Serephina's POV
Pain.
That was the first thing I felt when I woke up. Sharp, throbbing pain everywhere—my head, my leg, my wrists, and even in the places where it shouldn't be hurting.
I looked around and wasn't surprised to find myself in the familiar dungeons, chained up like some kind of wild animal. After the attic, this was my second bedroom. The stone walls were still the same, damp and cold, while the iron bars looked strong and sturdy.
What surprised me was that I was still alive.
I couldn't believe Alpha Adrian hadn't killed me yet. I mean, I was an Ashford. He should've snapped my neck the moment he figured out who I was. So why was I still breathing?
Was his stone-cold heart showing mercy? Or maybe he was going to kill me after I woke up?
I'd heard the rumors about him, the terrifying hushed words. How he loved to torture people until they begged to die. A shiver ran down my spine as I wondered exactly how he was planning to kill me.
At the same time, I looked down at myself. I was still wearing the same gown from the gala, barely hanging on my body after everything that had happened.
But I was barefoot and my leg was bandaged. I could also feel something wrapped around my head, too. Who had done that?
It surely wouldn't have been the pack doctor. That woman hated me so much that she probably would've injected me with something to speed up the dying process instead of helping me heal.
So, who had patched me up? Had it been Alpha Adrian? That made even less sense.
Just as I was thinking about it, I heard footsteps echoing down the corridor. I looked up and saw Lira standing outside the bars, smiling at me. There was that evil glint in her eyes that told me everything I needed to know.
Oh boy, I was about to be punished.
The sound of heels clicking against stone echoed through the dungeon as Lira stepped into my cell. Without warning, she hurled something at the ground.
Dust exploded everywhere, making me cough and blink rapidly as particles stung my eyes. When the dust settled, my heart dropped to my stomach.
There, lying on the cold stone floor, was my escape bag. The one I'd hidden under the bed, packed with the few belongings, food, and money I'd managed to save. Its content was spilled all around, just like my broken dream.
The color must have drained from my face completely because Lira's lips curved into a satisfied smirk. "Well, well. Someone's been planning quite the adventure, haven't they?"
I remained silent, my fist clenching subconsciously.
"Tell me, Red Moon Princess," she said, each word dripping with mock sweetness, "were you unhappy with our hospitality? Did we not make you feel welcome enough?"
I hung my head, tears forming in my eyes. Not because of what she said, but because I failed. Last night was my only option for escaping this pack, and I failed miserably.
Seeing my silence only made her sneer. "Did you really think you could run away from here? People who are born as slaves die as slaves. There's no escape from your fate, no matter how much you dream otherwise."
My throat felt tight. If I hadn't run into Alpha Adrian, if that rogue hadn't appeared… maybe I would already be far away from here. Maybe I'd be free.
But I kept those thoughts locked away, knowing that in my current situation, keeping my mouth shut was my only protection.
"What's wrong?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. "Why are you silent? You had plenty to say last night at the banquet. Where's all that fire?"
I flinched internally. God, if I'd known I'd end up back in this cell, I would've kept my mouth shut and endured whatever she threw at me. But it was too late for regrets now.
"Actually, let me share the most delicious part of all this." She stopped directly in front of me, eyes gleaming wickedly. "You do know that Alpha Adrian is your mate, don't you?"
I kept my gaze fixed on a piece of stale bread near my feet, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
"I asked you a question!" Lira's voice turned sharp with anger.
Before I could react, her heel came down hard on my fingers. Pain shot through my hand like lightning, making every nerve scream. I couldn't stop the cry that escaped my lips. I yanked my hand back, cradling it against my chest. But she wasn't done.
Her fingers tangled in my hair, yanking my head back so violently that pain exploded across my scalp. Tears sprang to my eyes as she gripped tighter.
"When I speak to you, you answer. Understand?"
"Y-yes," I gasped.
"So tell me—are you excited? Does knowing the most powerful Alpha in the territories is bound to you make your heart flutter with hope?"
"No," I whispered.
She released my hair abruptly, looking pleased with herself. "Good. For a second there, I thought you might start believing you're special now. That this mate bond nonsense actually meant something. But it seems you're smarter than I gave you credit for."
Suddenly, she crouched down until we were eye level and sneered, "Here's some free advice, princess: never dream about things you'll never have. It just makes reality hurt more."
I nodded slowly, never looking up at her.
"Excellent." She straightened up, smoothing her dress. "Now, aren't you curious why you're still breathing?"
I hung my head, unable to meet her gaze, and nodded. "Y-yes."
Despite myself, I looked up. The question had been haunting me since I'd woken up.
"Oh my," Lira laughed, delighted by my reaction. "You are curious! Well, let me enlighten you. Alpha Adrian hates you so much that he wants the pleasure of killing you with his own hands. That's the only reason you're still breathing. Consider it an honor. Not everyone gets such personal attention."
The words hit hard. I should have expected it, but hearing it said so casually made my chest tighten with fear.
Since the day I was born, I have never had a good day. I was abused, mistreated, hated, and punished for a crime I never committed. And now, the great Moon Goddess—bless her twisted sense of humor—gifted me a mate who only desires to kill me.
Is this divine justice? Or just a cosmic joke at my expense? Because if it's supposed to be fate, then the Moon Goddess must really hate me. Or maybe she's just blind or cruel. Or both.
Meanwhile, Lira's expression turned darker, more hateful. She snapped her fingers, and immediately a guard entered the cell. My eyes widened in terror when I saw what he carried.
A whip.