they pass by me.I don’t indicate any interest in what they are talking about, as I am still thinking about what to do to Hazel in a way that will not upset the king. I call for one of the head maids.“Send for Hazel to come to me,” I tell her as she answers, but she shrugs.“Sir, she is not around,” the head maid tells me.“Is today her day off?” I question.She sighs. “Well, she hasn’t been getting jobs allocated to her, so it’s like the witch has a free day every day.”“Let me know when she is back
HEAD TASKMASTER Today, all the maids finished the work they had to do on time and demanded for an off day. Downright marched up to my office and demanded for it, including the designated head maids. "Why do all of you want an off day? What exactly is going on that I'm not aware of?" I ask in confusion, and they all start to giggle. "Did I make a joke? Silence!" I hit my fist on the table, and they all keep quiet. It seems like they have forgotten that they are my workers, not my kids. "We are sorry sir, but today is the auction, and it is incredibly important for us that we go." One of the head maids say. "Auction?" I ask in confusion. The girls nod. "Today is the day that Hazel amongst others would be put up for auction, and we want to be there for Hazel." One of them with jet black hair says with a huge grin on her face. That's when I feel like my brain has been shocked. I remember the dream and the warnings I got from the moon goddess about Hazel. A shiver runs do
FRANCESCAThe auction is happening soon, the maids and I have been waiting for this for a while and it's quite fulfilling that it is about to happen. We had quickly got a bus that would take us all to the venue. Although, the distance is trekkable, but why would I stress myself? In a very short period of time, we arrive at the venue and I asked for Santi. “Francesca! Welcome!” The guy at the door, Cade tells me. We have always been good friends. I step down into the grand hall, the air thick with a mix of excitement and tension. The Auction. A spectacle that draws the attention of the elites of entire towns, where fortunes are made and fates are sealed, where dreams are killed and dreams are made. I was told that tonight, all eyes would be on Hazel, since she is the mysterious girl that is going to be sold. Most of the task masters are there are in search of buy Hazel, since the maids and I put so much to making people believe that she is worth something, even if it’s just
HAZELI have been assigned duties, and it almost feels like old times. Only these times are worse. Imagine how bad it is for someone to miss the past when the past was extremely terrible, it goes to tell you just how bad things are going for me now. I was given a lot of work earlier today, and the head taskmaster chose to ignore me as usual. The other girls simply look at me in surprise, and I overhear one asking her friend if I am a ghost. "No, she's not a ghost, but she found a way to use her witchcraft to escape!" The other girl replies, her voice shushed, and then I get up in anger. "Since you know that I am a witch, then you would know better than to try to anger me by talking about such puny things where I can hear you! If you know what is good for you, you will run for your lives!" I try to make my face as horrid looking as possible to scare them, and they run away from me, and the look of fear on their faces makes me happy. The rush of adrenaline of being on the other side
FRANCESCAAll the other maids have been treating me terribly, and for once, I'm being ostracized. There is nothing worse than wanting to do something and if all blows up in your face, and in my case, getting rid of Hazel didn't work as well as I thought it would. It was supposed to be a fool proof plan, because how do you escape abduction and trafficking? Whatever force Hazel has in charge of her is definitely working extra time just to keep her alive and somewhat safe. When the fire started, all I could think of was how much better it was for us, mostly because I expected Hazel to burn with the place, not escape it. If I knew that this was going to happen, I would have stayed behind to push her in before attempting to escape myself. Hazel is an arrogant, conceited maid who thinks that she is above everyone else, and the plan to send her away from all of us did not work out eventually. That made the girls detest me for having a plan that wasn't fool proof. It was supposed to be, bu
HAZELThe buzzing of machines greet me as I wake up, and to my surprise, I am in a bed, and it's white all around. A hospital? I am in the pack's hospital! Panicking, I sit up, and my movement seems to attract a nurse. "Lay there, and don't try doing anything I wouldn't do. You have injured yourself badly." The man says, and I try to speak, but nothing comes out. I want to ask him what’s going on. "You want water?" The man hands me a bottle from the nearby desk and I drink from it gratefully. "What is it?" He asks me. "How did I get here?" I look around in confusion. "What happened?" There's a dull ache in my head, and I sound like my voice is muffled. The nurse shrugs. "I'm just as confused as you are. See, you were found outside the hospital, laying on the floor and there was a large wound at the back of your head. We have had to fix the tear and keep your here for the past two days." "Two days? I've been unconscious since then?" I ask, throwing the covers off me
HAZELThe mail is just about to leave when I get there, and the only person working is an older man with a stern look in his eyes. “Why are you just coming? Don’t you know the times? I almost left.” He says, and I look away. “I’m sorry, I had to send this, but I’m supposed to be at the hospital, and I feel so week.” I tell him, and the look in his eyes change to pity, and he sighs, collecting the envelope from me. “Well. I suppose I can do this one quickly. I’ll just record it when I get back.” He says, and a grin comes up to my lips. Since I am no longer going to be working as one of the maids in the pack house, regardless of what King Arnold replies with, I go back to the pack hospital to finish with my treatment. I had to come up with something that made them allow me to go, but to make sure I stay on intensive bed rest and good food. Ha! As if there’s anything like that for me there. If I’m going to do anything, I’ll spend my money on getting better and look for new way
HAZELGoing to the border through the west feels more like a nightmare more than anything, because I obviously underestimated the distance. I have almost been at the border once, and that was because I was sent on an errand, but now, I feel like I’m going to pass out. I must have gone far enough. Why did I ask King Arnold to make his people wait for me at the border of the West when they could have just waited to pick me at a good distance from the pack house? Another problem I’ve put myself in because I did not think it through. Due to the fact that I’m still somewhat weak, I take my time, and it takes me a little over a day to get to the border. The border goes into a forest that serves as a form of land separation, and as I’m about to go through, three huge wolves jump at me, and I can’t help the scream that escapes my mouth as I land on the ground. Clutching my bag tightly, I watch the werewolves move around me, each one sniffing before stepping back, as if to regard me. Tha
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