A DAUGHTER OR A SLAVE?
CHAPTER 1
LYRIANNA’S POV.
The first thing I learned in Moonwhisper was how to stay quiet.
It was quite ironic that the only place which should seem like comfort for me was a cage. I always kept quiet because speaking only made things worse.
“Move.”
The command came with a shove. I stumbled forward, barely catching myself before I hit the stone floor. Sharp laughter followed immediately, one that my ears had grown accustomed to over the years, echoing through the training yard like it always did.
I straightened slowly, brushing the dust from my dress. The fabric was worn, thin at the edges, nothing like what an Alpha’s daughter should wear. But then again, nothing about me was what it should be.
“Look at her,” one of the warriors said. “Still pretending she belongs here.”
“I heard she tried to shift again last night.”
That earned louder laughter.
“Shift into what?” another mocked. “Air?”
I kept my head down, it was easier for me that way.
“Enough.”
The voice cut through the noise, and everything went still, apart from the chipping sound from the birds.
Alpha Stellan stood at the edge of the yard, his massive presence filling up the space. About 6 feet 3 inches, Cold and untouchable. His gaze swept over everyone before settling on me.
“Come here,” he said. I nodded immediately in obedience, walking towards him.
Each step felt like walking into something I couldn’t escape. His eyes didn’t soften, not even for a second. I wondered if they were capable of showing emotions
“Stand straight,” he ordered.
I straightened.
“Look at me.”
I hesitated, just for a second, and that was enough for the world to turn upside down.
His hand struck my face before I could react. The sound rumbled through the yard, as sharp pain bloomed across my cheek. I tasted blood almost immediately, but I didn’t raise my hand to touch it nor react at all.
I had learned that much already.
“You forget yourself too often,” he said calmly, like he hadn’t just hit me. “You may carry my name, but you have done nothing to deserve it.”
“I understand,” I whispered.
“Do you?”
His eyes narrowed slightly, as he asked me.
“You are a weak, wolfless and hideous creature. A stain I should have erased years ago.”
The words sent more pain through me than the slap. There was no getting used to the emotional torture regardless of how many times I heard those words.
“Yes, Alpha,” I said.
Not father, never that.
He studied me for a moment longer before reaching into his coat. I tensed slightly as he pulled out a small vial.
“Drink.”
I didn’t ask questions, he was in the best of mood and turning it sour wasn't in my books. I took it and swallowed it.
The bitter liquid burned as it went down, my stomach twisted, but I forced myself to remain still.
“Good,” he said, already losing interest. “At least you can follow simple instructions.”
Behind me, I heard the low murmurs again, the whispers and quiet laughter.
He waved a hand of dismissal.
I stepped back, retreating from his presence as quickly as I could without drawing attention.
The burning didn’t stop, it only got worse, spreading through my chest, intestines and veins. Like something inside me was being forced down.
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms.
Don’t react.
Don’t react.
Don’t…
“Lyrianna.”
I turned slightly at the familiar voice.
Sage stood at the edge of the yard, his expression filled with worry.
He wasn’t supposed to look at me like that, at least not here.
“Go,” he said quietly. “Before he calls you back. I will see you soon.”
I didn’t need to be told twice. I nodded, leaving the yard quickly, ignoring the stares that followed me all the way out.
The moment I was out of sight, I exhaled.
My chest felt tight, I pressed my hand against it, closing my eyes for a second.
“Lyrianna.”
I opened my eyes to see Sage behind me. He had followed me secretly.
“You shouldn’t have come,” I said immediately. “If Keir sees…”
“I don’t care about Keir,” he cut in.
That was a lie, everyone cared about Keir.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Did he give you another dose?”
I didn’t answer, but it told him all he needed to know.
Sage’s jaw tightened.
“This has to stop.”
“It won’t,” I said simply.
I was tired of giving myself false hope, no help was coming from anywhere. We both knew that.
Silence fell between us, until hushed voices close enough filtered through our hearing..
Sage reacted instantly, pulling me into the shadows just before the guards passed by.
“…tonight.”
“…the buyers are already waiting.”
“…Alpha Stellan wants it done quietly.”
My breath stilled, and Sage went rigid beside me.
“Are you sure?” one of them asked.
“Of course I am. Why else do you think she’s still alive?”
A long pause, and we thought they were gone.
“She’s being sold.” Another voice came.
The words hit like a blow. There was no need to mention names because even the palace slaves were treated better than I was. I was the sure bet in this situation.
“Better that than keeping a useless wolfless girl around,” the other guard muttered.
Their footsteps faded, and the silence around us grew. I couldn’t move, and breathing was becoming difficult.
Sage turned to me slowly.
“Lyrianna…”
I shook my head.
“No.”
My response came out weak.
It wasn't you…” Sage started. "No… they didn’t mean…”
“They did.” I cut in, sharply. “They were talking about me.”
I said, my emotional wall breaking down.
“I’m his daughter,” I said, the words sounding hollow even to me, as tears slipped down my cheek.
Sage didn’t answer. He was either too stunned or flabbergasted.
We both knew the truth, being his daughter had never mattered. It was unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
My chest tightened again, sharper this time and worse. I could feel every bit of hope and courage that got me going over the years breaking
One thing was suddenly very clear, I wasn’t just unwanted anymore. I was being discarded, and about to be sold like a piece of object that meant nothing.
“You have to save yourself, Lyrianna," I said to myself. "There is no redemption for you.”
