Moon Vessel: His Rejection, Her Rise!

4

Aurelia’s POV

…

My eyes snapped open, and I sat up abruptly, my hand flying to my chest as it heaved up and down.

I’d just had a nightmare. So many masked figures were chasing me with all sorts of weapons, wanting to kill me.

This wasn’t the first time I’d had this dream. But I haven’t had it in recent months. I never thought I’d have it again, and this time, it was even more terrifying. One of those masked figures was about to stab me when I woke up from that horrible dream.

Beads of sweat adorned my forehead. I used the sleeve of my night outfit to clean it up. Looking at the time, I had to hurry up lest I’d get scolded on my first day.

I managed to get out of bed, clenching my teeth due to the discomfort in my chest.

I had to struggle really hard to be able to snag a bucket of water for myself from the well. I ignored threats and insults. All that was important was having to bathe.

Having gotten water, I hurried along with others to the communal bathroom. There were already others there, occupying different stalls.

The ones I came with rushed to occupy the open stalls.

Just then, one of the stalls opened, and I thanked my stars, rushing over. I said hello to the blonde who had just stepped out, but she didn’t even acknowledge me. Oh well, I wasn’t pained. The important thing was that I could now bathe.

Just as I was about to enter with the bucket of water I was carrying, someone shoved me aside.

I’d never expected this to happen. I tumbled to the floor, and the water I’d painstakingly gotten was wasted.

The culprit?

The same b***h who warned me at the cafeteria yesterday.

“A loser like you ought to wait till everyone’s finished bathing. What gives you the right to try to use this bathroom before your superiors?”

I rose to my feet, clutching my chest, anger surging through my veins. “You…”

“Shut your trap and get lost before I break your arm, you lowly wretch.”

She had pushed me and thought she was going to bathe too? Not happening. Not this time!

So just as she had entered the bathroom, I yanked the stall’s door open.

“What are you…?”

Before she could even complete her sentence, I already poured away her larger bucket of water.

Sure, that got her angry.

Her eyes flashed silver, and her fangs materialised, along with claws.

“You are dead meat!” she raged, lunging at me.

And instead of dodging or feeling afraid, I lunged at her too.

And somehow, she was the one on the floor, trying to shield her face from my relentless punches.

“D-don’t hit me. Someone help!” she cried.

I yanked her hair, wanting to rip her bald, which made her cry even louder.

Others soon came to her aid, separating me from her. Now that she was no longer under my mercy, she tried to lunge at me but was also held back by others.

Expectedly, the head maid was attracted by the situation.

“Someone cares to explain what the actual hell is going on here?” she asked, her brows furrowed.

“She started it. She upturned my bucket.”

Ha. That b***h beat me in speaking.

And sure enough, the head maid turned to face me. “Your first day and you’re already causing a scene?”

“Ma’am, she upturned my bucket first, even shoved me to the floor.”

“So what if she did? Aren’t you supposed to bear it?”

What? What sort of twisted reasoning was this? The bias was effing blatant.

“Ma’am…”

“Shut it, Aurelia. I warned you that if you don’t behave, I’d make your life a living hell, didn’t I?”

I pursed my lips, willing myself not to shed a tear, unclenching my fists. “Yes, you told me.”

“Very good. Now follow me to get your punishment.”

I had to kneel at the pack square for the entire day. I ignored the remarks of those who came to watch and poke fun at me.

When I was finally released, I was denied access to food as well. I’d given up hope about eating when that maid from last night unexpectedly showed up with some food and balm. I thanked her, and we talked for a while, realising we had much in common.

But…I wasn’t ready to trust her.

Not after Selene.

I trusted Selene so much I could have sworn she would never betray me. Who knew she would hasten my downfall?

But for now, I did appreciate Jenna’s efforts. I would repay her in the future.