One
Chapter 1
Una
I slowly emerge from the realm of dreams, feeling the warmth of the sun casting its golden rays upon my face. The gentle touch of its light gradually pulls me from the clutches of slumber, coaxing my eyelids to flutter open. As consciousness floods my senses, the familiar sounds of bustling activity fill the air around me.
I can hear the other Omegas of our pack, toiling diligently in the confines of our humble abode. Their footsteps echo through the corridors, a symphony of labor that has become the soundtrack of my existence. The muffled clinking of utensils and the rhythmic scrubbing of floors resonate through the walls, their cadence punctuated by occasional laughter and hurried whispers.
A profound sadness engulfs my heart, the weight of my existence pressing upon me with an unrelenting force. Condemned to live as a mere servant, a maid in service to the Alphas and Betas of our pack, my days blend together in an endless cycle of menial tasks and unspoken resentments.
Even as I wake to the sunlight's gentle touch, I cannot escape the vivid memories of that fateful night—the night when I had been rejected by my pack and subjecting me to a life of servitude. I was stripped of my freedom, torn from my loved ones, and cast into the shadows of subservience.
Now, I find myself confined to the sprawling kitchens, my hands perpetually stained with the remnants of culinary creations. The aroma of simmering stews and freshly baked bread wafts through the air, a bittersweet reminder of the flavors of a life we once cherished. Alongside me, my fellow Omegas have become cooks and laundry women, their spirits tamed by the harsh reality we have been thrust into.
I let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of my weariness settle upon my shoulders. As I do, a voice from outside my door pierces through the clamor, calling out my name with a tone of urgency. Reluctantly, I rise from my simple bed, strewn with well-worn blankets and a threadbare quilt.
My room, though small, carries the essence of my personality. The walls are adorned with faded tapestries, once vibrant and full of life but now muted with age. A worn wooden desk stands in the corner, its surface cluttered with scribbled notes and treasured trinkets. The single window allows only a sliver of sunlight to infiltrate the room, casting delicate patterns upon the timeworn wooden floor.
In this sanctuary, I find solace amidst the turmoil of my existence. It is here that I retreat when the weight of my reality threatens to suffocate me entirely. But today, duty beckons, and I must respond, pushing aside the weariness that clings to my bones.
I gingerly lower my leg to the unforgiving surface of the floor, my gaze fixated upon the reminder of my shattered limb. Casted by my pack who couldn’t bear the sight of my shattered leg. I wore it as a constant reminder of my act of heroism, my broken and lame leg serves as a physical manifestation of the night that altered the course of my life.
It was in the depths of the woods that I encountered him—a male wolf consumed by the Luna Madness, a rare curse that plagued those wolves who strayed from the path of normalcy. His eyes glinted with a feral ferocity, his snarls reverberating through the dense undergrowth. A young pup, innocent and unsuspecting, stood in his path, unaware of the imminent danger that loomed over him.
Without a second thought, I leaped forward, propelled by a surge of instinctual bravery. I confronted the ferocious wolf, determined to protect the defenseless pup from harm. In the ensuing clash, our bodies entangled in a deadly dance of teeth and claws. In that moment of selfless valor, I paid the price for my courage.
As the fierce battle raged on, my left leg succumbed to the relentless force unleashed by my opponent. The bone fractured under the strain, the pain searing through every fiber of my being. I fought through the agony, but the damage was done. My leg, once a symbol of strength and agility, now lay broken and feeble.
Forced to rely on a sturdy walking stick, I navigated the world with a newfound reliance on external support. Each step served as a reminder of my sacrifice, a constant echo of the night that forever altered the trajectory of my life. The walking stick, once a mere tool of aid, now became an extension of my body—a constant companion and a testament to my resilience.
As I sit there, lost in the contemplation of my broken leg, my thoughts are abruptly interrupted by the forceful intrusion of one of the older maids. It is Diane, a young woman known for her efficiency and dedication to her duties. Pushing aside the delicate curtain that separates my room from the outside world, she settles herself beside me, her expression a mix of urgency and anticipation.
"Una," Diane begins, her voice laced with a sense of excitement, "you have been chosen."
My eyes widen in disbelief, my heart quickening its pace as I struggle to comprehend her words. Chosen? Me? The weight of those four simple letters hangs in the air, carrying both hope and joy.
"To serve at the Annual Wolves Gathering," Diane continues, her voice filled with a mixture of admiration and envy. "You will be among the select few Omegas granted the opportunity to attend."
A surge of emotions courses through my veins. Shock, disbelief, and a flicker of anticipation dance within me, vying for dominance. The Wolves Gathering—an event of immense significance, where the Alpha and Beta wolves of various packs convene to celebrate, strategize, and strengthen alliances.
With gratitude and determination, I turn to Diane and offer her a smile tinged with newfound hope. "Thank you," I whisper, my voice a gentle tremor. "I will not take this opportunity lightly. I will do my best to serve with honor."
For an Omega such as myself, it is a rare chance to glimpse a world beyond the confinements of servitude, to catch a fleeting glimpse of a life I had thought forever out of reach. And maybe to find my mate.