THE ALPHA KING'S SPECIAL LUNA

Have been working as a slave maid for five years to earn redemption for a crime I never committed. At three p.m. today, my last shift ends, meaning I won’t have to be a slave anymore. My eyes landed on the clock, and I watched as it chimed three. At the same time, the invisible weight I had carried on my shoulders for the last five years was lifted. A tear slid down my cheek. “I’m free,” I whispered to myself as I got up from my spot on the floor. Today, I was going to see my parents when they came to get me. A smile widened on my lips again. I would get to see my mama again. “You still believe that they care about you?” my wolf spoke up and sighed. “They will come, Silver. You are so pessimistic. I may not be their real daughter, but I am still a part of their family.” Silver scoffed. “But they didn’t come to check on you? Not even a letter? That family doesn’t deserve you.” When I was young, I never doubted who I was. I was the Alpha’s daughter. My parents loved me, and my brother protected me. I was their little girl in their arms, bringing them joy and happiness, until I failed to shift at eighteen. However... I did have a wolf... I was just too afraid to tell them about the uniqueness of my wolf. I had not accumulated enough bravery to tell them the truth. Only for a short while, they thought I was wolfless. But during that time, they secretly investigated my identity because they couldn’t believe that a child of their powerful family could be weak and wolfless. I had to admit, they were smart. The results of the investigation showed they were right. Their daughter was just a normal female wolf, not like me. They told me I could still stay in their home. I was grateful. I swore I would use my life to repay their kindness. Silver had always spoken these words, but I refused to believe them. Yet, in the last five years, they hadn’t visited ne even once, Were they ashamed of me for being ¿maid? Impossible. They knew I didn’t steal anything. My family’s and Sheila’s names remained clean. “Celine!” The sharp bark of the head maid snapped me back to reality. I startled, nearly knocking over a vase, and turned to face the woman’s scowling expression. “Quit daydreaming! “ she snapped, her tone slicing through me like a whip. The princess has a tea party this afternoon, and you’re late to prepare her chambers.” I bit the inside of my cheek hard, tasting copper. No one knew I was free. I wouldn’t be free until the princess said I was. The deal was five years, but any mistake could extend my sentence. So I nodded politely. “Yes, ma’am,” I answered, bowing my head as I scurried past, ignoring the head maid’s insults. This was the last time I’d have to endure it/ The thought gave me enough strength to open the heavy doors to the princess’s private sitting room. And there she was- Sheila. Seated with Princess Anya, laughing while eating cookies. My breath caught, and for a moment, my heart swelled with hope, My sister was here, She had come to take me home. I knew they hadn’t forgotten about me. Stealing was the crime I was punished for. Five years ago, when our new Alpha King was about to gather his military at the border, a grand party was held in the palace to send him off with wishes for his safety. The party was great, except for two things: One, I never saw the King appear at the event, and two, Sheila, my new sister, stole Princess Anya’s ring, which was an important gift for her. She noticed its disappearance immediately. Furious, the princess ordered a search of everyone and everywhere. Panic and fear were written all over Sheila’s face. Right before the soldiers came to check on us, my family discovered the truth. There was no time to hide the ring, everyone was watching. To protect Sheila and cover her crime, they asked me to take the blame for her. How could I refuse them? They had raised me as their daughter in her place, and while Sheila had suffered for eighteen years, I had been living her life. This was the least I could do. On that day, I went from an Alpha’s daughter to a slave maid. The truth of that night was forever sealed in my mouth. “Sheila!” I gasped, stepping forward. “You’re here! Did mother and Father send you? Are you here too? I’ll go get my things!” I turned to leave. But Princess Anya let out a cold, loud laugh, the sound shocking as Sheila scoffed. What is she talking about?” My brows furrowed as I turned back to them. “Did you not come to take me home? I thought Sheila..” Princess Anya shot me a disgusted look. “Who the hell gave you permission to do anything?” Sheila placed a hand on Anya’s. “I ’Il handle the stupid maid. I’m not here for you, Celine.” Her words struck me harshly in the chest as I stood there, confused. “But I don’t understand. My service term ends today. I’m finally free to see Mother and Father and be part of the family again.” Sheila smirked, tapping a perfectly manicured nail against the rim of a teacup. “I thought someone should tell you the truth since you’re too dense to figure it out yourself. Your ‘service term? It’s permanent. You’ll always be the palace maid. Forever.”