Chapter 4

Violet’s pov

I had only heard stories about Alpha Ethan, takes that were out of whispers and gossip. The maids, the market people, the pack men and women… but never had I witnessed his cruelty firsthand. 

Blood smeared his face and his naked upper body and he smiled through it like it was nothing. His eyes held the testament that he was nothing more than a murderer. 

I thought that incident was the worst until he grabbed my arm and took me with him. When I cried he told me not to worry that in his hell, tissues were free of charge and I could cry whenever I wanted. It took me a ridiculous amount of energy to not stab myself with my hairpin.

“Will you stop sniffling?” The guard that rode with me gave me a glaring look and I pursed my lips. 

My hands trembled against my laps even when I tried so hard not to let it show. 

“Acting all tough won't get you anywhere,” the guard said. “Alpha Ethan is not your father. If you try anything funny, he'll kill you.”

Those words sent a shiver down my spine and I cupped my hand over my mouth. I was going to meet my end.

I swallowed a sob and my shoulders shook. I was going to die and no one would notice. Father won. He won.

“Someone, please help.” I sobbed quietly in the carriage, hoping that some kind of miracle would occur. 

I was glad I didn't ride with Alpha Ethan. He wouldn't have the stomach to put up with me. Maybe, he would've even killed me out of annoyance.

Our carriages arrived at the BloodMoon pack. It was very different from what I had expected. The market streets were wider than our pack home. Children of different ages played with each other. There were smiles on their faces even that of the people. But when the carriages passed by, all activities halted and they bowed in reverence for the Alpha. I guess they remembered they had a leader who ruled with an iron fist. 

The carriage passed by and my eyes met that of a little girl's. Her eyes went round and she tugged the dress of the woman standing next to her. The woman looked and immediately bowed her head, urging the little girl to do so. Did they already know of my arrival? I wondered. 

The carriage ricketed to a stop signalling our arrival at the packhouse.

The guard pushed the door open and came down. Then he held out his hand to me, “My lady.”

I was stunned. Wasn't he threatening me a few minutes ago?

Regardless, I took his hand and he helped me down the carriage. When I came down, I realised Alpha Ethan had been watching from his carriage.

Without sparing me a second glance, he walked away. 

The guards moved to their respective positions, leaving me alone in the courtyard. 

“Umm…sir…” I called out to one of them but he ignored me.

Another looked away before our eyes even met.

Why were they treating me like this? Was I going to be ignored for the rest of my life?

I heard footsteps behind me and froze in shock. Someone was calling. The moment I whipped around to see who it was, a lady's arms wrapped around me.

I was taken aback but she hugged me tighter. Just then she pulled away and cupped my face.

“Oh, you look so lovely, darling.” She beamed me a smile. Something no one had ever done. 

Tears filled my eyes and I hugged her again.

“Aww. It's going to be alright, dear.” She palmed circles on my back.

I suddenly felt chills and pulled away. Someone was behind me.

“I see you already have a liking for the radiant Lady Maria.” The guard that rode with me said.

The Lady Maria in question, smiled again. “Oh, you don't have to say that, Sir Adam.”

Sir Adam draped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her close. “Why not? Is it now a terrible thing to complement my wife?”

Wait. What? They were husband and wife?

Lady Maria pulled away from Sir Adam. “Stop. Someone might see us.”

Well, I was looking at them.

Sir Adam's eyes fell on me and he furrowed his brows as if remembering I still exist. “You're still here.”

Lady Maria took my hand. “Now, come on, dear. Let's show you to your room.”

“Don't take your time, Lady Maria.” Sir Adam called behind us.

Lady Maria turned to give him a wink. “Don't wait for me.”

While Lady Maria walked me to my chambers, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. Her husband was indeed correct when he had called her radiant. She exhibited that quality. From her hair as bright as the sun to her beautiful smile to her fair skin. She was every inch a lady.

“Here we are,” we stopped before a door flanked by 6 maids - 3 on each side.

“This is where you’ll be staying, Your Grace.” Lady Maria bowed and the other maids joined her.

“Why did you call me that?” I asked shyly.

“You're the Alpha's bride and future Luna of the BloodMoon pack. Of course, you deserve the title.” Lady Maria smiled.

She gave a signal to one of the maids and they pushed the door in. 

“This is where you'll be staying, Your Grace.” Lady Maria stepped into the room.

I gasped in awe. Everything here was polished marble. I had thought he would make me stay in the workshed like I used to back at home. Tears filled my eyes as I looked at the room. There was a four poster bed polished in dark mahogany, a golden mirror standing amongst other trinket boxes in the dressing table, fancy couches and wardrobes the size of my workshed room. It was amazing to take in all the luxurious items I laid my eyes on. 

Lady Maria stood before me and the maids joined behind her. “To introduce herself formally, my name is Lady Maria, head maid of the servants in the East Wing. This is the East Wing while your husband, the Alpha, resides in the West Wing. We are at your service, Your Grace.”

“Your Grace.” The other maids bowed their heads.

My feet were rooted to the floor. This was too much to absorb.

Lady Maria must've noticed my distress, she told the maids to take their leave and it was just me and her.

“I know there's a lot to take in but you'll be fine if you behave well.” She said,

I furrowed my brows. “If I behave well?”