The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 8

Serena

“Wake up, you lazy whore,” Mathilde hissed, snapping me from my fragile dreams.

I fought to rise and demonstrate that I was alert and awake, but my efforts were in vain. Before I could respond, she dumped a bucket of ice-cold water onto my face, causing me to gasp and jolt upright.

Anger flashed inside me. I wanted to grab the empty bucket from her hands and smash it over her head. But that was just wishful thinking. As much as I wanted to defend myself then, how could I? I was wolfless and deemed to be the weakest because of it.

“It’s about time, you useless pig,” she uttered. “Get up and finish your chores. You will not eat unless you’re done!”

I got up from bed, still shivering from the coldness of the water. I began fixing my bed before heading downstairs to do what I was asked. Like autopilot, I silently took the broom and mop, started to clean the floor as if on autopilot.

Just then, Tori's voice boomed through the hallway.

"Mom! Dad! Where are you? I don't want to be late for my nail appointment. We're also going shopping for new dresses. Come on, now! We have a lot of things to do for my upcoming move to Blood Rose Pack!"

My heart bled in silence hearing that. If I knew, Tori intentionally rubbed the life she stole from me on my face. I held my breath, trying to control the surge of emotion coming from me. I won't give her the satisfaction of seeing me hurt and miserable. I'd rather die.

A few minutes passed, and the Beta couple descended the stairs. I caught Dad giving me a glance that I didn't pay attention to. He was no longer my father, so I should start treating him as my master. With that, I needed to remove all of the remaining emotions I had for him.

I watched in secret as I watched them walk away, happy about taking what was supposed to be mine.

With that, I went back to doing my chores. I had thought I was strong enough to resist what I felt, but I was wrong. Because after they had disappeared from my sight, drops of tears fell from my eyes like pouring rain.

"Serena…"

I must have been deep in my misery for me to not notice the servants gathering around me. Their eyes were teary as well, seemingly sharing the same agony I felt inside.

Without any warning, they all gave me a hug and cried with me. "We are sorry, Serena. If we hadn't cooperated with Madam Mathilde, she would kill our family. We never meant to betray you."

Whispers of regret filled the air as they apologized, offering some comfort amidst the darkest time of my life. Honestly, I had never harbored any ill feelings toward them. Just like what she did to me, Mathilde had taken advantage of their weaknesses. She certainly knew how to manipulate people into following her every bidding.

But that didn’t stop me from realizing that I needed to stand up for myself because no one would. I should stop expecting other wolves to help me with my problems. I needed to step up and help myself. Perhaps this was the reason why the moon goddess allowed Shey to live in another pack. It was her subtle way of making me realize how I need to fight for my own freedom.

And with that, a plan formed inside my mind.

*******

It was a dark and gloomy night as I kept moving, my steps hurried and tears streaming down my face. Despite my trembling legs, I pressed forward. The trees grew thicker in this direction. Heading south was my only option to escape from the pack where I'd left my goddess-forsaken life behind.

Thinking back on what had led me to this moment, a bitter smile formed on my lips.

I still couldn't believe my plan had actually worked. All the servants drank the juice I prepared laced with sleeping pills, putting them all in deep slumber that allowed me to sneak out and run. This clever trick allowed me to get away in the middle of the night. I never felt so proud of myself for executing this.

I had been running for almost an hour, which made me stop for a moment. This was already hostile territory for I know that I already passed the border of the Goldenridge Pack. Enemies could be everywhere and I must be vigilant.

A dry throat made me realize I needed a drink. Listening to the surroundings, a smile appeared as I heard water ripples from a nearby stream.

I hurried toward the sound and reached the riverbank soon. Leaning down, I used my hands to scoop water and quench my thirst. The water was refreshing, a small comfort amidst my turmoil. But at that moment, I felt another presence nearby.

Summoning the last bit of courage I had, I turned to look behind me, my eyes widening in response. Of all the things I might encounter here in the wild, why them?