Chapter 7

As I walked down the aisle, feeling everyone's eyes fixed on me. I had earlier promised myself that I would not cry. Instead, I would accept the repugnant fate that had been brought to my doorstep.

I saw the look of pity etched in their eyes as they stared at me. Losing both parents on the same day, to the person who calls himself my mate, was a hell of a pain, the kind of spin that I would never wish on any other person. Reynold stood beside me, his face filled with guilt and regret. I patted his back as I took the firelight from his hand.

I was about to light the fire when Dominic's presence interrupted me.

"What is a party without a king, huh?" he asked with delight buried in his voice.

"Oops! Sorry, I actually thought it was a party. I forgot it wasn't a happy but a crying day," he teased, taking a seat. A smirk was hidden at the corner of his lips and there was an unmistakable glint of delight in his eyes.

"Can you please... Please... Just for today, Alpha! I want my parents to rest in peace," I said in a trembling voice.

"Of course, yeah, of course, suit yourself," he chuckled and adjusted in his chair.

I turned on the gas light, throwing it over my parents' caskets as I watched them burn to ashes.

"Dad," I called out.

"Remember, back then in the garden how I always ran to you for protection when mom scared me with a mask? Yes, I was only five, Dad, and you always came to my rescue, teaching me different survival skills," I said in a cracked voice.

"But take a look at me, Dad, I'm scared and I have no one to run to anymore. Daddy, please come save me... I don't need your help from mom this time but from a real monster. I get your reasons now, Dad. You always told me that the perfect way to know your enemy's weak point is by staying closer to the enemy," I sobbed.

"Mum, I'm scared to hell," I said, my voice barely above a whisper and tried fighting back the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes.

"I will avenge your death, Dad, even if it's the last thing I do on earth," I said, unable to control my emotions as tears streamed down my cheeks. I moved backward, my eyes fixed on the ashes on the counter. My parents were no more, and I was left alone in the world to fight my own battles.

They all left the scene while I still stood staring at the quenched ashes. I packed them in a jar, handing them over to Reynold.

"I wish they find peace wherever the moon goddess decides to rest their souls," Derrick said, walking towards me.

"Shall we?" he said, dragging me forcefully into the palace gate. I struggled, trying to free myself from his grip, but he was too strong. The more I tried to break free, the deeper his claws buried into my skin.

We got into my chambers, and he pushed me onto the couch, giving me a deadly glare.

"I'm sure you know my rules, dear Luna. Well, if you don't, I would be glad to state them out for you. You aren't allowed to have guests except me, your Alpha, actually. I choose the meal you eat, and whenever you disobey me, you will be punished by starvation. You are to please me whenever I want, and you won't be allowed to go to school anymore; women stay at home and look after babies," he scoffed.

"And lastly, don't try committing suicide because I'm really sure that there is another punishment in hell for you," he smirked.

"Can I oppose something?" I asked.

"No, I give the rules, and I'm sorry to say there is no opposition. I'm your Alpha, and I own you and your entire pack. The punishment isn't just starvation for yourself but for your pack too. I'm sure you wouldn't like to watch your pack suffer for your silly mistake. How would your daddy feel?" he teased. I stared at him, boiling with rage.

"Don't bring my dad into this. Wolves like you should be wiped off the earth. Believe me when I say, I am going to kill you with my very own hands!" I threatened.

"Okay, kiddo! And please, do it hastily. You can't even free yourself from my grip," he said, bursting into laughter.

"I got the key to the dungeon," he added as he walked out of the room.

When I was finally sure he was out, I ran back to my bed, hugging my pillow tightly. Tears rolled down my cheeks as memories continuously flashed through my mind. I had the urge to yell angrily at him, but I was scared and needed to be careful about what I did. I was scared for myself and my pack.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I wiped my eyes in a second. I couldn't let anyone know I was weak; that would definitely ruin my plan.

"Come in!" I instructed, even though I didn't really mean it.

"Good day, Luna! The Alpha instructed me to hand these over to you," Reynold said, handing over a box of clothes to me.

I stared at them in disgust. They were too exposed for my liking, and I wasn't a fan of mini gowns. I rejected them instantly, laying back on my bed.

"I'm afraid I can't take this back to the Alpha. He might decide to punish you for rejecting his gift," Reynold said, sounding concerned.

"So you do care? You should have actually thought about my well-being before turning my parents in to his pack," I scoffed, still in the same position. I had mentioned forgiving him, but I couldn't get it off my mind that easily.

"I know I made a grave mistake by doing that. I also know that no amount of apologies can bring your parents back or cure the pain I caused you. I will just leave this at the door," he said, dropping the box in the corner of the room. He stole a final glance at me before leaving.