Chapter 4
OLIVIA
Master's voice droned on in a language I couldn't understand, a rhythmic hum that washed over me like a lullaby. I dared not meet his gaze--one wrong look could spell disaster. The words blurred into meaningless sounds, dragging me into a haze of exhaustion until sleep swallowed me whole.
My eyelids drooped, exhaustion taking hold. The next thing I knew was something cold rushing all
over me.
I gasped as freezing water slammed me awake. Spluttering, I sat up, my mind reeling. The last thing I remembered was being in the car, lulled into sleep by exhaustion. Now I was surrounded by sneering faces, their eyes glinting with malice.".
Where was I? The last thing I remembered was the car. How did I end up in this room? Angry faces surrounded me, their eyes blazing with resentment.
One woman, towering over me, grasped a belt, her hand tightening around it. "Do you think you're special, sleeping in Master's car?" she sneered. "You're just a filthy slave, a plaything for him to use and discard."
Another joined in, bucket in hand. "You expect to wake up in a king-sized bed, right? You're not even worthy of a pallet on the floor."
A third chimed in, "Or didn't he tell you that you're here to be his slave? You're nothing but property, a piece of meat for him to enjoy."
They laughed, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "You're not even wearing panties. Such a shame. You're already a whore, aren't you?"
I tried to speak, to defend myself, but a stern voice cut me off. "A slave like you has no right to speak. You're less than dirt beneath our feet."
My eyes widened as they closed in. The woman with the belt took a step closer. "You're a disgusting, worthless thing. You'll do as you're told, or suffer the consequences."
Fear gripped me. What did they plan to do? Would Master intervene, or leave me to their mercy?
I pleaded, desperate to make them understand. "It wasn't intentional, I swear! I didn't mean to sleep in the Alpha's car. Please, forgive me!"
But they wouldn't listen. "You slept because you wanted to seduce the King," one of them spat, her eyes blazing with malice. "Forgetting you're just a mere slave."
I tried to protest, but a deafening slap silenced me. My ears rang, and for 15 agonizing seconds, I couldn't hear a thing.
When my hearing returned, one of them sneered, "If you think you're special after sleeping off in the car and being carried like a queen, it's a lie. The Alpha instructed a guard to drop you off like the slave you are."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I realized the truth. I wasn't special. I was nothing.
Another woman taunted, "You think you're above us, but you're just a plaything for the Alpha. And when he's done, you'll be discarded like trash."
I couldn't help it; a tear escaped, rolling down my cheek. I wondered if this would be my everyday fate. Was I doomed to suffer at their hands?
In my mind, I cried out for my parents, wishing I was back home, even with their torture. At least there, I was only tormented by three people. Here, over ten women mocked me, their faces twisted in cruelty.
As I pleaded with them to release my hair, the door swung open, revealing a stunning woman with brunette hair, styled in an elegant updo. Her piercing green eyes scanned the room, and her full lips pressed into a disapproving line.
She wore a tailored black and silver uniform, adorned with intricate lace and delicate embroidery. A silver pin on her lapel shimmered, bearing the emblem of the Alpha's household. Her presence commanded respect, and the women's faces paled.
The women quickly released me, backing away as the maid's gaze swept over them. I collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath.
The maid's eyes locked onto mine, and I sensed a flicker of compassion. She stepped forward, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
I trembled, still cowering from the women's cruelty, when the maid's voice stopped them cold.
"Do not move an inch," she commanded, her tone firm and authoritative.
The women froze, shaking visibly, as the maid's gaze swept over them. I sensed a ripple of fear emanating from them.
"Do not ever lay your hands on a fellow slave," the maid admonished, her voice dripping with disdain. "You are no better than her. You are both slaves, bound by the same chains."
The women nodded hastily, their eyes downcast.
""Next time I find you bullying another slave, I'll make sure your family's next gift is your head in a box." the maid warned, her words sending shivers down my spine. "Am I understood?"
The women nodded again, before fleeing like frightened birds.
The maid turned to me, her expression softening. "Stand up, child."
I rose, my head bowed in gratitude.
"I'm sorry for what you've endured," she said, her voice gentle. "You don't deserve it. You're just an innocent girl, sold by greedy parents. You must be strong and not let those slaves see your weakness."
"But miss, there are many," I protested, tears welling up. "If I shun them, they'll gang up on me."
The maid's expression turned stern. "Stop crying. I'll keep an eye on you. You won't be bullied."
I nodded, relief washing over me. Someone was finally looking out for me.
The maid handed me a small bag. "Take this. It's a gift, a token of appreciation for your strength."
I hesitated, but the maid insisted. "Accept it. Hide it in your bag and open it when everyone's asleep, so it won't be stolen."
I thanked her, my head bowed, and tucked the bag into my pocket.
"Follow me," the maid instructed, leading me through winding corridors.
We arrived at a door, and the maid pointed. "This is where you'll stay."
I nodded, gratitude swelling in my chest. "Thank you, miss."
The maid waved me off. "Rest now. You're safe."
I stepped into the humble slave room, surveying my new surroundings. A simple student-like bed sat against one wall, with a small wardrobe beside it. I opened the wardrobe, relieved to see my belongings inside. I tucked the maid's gift into the wardrobe, feeling a sense of security.
I lay down on the bed, letting out a deep breath as I steeled myself for the worst. The maid's kindness had given me hope, but I knew better than to trust it.
Just as I was starting to relax, a banging sound shattered the calm. "Open this door!!!" a male voice bellowed.
My heart racing, I leapt off the bed and approached the door with trepidation. What now?
I opened the door to find the maid, her eyes blazing with anger, flanked by three burly guards.
"This is the bloody bastard who stole the Alpha's expensive ring!" the maid shouted, her voice dripping with venom.
My eyes widened in horror. "No, I didn't! I swear!"
The guards stepped forward, their faces menacing. "You're a lying, thieving slave," one sneered. "You think you're above the law?"
The maid's expression twisted in disgust. "You're nothing but a common thief. How dare you betray the Alpha's trust?"
I stumbled backward, panic setting in. "But...but I didn't do it! I swear on my life!"
The guards insulted me, their words cutting deep. "Filthy slave, you're not even worthy of the Alpha's pity. You're nothing but a piece of trash."
The words hit me like a punch to the gut.
Stole the Alpha's ring? My mind raced, replaying the last hour, the gift from the maid... realization bloomed in slow, terrible clarity. I'd been set up.
"Wait," I protested, my voice shaking. "You gave me that gift, and now you're accusing me of theft? You set me up!"
The maid's expression didn't waver. "I don't know what you're talking about. You're just trying to deflect guilt."
The guards closed in, their shadows looming over me. My heart thundered in my chest as I clutched my arms, trying to keep myself from shaking. The maid's smirk was a knife, twisting deep into my gut. I had been foolish to trust her--foolish to think kindness existed in this place.
"The Alpha doesn't spare thieves," the maid hissed. "Rest in peace, thief."
The words echoed in my skull, cold and final. I was already as good as dead.