The Red That Runs Like Rivers

Breakfast

As Alina made her way to the stairs, two slender arms snaked around her shoulders, and she tensed slightly. "Aaaah-liiiin-aaaahhh!" Ashley's excited voice sang in her ear. She felt the frame of the larger girl drape over her a bit, weighing her down, and allowed herself to be swayed back and forth. "Aren't you super hyped for today? We are going to have just the best time!" Ashley squealed.

"Of course, Ash!" Alina chimed, mirroring the energy of the other girl. " I get to help you find the perfect dress to help you snag yourself an Alpha hottie mate at this year's gathering." Alina turned her head slightly, looking into Ashley's icy blue eyes, and wiggled her eyebrows. "or maybe a lycan prince!" she saw Ashley's smile widen at the word prince and knew she had succeeded in buttering her up already.

Ashley had turned 19 a few months ago, meaning she had come of age and could now feel the mate bond pull if she were to come across her destined partner. But despite it having been almost three months, to no ones surprise, she hadn't been mated yet. After all, coming from a strong Alpha bloodline, there was no doubt that whoever her mate might be, he would be a wolf of high standing. That meant likelihood of them meeting at the Alpha ball this year was high, and talks of the possibilities of from which pack he would reign floated through the gossip rings. Some even speculated it would be a match made in royalty, as there were still two lycan princes that had yet to feel their mate bonds. Of course, this was Ashley's favorite rumor, and she did little to dissuade it.

Regardless, Alina couldn't help but take comfort in the thought that as soon as Ashley was mated, she would be free. She would no longer have to placate the spoiled princess. Ashley would feel the mate bond, tying her to some alpha from another pack, and then she, of course, would leave to be that pack's new Luna. Then maybe she could leave the Lunar Blood Moon pack and see the world like she had always dreamed. Of course, it would have to be under the guise that she would be going to study abroad. but she could finally step out of ashely's shadow, far away, where it would be safe. And it would be adventure completely funded by the pack. The Alpha was rumored to donate a generous amount of hush money to the wolf-less members of the pack that were sent out into society. This was to prevent them from spilling pack secrets to humans and enemy packs, but also meant they could serve as a connection outside pack walls. They would help the pack with trade or run business branches in larger cities. Of course, that would also mean she would always be wearing a tight leash. She would be monitored for the rest of her life. But it would be a comfy life, free from burden. And it would be safe. That is, as long as she wasn't forced to go along with Ashley to her new home. She blinked away the thought. There was no need to worry over what-ifs yet.

"Oh, Lina," Ashley giggled, twirling past her. As she did so, Alina couldn't help but admire her beauty. Ashley's flowing blonde hair trailed to her waist, spilling over her ample breasts. Her long legs went on for days, an asset she loved to show off. She was tall, towering over most she-wolves at 6" 1", making Alina feel like a child in comparison. Her honey-kissed skin was smooth and clear of blemishes. Alina couldn't deny Ashley was undoubtedly the most beautiful she-wolf she had ever seen. Then again, she didn't have much to compare her to. Alina had never left the pack grounds and didn't often meet wolves from other packs. Remembering a time she accidently had, well, it was best to forget.

They entered the dining hall together, Alina continuing to listen to Ashley's energetic chattering. At the head of the table sat Alpha Elric and Luna Emily. "Good morning ladies", Alpha's voice boomed cheerfully. Clearly, he was in a good mood regarding the upcoming party. He was looking over a stack of papers and sipping on a cup of strong coffee, his left hand thoughtlessly ruffling through his peppered beard.

Alpha Elric was a handsome man with a strong jaw and features. Ashley had inherited his eyes, which were sharp and cold. His gaze could freeze just about anyone in their tracks and proved he had the authority of an unquestionable and firm leader. His broad frame towered over most and showed the strength of the pack and the perfection he demanded when it came to discipline and training.

Luna Emily sat to his right and was daintily cutting into her egg-white omelet. She was the picture of elegance. Long blonde hair secured in a graceful bun. Though in her mid-forties, she could have passed as Ashley's sister. Her voluptuous curves passed down, like mother-like daughter. Unlike her daughter, though, she was quiet and demure. The perfect example of the traditional Luna and Lady of the Estate. She exuded poise, and she, too, demanded a certain level of perfection and eloquence. Not to say she couldn't silence a wagging tongue when needed. She just preferred to do so from the shadows.

Alina thought of the countless grounds staff she had noticed go missing over the years. Never to be heard from again for simply crossing the Luna the wrong way. She shuddered slightly and blinked away the thought. She instead changed her focus to the table, moving to take her seat across from Ashley, who sat one chair down from the Luna.

Two empty chairs left a gap between Alina and the table head, a place reserved for dignitaries and guests of high ranking. On those occasions, Alina knew how to remain scarce, instead taking her meals in her suite, where she was to remain until they departed. This was the unspoken rule she knew to follow. This was safe.

"Good morning, Daddy!" Ashely returned happily as she sat down. " Good morning, Alpha," Alina replied, bowing her head slightly as she lowered into her seat.

Two maids quickly reached over the girls and began filling their glasses with juice and coffee. Plates of fresh steaming eggs, biscuits, and bacon were placed in the middle of the table in front of Alina, the warm scent causing Alina's mouth to water and her stomach to growl longingly. She bit back the urge to start stuffing her face as she waited for the other girl to make the first move.

As a bowl of fruit was placed on the table, Ashley began spooning eggs onto her plate. This was the green light she had been waiting for. Alina grabbed a biscuit and began slathering it in butter whilst Ashley was still rattling on about today's schedule. Suddenly, Ashley reached for her glass of orange juice, and her hand collided with the young maid that was still filling the table with jams and spreads. Juice spattered the table. The orange-sticky liquid quickly cascaded over the edge, dripping onto Ashley's lap and drenching her designer jeans. Alina felt herself go rigid. This was bad. This was not safe.

Ashley paused only momentarily, yanking a cloth napkin off the table and began wiping her hands and lap. Eyes downcast and face unreadable, she continued talking about their plans for the afternoon, "At 2:30 we have manicures! I have to make sure my nails match my dress. Pluuuus, this color is like so two weeks ago." She held up her hand matterfactly as if doing so proved her point. Tension filled the air, cut only by the ambient sounds of papers being flipped and coffee being sipped. The Alpha and Luna continued their meal unbothered.

Alina could feel her heart beat in her ears but continued to assemble her plate, fighting the urge to look at the young maid. She knew the best reaction right now was no reaction. She knew that ignoring what was happening was safest for both her and the girl. And as was pretending not to be afraid. she felt a sense of pity, this maid was obviously new and hadn't been through enough training yet. "Of course! Mine too," she looked at her nails and pointed to one, "Look at that, already chipped! Ewe," she said thinking maybe she could de-escalate the situation. After all, Ash had been in a pretty good mood this morning. Maybe by distracting ashely, she could help lessen the girl's punishment. That maybe by keeping the conversation going, hopefully, ashely would just let her off with a few lashings and a warning. But those hopes were soon snuffed out.

The young maid began trembling and stammering out apologies, "p-p-pleease... Forgive me.." Tears were now streaming down her face, terror apparent in her eyes. "I didn-" her words were cut off as manicured claws dug into her throat. Ashley's hand squeezed tighter as the girl began to convulse, slowly turning blue. All the while, Ashley continued, "And then I also have a hair appointment at 4:30. Trish said she has the perfect style she wants to test out before the ball this Saturday." Alina tried not to flinch as a sickening crunch sounded and the maid stilled. Ashley released her hand, and the now lifeless body crumpled to the floor. "Plus, I remember you saying you were due for a trim, right, Alina?"

Alina willed her smile not to falter as she maintained eye contact and replied, "Ugh, yeah, my bangs are getting totally out of control" She took a bite of her now buttered biscuit and fought back the rising bile in her throat. "Great!" Ashley chirped as she stood. Breakfast was now clearly over, not that Alina had much of an appetite after what had just occurred. " Oooooooh, I know, let's have the driver stop for coffee on the way to the boutique!" Alina suggested. She would need the caffeine and knew a pick-me-up would help restore Ashley's mood.

"OMG, you read my mind!" With that, Ashley turned her heel and exited the dining room without so much as a glance at the corpse now decorating the dining room floor. Alina followed close behind as the alfa called out, "Have fun, you two, don't get into too much trouble!" The door clicked closed, and Alina heard the faint sound of feet shuffling and something heavy being dragged across the floor. Alina mentally added another tally to her list of those lost. She felt as long as she kept them in mind, and then they wouldn't truly be forgotten. So she alone would mourn them in secret so that maybe they could find comfort and peace on the other side. She buried these unpleasant feelings, fixed her smile, and followed Ash up the stairs.