Is This Where It Ends For Me?!!
1004 Words
Elise's POV
“You ought to be grateful to me. I actually succeeded in making your face slightly more presentable. At least there’s a chance you won’t be rejected on your first night in the palace,” Rhea said while sweeping more cosmetic product over my bruises. The scars on my face were caused by her father’s hands.
“It astonishes me that you think you’ll avoid consequences for this,” I replied sharply.
Her gaze went icy. I could tell my words displeased her. She deliberately pressed the applicator against my swollen lips, and I let out a painful gasp.
“I’ll permit that filthy mouth of yours today. Consider it a favor,” she said with a twisted grin, smiling in the most irritating manner.
I turned my eyes away toward the mirror. There was no point in continuing this exchange. She shot me a warning look, but I disregarded it.
Growing up as the only child of my father, I always wished for a sister, someone to speak with, to play with, to share life moments with. So when Alpha Pascal brought me into his home, I believed I had finally been given that opportunity. But I was mistaken. What I had hoped for turned into nothing but torment.
“I’m finished!” Rhea announced proudly. “Though honestly, it barely improved your appearance as I expected. Still, it's good enough. ”
“Perhaps it’s because you’re not skilled at applying makeup,” I replied.
Her eyes sharpened towards me. “Watch yourself, Elise. My patience is wearing thin.”
“Is that meant to frighten me?” I asked, smirking slightly just to irritate her.
“Don’t push me, Elise. I still have enough concealer left to cover another set of bruises on that face,” she threatened.
“I seriously doubt you have the courage,” I scoffed.
The atmosphere between us turned heavy. Our eyes locked, and I could sense the force of her wolf pressing near. Rhea had already awakened her wolf like most Alpha daughters. She could easily become Luna of another pack. Yet I didn’t care. Even if she ended my life right then, it meant nothing to me.
She was about to attack me when her father’s deep voice cut through the tension.
“Enough! Rhea,” Alpha Pascal commanded firmly. “She’s more valuable alive. Compose yourself.”
Rhea clenched her fists and stepped back, though her resentment was obvious. “Yes, Father,” she muttered.
“Come, Elise. Your transport is ready,” Alpha Pascal said as he turned toward me.
He walked ahead, and I followed him quickly, eager to escape that house. Outside, a polished black sedan waited at the front. Beside it stood a tall, imposing man dressed in dark attire. His features were sharp and stern, and his presence alone carried authority that filled the space.
He didn’t smile. His eyes moved between Alpha Pascal and me, cold and assessing.
Is this the Lycan King? I wondered briefly, then dismissed the thought. The king would never come personally for someone like me—a mere offering.
“Good evening, Alpha Pascal,” the man spoke in a deep tone.
“Good evening, Beta Bremer” Alpha Pascal responded smoothly. “I am honored to present to you my firstborn daughter, Elise”
Beta Bremer’s gaze traveled over me from head to toe as though evaluating a merchandise. After a moment, he turned back to Alpha Pascal.
“Are you absolutely certain about this?” Beta Bremer asked flatly, his expression unreadable.
“Of course,” Alpha Pascal replied with his practiced smile. “She is my lawful daughter, and by decree, she qualifies as a tribute.”
Beta Bremer said nothing further. He returned to his vehicle and retrieved his phone. My heart began to race as I watched him speak to someone. It could only be the Lycan King. I held my breath, silently hoping he would refuse me.
After what felt like a long time, Beta Bremer came back, his expression still unreadable, and then delivered the words that crushed the last bit of hope inside me.
“The Lycan King expresses gratitude to the Icefur pack for honoring the treaty. He accepts the tribute,” Beta Bremer declared.
I saw Aria and Rhea broke into applause, delighted.
“No… no, this can’t be happening,” I whispered under my breath.
“We will depart now, Alpha Pascal,” Beta Bremer said. “Bring her to the vehicle,” he instructed his men.
“It is always a pleasure doing business with you, Beta Bremer,” Alpha Pascal said smugly.
Beta Bremer’s eyes darkened. He ignored the handshake Pascal extended, his expression filled with silent disapproval.
Alpha Pascal quickly withdrew his hand, pretending not to notice the scorn. I turned toward him one last time, silently begging him to reconsider. But all I received was a grin that chilled me to the core.
“Ma’am,” one of Bremer’s men said respectfully, breaking the silence.
I exhaled heavily and followed them. My steps felt weighed down as I moved toward the car, each one echoing like a warning drum of my uncertain destiny. Beta Bremer signaled for me to sit in the front passenger seat, and I obeyed quietly. He took the driver’s seat while his men settled behind us.
I remained silent throughout. My mind was overwhelmed. I had believed the king would see through their deception, but I had been wrong. Was this truly my fate now?
After a while, I noticed we were not heading toward the palace route. My chest tightened as dread crept in. Something was off.
“Where are we heading to?” I asked, my voice trembling.
Beta Bremer gave no reply. His eyes stayed fixed on the road. My fear deepened until my hands began shaking on my lap.
Have they uncovered Alpha Pascal’s lies and decided to kill me instead?
Is this where it ends for me?
- Writer
