Chapter 2
1113 Words
Layla's point of view.
The air in the palace was thick with tension and anticipation as everyone prepared for the arrival of the Alpha King Jayden. Whispers filled the halls, each hushed voice carrying the weight of fear for Jayden.
I stood behind my sister, in the corner of the grand throne room, hidden from view.
Emery stood with her shoulders slumped, for the sixth time, she let out a disappointing sigh.
I could feel it, she didn't want this marriage, not to a monster known for his ruthlessness. But what can I do?
"Emery," my father spoke softly. She turned to him with a fake smile plastered on her lips.
"You must understand how important this is to our pack."
"I do father, in fact I'm happy," she reached out for his arm. "This is my responsibility."
I arched a brow at her response, something felt wrong. Few days ago, she wouldn't stop wailing about how pathetic her life would become if she got married to The Alpha, and now she's happy?
Suddenly, The massive doors creaked open, and silence fell like a shroud. There he was.. Alpha Jayden.
He strode in, each step echoing against the polished marble. His presence commanded immediate respect, his guards flanked the entrance straightened by sentinels.
I darted my gaze away, unable to meet his dark eyes. I felt intimidated.
"Alpha," Jayden's deep voice boomed through the room like thunder, laced with authority and a hint of menace.
My father, The Alpha of our pack, welcomed Jayden with a nod.
"Alpha Jayden," he stood up and shook hands with Jayden.
"This is my daughter, Emery," my father introduced Emery, he pointed to her motioning for her to walk forward.
"Alpha," She formed a small smile as she slightly bowed.
"Welcome."
"Emery," Jayden turned his attention to my sister, the dark intent lurking in the corners of his smile. "It's an honor to finally meet you."
Jayden's eyes laid on me, my father cleared his throat as he noticed that the Alpha had seen me.
"That's my second daughter, Layla." He said with a slight irritation in his voice.
The Alpha said nothing, and just simply ignored, turning his attention back to Emery.
I felt a spike of bitterness in my throat as I remained in the shadows, invisible to the world around me, a mere ghost of my sister's presence.
A feast was thrown in the honor of the Alpha, everyone was having fun, talking and eating, while I was feeling glum.
"Can I excuse myself?" I muttered, loud enough to be heard.
"Sure." My father answered without looking at me.
As the discussions and laughter unfolded, I slipped away from the feast, my heart felt heavy. I retreated to my room, where I sucked in a deep breath.
I picked up my pen and a blank sheet, I let my thoughts spill onto the paper. A simple flower took shape, its petals details soft and resilient—everything I felt I was not.
The mating ceremony was just days away, and although my mind raced with possibilities, my heart clung to a sliver of optimism. Maybe, just maybe, I would meet my mate and give a name to the wild fluttering within me.
But for now, I could only draw flowers in the shadows, waiting for sunlight that felt out of reach.
The sun beat down as I sat on a log watching Emery and other members of the pack train together.
I wanted to participate, but my powers haven't manifested yet. Joining them would be useless, especially with the fact that Emery would use that as an opportunity to mock me.
"Hey Princess!" Celeste, a friend of Emery's, walked up to me. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing, as you can see," I replied without looking up to meet her gaze.
"Oh, that's bad. Wanna train?" She smiled.
"No,"
She faked a pout. "Aww, don't be so grumpy. Train with us!"
"Not interested." I snapped, earning a side eye from Emery.
"What's going on?" She asked as she approached Celeste and I.
"Nothing,"
"I was just telling dear Layla here that she should train with us," Celeste shrugged. "It's unfair how she is just left behind, makes my heart ache," she placed a head over her chest, it was obvious that she was making a mockery of me.
Emery faced me. "Why did you refuse?"
"What's the point?" I rolled my eyes. "I'm not interested, it's that simple."
"Hm," she huffed, "Well I am." She grabbed my arm and pulled me to the center of the field.
"What are you doing?" I yanked my hand back, a crowd was beginning to form around us.
"Training," she picked up a spare and threw it to me. "Pick that up."
"Emery, I am not-" I was cut short when she harshly clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth.
"Why?" She arched her brow. "Scared?"
"What?" I retorted, my anger slipping. "Scared? As how?"
"I don't know," she tilted her head. "Maybe, because you're weak?" She muttered in a low yet audible tone.
I was about to charge towards her, but before I could do anything, the atmosphere shifted.
My father approached, along with three elders. His presence sent an icy cold shiver down my spine, his eyes were on me, cold and menacing, but it was Jayden's gaze that scared me more.
He stared at me, icy gaze locked onto mine with a grim expression.
"Alpha!" Everyone present turned to his direction, head bowed down.
"Emery!" My father called out. She turned to face him, a blank expression on her face.
"Father,"
"We have a meeting now. Meet us in my office." He said before turning on his heels, followed by the elders.
Jayden stood there staring down at all of us. Something about him wasn't right... I could feel it, but I just couldn't place my finger on it.
Emery cursed under her breath before storming off, she walked up to Jayden and they both exited the training ground.
Behind me, I heard a voice sign in disappointment. I turned around to see Celeste with a mock expression on her face.
"Too bad, maybe next time you two will have a face off." She taunted before walking away.
Rage and embarrassment flooded through me. I dropped my spare to the ground and turned away. I could feel the stares burning behind me, but I couldn't care less.
No day passes by with no one reminding me of how much of a shadow I was. Now it was Celeste, just a mere wolf amongst us.
I wonder what next waits for me in this hellhole.
- Writer
