Twisted By Fate

“Harmony..... your father seeks to see you.” A maid spoke, interrupting my thoughts and throwing me off balance. I could see her reflection from the mirror right in front of me and for a reason I had no idea of, something seemed off. A sigh escaped my lips as I tilted my neck to look at her. It was pretty strange for my Father to seek my presence at that time of the night. Of course, the moon was fully out and it was a time I liked to be by myself and read. A fact Father knew for sure. “Is something wrong?” I questioned and she shook her head immediately. Everything about her expression pointed to the fact that something was wrong. It proved my points right. I nodded and watched her walk out before placing the book I had in the drawer. With a worrisome heart, I made my way out of the room and headed to the garden where Father would be, and yes, my guesses were right. Thankfully, Mother wasn’t there. I was quiet for a while as I let the wind sweep my hair and my dress. Father on the other hand seemed to be lost in thoughts as he had his gaze fixated on the oak tree there in the garden. “Father.....” I called, a couple of seconds later and he shook, perhaps, shocked by my calling out to him. He looked quite worried and I knew something was indeed wrong. “You sent for me,” I spoke and moved closer to him. It was winter hence I began to have goosebumps. He tried to speak for a second but kept mute and held my hands. “Child... I have something to tell you.” He started and I nodded, my ears aching to hear what he had to say, I also had something important to tell him. Father was usually not that calm with me. He always gave out orders regardless of my feelings towards it. I wasn’t sure of how Father was going to take my news so I decided to keep it as a secret for months. “But first...” He took his jacket off and handed it to me but I smiled and shook my head. “It is quite a chilly night. You shouldn’t be under the weather.” He spoke with concern and I smiled while still rejecting the jacket. “We can walk to the stables and have our conversation there,” I informed him and he obliged. Of course, we weren’t so rich neither were we poor. Perhaps, a blend of the middle class and the elites, maybe? The horses and maids were gifts from the last Alpha. “Well...” he started. “You look worried, Father. Please, convey your heart to me. Tell me, what is the matter? How can I help?” I questioned and leaned closer to him, holding him by the shoulder. “Your sister..... Stacy....” He started and looked up at me. “I know... father... I know she is going to be getting mated... tomorrow.” Sadness clouded my voice. “... and you are going to miss her so much. I will miss her as well and I wish she would miss me too but...” a wry smile formed on my lips. “I guess she would be glad to be away from me. Speaking of being mated, Father, I also found someone....” “Stacy is missing.” He suddenly spoke and I raised my brows and halted my speech. He nodded to confirm what he had said. “Stacy is missing. She has been missing all day and... tomorrow is the day.” Missing? “What do you mean, Father?” I questioned. “Of course, you do know Stacy loves adventures and... “We have searched everywhere but we could not find her. “ He halted and turned to look at me. “Alpha Stone will be here tomorrow for the marriage and if he does not leave with a bride, he will kill us all. “ It was weird and strange to me and I could not decipher what Father meant. Father was one hell of a soldier and Beta who served the late Alpha for years before he decided to have a family of his own hence the maid and the horses. Was he that much in love with her or there was more to it? Why would we all have to pay the price? “I will go in search of her tonight; Father and I promise to bring her back by morning,” I assured Father and he shook his head. “We have searched everywhere and we could not find her. How then will you find her in the space of hours?” He crossed his arms. “We can perhaps, seek the Alpha’s help and....” “He tried to help but we could not find anything. Your mother and I... have however decided...” He started and maintained a stoic expression. For reasons unknown, my heart began to race and fear gripped me. “....that you replace your sister.... and get married to him. “Father announced and my eyes widened in shock. Of course, that was the last thing I expected. It was so hard for my brain to process everything that had just happened. “I have... I have someone I am in love with. I have a mate, Father..” I chipped in immediately. “Unfortunately, you have to let him go. “he responded and crossed his arms behind him. Father had always been so cold to me since I was a little child and so was his mate but speaking those words to me with no iota of remorse was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. “But... I love him, Father... I do not know or love this Alpha Stone of a man and so far, all I have heard about him isn’t anything positive. I promise you are going to like my mate and lover and.....” “Prepare for your marriage tomorrow. The maids will help you get ready. “ He responded and turned to leave, “Why do I have to replace her, Father? All my life... “ My voice broke. “All I have done is to make you and Mother pleased and happy with me. All I have done.... is to be loved by you both but instead... I get to take every punishment and pay Stacy’s price. I am her younger sister yet I have to take all the pains for her? I have to fight and protect her while she treats me like a stranger because you and Mother allowed her to? “ I questioned, letting the tears fall from my eyes freely. Father let out a sigh and walked towards me. “Alpha Stone’s men would be here to pick you up by morning. You should get some rest.”