Rhea.
All I hear is my name, over and over again, like a broken record skipping on the same old tune. "Rhea, bring out the plates."
"Rhea, the bride's veil needs picking up."
"Rhea, there ain't enough spoons."
And the cherry on top? "Rhea, you're so darn lazy."
I'm practically pacing a marathon route between the palace and the wedding setup, with no finish line in sight. My poor body's screaming for mercy. Every step feels like I'm dragging lead weights, and my back's creaking like an old wooden floorboard. I've been at it since the crack of dawn, hustling back and forth like I'm the only one on the payroll. Finally, I manage to plop myself down for a second, but guess what?
"Rhea! Where's my tea?" Rosy's voice pierces through my skull like a jackhammer. I let out a heavy sigh, squeezing my eyes shut against the pain pulsing in my temples. Dragging myself upright, I shuffle towards the kitchen, wondering why on earth I'm the designated tea-fetcher when it's not even my job.
There are other servants for that, isn't there? And to add insult to injury, I'm supposed to be solely tending to Alpha Damien's quarters, not running errands for everyone and their cousin at this blasted wedding.
I made her tea nice and hot, placing it on a fancy tray alongside a freshly baked waffle, then toted it up to her room. When I stepped in, she was busy getting her hair dolled up before getting to her makeup.
"Here," I mumbled, feeling like I'd run a marathon, as I plopped the tray down on a nearby table. I started edging towards the door, but then she halted me with a snide remark.
"I didn't dismiss you," she sneered, giving me a look that could curdle milk. I swear, Rosy's probably getting a real kick out of all this.
I let out a heavy sigh and shuffled back, my hands hanging limply by my sides. My poor feet were throbbing so bad I could barely stand straight. "What else you want now, Rosy? I'm starving and tired. Haven't even had my breakfast," I grumbled, feeling the irritation bubbling up.
She looked at me like I'd just insulted her entire family tree. "So, now you're saying I can't give you orders? Just wait till Damien hears about this," she spat, shooting daggers at me with her eyes.
I let out another sigh and glanced away, feeling about as useful as a paperweight, just standing there waiting for the next command.
Rosy was happily chatting with the stylist, her laughter filling the room, but my mind was somewhere else. My heart pounded as memories of that night with Remus kept flooding back. The way he touched me, the way he whispered my name. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It felt wrong and right all at the same time. My hands trembled a little as I remembered the warmth of his embrace.
I glanced at Rosy, hoping she wouldn't notice my distraction. She was sipping her tea, completely unaware of the turmoil inside me. I wished I could talk to someone about it, but I couldn't bring myself to share this secret. What would they think of me? I had always been the responsible one, the one who never took risks. And now here I was, my mind consumed with thoughts of a man I barely knew.
I wondered where Remus was now. Was he thinking about me too? Did he feel the same way I did? A part of me hoped he was, that he missed me just as much as I missed him. But another part of me was terrified of seeing him again. What if he didn't care at all? What if it was just a meaningless fling for him?
But then, I blame myself. I had left without a word, without any explanation. I had been too scared to face him, too scared to confront my own feelings. Running away seemed like the easiest option at the time, but now I wasn't so sure. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face. Every time I tried to focus on something else, my mind dragged me back to that night.
"Rhea!" I jumped at the way Rosy just screamed my name. My heart raced, and I blinked rapidly until I felt calmer. "Y-yes..." I finally managed to say, letting out a sigh to steady my nerves. How long had I been lost in my thoughts?
"What are you, dumb? I said go get my diamond set from Damien," she spat out rudely. I looked around the room; it was filled with Rosy's maids. Again, I was not supposed to be working for her. I was only meant to clean the Alpha's room, but here I was, running errands for his rude and selfish fiancée or whatever she claims to be.
I sighed and began making my way out of the room, heading towards Alpha Damien's chamber. I hated the idea of coming into contact with him right now. I felt embarrassed seeing him after he humiliated me and forced me to accept his rejection so I wouldn't be his mate anymore. A sharp pain throbbed in my throat, but I swallowed it down and brushed the thought away as I entered his chamber.
The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles flickering, casting shadows on the walls. The air felt heavy, almost suffocating. I hesitated at the door, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear the sound of my own breathing, loud in the silence. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.
Alpha Damien was standing by the window, his back to me. He turned slowly when he heard me enter, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Memories of the last time we spoke flooded my mind, making me feel even more uneasy.
"Rhea," he said, his voice deep and cold. "What do you want?"
I forced myself to stand tall, even though I felt like shrinking under his gaze. "I'm here to get Rosy's diamond set," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "She sent you to fetch her jewels? How fitting," he mocked.
I bit my lip, fighting back the urge to retort. Instead, I stayed silent, waiting for him to give me what I came for. He took his time, walking over to a chest and unlocking it slowly. The tension in the room was palpable, each second stretching out endlessly.
Finally, he handed me the diamond set, his fingers brushing against mine for a brief moment. I snatched my hand back quickly, not wanting to feel any connection with him.
"Here. Make sure she doesn't lose it," he said dismissively, turning his back to me once more.
I left the room as quickly as I could, my heart still racing. As I walked down the hallway, I tried to calm myself, taking deep breaths. I didn't want Rosy to see how much this had affected me. I needed to be strong, even if everything inside me was screaming otherwise.
Returning to Rosy's room, I handed her the diamond set without a word. She looked at me with a sneer, but I didn't care. I had done what she asked, and now I just wanted to get away from her.
"Finally," she said, rolling her eyes. "You took long enough." She snatches the box off my hand and opens it. I watch her observing the jewelry set, smiling graciously. I felt the urge to roll my eyes but I fight it.
"Can I leave now?" I asked politely even though I was boiling inside. Rosy waved me off, and I sighed in relief and made my way out of the room. I went down to the workers' quarters to rest before heading home. Just as I was about to sit down, I was summoned by the head staff.
"The Alpha requests for you to be out on the event ground and help the other workers arrange the tables," she informed me and walked away before even hearing my pleas. They expect me to respond effectively without hesitation.
I felt my throat clog with tears, but I brushed that away and walked out of the room. I knew what they were trying to do, and I would not let them get to me.
**
The sky was a mix of pinks and purples, beautiful but doing little to calm my nerves. The air was cooler now, a slight breeze rustling the leaves of the trees around the area. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.
It's official: Alpha Damien married someone other than me. He married Rosy, the one person who always looks for any chance to look down on me. Something inside of me makes me feel like Rosy married Alpha Damien just to get to me, to annoy me and show me how much she could get whatever she wanted while I can't even get my opinions heard. But who am I to compare myself with her? Her father is the Beta of the Silvermoon Pack, while I am just an Omega who isn't even originally from this pack.
I was packing the plates from the tables while new ones were being set for the wedding event going on again. I was exhausted. I didn't even know how I got through the whole day with my feet sore and my body crying out in pain. I could barely keep my eyes open because they felt so heavy. "Rhea, pick up your pace," the head staff barked at me. I just looked at her and sighed, looking away.
The outdoor setting was filled with family, friends, and well-wishers, chattering and enjoying the evening while I was here crying on the inside. The tables were decorated with beautiful flowers and elegant tablecloths. The laughter and happy conversations of the guests filled the air, but all I felt was a deep, aching sadness.
As I moved from table to table, picking up dirty plates and replacing them with clean ones, I could feel the eyes of some guests on me. Some looked at me with pity, others with disdain. I tried to ignore them and focus on my work. My hands were shaking, and my legs felt like they were going to give out at any moment.
I glanced towards the head table where Alpha Damien and Rosy sat, surrounded by their closest friends and family. They looked so happy together, laughing and talking like they didn't have a care in the world. I felt a sharp pain in my chest, like a knife twisting in my heart. I quickly looked away, not wanting to see any more.
The head staff walked by, checking on everyone's progress. She stopped in front of me, her eyes narrowing. "Rhea, I said pick up your pace. We don't have all night," she snapped.
"Yes, ma'am," I mumbled, forcing myself to move faster. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I blinked them away. I couldn't break down now, not here, not in front of everyone.
I continued to work, my body aching and my heart heavy. The night seemed to stretch on forever, each minute feeling like an hour. The lights twinkled above us, and the music played softly in the background, but none of it mattered to me. All I wanted was for this night to be over.
I glanced up at the sky, the stars shining brightly. I took a deep breath, trying to find some small comfort in their beauty. I reminded myself that I was strong, that I could get through this. I had to. For my own sake.
"Rhea!" Rosy's sharp voice cuts through the air, demanding my attention. I reluctantly tear my gaze away from the sky and looked at her. Rosy's icy stare signals for me to come to her, undoubtedly to assign some menial task. I looked at Alpha Damien, whom I'd rather avoid after the humiliation of his rejection. He wasn't even looking at me. His attention was fully on his friends. He was smiling, laughing even while I was here still grieving what he had done to me. How stupid I was to ever think I could be the luna of a pack I don't even belong to?
With a heavy sigh, I start moving towards them, my steps weighed down by the anticipation of another demeaning chore. But as I approach, a sudden wave of dizziness washes over me, making it difficult to focus.
"Are you alright?" A deep voice interrupts my struggle, but I can't bring myself to look up. It sounds oddly familiar, sending a chill down my spine. Why does it sound so familiar? Before I can ponder further, darkness engulfs me, and I collapse, unconscious, leaving Rosy and her disdainful gaze behind.