Rain pounded against the cracked attic window, cold and relentless, but Evelisse hardly noticed. She sat on the thin mattress, knees to her chest, staring at the silver sliver of moon. The room smelled damp, moldy, and hopeless—just like her life.
"Evelisse!" The sharp voice of her stepmother, Seraphina, echoed from below. "Stop daydreaming and fetch more firewood. The floors are filthy, and the Alpha King's guests will see it!"
"Yes, Lady Seraphina," Evelisse muttered, rising. Her hands were raw from scrubbing all morning, but she ignored the pain. Every word, every glance from her family reminded her that she was nothing—a shadow, a burden.
Amara, her stepsister, sneered as Evelisse passed. "Careful, Evelisse. Try not to trip and embarrass yourself. That would be… predictable."
Cassian, her stepbrother, laughed. "She can't even shift, and she's meant to sit among Alphas. Pathetic."
Evelisse lowered her gaze. Arguments or protests only earned her bruises. Silence was her shield.
Her father, seated at the breakfast table, didn't even look up. "Keep her out of sight tomorrow," he said to Seraphina. "The Alpha King doesn't need to be distracted by… her presence."
Evelisse's chest tightened. Every day, every word, reminded her she was unwanted. She left the room quietly, dragging herself through chores, trying not to feel the sting of each insult.
By evening, the house buzzed with preparation. Evelisse had no gown, no jewels, only a threadbare dress given by a sympathetic servant. She smoothed her hair, tied it back, and stared at her reflection. The girl staring back was pale, thin, bruised—but her eyes held a spark Seraphina could never snuff out.
Tomorrow, she whispered. Tomorrow, I will be seen.
The grand hall of the Drayven estate gleamed with candlelight. Guests from distant packs arrived in silks and polished shoes. Evelisse's heart pounded. She felt every eye, every judgment. Then she saw him.
Drayven Kaelthorn. The Alpha King.
His gray eyes swept the room, landing on her. For a moment, her stomach dropped—this was the moment she'd dreamed of. Then he turned, cold and indifferent, scanning the crowd.
Evelisse swallowed the disappointment and moved forward, forcing her head high. She would not appear small.
The first dances began. Evelisse stayed near the edge, her hands clenched. Then, as if pulled by some invisible thread, Drayven appeared beside her.
"You will dance with me," he said, low, commanding.
Evelisse froze. His presence was overwhelming. She nodded, voice barely a whisper. "Yes… Alpha Kaelthorn."
He took her hand—strong, firm, demanding. For the first time, Evelisse felt alive. The music swelled, and they began to move across the floor. Each step, each brush of his hand, made her pulse race.
"Your form is… surprising," he murmured, his eyes sharp, piercing. "Most would cower."
Evelisse lifted her chin. "I do not cower." Her voice was soft but unwavering.
He smirked. "Bold. We shall see if it lasts."
The dance ended too soon. Drayven released her hand, his gaze lingering just a moment too long before he moved away. Whispers circled—some shocked, some amused—but Evelisse didn't care.
She had survived tonight. She had stood among Alphas, had held her head high, had danced with Drayven Kaelthorn himself.
But even as a small spark of hope flared, the shadows remained. Her stepsiblings whispered cruelly from the sidelines, plotting, judging. Seraphina's sharp gaze bore into her. And somewhere deep inside, Evelisse knew—this was only the beginning.
They may have broken my body. They may have belittled me. But I will not break my spirit.
The moonlight fell across her face as she slipped out to the terrace for a moment of solitude. Rain slicked stones reflected her pale features, but in her eyes glimmered determination. A storm was coming—not the one outside, but one she would bring upon her enemies, and perhaps even the Alpha King himself.
Evelisse inhaled the damp air, letting it fill her lungs. She was nothing to them. A shadow. A weak girl. But shadows could strike unseen. And the girl they mocked… would rise.
Author's Notes
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