Despised
Chapter 1
Laura's POV
Amidst the resounding echoes of my name, "LAURA... LAURA!" resonated my father's fury as he stormed into the chamber where I found myself confined. Two stern guards flanked him, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Judging by the expression etched upon his face, it was evident that my actions had deeply upset him.
"Laura! Why must you continuously bring disgrace upon me?"
"Father..."
"Do not address me as such! You and I share nothing in common! Merely glance at yourself, and it becomes apparent that you have never contributed anything worthwhile since your birth!"
"Father, I implore you, please do not consign me to that..."
"The decision has been made! Even if I were tempted to reconsider and rescind it, your audacious attempt to escape has eliminated any possibility!"
Hearing those words from my father's lips, I couldn't contain my despair any longer and tears poured forth as I beseech him. However, my pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears.
"Whilst you were plotting your escape, did you ever consider the repercussions it would have on our pack?"
"Father, I beg of you! Do not barter me away to Akila! You are familiar with his merciless nature!"
"You warrant stern treatment! You are too feeble to bear the title of my child! Can you even begin to comprehend the humiliation I endure as your father?"
"I will change, I promise. Just please, do not auction me off..."
"I shall not waver in my decision, Laura! Your vulnerability only serves to irritate me! You do not belong here!"
Father's words sliced through my heart like a frigid gust of wind.
"But I am your flesh and blood! Why are you so merciless towards me?" I bitterly inquired.
"From this day forth, I renounce you! Alpha cannot tolerate having an omega as their progeny!" Father vehemently declared, his words piercing my heart like a double-edged sword.
I had always known that my father harbored disdain for me, but I never fathomed that it would escalate to the point of abandonment. Perhaps my failed escape was the final nail in the coffin of our shattered relationship.
"Father, I implore you, do not turn your back on me! I vow to better myself and make you proud!"
"Your fate has been sealed! I have already bartered your insignificance for something of greater value! That is the only worthwhile thing you have ever produced!"
"But I do not desire him! I yearn for my freedom within this pack! Grant me another chance!" I pleaded.
"Laura, you shall depart at daybreak. Preserve your strength, for the journey ahead may demand it!"
"Why would you subject me to the shackles of a ruthless lycan? Why did you bring me into this world then?"
"Well, the only means to thwart Akila from seizing control of the pack would be to establish some form of alliance with him! That is where you come into play!"
"So, you would trade me away merely to secure the pack?"
"Indeed! The pack takes precedence!" Father retorted, unyielding in his stance. His decision was final, unaffected by any words I could utter. Overwhelmed, I succumbed to sobs, oblivious to the presence of the guards stationed by my side, their purpose being to thwart any further escape attempts.
Last night, my attempts to secure my freedom failed. Now, all that remains is to prepare myself for the impending challenges that await me amongst the Lycan tribe.
Akila, a monstrous being, is the one to whom I am being handed over. Unfortunately, my father is determined to rid himself of my presence.
At times, I yearn to be like my siblings, but fate has dealt me a different hand, making me weak in the eyes of the moon goddess.
My father was correct in his appraisal; I am nothing like him. While he emanates strength and confidence, I am nothing but helpless and lacking in self-assurance.
He holds the title of alpha, while I am designated as omega. The contrast between us is stark and unquestionable.
"Mistress, how may I be of service to you?"
Interrupting my melancholic thoughts, I turned to find Lima, my maid, speaking. Her eyes were swollen and red. She shared in my discontent at being sold off, yet like me, she was powerless to intervene.
I wanted to put on a brave face and feign happiness in front of Lima, but I couldn't. The pain I felt was too deep as if my entire world was collapsing before my eyes. It was still difficult for me to fathom that I would be leaving behind the life I knew here, only to be enslaved by a monstrous creature.
"Uh... Lima, I am incapable of thinking at present. I shall not require your services any longer!"
"I deeply apologize, ma'am! I wish there was something we could..."
"It's alright, Lima. The alpha has already made his decision regarding my fate, and it remains undisputed!" I managed to say, although tears threatened to spill from my eyes.
Lima simply nodded, her head bowed. She, too, struggled to hold back her tears. Deep down, I could tell she must have been questioning the kind of father the alpha truly was.
"I will be nearby if you need anything at all!"
"Thank you, Lima. However, as I've already mentioned, there is nothing more you can offer me!"
Lima glanced up at me, visibly struggling to comprehend the nature of our conversation.
Even I found it difficult to come to terms with the drastic turn of events.
Lima retreated, bowing before swiftly leaving. She had already begun to cry before disappearing. I would greatly miss her loyal service. Over the years, we had become dear friends.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I succumbed to quiet sobs, contemplating the unknown that awaited me in the depths of the Lycan tribe.
All were aware of the atrocities committed by Akila, the lycan king. He was a heartless beast, deriving pleasure from inflicting pain. Akila was akin to the realm of the deceased, for he was insatiable in his cruelty.
Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps reached my ears. I turned around to identify the source.
"Laura!" A faint voice called out.
I recognized that voice; it belonged to Hailey, my brother's girlfriend. Getting into a fight is something that we always do.
"Are you here to mock me?" I questioned her.
"I wouldn't exactly phrase it that way! It's just a shame that...
"Hailey! I don't want your sympathy! Just leave!"
"Hold on, Laura! It's not my fault that you aren't useful to your father!"
Her words infuriated me.
"Neither are you, to my brother!" I retorted.
Hailey burst into laughter.
"You know that isn't true!"
"Well, just wait and see! You can't compare to him and you're aware of that!"
"Your words hold no significance, Laura! Your brother and I are perfect for each other!"
"I suppose you haven't been informed then!" I teased.
Hailey couldn't help but become curious. Confusion marked her furrowed brow as she gazed up at me, seeking details.
"What haven't I heard?" Hailey inquired.
I had promised to keep it a secret from her, but Hailey had backed me into a corner. She had come to taunt me before I was auctioned off, but I won't be a pushover before I leave.
I won't leave these walls with those secrets any longer.
She deserves to experience the pain I am feeling right now.
Hailey isn't prepared for my parting words just yet.