SERENITY

“Remember this! I will make you suffer until you beg for death, you wicked killer! I despise the air that you inhale with us. The silhouette you cast and the surface you walk upon! I strongly dislike the fact that I am unable to harm you physically due to your royal lineage. Or end your life so that I will never have to see you again!”

With a thunderous roar, my father yelled at me, his voice filled with sorrow, anger, and intense animosity. Fortunately, Ophelia managed to grab him.

“Alpha, you must avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself by physically harming her. The previous wizards I brought along have taken in all of her evil abilities. Someone from the group of sorcerers might visit today to see how she's doing," Ophelia muttered with a smile directed at my father.

I felt a surge of fear in my heart upon hearing her words. I can no longer endure the torment inflicted by her sorcerers, who seem to only engage in torture while pretending to rid me of demons.

“Go up there! Start doing your household tasks, you messy swine! You are responsible for my daughter never being late to school!" My father scoffed at me with a repulsive gaze that sent shivers down my spine.

The pain was intense, particularly because he no longer viewed me as his daughter.

‘I am your real daughter, dad.’ He recently referred to the beta's daughter as his own daughter.

After which, they both strolled off, with his embrace encircling Ophelia’s midsection as she rested against his shoulder. She looked back briefly and gave me a teasing smile, making me feel sick as I tried to hold back tears.

…..

“Hmm… Mom and Dad, I'm going to be tardy for school today because of that unhelpful girl, Serenity. I'm not sure why she’s…”

As I entered the dining room, I noticed Vivien, the Beta's daughter, complaining, but she stopped talking when she saw me.

The trio sat together at the table, and the scene evoked memories. It reminded me of how I used to sit with my mother and my father, who was once a great dad.

‘It was supposed to be us, sitting there together, eating and happily chatting.’

Everything had transformed rapidly. Currently, I fulfill the role of a maid, attending to their needs rather than joining them at the dining table. The daughter of the Beta has replaced me.

“Here are the dishes you ordered...” I softly spoke while bowing and handed it to them, silently hoping for the tranquility and stillness to persist until I departed.

I have asked the Moon Goddess for protection from harm, and it appeared that my prayer was granted when I distributed the dishes and prepared to depart.

“Serenity!” My father's chilling and terrifying voice echoed my name, causing me to stand still, overwhelmed with the urge to burst into tears.

I really want to be able to disregard him and leave. I really despise having to face Vivien and endure all the insults and physical abuse.

Still, I had no choice, so gradually, I twirled and approached them.

“Have a taste of this food first. I no longer have faith in you," my father commanded, and I fought back my tears while my face turned crimson.

I had completely forgotten that things have always been like this. They always considered me a suspect, even though the true culprit, Ophelia, is sitting right next to them.

Despite having assigned personal security to monitor me closely while I prepare meals, he still found ways to embarrass me and shatter my emotions.

I sampled a bit of Dad's meal, followed by a taste of Vivien's dish. But when I reached Ophelia, she shot me a cold, piercing look that made my hands tremble.

Trembling intensely, I grabbed the spoon and plunged it into her meal, scooping up a spoonful as well.

But as I was about to bring it to my mouth, she swiftly struck my hand with the back of her palm, causing the stew in the spoon to scatter across my face and directly into my eyes.

“Ahh! M-My… e-eyes!” I let out a loud cry of pain as the fiery sensation overwhelmed me, causing me to lose my footing and collapse onto the floor.

“Help!” I closed my eyes immediately while I fumbled and let out a loud scream, desperately calling for assistance. I pleaded for some water to cleanse my face, but all I heard was laughter.

“Poor thing! Could you believe that she actually wants to take advantage of the situation to satisfy her hunger with the food I have?” Ophelia chuckled, and they continued to laugh as I felt a burning sensation in my eyes, causing tears to flow uncontrollably.

“Help me, please. I-I'm losing my… v-vision! I need assistance with water, please!”

I shouted and trembled, desperately attempting to remove them using my hand, but nobody shows concern.

The only thing I could hear afterwards was the tinkling noise of their silverware and dishes, indicating that they had already begun eating without any concern for my presence.

I tried my best to open my eyes, hoping I could handle everything and make it to the kitchen sink, but it was useless.

I only assisted the ones clinging to my eyelashes to enter my eyes, resulting in excruciating agony that violently shook my entire body. “Ahh!”

Once more, my eyes closed on their own accord, and this time I was unable to reopen them; darkness enveloped my world.

“H-Help me, p-please.” As I searched, cleaned my eyes, and cried out for assistance, my eyes felt more of the painful sensation.

I felt an intense burning sensation behind my eyes, as if they were being engulfed in flames. I couldn't even open them.

“Could someone please assist me? Can someone please bring me water so I can rinse my eyes? It's extremely painful! Please!"

As I let out loud sobs, the sound echoed through the walls. I struggled to navigate my way to the bathroom, relying on my senses.

However, my mind was foggy, intensifying the unbearable agony my eyes were experiencing.

“Shut up, will you? You have to be quiet while we finish our meal. It wouldn't be fair to ask any of us to interrupt our eating to fetch water for you!” Vivien shouted without any regard for the excruciating agony I was experiencing.

“She brought it upon herself, I felt the urge to hit her in the face, but she attempted to appear clever by using the spoon as a defense! She should not have helped herself to a spoonful from my plate!” Ophelia complained while they continued to eat while I was losing my vision.

My dress was wet from the tears streaming down my face, and I was covered in sweat as I crawled on the floor, panting and sobbing in intense pain.

“I hope she becomes visually impaired from this point forward! Perhaps that is the retribution bestowed by the Moon Goddess for taking the life of my mate!”

I was taken aback when my dad contributed, and it made me flinch.

His voice's icy chill stabbed my heart, causing intense pain. The agony of hearing my father's words was overwhelming, causing me to let out a loud cry.

The intense dislike was genuine and it would never diminish as I anticipated; I understood the depth of my father's affection for my mother, treating her with utmost care like a precious jewel.

I anticipated his disdain for me after her death, but not to such a degree. I am still his daughter, the fruit of their bond.

I believed that his anger would diminish as the year came to an end, but I was unaware that it would actually intensify every time he encountered me.

“I believe she has understood her mistake; we should instruct the guards to give her a bath.” Ophelia let out a snort, and her words echoed in my ear like a bell, jangling and pounding my mind with their meaning.

I could hear her perfectly, but I couldn't bring myself to accept that my ears didn't trick me just now.

“Yes, that's a great suggestion for someone like her who practices witchcraft!” Vivien let out a frustrated sigh, and I could hear my father summon the guards.

"Undress her and assist with her bath in the bathroom," my father commanded, and I was shocked, shaking my head as I sobbed, more warm tears streaming down my face.

‘No, please. No!’

I felt my lips trembling, and I longed to be able to open my eyes and escape; running seemed like the ideal choice, but being visually impaired prevented me from doing so.

The idea of these guards witnessing my unclothed form gave me a shiver.

"D-Dad, please reconsider your command. Please? D-Don’t listen to Ophelia's words! She’s not…” I got scared and my voice broke.

I couldn't find the courage to tell him once more about Ophelia's true identity.

That moment, I realized that my father was serious when he promised to make my life a living nightmare, as his biological child.

I made a foolish mistake believing that being my father would lessen the torment. And now, I will find myself exposed before these ordinary sentinels, whom I had previously commanded.

The royal lineage within me sent shivers down my spine, leaving me utterly shaken. I just wished it wouldn't occur.

‘How can I face these men once they witness my nudity?’

“Can't you hear anything?! Please follow my instructions precisely!” My father roared, pounding his fist on the table, and my jaw dropped as I struggled to breathe.

The intense discomfort in my eyes cannot be compared to the distress my heart experiences.

“D-Dad, please don't do this to me!” I cried, holding onto myself tightly, as I couldn't determine my location within the room.

“The audacity, huh? Even though you've disowned her years ago, she still continues to refer to you as daddy. That is not right!” Vivien complained, and I sensed a pang in my heart from her words, then my father chimed in.

“I know. And that is the reason she should receive any possible penalty on this world. Such a stubborn and cold-hearted person! I don’t have a daughter like her!” He let out a contemptuous snort, devoid of any sympathy or care in his tone.

“Please…” I attempted to plead once more, but before I could utter a word, the sound of loud footsteps echoed, and suddenly, four powerful hands seized hold of my limbs, forcing me into silence.

“No!”

SERENITY

“P-Please… Spare me, please? C-Can… can you please disobey my father on this? You can't strip me! Just… just wash my face. Please, just let me rinse my face with water so I can remove the dirt in my eyes," I begged as I stepped onto the bathroom floor.

“Don’t worry. We had no intention of following his orders. We will not engage in that," one of them stated, and I let out a deep breath of relief.

I had no idea that someone actually felt a hint of sympathy towards me. They dumped an entire bucket of water onto my face and handed me another one to rinse off the stew splatters that covered my face.

I quickly rinsed my eyes completely until I could see clearly once more. Even though the pain still lingers, I was overjoyed to be able to see once more.

I faced the guards, smiling broadly, ready to express my gratitude, but I wasn’t able to do so because the sound of the bathroom door squeaking open.

Vivien was positioned directly by the entrance, wearing an expression of anger.

“What are you doing, huh? You went against my father, the Alpha!” The sound of her voice echoed within the walls, causing the bodyguards to immediately drop to the ground, begging her not to inform on them.

Every single one of them was terrified to the very depths of their being, trembling intensely.

“Do you realize the consequences of your actions for him? Oh no, someone will demise, for sure! Every guard follows the Alpha's orders without question. And that will make you alive!” She shouted loudly, and I remained frozen in place.

“Vivien, can you spare this one for me, just this one time? I kindly request that you refrain from doing this to them. Feel free to penalize me, but please refrain from involving innocent individuals in my wretched existence.”

“No way! I won't let anything prevent me from informing my father! I'm happy to have someone to testify!" She let out an annoyed breath, and I glanced over to find Ophelia smirking mockingly at me as she entered, gracefully moving her hips beneath the elegant gown she had on.

A surge of anger rose within me as I met her gaze. ‘That was my mother’s most favorite gown. How could she wear it just like that?’

The shimmering jewels encircling it, along with its exquisite and costly craftsmanship, rendered it truly extraordinary.

I felt annoyed when I saw Ophelia, that demon, wearing the dress, acting as if she’s the real Luna of this pack, but all I could do was mope sadly because there was nothing I could do.

“Luna, could you please... we are just...” One of the guards started to plead.

“Continue with your task! Undress her immediately as we observe!” Ophelia interrupted, giggling and putting her arm around Vivien's shoulder, giving me a self-satisfied expression.

I furrowed my brow, questioning whether I had heard her correctly. It seems like my ear transmitted an incorrect sound to my brain for processing, or my brain didn't interpret the message accurately.

One of these events must have taken place, as it is impossible for it to be true.

“Yes, go on! Complete the task immediately!” Vivien giggled and took out her cellphone.

The guards, driven by instinct to protect themselves, stood up and faced me with serious expressions that indicated they were unwilling to hear my pleas on this occasion.

“We apologize, but we don't have any alternative.” As they advanced, one of them whispered quietly.

“V-Vivien, no, please? Do you plan on seeing me unclothed?” I stuttered when I noticed her pointing her phone's camera at me.

My eyes burned with tears and they flowed like two streams as I reluctantly shuffled my feet, praying that my worst fears were not coming true.

Ophelia suddenly started laughing, while Vivien chuckled and gave me a self-satisfied expression.

“Yep! My school friends would be thrilled to see you bare, unclothed! Perhaps it could persuade a few boys in my class to spend an evening with you. As I can tell, dear princess, you have a strong desire for sex, right?" Vivien spatted with a smirk on her face.

The words she just uttered were incredibly repulsive and revolting, causing me to almost vomit.

“What? How dare you! Please, stop! Refrain from making physical contact with me.” I alerted the royal guards, but they completely ignored me and continued their actions as if I hadn't spoken at all.

I attempted to run away, but I was immediately apprehended and forcefully pushed against the wall after taking only a few steps.

The three guards had become extremely cruel and completely ignored anything I said. Two individuals forcefully seized my hands and legs, using their strong arms to immobilize me completely.

The final person grasped the top of my dress, and as I let out a scream, he forcefully tore it, exposing my bra.

“No, please! Stop! Please!” I let out a loud cry, but nothing came to a halt.

Everything unfolded like a terrible dream when my dress was ripped apart, splitting into two pieces, revealing my underwear in the process.

Ophelia and Vivien erupted into another mocking laughter during the recording.

“This video is going to be the ultimate sensation on the internet. And a more fitting consequence for the wickedness you inflicted upon this pack! Dad is going to really enjoy this!"

Vivien chuckled, and those remarks felt like painful blades stabbing my heart. I couldn't forget her laughter; it lingered in my mind like creatures in the darkness.

The men were removing my garments and would soon proceed to my bra. I sensed a throbbing pain in my head, and my heart tightened with intense anger as I fought fruitlessly to release myself.

I squeezed my eyes closed, and my teeth started chattering with fear as I anticipated what was going to occur. It would be a major embarrassment, and my life would be forever altered.

‘How can I possibly face them once my nakedness becomes widely known?’

I clenched my hands into a fist, but I was helpless as the two strong guards pressed them against the wall.

Initially, they hesitated to undo my bra or lower my panties, but Vivien was eager.

“Come on, what are you waiting for? Remove her bra and panties swiftly to complete this task. I require a quality video, or else you may face the consequences from my father! Don’t worry, she’s no longer your Alpha’s daughter. She’s just now a useless slave! Act towards her as if she was just a mere trash!”

Vivien's annoying voice echoed in my ears as she cautioned them, leaving me breathless while vigorously shaking my head.

“No, no. Please, no!” I continued pleading and screaming at the highest volume, while tears flowed down my face like flowing rivers.

As an Alpha by nature, I found the sensation of their hands on my bare skin to be bothersome and repulsive. My heart was completely broken.

I had my eyes wide open, and I noticed that Vivien was pointing her camera at me. It was more than I could have expected for all the wrongs I had done.

‘Once the entire pack views this video, what remains of my existence?’

I would become a source of amusement, subject to ridicule even from the young ones.

My mind was flooded with frightening thoughts, and my inner wolf couldn't contain itself any longer, starting to escape from its cage. However, I was aware that I was no match for anyone.

Even though I had completed my shift, my wolf ended up being the least strong and could be beaten by even the lowest-ranking Omega.

This was one of the reasons why my father despised me for being his daughter. Taking the life of his partner, but I could never match the dominance and abilities of an Alpha.

“Continue! If she attempts to resist, strike her! Show no mercy to a heartless murderer like her, or else you will be caught as her partner in crime!” Ophelia joined the conversation and greeted Vivien with a smile.

Vivien responded with laughter before she left, giving me another look as if she was anticipating something from me.

Right at that moment, utilizing the collective power of my wolf companion, I managed to free my right hand from the grip of a guard and swiftly deliver a forceful punch, as well as a headbutt to the guard standing before me.

Perhaps it was a mistake to do everything I did. Perhaps it would have been better if I had remained composed and confronted my harsh destiny.

The actions I took ignited a strong anger within the royal guards, and in an instant, they started to unleash a barrage of powerful punches and kicks upon me.

I felt intense pain all over my body, and my lips were already bleeding from a forceful kick to my face. I felt a fiery ache in my stomach, causing me to whimper in agony instead of screaming.

“Enough everyone, step away from her. Instead, could someone fetch a whip made of wolfsbane? I would like to give her a few strokes before I leave for school.”

Vivien placed an order, causing my heart to race with anxiety. I still recall the pain I felt, and now I can't imagine having them once more.

The bodyguards abandoned me, leaving me in agony. However, I was aware that the pain I was experiencing was nothing compared to the agony I would endure once Vivien struck me with the whip made from wolf's bane.

I doubted my ability to endure, thus I found myself pleading for my existence.

“V-Vi… V-Vivien… please…” Getting up on my knees, I started to beg Vivien.

Despite her dropping her phone, she quickly picked it up again to capture me pleading for mercy. She laughed heartily, but I'm not bothered by the embarrassment, even if it shatters me.

The most important thing was that my life had significance.

“Vivien, please… I beg you, cease causing me agony. Could you please? I never mistreated you or caused you any harm in the past. We are not foes. Why are you now treating me differently just because you have a higher status? I kindly request that you cease...”

I cried softly, tears streaming down my cheeks while my hair fell in a messy and unkempt manner across my face.

I felt a fiery ache in my stomach, accompanied by intense hunger. Even my head couldn't prevent the throbbing sensation.

Beside the pain in various areas of my body caused by the intense beating from the bodyguards earlier.

“Poor you. But sorry, you will not be able to stop me. I take pleasure in witnessing your despairing tears. It brings me happiness and contentment. It gives me a stronger sense of being the Alpha's daughter...” She smiled and quickly hid her phone behind her.

At that moment, the guard came back holding the whip, which was crackling like hot oil.

The object had been drenched in wolfsbane and would cause my skin to rip upon contact, not to mention the pain of being whipped with it.

“Leave, you are free to go now.” As she received it from the guard, she flashed a smile in his direction before facing me.

However, the guard seemed hesitant. He appeared to have something to say to her, but he was a little afraid.

“What? Why are you still just standing there?” Vivien growled while giving a stern look, causing him to tremble.

However, he still approached and leaned in closer to her, his eyes filled with intense terror about something I couldn't discern.

Vivien heard him softly speak into her ear, causing her to recoil and shudder with a sudden gasp, her eyes widening in the same fearful shock as the guard.

“Really? Are you referring to Lycan?” I caught a faint whisper escape her lips.

I felt perplexed and gazed at them, pondering what the guard might have said to elicit such fear from the powerful Vivien.

The whip she was holding dropped from her hand in surprise when he whispered something to her.

I opened my mouth to ask and understand the situation, but at that moment, something peculiar and surprising occurred.

I detected an aroma with my nose. The delightful fragrance encompassed all the lovely things my thoughts could imagine.

The scent of vanilla and sandalwood, combined with a hint of citrus, captivated my senses and enveloped me in its powerful and comforting embrace.

“Serenity, our mate!” Bewilderment followed when my wolf suddenly howled.

SERENITY

“Mate! Our mate is here!” Maia, my tiny wolf, let out a loud cry once more out of surprise and doubt as I quickly got up, trying to figure out if it was actually happening or some sort of deception.

After the guards whispered something in Vivien's ear, she quickly dropped the whip and disappeared from the room.

The news appeared to be extremely alarming, as it was the only explanation for Vivien's intense panic, to the point where she even forgot she was about to harm me.

Although I was confused about its nature, I couldn't resist expressing gratitude to the guard who had recently rescued me from a painful ordeal.

“Did you not hear Vivien talk about the Lycan a moment ago?” The frightened voice of Maia resonated, causing my jaw to fall open as I suddenly realized the cause of her fear.

‘If a Lycan had come to our pack then that means… we will face a terrible disaster. It means a doom to our pack.’

Lycans are wicked and possess greater strength. They are highly skilled in all areas where we cannot compete with them. Even a group of ten werewolves would not be able to defeat a single ordinary Lycan in combat.

I quickly exited the room, wrapping my partially exposed body with my arms as I hurriedly headed towards my room along the corridors, running without caution as my face turned red with embarrassment and frustration.

The guards standing outside were staring at me intensely, and it made me feel uncomfortable as I ran faster, pushing my legs to their limits.

Irrespective of the events that occurred in my life, it remained unchanged that I was the daughter of the Alpha. I still had royal blood flowing through my veins.

The majestic packhouse was constructed as a three-level structure, featuring extensive corridors on each floor that interconnect rooms through staircases.

Although the palace was situated on the second level, my room was located on the ground floor.

I was brought to a restroom by the guards on the top floor of the palace's three-story building. To get to my own restroom, I had to go down to the first floor, which meant I would have to walk through the palace hallway.

As soon as I reached the hallway on the second floor, it was completely silent, as if there was nobody around.

It seemed as if everyone had departed or had been cautioned to remain silent. As usual, there were no security personnel present in the vicinity, which was both unusual and perplexing.

I walked softly and carefully to prevent violating any potential rules of silence, if they existed.

As I approached the palace door, the final room before the descending stairs, I once again caught a whiff of someone's soothing and incredibly fragrant aroma, the scent of my mate.

However, this time it was more intense and overpowering than before.

A delightful scent entered my nose, enveloping me completely and captivating my mind. It was so amazing that I couldn't move for a short time, experiencing a captivating feeling on my entire body.

“Serenity, listen. Our mate, he is within the palace. The person we had been anticipating to save us from the dreadful pit. Finding our soulmate will bring an end to our pain as he will cherish us and rescue us from this place! We are still incredibly fortunate!”

I felt a surge of joy as my wolf playfully jumped and chirped within me. I couldn't help but smile as I became captivated by the enticing scent of my mate.

With a rush of excitement, I hurried to my room and grabbed a dress from the clothing rack. I didn't even have time to notice its color or quality as I quickly made my way back, eagerly heading towards the palace.

I had completely overlooked the eerie quietness and Vivien's anxiety about the existence of a Lycan in the pack.

I couldn't think clearly because of everything going on, and my mind was solely focused on my mate. Encountering him and embracing him tightly as we immerse ourselves in the intense emotions of our deep connection.

My father once told me that I would never find a mate due to a supposed curse, but he was clearly mistaken.

Today, he would realize that I was similar to every other wolf. At the age of eighteen, a female wolf discovered her soulmate and they would live in eternal happiness together, destined by the moon goddess.

I regained my composure when I pushed open the door to the palace. At that very instant, as I stood before the entire crowd, I suddenly realized the perilous situation I had placed myself in.

It's not only risky, but also a self-destructive decision. I finally realized the reason behind everyone's silence. It became clear to me why Vivien was shaking like a frightened little kid who had just encountered a terrifying creature.

Perhaps it would have been better if I had immediately gone to my room and concealed myself. I regret coming here, it would have prevented this situation.

However, the most terrifying aspect was still on the horizon.

“Is he... the one? Our… destined mate?” I was terrified as my wolf stuttered, and I desperately wished the ground would open up and swallow me.

It was especially horrifying when he lifted his head and locked eyes with me, his glowing red eyes resembling those of a creature.

I was overcome with fear and anxiety when I saw his monstrous appearance. He was a combination of a man and a wolf, and his size was incredibly intimidating.

However, despite my fear, I couldn't help but be drawn to the captivating scent emanating from his body.

‘He was still… my mate! But how can a Lycan be a werewolf’s mate? What kind of humor was the lunar deity pulling off?’

The terrifying creature occupied my father's seat of power, while everyone else, including my dad, lay flat on the ground, bowing in submission and terror.

Our gazes met, and I noticed him narrowing his eyes in confusion, examining me carefully as if he was searching for something.

I was expected to bend like everyone else because, from the corner of my vision, I could perceive my father signaling for me to lower myself, but I'm unsure why it felt so difficult for me.

This man right there, had turned out to be my mate, and my heart was pounding for whoever he might be.

Despite being a Lycan, I felt no fear or whatsoever. Instead, I desired to rush into his embrace for protection.

He was my source of hope, while my father only cared about the pack and not about me.

Right at that exact moment, he transformed into a human with such speed and enchantment that I couldn't help but be impressed.

However, what truly astonished me was the incredibly attractive and charismatic young man standing before me in his true appearance.

I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my heart when I saw him. A surprised gasp escaped my mouth, and my eyes instantly filled with tears as I found myself staring at him with admiration.

He had an irresistible charm, with his sun-kissed complexion and wavy chestnut locks cascading around his well-defined face.

His captivating gaze, now resembling the color of the sea, added to his allure. He wore a majestic gray robe adorned with orbs and pearls, which made him look like a deity from ancient Greece.

“Who is this filthy swine?” I listened to his voice for the very first time, and I couldn't even detect the anger in it.

All I heard were deep, satisfying sounds that I found enjoyable.

“We are… we are mates!” I let out a joyful scream to him using the mental bond, the mind-link, that I hastily established by tapping into our connection as mates.

A wide smile spread across my face as I walked towards him, filled with happiness at last discovering my partner.

However, my excitement quickly vanished when he growled and stood up from the chair, anger evident in his eyes as he stared at me.

In an instant, he stood up from the throne and swiftly charged towards me.

Smash!

With great force, he delivered a strong punch to my stomach, causing an intense, piercing pain. I was thrown against the wall and then forcefully thrown back onto the floor.

“Ahhh!” I screamed in pain as my eyes stung and tears streamed down my face.

I held onto my stomach and gritted my teeth, feeling the intense agony as if my life was slipping away.

However, it seems that my mate is not finished with me yet.

To my surprise, I witnessed him raise his bulky, coarse boot and forcefully bring it down onto my face. Bang!

Fortunately, I managed to swiftly evade it, causing him to strike the ground instead. I was filled with dread as I watched the tiled floor shatter under the impact of his feet.

A strong sense of fear washed over me like a turbulent ocean, and in that moment, I was incredibly shaken and unable to comprehend what was happening.

All I could do was sit up and gaze in confusion at my attractive mate, who seemed completely unfamiliar to me now.

He glared at me with the ferocity of a famished lion pursuing its elusive prey.

I was the target. Me, who was his mate was the target, and recently, he nearly smashed my face.

‘Did I just have a dream? Was this all part of another nightmare?’

“Refrain yourself from talking! I'd rather not hear the word 'mate' from anyone!” He shouted at me using mind-link, and I started to vigorously nod my head, retreating in fear as he moved closer towards me.

“I-I promise… I… I won't utter those words again. I apologize. I kindly request that you refrain from physically harming me. Please spare my life. I'm sorry for my lack of intelligence. Could you kindly...” As the blow to my stomach intensified, a wave of pulsating pain spread throughout my body, causing me to sob uncontrollably.

I can't fathom what it would be like to receive any more blows from him. There is a possibility that I could perish immediately.

He suddenly stopped walking towards me and gazed at me intently for a brief moment.

“In that case, there's no problem, as long as you avoid bringing it up.” He forced a smile and then turned around, making his way back to the throne.

“Please, everyone, find a seat and sit down. I have a couple of things to mention.” He spoke brusquely, exuding an air of dominance and strength in his vocal delivery.

There was something unique about his energy. His incredible power was evident in every word he uttered, yet my heart was overwhelmed with excruciating agony as I helplessly observed him, while the stench of despair assaulted my senses.

After eagerly anticipating my soulmate as my rescuer for many years, I ultimately discovered a malevolent being as my mate - someone who would harm me if I referred to them as my mate.

A person who referred to me as a filthy swine with disdain in his tone.

He belonged to the group of cruel Lycans, whom my mother had cautioned me against associating with due to their monstrous nature.

‘Moon Goddess, until when will I suffer?’