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1010 Words
SERENA'S POV
A few days later
"There will be a gathering at the neighboring pack," Lucia announced, her voice carrying across the hall. "Alpha Kane has invited five of our most prominent young ladies. This is a rare opportunity for them to find their mates."
The pack members murmured excitedly.
Lucia smiled proudly before continuing, "As you all already know, my daughter, Emma, will soon be married to Alpha Kane."
My chest tightened.
"It so happens that she is his mate," she added smoothly.
I nearly scoffed out loud.
The lie was so bold... so effortless.
Did she feel no shame?
I glanced around. Everyone looked convinced. happy, even.
Camilla caught my eye from across the room and gave me a small, knowing look. I simply shrugged.
What was the point of reacting?
No one would believe me anyway.
"So," Lucia continued, raising her voice again, "to celebrate this joyful news, I will be hosting a night party for the entire pack while the girls attend the gathering."
Cheers erupted around the hall.
I stood quietly among them, feeling completely disconnected.
If only they knew the truth.
Lucia finished her announcement, and everyone began returning to their duties.
I turned immediately.
I needed to check on Dad.
As I made my way down the hallway, I suddenly felt a strong hand yank me back.
My back slammed against the wall. Pain shot through me. I looked up—
Emma and Lucia stood right beside her.
Both of them stared at me with pure hatred.
"How dare you go near my man!" Emma snapped.
My breath caught.
Lucia stepped forward, her eyes filled with disgust. "You think you can take him from her? Have you even looked at yourself? You're nothing but trash."
I lowered my gaze, staying silent.
"You're a maid," she continued harshly. "No man would ever want you."
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
It was the only safe response.
Emma scoffed. "Do you think 'sorry' fixes anything? Are you stupid or just pretending to be?"
My hands trembled slightly.
"I don't have any intention of taking him," I said quickly. "Please... forgive me."
Then, almost out of habit, I added softly, "Look at me... I'm nothing."
They both seemed pleased with that. They always were.
Emma suddenly smiled.
"Mom... I have an idea."
Lucia turned to her. "What is it? This isn't a game."
Emma's smile widened. "Let's take her with us."
I froze.
"She can come as my maid," Emma continued. "That way, Alpha Kane can see exactly who she is, just a dirty servant. He'll be disgusted."
Lucia hesitated, clearly unsure.
"I don't like it," she said slowly. "She's nothing but bad luck."
"Trust me, Mother," Emma insisted. "This will only make things clearer for him."
After a moment, Lucia sighed.
"Fine. If that's what you want."
Emma beamed. "Thank you, Mom! I'm going to be his Luna very soon."
Lucia smiled proudly. "Of course you are."
Then her gaze snapped back to me.
"And you," she said coldly, "go clean your father. You don't want to be late."
I nodded quickly. "Yes."
I hurried to Dad's room.
The moment I stepped inside, my heart sank.
He was awake. His eyes were open... but filled with pain. Tears had gathered at the corners.
"Dad..." I rushed to his side. "Why are you crying?"
He shook his head weakly. "It's nothing."
I knelt beside him, taking his hand gently.
"I'll get you out of here," I whispered. "I promise."
He gave me a faint smile.
"Just let me go, Serena," he said softly. "You've suffered enough because of me."
My chest tightened painfully.
"Don't say that," I said quickly. "Please."
He studied my face, his eyes filled with emotion.
"I never knew I had such a strong daughter," he murmured. "You make me proud."
A small smile touched my lips despite everything.
"I got that from you."
He chuckled weakly, then sighed.
"I'm not the man I used to be," he said. "And that hurts more than anything."
I squeezed his hand gently. "I don't care about that. I just want you to get better."
He was quiet for a moment.
Then, slowly, he reached for something beside him. A necklace.
He placed it in my palm.
I frowned. "What is this?"
"You'll need it," he said.
A strange unease settled in my chest.
"Why are you talking like this?" I asked. "You're not going anywhere."
He smiled faintly. "One day, I will."
Tears filled my eyes.
"Don't say that..."
He lifted his hand and gently cupped my cheek.
"This necklace belongs to your mother's family," he said. "When the time comes, go to them. They will help you."
I shook my head immediately.
"But you said they don't like you."
"They don't," he admitted. "But you are their blood. They won't turn you away."
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
"I don't want to lose you," I whispered.
He smiled softly. "You won't."
I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up quickly.
"Let's not talk about this," I said, trying to steady my voice. "I came to clean you up. Lucia wants me to go to the gathering with Emma... as her maid."
The word felt bitter on my tongue. Dad's expression darkened.
"You are not a maid," he said firmly. "You are a princess."
I forced a small smile.
"It's okay. I don't mind."
But he did.
I could see it in his eyes.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I failed you as a father."
"You didn't," I said quickly.
He looked at me, his voice turning firm despite his condition.
"Your suffering will end soon. I promise you that."
Something about the way he said it made my heart skip. I don't want to lose my dad. Even if he is sick seeing him every day reminds me that I have someone to call family. I can't lose Dad.
Before I could respond, I leaned forward and hugged him tightly.
"It's going to be okay," I whispered.
But deep down I wasn't sure I believed that anymore.
- Writer
