Chapter 1
Layla's Point of view.
I stood at the window of my room, staring out into the garden that stretched around my father's estate. The morning sun spilled golden light over the Rose bushes, casting a warm glow on the petals.
I sucked in a deep breath, nearby I could hear the sounds of my sister, Emery laughing with our father, just right outside my room.
His voice boomed with happiness and delight as he praised her beauty and grace. My stomach twisted in disgust.
For once, can't I be the center of attention? Or even shown a little affection? I frowned as I walked closer towards them.
"Oh hi," Emery's face twisted in mock disgust as she eyed me. My father, on the other hand, ignored me as if I was invisible. It's always been like that, to him I was nothing more than a nuisance, always casted aside. Emery was his shining star, while I...I was the loser, forced to live in her shadows as if I didn't have a life of my own.
While she was showered with love, I was neglected.I walked past both of them, headed for the kitchen for a glass of water, my throat felt dry.
Maybe the day I'll finally meet my mate, this sadness will end. I leaned against the kitchen counter, my head hung low as I tried to fight back the tears.
I tried to remain positive as I realised the mating ceremony was near, my wolf howled in joy inside of me.
One day, I'd finally meet my mate and be free from being Emery's shadow, I'd be away from this hell for good.
After a few minutes, I went back to my room. There wasn't much to do anyway, might as well just go back to sleep or read a book. Luckily for me, Emery and my dad had already left.
I didn't want to resent them, but I hated how they both treated me like nothing, almost as if I wasn't even part of the family.
I sat on my bed, playing with my fingers. Suddenly my door burst open, jolting me from my thoughts. Emery stood in front of me, flushed with energy.
"Layla! You won't believe what happened!" She exclaimed.
"Ugh," I arched a brow, clearly unamused. "What is it?"
"Father just told me that I'm to be married to Alpha Jayden." Her eyes trembled as she spoke.
Immediately I froze in my spot, the name hit me like icy water. Alpha Jayden was a name spoken in hushed tones, a name shrouded in dark tales of violence and brutality.
"You're joking..." I managed to say, choking on my unease. "Do you want to?"
"Are you mad?!" She retorted. "Haven't heard the stories about him? He's a DEMON! Why would I say yes?"
"Because it's a great honor," My father's voice spoke, startling the both of us. He leaned against my door frame. "The Alphas are powerful, Emery, Our family will be elevated."
"But father, he's is literally the-"
His head snapped towards me. "Your opinion isn't needed, know your place." He snarled, I pressed my lips in a thin line, immediately regretting my actions.
"I'm sorry, sir." I apologized.
"Emery honey," he purred as he held her arm, totally ignoring me or the fact that they were in my room. "What if he's not as bad as they say?" He patted her head softly. "You can't rely on mere rumors, you know? You're my precious daughter. I would never agree to anything that would hurt you,"
She scoffed. "So this is about what you want? And not what I want? Are you expecting me to say something I dread?"
My father's face fell, "You don't have a choice. You mustn't let me or our pack down, this is your duty. This marriage will strengthen our pack."
"But father," she tried to protest, but was shut up with a stern look.
"I won't warn you again." He let go of her arm, then walked out of my room. Emery and I exchanged worried glares, before she exited my room.
The moment they both left, I let out a deep breath I never knew I was holding in. My hands were shaking terribly as I thought about what Emery just spilled to me.
Hopefully my mate turns out to be someone I love, and loves me back. Someone who sees me for what I truly am.
I left my room to get some fresh air outside in the field, a muffled sound caught my attention. I paused and turned towards Emery's room, hearing soft sobs.
"Emery?" I called softly. "Are you okay?"
"Go away!" She shouted, her voice thick with anguish.
My heart sank, but I didn't push further. Instead I moved away, feeling heavier with each step.
Once Outside, I made my way to the training field, illuminated by the silvery glow of the moon. I sank to the ground, the grass cool beneath my skin, hoping to find some peace, but it was short-lived as Emery burst out from nowhere, rushing with a frantic energy I couldn't understand.
"Hey, where are you headed?" I called out. "Are you okay?"
She got a glance over her shoulder. "None of your business, Layla!" The harshness of her reply stung more than I expected.
Frustrated and feeling the weight of her rudeness, I sat there for a few more minutes, lost in my thoughts. Just then, our father emerged, his brows furrowed with concern.
"Have you seen Emery?" He asked, scanning the distance.
But before I could respond, he had already spotted her rushing off, and he took after her without a second thought.
Great. Just great. They have successfully ruined my mood again.
I grumbled to myself, pushing myself off the ground. I started walking back inside the mansion, headed back into the mansion.
But just as I reached the door, a chilling breeze swept through, slipping in through the slightly open window.
I paused, glancing back. Something is wrong, I could feel it. But, what was it?