What twisted game?
1393 Words
Chapter 2: What twisted game?
Camilla's POV
I lay unmoving on the bed, my body too broken to exhausted to move. Tears soaked silently into the sheets.
Arthur had just finished using me,and now he was gone, off to welcome his guests.
This had been my life since arriving at Moonlight Pack a year ago. Since the day I became Arthur’s mate and was married off to him.
I had once believed being with one’s mate was meant to be bliss. A dream come. But I should have known better… especially after hearing my parents’ story.
Only then, my mother had been the villain. The artist of my misery.
My mind drifted, pulling me through the memories of everything I’d endured. Pain was all I’d ever known. Even as a child, growing up, it never spared me.
I thought I had escaped the cruelty of my parents, but I had only walked into something far worse.
Being an Omega—the lowest of the low—was misery enough. But I was not just that. I was an omen child, born under a blood moon. A cursed moon that rose rarely, only to herald doom.
To be born on that night meant carrying a curse, a power that could destroy everyone around me if it wasn’t properly controlled.
I had dreamed of escaping more times than I could count. But that was all it ever was... a dream.
Arthur’s loyal guards shadowed me every time I dared step outside the pack house.
*******
Flashback: Camilla at 9, Audrey at 8.
“Audrey, you burned my shoe. Why?” I asked, rage boiling through me, too much for someone my size.
“You stained my pink dress first.” She stepped back, fear flashing in her eyes.
“I didn’t stain your dress. I told you I found it on the floor and picked it up for you.”
I crossed the distance between us and shoved her. She fell on her butt, her elbow scraping against the concrete.
“Mommy said she didn’t do it.” She burst into tears.
“I didn’t either! This is the only shoe I have and you know it!” I screamed, showing her the half-burned shoe, tears already stinging my eyes.
Just then, Victoria ran out of the house.
“What are you doing, you little wench?!” she shouted.
I turned to explain, fear in my eyes.
“Audrey burned my...” A stinging slap landed across my face before I could finish the sentence. Fury filled her eyes.
I ran back into the house in full-blown tears while she went to comfort Audrey.
Later that night, when Dad returned and saw Audrey’s injury, he was enraged.
I hadn’t realized there was a nail near where Audrey fell, and it had scratched her skin. They accused me of using my powers again.
The rubber band I used to wear was replaced. This time with something stronger.
END OF FLASHBACK
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I looked down at my wrist. At the suppressant bracelet. I couldn’t feel my wolf anymore. I’d worn it for too long.
What use was a power that kept me in chains?
Maybe the goddess truly did hate me. Or maybe... this was punishment for my mother’s sins.
I resented even thinking about her. More so because she didn’t stay alive long enough to suffer with me.
If not for her, maybe I’d be someone else. Maybe I’d have a beta or even an alpha wolf... if the man I called Dad, the Alpha of Swiftcreek, was my biological father.
Or maybe I wouldn’t exist at all. Then he wouldn’t hate me so much, for being the constant reminder of her betrayal.
A knock came at the door startled me, but only my eyes moved there. I didn’t respond. After a second tap, it creaked open and an Omega stepped in.
“Alpha Arthur sends for you. He’s in the hall, with the guests.”
She left immediately after delivering that message, like she couldn’t risk another second alone with me.
That bastard.
After leaving me drained, he still wanted me to come out. With what strength? And for what?
The room would be filled with the people of Ironclaw Pack, the Alpha, and warriors. All important figures.
Why would Arthur want them to see the misfortune he had as a mate?
Or did he have another plan?
A chill ran through me.
Arthur was full of surprises. Never good ones.
I forced myself up, rushed through a bath because delay was dangerous. Then I took another dose of painkillers.
Too much of it wasn’t good for my one-kidney body, and I took so many every day. But I had no choice. It really helps with the pain.
I wore a white, flowery gown and let my black hair fall to cover my neckline and part of my face. The strands reached my waist. I applied a little red lipstick.
Arthur liked me to look good in public, to deceive others into thinking he cared for his mate. But he was only deceiving himself. I always ended up looking like a beautiful corpse.
As I neared the hall entrance, I could already feel the buzz of activity.
I inhaled and stepped in.
Laughter and chatter filled the air. Warriors were drinking and eating, some with women—Omegas from this pack—on their laps.
Eyes turned in my direction, the weight of their stares prickling my skin.
It was said that the people of Ironclaw loved merriment, and their Alpha, the mysterious and feared Malakai, took joy in pleasing his people, especially his warriors.
They looked pleased, indeed.
My gaze searched the room for Arthur but didn’t find him.
I was about to head to the inner room, thinking he might be there if they were having a serious discussion, when I saw Audrey walking down the hallway.
She wore skimpy shorts and a blue top. One of the men said something to her, and she gave him a seductive smile.
I frowned. What was she doing here dressed like that? Who was she trying to impress?
“Audrey,” I called.
She didn’t answer. Just kept walking until she turned a corner and disappeared. Either she didn’t hear me or she chose not to.
I didn’t have time to go after her. But I'd find out once I left here.
I reached the inner room door, tapped twice, and waited.
My head throbbed, my legs slightly shaking from nervousness and weakness.
When there was no response, I pushed the door open and stepped into the tastefully furnished room. Gold and red dominated the décor.
“There you are,” Arthur drawled, as if he had searched the whole universe for me. “Come, pour us some drinks.”
He was seated with a man whose obsidian hair was tied back, with a few strands falling across his face. Neatly trimmed stubble framed a jawline sharp enough to cut skin. His broad shoulders looked as if he lived in the gym, and the black coat he wore made him appear even more mysterious—otherworldly.
Alpha Malakai.
My heart skipped.
Just like the stories… he was dangerously beautiful.
He turned toward me, his piercing blue eyes locking with mine. They were sharp, assessing, and carrying something I couldn’t name.
I froze.
Then, just as quickly, he looked away. But I swear he felt it too, even if his face didn’t show it. I saw the way his eyes had darkened—like a spark he tried to smother.
“Camilla, don’t get clumsy now. Get the glasses,” Arthur’s sharp voice snapped me back.
I rushed forward, caught myself, then turned to the sideboard. My fingers fumbled before I managed to grab two glasses.
As I poured the wine with slightly shaking hands, Malakai’s gaze tracked the stream of crimson. But I knew he wasn’t watching the drink. His stare burned against my skin, hotter than fire.
When I finished, Arthur dismissed me with a casual flick of his hand.
My pulse stuttered. My skin still smoldered from his stare.
I hurried back toward the house, steps quick and uneven, as if chased. In a way, I was.
My wolf had stirred. Faint, but undeniable. I felt it.
Goddess… what twisted game was this?
- Writer
