Chapter 5
1063 Words
Rhea’s POV
There are lots of guest rooms in the pack house, but only one’s available right now. It used to be a maid’s room.
“Come with me.” He said.
I nodded without a word, trailing behind him down.
We went down a narrow side staircase, the one that led to the servants’ quarters. Finally, he stopped at a door at the end of a short corridor, twisting the knob and pushing it open. The room inside was tiny, barely bigger than a closet, with peeling wallpaper spotted with so much mold in the corners.
A single small bed sat against the corner, covered by a faded blanket that looked like it hadn’t been washed in weeks. It has a small window.
“This will be your room for tonight,” Ethan said, stepping aside to let me in.
I didn’t say anything. I just scanned the room, taking in the details. the way the mold crept up around the rooms. Complaining wouldn’t change a thing. These people, my so-called family, had made it clear where I stood.
The room felt choking and too tight for air but I guess I’ll have to stay here anyways. I shouldn’t expect them to treat me better as before.
Ethan crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched me. “You shouldn’t think it’s too little. It’s got a bed, a roof. Better than nothing.”
I cut him off before he could go on. “I like it. Thank you, Mr. Ethan.”
He paused, his eyebrow twitching just a fraction, like he hadn’t expected that.
He stepped closer, raising his hand toward the door handle, probably just to shut it behind him. But I flinched hard, backing up until my shoulders hit the cold wall in fear. Memories from the academy flooded back, the guards’ fists coming down, the endless nights of fear. I was still traumatized, my body reacting before my mind could catch up. I pressed myself against the wall, my body shaking in fear, waiting for the hit that never came.
Ethan froze, his hand hovering in the air. His face went blank, speechless for a beat, those eyes locking onto mine.
He didn’t move, didn’t say a word at first. Then, slowly, he lowered his hand. “Goodnight,” he muttered. He turned and left, pulling the door shut.
The moment he was gone, I flipped on the single bulb overhead, the light buzzing faintly. My hands shook as I searched the room, rummaging through the empty drawers of a small nightstand. I found an old pen, its cap chewed up, but the point was sharp enough for self defense. I gripped it tight, like a weapon, ready to stab if anyone came through that door to hurt me.
Only then did I climb onto the bed, my knees pulled to my chest. My wolf settled a little, but the fear is still there.
Finally, I felt a little safe, enough to drift off into uneasy sleep.
Morning came too soon, the noises from the pack maids pulling me awake. I slipped out of the room, following the sounds to the kitchen, where a group of maids were bustling around, preparing breakfast for the family. Last night Christmas celebrations was loud as usual but I never participated or ate any meal and mother didn’t care to check on me. Nobody did.
My stomach growled as I headed to the kitchen. Whatever remains left over from the maids, I’ll eat.
One of them glanced up as I entered. “Miss Rhea? You’re up early. What are you doing down here?”
“I can help,” I said simply.
They exchanged looks, but I ignored it, grabbing a broom and starting to sweep the floor. Another maid. “You don’t have to, miss. This is our job.”
“It’s no big deal.” I replied.
As I worked, I caught snippets of their gossip. “After all these years as the alpha’s daughter? Bet she’s just putting on a show.”
“Yeah,” the other murmured back, not bothering to lower her voice much.
I said nothing, just kept scrubbing a spot on the counter harder than needed. My wolf growled inside, but I shoved her down. No point in snapping. When they started clearing the leftovers from the family’s scraps of bacon, half-eaten toast, eggs as I grabbed a plate and piled it on. I was so hungry, my hands trembled as I sat in a corner, rushing the meal into my mouth.
The food was rich, full of nutrients compared to the academy’s watery meals. Back there. I’d always imagined eating this kind of food, dreaming of real meals that didn’t leave you hollow. Today, it finally happened. I shoved the food into my mouth, forkful after forkful as I ate faster, barely chewing but swallowing. It almost choked me but I didn’t care.
Suddenly, my father. Mr. Marcus strode into the kitchen, his face twisting into a scowl when he saw me hunched over the plate. “What the hell are you doing, Rhea? Eating leftovers like some beggar? You’re embarrassing us all. You want the whole pack talking about how the alpha’s adopted daughter is slumming it with the maids?”
The maids went silent, freezing in place.
He stepped closer, his voice rising, cold and cutting. “I paid a huge amount for that academy, thinking it’d straighten you out. But look at you acting like trash. Thank the moon goddess you’re not my real child. If this is how you want to embarrass me, fine. But don’t show your face at the dining table. You’ll just irritate me more. You are just an embarrassment.”
He scoffed and turned. storming out. The door swung shut behind him.
I stayed hidden in the kitchen and did not show my face in the sitting room until they were done eating. I wouldn’t want my presence to cause a fuss. I just want to stay on my lane so no one blames me again for hurting Sophia.
The moment I appeared in the doorway, all their laughter and chatter came to an end. Everyone instantly stiffened as they looked in my direction. It was as if they just remembered I was existing in this pack.
- Writer
