Lyra's Pov

"Thank you!" Devlin's voice suddenly sounded like that of a child, as she smiled innocently at Asher.

Her face lit up with satisfaction, a sinister smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She clasped Asher's arm tighter, reveling in her victory.

I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, as fear consumed me.

And just then, Asher walked away.

Devlin's steps echoed in the tense silence as she walked towards me, her eyes fixated on the tears streaming down my cheeks. Her lips curled into a sadistic smile, revealing the depths of her cruelty.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Devlin's voice dripped with venomous amusement. "Seems like our little servant girl has found herself in quite a predicament. Laying on top of my mate? How bold of you."

I tried to muster the strength to respond, to defend myself, but my voice faltered in the face of her relentless aggression. Fear coiled gripped me as I avoided her gaze.

Devlin suddenly laughed, her eyes staring at me with mockery "Look at you, you snake! Now you're shivering? But earlier you let yourself lay on the Alpha as if you were his mate!"

My lips pursed for a moment-

'I am his mate!' But that was a truth that could make my life utterly difficult from how it was now.

"You really thought you could get away with it, didn't you? Well, let me tell you something, Lyra. Actions have consequences, and you will pay dearly for your audacity, watch how I will make you pay during the hunt and for the rest of your life!"

Steven, sensing my distress, rushed to my side, pulling Devlin away from me. He looked at her and yelled, "What is your problem, Devlin? Why do you take pleasure in tormenting others? Is this your character?"

Devlin's laughter died down, and she met Steven's gaze with a wicked smirk. "It's just a little fun, Steven. Can't you handle a joke?"

But before Steven could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows, her presence commanding attention. It was my mother. She stood tall and defiant, her eyes locked with mine.

"Wouldn't that be such a pleasure Lyra?" Mother stared at me and smiled.

I nodded at her, begging her not to interfere, but when her eyes met mine, it was as though I could see through her soul.

She hated me, I've always known!

"You will leave with the Devlin for the hunt without any complains. Do you understand?" She glared at me.

Devlin's sinister grin widened at my mother's words, relishing in the control she held over me. She sauntered away, leaving me with a chilling warning. "Prepare yourself, Lyra. I expect you to be ready for the hunt when I return. And don't even think about defying me."

As I watched Devlin walked away, a chill ran down my spine. I thought I could finally breath, but then-

"How dare you?" My mother's grip tightened on my arm, "Lyra, I can't believe you would defy Devlin like that. Do you not understand the consequences?"

Tears welled up in my eyes. How could she not see the torment I endured?

She then grabbed my ears firmly, her voice dripping with disdain. "You will learn to obey, Devlin. She is the future Luna of our pack, and her words are the words of the Luna and Alpha. You will learn to submit to Devlin. Remember your place!"

Her words crushed my spirit, as she released her grip on me.

"Let's go home, you will pay for refusing Devlin!"

When I heard her words, I could no longer move my feet.

"I'm sorry mother!" I pleaded.

"Very unacceptable!" She instantly tugged my arm and dragged me away.

....

I walked in silence beside my mother, her grip on my hand firm as though I would run off if she let go.

We reached our home, and instead of the little peace that most people feel at home, all that hovered my heart was fear.

I was afraid!

I didn't know what punishment awaited me.

As we entered, my mother's voice boomed through the quietness.

Her voice softened slightly as she continued, "You need to learn the importance of obedience, Lyra. It is not just Devlin's command but the will of the Luna and Alphas. Your defiance cannot go unpunished."

Without another word, mother led me to the bathroom. As much as I stared on the floors or the seater, it was quirky clean.

I had scrubbed had just before the Alpha fight ceremony.

"Clean this bathroom, Lyra. Let it serve as a reminder of the consequences of your actions."

I nodded again, silently accepting my punishment. I set to work, scrubbing the surfaces.

She stood behind me, making sure I was scrubbing twice as hard even though the bathroom was neat.

Once the bathroom was scrubbed to her satisfaction, mother's voice cut through the silence again. "Now, sweep the compound. Leave no leaf unattended, no speck of dirt untouched. You must show that you understand the importance of obedience."

I walked outside, and once again, there was not a speck of dust. Tears dripped down my eyes, and I swallowed the painful sounds of my moans as I collected the broom from her.

The sound of the bristles against the ground echoed in my ears, drowning out my thoughts.

It was sunset...

Hours had pass as I diligently carried out my tasks, my body aching and my spirit weary.

But the worst part was, I haven't had any meal or rest on preparation for the hunt.

'Is that her plan?' I couldn't help but wonder.

Minutes later she walked to where I was with a basket of meals and fruit.

The fruits in the basket was a extra making me doubt if they were for me.

"Come over here dimwits." She scowled.

I rushed to where she were. She looked at me scornfully and said, "Take a shower."

In no minutes I was done and I quickly wear a pants and sleeves of same material, and held a veil and a mask, because rushing out.

I was starving...

"You see these, they are for Devlin, make sure she eat everything. Don't you dare take any from it, I will specifically ask her."

"Mum, is there any meal in the kitchen for me?"

"There is no such you fool! Take this and leave."