The Next day.
Lily woke up feeling happy, remembering all that had happened yesterday. After the little incident in the market, Adrian didn't want their evening to be ruined by going back home, so he took her away from the crowded market to a much free road and they continued to enjoy the day; buying her sweets and treats.
Lily couldn't believe that she had gotten to enjoy such a day and watch the sunset. She knew she would never forget it.
She could also remember after they got back home and how Adrian looked deeply into her eyes and had wanted to tell her something. But before he could, the Alpha called him and he had to leave.
She quickly got up to prepare herself for the day. Today was the moon harvest festival, and everyone would preparing and celebrating in their homes by now. And maybe, Adrian could finally tell her what he had wanted to say.
By the time evening would come, everyone would then come outside and celebrate under the moon's gaze and grace, to give opportunities for the young wolves to find their mates.
But Lily never thought about finding her own mate, she was wolfless after all, so it would be a lot difficult to find her mate. However, she strongly believed that someone like her could never have a mate. Even if she did, she was sure that he would be disgusted with her just like everyone else, as superstition and fear continues to surround her.
So what was the point in searching?
The only thing on her mind now, was seeing Adrian again. Stepping out yesterday made her have a glimpse of her old life. It made her feel like she was back to her normal life as a daughter of a noble Alpha.
For the first time in years, she didn't cry herself to sleep. She couldn't help but smile remembering Adrian's words.
"Now that I'm back, I'll protect you and keep that smile on your face forever. I promise," he smiled as he stroked her hair with her in his arms.
She couldn't wait to see him today. However, she paused, noticing how he was beginning to cloud her mind and he was all she could think of. She quickly went out of the door, with her cheeks tainted in a blush of red.
Walking down the hall, she couldn't help but notice the sad gazes on some of the servants faces, and they were all heading to the main entrance. She wondered what was going on.
Until she saw the head maid and greeted her, "Good morning Mrs Jane."
"Hmm. Morning Lily, Aren't you coming?"
Lily seemed confused as she asked, "coming...for what?"
The head maid stared at her, stunned that she had no idea what was going on. Did she wake up late again?
She sighed before answering her question. "To see young master Adrian off…"
Lily froze, as it felt like time had stopped, she didn't speak for a couple of seconds, making the head maid wonder if she was really frozen.
Lily slowly looked at the head maid, wondering if she was just trying to crack a bad joke, very early in the morning. However, seeing the serious look on the head maid's face, Lily knew she wasn't joking, she never joked.
The head maid wondered what was going on with the girl. "I thought you of all people would want to see him off-"
The head maid hadn't finished speaking when Lily left her sight, dashing down the hall.
Lily ran fast barefoot, incredibly fast -not even knowing where or how she got the energy. All she knew right now was to confirm if it was true or the head maid had decided to pull her legs today.
Upon reaching the main entrance, she slowly opened the doors, her hands already trembling with the headmaid's words echoing in her mind. And as she did, the bright sunlight slapped her, making her squint.
She opened the door to see all the maids standing outside, including Alpha Jederek and his family. Her pace slowed down as she took steps forward. When she reached where the maids stood, she slipped in between them to see if it was true.
It was.
She really did see Adrian, by the carriage looking ready to get in. He looked at his family once more, with an emotionless face, but didn't even bother to glance at the maids; to search for her just like he did when he arrived.
After wishing his family goodbye, he entered the carriage and the carriage rode out of the gates... The gates were closed shut, and that was her last sight of him.
Lily's body shook, her legs even feeling wobbly. The maids had scattered to resume thier work, leaving her frozen on the spot.
She slowly looked up at the family, to meet the evil smile on Luna Valerie's face. A smile that didn't do so much in hiding the devious look in her eyes. Instantly, Lily knew that they had done something to make him leave in a hurry.
They just couldn't bear to watch her smile or be happy. And it seems yesterday was like the final straw for them.
Lily forced her legs to move, turning around to go back inside the house. Just as she turned, she heart Luna Valeria spit, "good riddance."
The Alpha stared at Lily's retrieving back silently even while his wife spat.
Lily slowly moved down the hall as she went to begin her chores, she was afraid of another beating if she didn't. She could hear the mocking laughter of Rose and the other maids but she ignored them.
When the calm noon came, as usual, she was called by Alpha Jederek to his chamber -to play the harp for him.
The head maid watched her leave the kitchen with her eyes dead of emotion and she shook her head.
"Poor girl, what has she done to deserve such a cruel life?..."
"May the heavens have mercy upon her and take her out of this misery," she whispered, glancing up above.
Upon arriving at Alpha Jederek's room, she entered with her head hung low as she bowed, before sitting down on the floor, in the middle of the room. Her legs crossed as she gently brought the harp, called the Elyria, to her laps.
While the Alpha sat on a chair beside the window, facing her with just a few steps between them. He stared at her without taking his eyes away as he signaled the maid who was massaging his shoulders to stop, and get out. The maid quickly bowed and left the room, remaining only the girl and her master.