Chapter 6 Apologies for the dogs

Emberlyn's account

"Thank you for saving me, mate," I rasped. Thane stiffened; I could hear his heart racing. I lifted my head to look at his face, and his eyes widened. Every instinct screamed at me to back away, but my body craved his touch. Foolishly, I tightened my grip on him-the biggest mistake of the evening.

Thane shoved me away with such force that I crashed into a flower pot in the garden. I winced in pain but didn't dare lift my head. I had seen this coming.

"Have you lost your mind, slave?" he barked, approaching me. "Do you think I came here to save you? Do you think you're worth that much to me?"

Yes, I knew he came to save me, but not out of affection. It was because he'd weaken if I weren't alive and by his side.

"Apologies, my king," my voice shook. His rejection planted an arrow in my heart, and the pain was suffocating.

"Keep your filthy apologies for the dogs," Thane spat. He looked around suspiciously before squatting in front of me, grabbing my hair to force my gaze to his. He lowered his voice. "Never address me as your mate again. Do you understand?"

I swallowed, my vision blurred by tears, my lips quivering. "Yes, my king."

Thane stood and averted his gaze. From his expression, I knew he was mind-linking someone. It wasn't long before guards emerged from the shadows to drag away the dead rogues.

I stayed on the ground, bruised and broken-physically and emotionally. The taste of blood in my mouth and the concoction from the rogue attack reminded me of my pathetic state.

Once the guards finished cleaning up, they escorted Thane back to the main castle. A rustle of footsteps nearby alerted me, and I quickly turned in the direction it came from, my heart pounding. "Who...who is there?"

I could see the heat from the person's body, and from their structure, I knew it was a female. "It's me, Lyra," my fellow slave and bedmate said, and I exhaled in relief. "Are you alright, Emberlyn ?"

I nodded weakly, not trusting my voice to betray the pain within me. Lyra was the only maid who ever showed me kindness in this cruel world.

She helped me to my feet, her touch gentle yet hesitant. It was known that anyone who dared to help me would be accused of pitying me, and Thane despised that. So, no one ever helped, even when I desperately needed it.

Lyra looked around before whispering, her tone full of concern. "What happened?"

I shook my head, forcing a smile, unwilling to share my humiliation and heartbreak. I didn't trust anyone enough to let them into my life.

Understanding my silence, Lyra guided me back to the maids' quarters, away from the prying eyes of the curious maids.

The shadows hid my tears as I collapsed onto my cot. The thick scent of despair mingled with the herbs Lyra used to tend to my wounds. Without my powers, I was almost human, slow to heal.

Lyra couldn't continue questioning me as she was summoned. I needed her silent comfort even though I couldn't tell her anything. That night, I cried myself to sleep, crushed by my mate's betrayal and rejection.

The next morning wasn't any better. I was jolted awake by cold water dousing my head, and I screamed out of sleep.

"Wake up, you useless wretch!" The sharp voice of the head housekeeper, Matilda, echoed through the room. "Your chores won't wait until noon."

I groaned, my head still reeling. "Housekeeper, it's not yet time for the king's meal," I complained, immediately regretting it as Matilda's cane struck my skin through the thin fabric of my dress.

"It's not yet time for the king's meal, but it's time for the Luna's bath," she scornfully replied.

I lifted my head, confusion etched deep into my soul. "I don't understand..."

Matilda's cane struck again, and I swallowed my tears. This was nothing compared to the horrors I had endured.

"You've been assigned extra duties," Matilda began, her hands crossed behind her back. "You're now the Luna's handmaid."

Her declaration hit me like a tidal wave, washing away my last shred of hope. The cruel irony of my situation crashed upon me-I was to serve the woman my mate had married. She held the position that should have been mine, and now I had to serve her. My heart clenched painfully in my chest.

"Get up, you useless wretch!" Matilda's harsh tone sliced through the air, and I stumbled to my feet, my body protesting the sudden movement.

She dragged me out, not allowing me to fetch my cane. As we neared the Luna's quarters, my mind raced with thoughts of the torment awaiting me. I knew Kaida well enough to expect nothing good from this.

The Luna's chambers were opulent, adorned with lavish decorations and the lingering scent of expensive perfumes.

Kaida sat regally on a cushioned chair, a smug expression on her face. Her eyes flickered with hatred and disdain as I entered.