Bound to love the curse

Chelsea’s POV “Get back here, you filthy thing!” I shouted. The dog darted off with my meat in between its teeth and I ran after it with my feet sliding on the damp ground. My breath burned my chest as I chased it through the narrow path behind the cooking shed. I hated how light my steps felt, not from strength but because there was nothing in me. I felt tired even before I started running. “Please stop,” I wheezed and hated how small I sounded. It didn’t listen. Instead, it darted toward the open training fields, and I followed, cursing under my breath. I wanted to cry, but I kept running while my legs trembled. The dog suddenly stopped and before I took a minute to think about it, I jumped on it. I fell into something soft and squishy. I raised my head and I realized I had jumped into the pigsty. Shit. The dog I was chasing ran with its head high like it was mocking me. Then I heard giggles behind me. I looked around me slowly. Only then did I notice that I had run straight into the female training grounds. And three ladies were standing behind me. Two that I didn’t recognize, and the one standing in their middle; the one I despised. “Well, well, well…look who the dog dragged in,” Daphne said, her friends laughing with her. Daphne was the Beta’s daughter, the future Luna of Bluewolf pack. I pushed myself out of the pigsty, my hands shaking. Mud clung to my maid dress and the smell hit me all at once. “Disgusting,” Daphne wrinkled her nose. “Is that what you plan to wear into the great hall?” She walked closer to me, circling me like I was prey. “You smell like filth, Chelsea.” I lowered my head. The other two muttered something under their breath but I couldn’t hear it, but I was pretty sure they were also mocking me. “You know Alpha Zade has guests today, right?” She continued. “The important elite pack, and here you are, looking like a joke.” I shuddered. Her friend snorted. “She’s going to embarrass herself in front of the Alpha.” “Worse, what if the elites think she’s one of us?” The other one added. Daphne’s smile disappeared. She was now facing me. She leaned closer while holding her nose. “Ruin this and I’ll make sure you end up in the dungeon.” They left before I could say a word. I took another look at myself. I needed to get myself cleaned up before the council dinner began. *** It was time. Wolves filled the great hall, their voices loud and proud as they gathered to eat. I pulled the curtain aside and peered inside. Two long tables stretched across the hall. One glittered with silver. The other shone with gold. In Bluewolf, gold meant noble blood. Silver meant civilians. I belonged to neither. An omega had no seat here. I wasn’t meant to eat. I was meant to serve. “I-It’s time!” someone shouted from across the hall. That was our signal. The servants straightened, lifting trays and fixing their posture. My hands tightened around the plates as I stepped forward with them. The servants moved forward together. I kept my eyes fixed on the tray, carefully moving between the civilians. I placed a dish on a warrior’s table, bowed and turned away. That was when Daphne stepped into my path. She bumped into me. My tray tilted and food splattered on the floor. Gasps travelled across the hall. Everywhere became silent. “Watch where you’re going!” Daphne screeched. I dropped to my knees to clean up the mess immediately. “I-I’m so sorry,” I whispered. Trumpets flared. Then the entrance doors opened. Oh s**t. Everyone stood on their feet. It was the signal for the Alpha’s arrival. I stood and lowered my head, praying under my breath that I didn’t call any attention to myself. Alpha Zade walked in with his guests behind him. Footsteps lined in. I raised my head a little to see their faces. I looked at the one in front, he was already looking at me. My breath caught. I dropped my head immediately. ‘Please…please…please’ I said under my breath. His footsteps drifted from the line. He was coming to me. My stomach turned. “Head up.” He ordered. I raised my head immediately. I swallowed. He wasn’t smiling, he was frowning. “Is this how servants behave in Bluewolf?" He asked. The hall froze. My heart hammered against my chest. Before anyone could answer, Daphne stepped forward. “Oh, forgive her Alpha,” she said. “They’re clumsy by nature.” She turned to the guest Alpha and bowed low. “Welcome to Bluewolf. I’m Daphne.” He turned to Alpha Zade who was previously wearing a frown, now smiling. “You do have well-mannered civilians.” “Thank you, Ryker.” Zade said. Ryker moved forward. “Nice save, Daphne,” Zade whispered. Let’s have dinner together later.” Daphne smiled at him. “Yes, my Alpha.” Then he turned to me. “Filthy thing.” My body stiffened. “Get out of my sight,” Zade said coldly. “And clean yourself up before you stain my hall again.” “Yes, Alpha,” I whispered. My hands trembled as I picked up the trays and moved away as I could without running. The council doors opened and they disappeared inside. I released the breath I didn't realize I had been holding. The hall was filled with murmurs again. I could hear the whispers of my name. Once again, I made a fool out of myself. I walked past the council room on my way to the kitchen and it was opened slightly. I walked past it. I should go straight to the kitchen. But my feet wouldn’t move. Just one look at the hall and I’ll leave. I said to myself. I edged closer and pressed my ears against the wall beside the door. “This alliance will strengthen our borders,” Ryker said. “And weaken our enemies,” Alpha Zade replied. “With your pack and mine united, no one will challenge us.” I held my breath. I felt a dull ache in my head. Then I felt lightheaded. It was happening again. *I saw Bluewolf. The packlands in ruins. Fire and blood scattered the grounds. Alpha Zade fell on his knees and cried out. His crown slipped from his head and broke.* I grabbed the wall to steady myself. “No…” I whispered. My heart pounded. The alliance would destroy him. I moved away from the door, calculating my next step. My visions showed the future of Bluewolf. This was a sign. My hands were shaking. I should tell him. But I didn’t want to speak again. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. The image of Alpha Zade’s crown falling from his head replayed in my mind. No, I must tell him. I didn’t think before I dashed inside the council room. “No!” I screamed before Alpha Zade signed the papers in front of him. Their heads turned to me slowly. I swallowed. “Alpha Zade,” I murmured. “Don’t sign the alliance.”