Chapter 1

Violet's pov

The man who gave me life wishes I'd never been born — all because I took my mother's life. I'm the reason my father's heart is broken, his love for me replaced by hatred and the price was my mother's life. 

How did it all start? It all began the very day I was born.

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“Oh, Melanie,” Mrs Winston brushed the frills on the waist of Melanie's pink dress.

Her eyes were filled with envy but she masked it with a smile. Everyone hated Melanie including her own friends. Why? Because she acted like she was the queen. Well, in a way, she was.

“Isn't this wonderful?” Melanie gave a 360 twirl for Mrs. Winston and all her friends to see. 

“Perfect.”

“You look every inch a Luna.”

“Oh, your husband will swoon when he sees you in that dress.” 

“You're on fire, Luna Melanie.”

They all clapped and sang her praises but when she looked away, they sneered and hissed amongst themselves. I saw what was going on but I dared not speak or else, something terrible would happen. 

“Violet, dear,” Melanie called for me.

“Yes, ma'am.” I answered as I ran to her side.

“Fetch.” She pointed at her kerchief on the marble floor.

I scrunched my eyebrow. It was right beside her shoe.

“You don't want to pick it up?” Melanie quirked an eyebrow. She was trying to pull my legs.

“Hey! Pick that kerchief up. It's worth more than your life!” Mrs. Winston chimed in.

Her friends supported her. “Yeah. Pick it up!”

Only one of them said otherwise. She had been quiet since the fitting started. Her paper fan was slapped closed and she lifted her eyes to meet mine. 

“Isn't that the cursed child that killed her mother? Aren't you all terrified she might kill you all?” The look in her eyes was unreadable but I knew she didn't mean any good intention towards me. Afterall, she was Melanie's second in command, Aurora

Melanie gasped in shock. “Oh, thank you so much for reminding me. Get out of here, you evil child.” 

“I’m sorry, ma'am.” I bow to her before turning to leave. 

As I waited in the lavish corridor, I was told by one of the dressmakers to run errands for her. When I returned, another made me oil her sewing machine. Something I had no experience in. While I worked for them which I don't officially, I heard the usual whispers I've been hearing since I was born. 

“Isn't that Alpha Stephen's daughter?” A woman whispered.

Her partner hushed her. “Shh. Don't let him hear you… The Alpha sees her as an abomination and not his child. She did kill her own mother after all.”

“The former Luna was in good health. She was such a radiant beauty…until that spawn was born and took her life.”

“Don't worry. Karma always returns to those who do evil. Her day of atonement is coming.”

I lifted my eyes to meet theirs and the lady in front of me slapped me. 

“Did I tell you to stop oiling the machine!” She barked about doing it again until a voice interrupted her.

“Lay that hand on my sister again and you'll lose it.” came a deep masculine voice I loathed.

Apart from my father and step-mother, Melanie, the hatred I had for Jayden was something I couldn't give a name. In the grandest scheme of things, I despised him. 

When he loomed near, I nearly vomited. He could never hide the lustful look in his eyes to save his eyes.

“Leave us!” He yelled at the seamstress and the others hiding by the door, joined her outside.

Jayden crossed his arm over his chest. “So… this is what you've been up to.” 

I poured more engine oil into the machine and moved the pedal with my left bare feet. I don't wear shoes because dad believed a cursed girl like me didn't deserve anything.

Jayden placed his hand on the machine head. “Violeta, I'm talking to you.”

“I want you gone!” I wanted to scream it at him but I couldn't. Not after what happened last time. Just a week ago, on the Moon day, Jayden snuck into my bedroom, demanding my presence in his room at once. I remember slamming the door so hard it jolted Melanie and father from sleep. When they asked what happened? Jayden lied to them. He said I had invited him over for lunch and locked the door to my room so I could have my way with him. Like the idiots they were, they believed him and I was locked up in the work shed , working endlessly. I was just released today.

“Violeta,” Jayden leaned his face in. “I protected you. Why don't I get a kiss for saving you?” 

I rose to my feet and retorted sharply. “I didn't ask for your help.”

He caught my arm as I reached for the door. “You're not going anywhere, bitch!”

Before he would shove me on the floor, I kicked him in the groin and ran away. 

Just then I heard Melanie's whiny voice call for me. “And where is she going?” 

I froze mid-way. 

“Come with the shopping baskets or do you think I should be the one to carry them?” She narrowed her eyes at me.

I shook my head. “No, ma'am. I apologize.”

“Keep your sorry to yourself,” She rolled her eyes at me. “Come on, ladies.”

Her friends walked out of the room. All of them not forgetting to give me a quack on the shoulder. One of them even pushed me. It was Aurora. Her calm nature can fool anyone. Little do they know that she's a monster underneath that facade. 

“I apologize, my lady.” I made a bow as their retreating figure walked to their prestigious carriages. 

As usual, I was made to walk all the way to the pack house. 

Melanie’s friends decided to dine with her in the drawing room. They invited their husbands too. From where I stood among the servants in the passageway, I could inhale the putrid smell of tobacco and liquor. 

The double doors flew open and a roar of laughter poured out. The gentleman that came outside was Jayden. I had even forgotten about him.

My heart raced as he approached, his tongue licking his bottom lip. 

He stopped right in front of me and smiled. “You…”

I reeled back a step. His breath stinks. 

He caught my arm and yanked me close. I could feel death stares from some of the maids. They had a thing for Jayden. He had a killer face and a snake-like charm that seemed to fascinate them but the fun fact of the day is he would screw anything in a skirt. And it's not limited to blood relations. 

“What do you want?” I hissed at him.

“Father wishes to see you.” 

I hated being summoned by my father. It never boded well.

"Violeta, come here!" Father ordered harshly.

I hesitated, my feet felt heavy to lift but I knew better than to disobey my father.

I bowed my head low as I entered the drawing room. Every eyes watching me with narrowed gaze as I walked to where father sat.

“Yes, father. You summoned me.” I felt a lump in my throat.

"Yes…” Father sat up on his throne-like chair. “You are getting married, Violeta.”

The world went dark and for a second, I thought I went blind.