Identity Swap
815 Words
**Chloe's POV**
That woman is absolutely insane!
Locked in the attic, I struggle incessantly, trying to free myself from the ropes. But it's all in vain. The guards outside the attic are watching my every move. If I make any progress, they burst in and tie me up again, even tighter the next time. Exhausted, I collapse against the wall.
Moonlight filters through the attic window, casting a serene, silken glow on the floor. The moon's presence reminds me that in a few hours, I will turn 18 and finally have my own wolf. According to werewolf tradition, werewolves can leave their original pack to find their fated mate, as long as they get Alpha's permission. This has been my dream, the thought that has kept me going through years of abuse and humiliation.
But now, it's all over.
As my dreams shatter, I sob uncontrollably, "Oh, Moon Goddess, please grant me a strong wolf, and take me out of this terrible place!"
"Maggie Colins!"
The sharp voice startles me, and I shrink back. Clearly, the Moon Goddess has ignored my prayers. I watch in fear as Maggie strides into the attic. She is now dressed in an gorgeous evening gown, her face half-covered by a lace mask, but I can still see the malice in her eyes.
"Getting used to your new name?" Maggie hauls me up from the floor, looking me over with malicious glee. "No worries, drink this. It'll help you get used to what's coming."
"What is this?!"
I struggle, trying to avoid the small bottle Maggie pushes to my lips. But my usual frailty is no match for her strength. She grabs my face and forces me to swallow the liquid inside.
"It's a special potion. Once you drink it, you won’t be able to move or speak. Don’t worry, the effects only last a few hours. After tonight, you’ll be back to normal."
I lunge at Maggie, but when I open my mouth, all that comes out are muffled sounds, "Mmm! Mmm..."
"Good. Now, let’s get you dressed, Maggie."
Escorted by guards, Maggie struts ahead, leading me into her room. As we enter, I see Victoria sitting there, looking anxious. "What took so long?"
"Don't worry, Mom. Everything is going as planned." Maggie dismisses her mother’s concern and opens her wardrobe, hesitating before picking out a dark green gown and handing it to a maid. "Here, put this on her."
"Wait." Before the maid can take the dress, Victoria stops her, frowning. "She is representing you, Margaret of the Colins family! And you expect her to meet Alpha Alexandra in that? Ridiculous!"
"Then what do you suggest?" Maggie pouts, clearly displeased. "The rest of the dresses are brand new, I haven't even worn them myself. I don’t want this bastard in them!"
"These are just dresses, no matter how fine. Do you want Alexandra to see through our ruse?"
"I..." Maggie thinks for a moment, then glares at me as if all of this is my fault. "Fine. Let the bastard has it."
"Good girl." Victoria looks at Maggie with a satisfied smile, then picks out a dull, dark yellow gown from her wardrobe, one that looks even more ugly than the one Maggie chose.
"Oh, Mom, that’s—"
"Put it on, Maggie." Victoria’s command wipes the smug smile off Maggie’s face.
"This rag of a dress is for me?" Maggie stares at her mother in disbelief. "What about her?"
"She will wear the gown you have on now. Change into this dress."
Victoria's authoritative tone leaves no room for argument. Reluctantly, Maggie removes her expensive evening gown, a pure white dress encrusted with countless sparkling crystals, like stars in the night sky.
This is something I could never dream of owning, yet now it’s on me in the most undesired way.
After the dress swap, Maggie steps in front of me, her expression full of contempt and hostility. "You better not mess this up," she threatens.
"Now, remember the roles you’re playing," Victoria sternly reminds Maggie, casting a disdainful glance at me. "Tonight’s dinner is a masquerade. You and Chloe are seated next to Alpha Alexandra, while your father and I will be as far from you as possible. Remember, once Alpha Alexandra publicly announces the engagement, there will be no turning back."
"And you, Chloe, you will take my place and marry Alexandra. Finally, you’re not entirely useless." Maggie taunts me with a vicious smile. "You should thank me and my mother. Otherwise, a person like you would never marry an Alpha, even if he is a cruel and ugly monster! Hahaha!"
These vicious women!
Unable to speak, I can only glare at Maggie and Victoria with hatred, but it accomplishes nothing.
Maggie sneers, puts her mask back on, and instructs the maid, "Put the most lavish mask on her. The dinner is about to start."
- Writer
