Chapter One
Eliana
My name is Eliana Austin. I was labeled an evil child because I was born on the same day my father died in battle. My mother blamed me for his death, believing that I had taken him away from her.
As a young girl, I worked from house to house, cleaning and doing laundry for others just to earn some money to eat, as my mother often left me to starve. She found joy and peace in my suffering, or so it seemed to me.
I faced mockery and rejection from many, as everyone believed I was responsible for my father's death. How could a child who never even knew her father be blamed for his demise?
My peers humiliated me and called me names. I was not allowed to play with any children, whether at home or at school.
I could only attend school once a week because of my work. I often thought that I needed to ask my mother for forgiveness so that she might accept me as her child.
One day, I hurried home from work, hoping for a reconciliation with my mother. As soon as she saw me, her expression changed dramatically.
I had to muster the courage to approach her. "Mom, I'm so sorry for everything. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. I believe my birth and Dad's death were just a coincidence."
"You evil child, get out of here! I want nothing to do with you. I will never forget the pain you caused me," she cried. I was in tears as well. I understood that her actions stemmed from frustration, but I was just an innocent child. It wasn't my fault that my father died on the day I was born.
"Please, Mom, it wasn't my fault. Don't touch me with your hateful hands." She opened my hands and took the money I had earned that day.
You weren't meant eat, I want you to starve to death the same way you killed my husband. No, no, Mom, I'm sorry. If it's money you want to make you call me your daughter, I can give you everything I have.
Please forgive me, Mom. Tears streamed down my face, soaking my clothes.
"I will never forgive you. I regret the day I gave birth to you, Eliana. You will suffer."
"No, Mom, I'm sorry! It wasn't my fault. She didn't listen to me and took the money I earned that day."
I wept, asking my father why he had to die on the same day I was born, which only fueled my mother's resentment towards me.
I cried all night until I fell asleep with an empty stomach. Early the next morning, around 3 a.m., I woke up drenched in sweat.
My mom had poured her urine on me to wake me up so I could fetch water from a dangerous stream. We had running water in the house; she just wanted to make me suffer.
"Evil child, what are you doing? Sleeping? There is no peace for the wicked," she said. I jumped up as if I were being chased.
"Mom!" I called out. "Who is your mother? Take this and go to the stream to get me water." I remained silent, knowing I had to do whatever it took to make her happy and earn her acceptance.
With tears and fear, I set out for the stream at that ungodly hour. I prayed to the universe on my way, hoping it would change my mother’s heart and allow her to accept me as her child. I also prayed for safety as I fetched the water and returned home.
My life has been filled with turmoil. My mother and others treat me as if I carry a foul odor. How can a child be blamed for the death of a father she never even met?
What kind of belief is that? I was a lonely, bitter child. I often said to myself to avoid trouble, moving from house to house when the other children were at school, looking for chores to do in exchange for food and clothing.
That was my life as a fourteen year old. I had to fend for myself at that age, even with a mother around. I accepted my fate, thinking perhaps this was how the universe intended for me to suffer.
One day, on my way back from work, I encountered a handsome young boy, likely in his teens. Instantly, something inside me told me he was my mate. My eyes shifted from dark brown to black, just like his.
I felt an overwhelming sensation in my spirit. I was captivated by his looks. This must be my mate, I thought. Who could he be? I wondered, but I had no answers. So, I hurried to someone nearby to ask about the handsome boy.
I learned he was the Alpha's son. I was astonished, and for the first time, a smile broke across my face. I had to make him like me.
I was merely giving myself hope, knowing he would have beautiful, eloquent girls vying for his attention as the Alpha's son.
How I wished the universe would grant my wish and make him my mate. He was so handsome. As the next Alpha, I could even become his Luna. In your wildest dreams, Eliana, I chuckled to myself.
In that moment, I was able to forget my sadness and my troubles, but not anymore. I need to confront my issues. Mom! I just realized that I will be seeing her and her challenges soon.
How I wish everything would just vanish so that she could embrace me as her child. I promise to bring her joy.
My mother treats me as if I were responsible for my father's death. It's just a coincidence that those were my last words before I fell asleep.
