Alpha's Divine Commandments

Chapter 9

After the evening in the garden, they separated Lilyan and me. Now the entire room was my own. Lacking the knowledge of her whereabouts, I worried. No more fun chatter as we potter around the rug, attempting to act like decent she-wolves. Lock two people in a room together for ages and the roots of friendship latch into you deep. I can't recount how many pack meetings I'd see her at, yet I'd never get to talk to her. Our families were friendly with each other and all, but it never felt natural until now.

The clock strikes three. Three am and three hours until the day begins. It's going to happen and I can't help but obsess over the worrying thoughts attacking my mind.

The Royal family's approval meant where the future would lead. What role would I take on? Would I be remaining here and become a 'Lady of the court' to be attended to and cared for as a representative of the South? Might I be told my wolf was strong and worth training up to mentor the future daughters to be born? There are too many possibilities to be laid out. The pressure feels like flipping a single card from a kings' deck.

However, many of us left were to be slotted off depending on how much potential we mustered. Eden Mercie. Age 20. Rank beta by birthright. Gifts include; overthinking, wandering, constant bed head, the ability to get into horrible positions, and hatred for anything tight around the midsection.

I was a shoo-in for Lady in waiting for sure.

Cursing myself for preventing a drift, I fall back into the covers, overlapping the duvet over me and hiding my face. The bastard who reported my disappearance surely loves to start a pity party. They found Zale in the medical wards rummaging through the supplies. The nurses all had laughed as he noted his search for moist tree suckling towelettes was unsuccessful.

My eyes shut, squeezing them closed tightly. I wait for the next two-strikes, attempting to fall asleep. All the nerves in my body on high alert, nothing would grant my wish to drift.

Pounding my head again into the pillow, I gave up and unraveled the covers. Slipping my feet out to dangle over the side, I sat up. The sun was barely awake, stars fading back to showcase a cloudy fog. It was freezing. One of the young didn't come to light my fire last night. Pressing my foot to the marble floor, I get out of bed. Now five am. No one was awake. It was utter silence.

I toss a few logs into the open fireplace. Scanning the top of the mantel for any way to light it. Bracing the chilly surface in the dim light, searching until my fingers find a stray pair of flint rocks. Chipping them against each other, the sparks enlightening a kindling blaze. Blowing air into the pit, feeding the tender creature's flames till it grew. I let the warmth radiate from it to heat my frame, rubbing my hands together.

It was oddly calming to be left alone. Turning my head around, I find a neatly selected gown hanging from the dresser. Shoes slide under the wooden closet and jewelry set out on the vanity. I was a doll in their eyes, ready to be molded into perfection. A beauty from the South so pure that the Mother chose me to bear her gift. The tradition spoke of a single soul so virtuous to be connected to their righteous Son. The one to carry on the Royal Bloodline for years to come.

Cineas' words of prayer came to mind. She desired this to be true for her only child, for eternal peace cannot be accomplished without the other. A mother's only wish for her young to thrive.

Inhaling slowly, releasing the oxygen as I step towards the washroom. Finding a few candles barely alive, the wax only an inch from the stand. Eyeing the empty tub, eager to submerge into the warmth. I twist the taps above the tub, filling the entire thing with steaming water. Untying my nightgown, the fabric falling off my shoulders and rippling to the floor. Stepping into the water, unbothered by the sudden jolt awakening my limbs.