"Fate has a cruel sense of humor. Stay longer, and you will find out why."
— Murasaki Sumi
020.
Two days later...
It was the day of the ceremony.
Seyra couldn’t believe how fast everyone had forgotten about Mira. It was like only she and Ruth really cared.
For two days, she’d stayed by the place where Mira was laid to rest and cried her heart out. Countless times, she couldn’t bring herself to accept that Mira was gone.
And it hurt so bad.
It still did.
But everyone was focused on tonight’s ceremony, fussing and gushing about how they wanted everything to be perfect, how they wanted to be Astrid’s personal maids once she came to the palace, how her chamber was already decorated to her taste, and how nothing must absolutely go wrong.
It was disgusting.
Seyra didn’t know when she gritted her teeth in annoyance.
"You’re spacing out again," Orin’s voice cut through her thoughts. "This is the third time today."
Seyra gasped and bowed her head. "I’m sorry, Alpha." she whispered and went back to cleaning his desk.
Orin watched her, his eyes narrowing through the mask. Something was different about her. He’d noticed it since she returned from the shelter, but today, it was more obvious.
There was something about her; an aura she emanated that signified a desire to fight. And these last two days, he had watched it slowly turned into rage.
He could feel it radiating off her like waves, and it made Ashe growl in a way that unsettled him, like Ashe was answering to that rage inside her.
It was a miracle Ashe hadn’t gone feral yet.
He usually did when he sensed rage or violence from someone.
Orin tilted his head. This girl was strange.
He stood to his feet and walked to where she stood. Seyra stiffened when she felt him behind her.
"Did anyone hurt you?"
Seyra’s hand froze on the desk. She turned, her golden-hazel eyes meeting his icy ones. "No, Alpha." She bowed.
Orin didn’t believe it. "I won’t ask a second time."
Seyra bit down on her lower lip to keep herself from crying. "Permit me to ask you a question instead, Alpha." Her voice trembled.
Orin nodded.
"Is it really true that you know everything that happens around the palace?"
Orin stared at her, shocked by her question. "Yes."
"Then perhaps you already know that I lost a friend." She looked up at him and forced a smile. "I’ve been hurt because of that. She died trying to protect me, and I was so useless I couldn’t save her in return."
Seyra didn’t know why she was telling the Alpha this. But maybe a deeper part of her wanted him to help. Perhaps, she was still clinging to the last thread of hope she had and wanted him to help her fight. Make Garrick and Roan pay for what they had done.
Orin walked back to his seat and crossed his legs over each other, his face a mask of pure indifference. He tapped his finger on the armrest and spoke in a neutral tone.
"People die all the time, Little Maid."
Seyra turned to look at him.
"It is part of life. Life is fleeting. One day we breathe, and the next, we return to the earth."
Seyra’s fingers tightened around the cloth in her hand. "She was killed," she said, like that would make him take back his words.
"Many are."
"And that’s all? Just like that?" Seyra asked softly.
Orin tapped a finger against the armrest again, already getting annoyed. "What answer are you looking for from me?"
Seyra swallowed. "I thought..." She stopped herself.
"What did you think?"
She laughed softly, but there was no joy in it. "I thought powerful people protected others."
Silence settled between them. For the first time, Orin did not immediately answer. Then he sighed and said, "The world is not as kind as you wish it to be."
Seyra lowered her head. "You’re right, it isn’t."
She understood that now.
At this point, she knew the people who had the power to make those murderers pay wouldn’t do anything. She was going to do it herself. If they wouldn’t help her, she would find a way and make them pay herself.
Orin watched the different emotions cross her face all at once. When she was done puffing and frowning, she turned to continue her work.
"Enough cleaning for today," Orin said. "Go join the other maids in getting the grand hall ready for the ceremony."
Seyra nodded without saying a word. She walked right past him and out of the chambers.
Ashe growled.
"Easy," Orin cooed. "I know. But she has to learn on her own. I don’t dish out lectures to little girls."
Ashe growled louder this time.
"I’m not Prince Charming, Ashe. What were you expecting? That I hug and pat her on the back then tell her everything would be fine? Nothing is fine in this part of the world." Orin cut off the mind link, his gaze still fixed on the door she’d just walked out of.
The minute Seyra stepped into the hallway, Ophelia was in front of her before she could even blink.
"Are you done with your work at the Alpha’s chambers?"
Seyra opened her mouth to answer.
"That’s great. I want you and Ruth to go wait tables at the grand hall. Guests are already arriving, and I will not tolerate any slip-ups."
Seyra nodded with a sigh. "Yes, Head Maid."
"Ruth!" Ophelia yelled.
Ruth rushed to where they stood and bowed. "Yes?"
"Go wait tables with Seyra. No mistakes! No slip-ups! No arguing with the guests! You know what happens when these rules are broken."
Ruth nodded.
Ophelia snorted and left, leaving the two girls.
Ruth straightened and wiped her forehead. "I could really use a break right now."
"Me too," Seyra answered.
Ruth was quiet for a while. She looked around at the decorations and maids going around, trying to make sure everything was flawless.
She smiled sadly. "They forgot her so soon."
Seyra reached out and gave her hand a little squeeze. "But we haven’t. And that’s enough."
Ruth nodded with a smile.
"Seyra?"
Seyra froze, her blood going cold. Her chest did that thing where it tightened and squeezed like she was about to die. She turned, her eyes meeting those of her mother with her father in tow.
Salome chuckled. "Wow, Astrid was right after all." She sized Seyra up with her eyes. "You are alive, and you’ve lost so much weight."
Seyra rolled her eyes and turned to Ruth. "Go ahead. I’ll come join you."
Ruth nodded, taking one glance at Seyra’s parents before shaking her head and leaving.
Seyra stared at her mum, dressed in a gorgeous red gown. The gown basically hugged every part of her body and came down in tiny, beautiful waves.
Her eyes darted to her father, who was dressed in an expensive black suit.
They really came prepared for their daughter’s coronation.
"What do you want from me?" Seyra asked. "Selling me wasn’t good enough for you? You’ve come to do something much worse?"
"Quit being dramatic, Seyra," Salome scoffed. "If I had my way, I’d have preferred not running into you today. But you’re obviously a maid, and there is no doubt you would be serving the guests at the ceremony. It’s going to be really hard not to."
Seyra snorted and attempted to leave, but her father’s words stopped her.
"Have you congratulated your sister yet?" Bruce asked. "If you apologize to her for all the offenses you’ve committed, I’m sure she would have mercy on you when she becomes Lady Royal. She could even speak to the Alpha and make you her personal maid."
Seyra’s blood boiled. She opened her mouth to say something.
"Don’t," Red stopped her. "It’s not worth it."
Seyra took a deep breath to calm herself down. "Enjoy your evening," she said simply and walked past them.
Salome and Bruce exchanged confused looks. The Seyra they knew would have either cried, begged, or tried to defend herself. They couldn’t understand why she walked away, but they didn’t read too much meaning into it. Today was Astrid’s big day. They wouldn’t let Seyra ruin it for them.
By the time the moon came out, the ceremony was already in full swing.
The grand hall was filled to the brim with wolves from different packs and cultures. Nobles, powerful Alphas, warriors, merchants, elders, and influential families had all gathered for the occasion.
The hall had been transformed completely.
Golden decorations hung from the walls, red fabrics draped from the pillars, and hundreds of candles illuminated the enormous room. Long tables filled the hall, each one covered with expensive food, drinks, and silverware.
At the very front of the hall stood a raised platform.
And on it sat Orin.
The Alpha throne towered above the rest of the room, placing him in a position where everyone could see him. His black ceremonial clothes made him look even more intimidating, and his mask hid every trace of emotion from his face.
Beta Magnus stood a few steps away from him, dressed in his finest clothes.
Behind and around them were some of the most powerful Alphas and nobles who had come from neighboring packs. They occupied the seats closest to the throne, their presence alone making it obvious that they were people who mattered.
Further down were the nobles and influential members of Harlow Hades.
And at the very bottom of the hierarchy were the servants.
Seyra stood among them.
A tray rested in her hands as she moved between tables, serving drinks and food while trying not to draw attention to herself.
She walked past Astrid’s table, and Astrid grabbed her wrist.
"Look at everyone, big sister. They’re all here for me."
Astrid smiled brightly, turning her head slightly so Seyra could see the crowd behind her.
"Alphas, nobles, warriors..." She gave Seyra’s wrist a little squeeze. "Everyone important is here to watch me become Lady Royal."
Seyra stared at her hand around her wrist before slowly lifting her eyes to her sister.
Astrid’s smile widened. "I know you must be jealous."
Seyra almost laughed.
Jealous?
Of Astrid?
She’d rather chew grass.
Astrid leaned closer, lowering her voice so only Seyra could hear. "You could have had all of this, you know. If you hadn’t been such a disappointment."
Seyra’s expression remained blank.
Astrid looked her up and down, taking in her plain maid’s uniform and the tray in her hands.
"Instead, look at you." She laughed softly. "A servant."
Seyra’s chest tightened, but she refused to give Astrid the reaction she wanted.
Astrid released her wrist and straightened proudly. "You should be grateful I’m becoming Lady Royal. I’ll make sure you keep your position here. Maybe I’ll even allow you to serve me personally."
Seyra looked at her for a long moment. Then she smiled and said one word. "Congratulations."
Astrid blinked.
There was something strange about the way Seyra said it.
The word was sweet, but her tone wasn’t. It was mocking, almost amused.
Before Astrid could respond, Seyra gently removed her hand from her wrist and walked away.
Astrid scoffed and turned back toward the ceremony. She had bigger things to worry about. She would deal with Seyra later.
Seyra continued serving the guests, keeping her head down and her face expressionless. She didn’t care about the ceremony or the crown. And she certainly didn’t care about Astrid’s smug face.
She only wanted to finish her duties and leave.
After some time, the other maids came to take over her section. Seyra handed her tray to one of them and quietly retreated to the side of the room.
She stood among the other servants, finally allowing herself to breathe.
The entire hall slowly fell silent as everyone turned toward the front.
Serene stepped forward.
The pack’s priestess wore a long white gown decorated with beautiful silver patterns. Her blonde hair was braided neatly down her back, and a crescent-shaped pendant rested against her chest.
She stopped in the middle of the raised platform and looked around the enormous hall.
"Welcome, everyone."
Her voice carried effortlessly through the room.
"Tonight, we gather as one pack and as one people to witness an important moment in the history of Harlow Hades."
The crowd remained silent, listening.
"We welcome the Alphas, elders, warriors, nobles, families, and every guest who has travelled from near and far to stand with us tonight."
She bowed her head slightly.
"Your presence honors our Alpha and our pack."
A round of applause filled the hall.
Serene waited until it died down before continuing.
"Tonight is not only about celebration. It is about duty, loyalty, compassion, and the responsibilities that come with standing beside an Alpha."
Seyra’s eyes drifted toward Orin.
He remained seated on his throne, completely still.
"The Lady Royal is not simply a beautiful woman who wears a crown," Serene continued. "She is expected to stand beside the Alpha in times of peace and in times of war. She is expected to show compassion to the weak, offer support to those in need, represent the women of the pack, and carry herself with dignity."
Another round of applause erupted.
Serene smiled. "She must understand that her position is not a privilege to be abused, but a responsibility to be carried."
Seyra’s lips pressed into a thin line.
Responsibility.
She glanced toward Astrid.
Astrid was practically glowing.
"So, before we celebrate further, I’d like to call our pack’s new Lady Royal to come take her crown."
A guard stretched out a scroll to her, and she took it.
The hall immediately grew quieter.
Seyra’s stomach tightened.
Serene turned toward Orin and bowed deeply before turning to look at everyone.
"By the authority of the Alpha and before the Moon Goddess, we will now announce and crown the new Lady Royal of Harlow Hades."
The hall erupted into applause.
Seyra’s face twisted with disgust.
Astrid was already on her feet.
She looked absolutely prepared for this moment.
Her gown was a deep crimson that flowed all the way to the floor, fitted tightly around her waist before falling into layers of soft fabric that spread behind her like a royal train. Gold embroidery covered the bodice in flashy patterns, and tiny crystals were scattered across the sleeves, catching the candlelight every time she moved.
Her long hair had been styled into an elegant braided crown, with gold ornaments woven through it. A necklace of white diamonds rested against her throat, matching the earrings dangling from her ears.
She looked less like a woman attending a ceremony and more like a queen waiting for her crown.
Seyra balled her fists.
She was not going to watch this.
It was absolutely appalling.
She headed for the doors.
"Where are you going?" Ruth whispered, trying to stop her. "You’ll get punished if you leave."
Seyra sighed. "That’s better than watching this eyesore."
She kept going just as Serene’s voice became louder.
"Everyone, welcome the Lady Royal of Harlow Hades. And she is none other than..."
Seyra reached for the doorknob.
"Seyra Bruce."
Her fingers froze midair.
Her eyes widened. "What? Me?"
The entire grand hall went silent.
Astrid was no longer smiling.