BLAZE

When I arrived home, I was taken aback to find my entire family gathered around the dining table.

The spread of food before us was always lavish, but today it seemed more like a grand feast than usual.

I glanced at my mother, seated beside my father, and she smiled warmly, gesturing for me to take a seat on the other side of him. I couldn't help but feel curious as I observed their excitement.

Was my father about to make an important announcement?

"It seems like everyone is filled with anticipation," I remarked as I settled into my seat. My mother, Miranda, looked at me with a wide smile.

"Your father has something to share to everyone, son," she said, her smile never faltering as her gaze shifted towards my father.

“Blaze, son.” I turned my attention to him, but he simply shrugged his shoulders. With that, they began to partake in the meal.

It was a rare occasion for our entire family to dine together like this, and even more surprising to see important members of our pack joining us at the table.

"Well, the flavors tonight are absolutely delightful. Is the chef in a particularly good mood?" one of the elders inquired. I sampled the food and discovered that it truly was exceptional.

"Yes, it appears they have prepared this dinner with extra care," another chimed in.

I listened to their conversations as I silently enjoyed my meal. I was present mainly to hear what my father had to say.

Just moments ago, I had returned from managing the company and overseeing our sources of income.

As the heir to the pack, it was crucial for me to learn how to effectively govern and lead our pack.

"So, how's work, Blaze?" they inquired. I met their gaze with a smile.

"Everything is running smoothly. Nothing out of the ordinary," I replied.

They nodded and engaged in conversation amongst themselves. From the corner of my eye, I observed my father silently consuming his meal, while my mother attended to his needs.

To outsiders, they appeared to be a loving couple, but at times, I questioned whether my father truly loved my mother, given his impassive demeanor.

Shaking off those thoughts, I decided to focus on my food. A delectable assortment of desserts was presented before us, a testament to the kitchen's efforts in providing a truly satisfying dinner.

"Bring forth the wine," my father commanded. A servant promptly brought an aged bottle of wine, treasured by my father. A smirk crossed my lips.

"This is unexpected, father. I'm surprised you've chosen to unveil your prized wine for this occasion," I remarked with a smile. He glanced at me, his smile feeble and devoid of genuine warmth. It felt more like a mocking grin than a sincere expression.

"It's a special occasion," he uttered, rising from his seat.

The servant poured wine into my father's glass, followed by mine. As each person's glass was filled, my father surveyed the room, his eyes lingering on each individual.

"Well, now that everyone is gathered here, eagerly anticipating the announcement… Everyone, I officially declare that I will step down as the Alpha of Golden Hades and pass the mantle to my son," he proclaimed. I gazed at him, a mixture of amusement and surprise washing over me upon hearing his words.

Did I hear it correctly? Is he truly relinquishing his position?

Congratulations and well wishes flooded in from everyone, and I accepted them with gratitude. However, my surprise deepened when I learned of the condition attached to this transfer of power.

“Only if, Blaze will get married.”

"Excuse me?" I couldn't contain my reaction. He met my gaze, his smile now tinged with amusement.

"You heard me, my son. If you desire the throne, you must first take a wife," he reiterated.

The room fell into a hushed silence as I glared at my father. I couldn't say that I welcomed this stipulation.

I had attempted to court various women, but none had captured my heart. Marriage was not something I was prepared for at the moment.

"Father, can we discuss this thing first?" I confronted him, my voice tinged with frustration. He regarded me sternly.

"We can discuss it, but only after you marry and present a wife before me," he retorted. I stood up, facing him directly.

"That's absurd! You have no intention of relinquishing power to me. That's the real truth!" I exclaimed, raising my voice. My mother rose from her seat, a frown etched across her face as she looked at me.

"Blaze! Don't speak to your father like that! He is simply concerned for your well-being!" My mother reprimanded. I scoffed in disbelief.

"Seriously? If he's concerned, why am I being forced to marry someone? I don't need a woman to..." I began, but my father interrupted me.

"As an Alpha of the pack, you require a Luna by your side. Use your intellect for once, Blaze! You're no longer a child, and you must shoulder responsibilities," my father asserted. I rolled my eyes in exasperation.

"I don't need a Luna’s help! Currently, I have no need for one. If I were to accept a Luna, she would be my mate!" I retorted. My father smirked and casually patted my shoulders, treating my words as a joke.

"Well then, you better get started," he remarked.

The urge to punch him or unleash a string of curses surged within me. Without uttering another word, I drained the last drop of wine from my glass, rose from the table, and left the room.

The atmosphere in there was suffocating and aggravating. Why did my father insist on me marrying before bestowing the alpha rights upon me?

"Blaze, are you alright?" my wolf, Knoxx, inquired. I let out a sigh and made my way to my favorite spot—the balcony.

Upon reaching it, I retrieved a pack of cigarettes from my pocket and extracted one.

My lighter emerged from another pocket, and I ignited the cigarette. With a sigh, I gazed at the night sky, adorned with twinkling stars against the backdrop of darkness.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm just pondering why my father insists on me marrying first before declaring me as the next Alpha," I mused, shaking my head slightly.

"So, should we search for our mate then?" Knoxx proposed.

VIDA

As I laid eyes on the man standing on the balcony, my heart began to race.

‘Thump… Thump… thump…’

Its beats echoed so loudly that even my breath caught in my throat. It was the first time I had encountered such a strikingly handsome man in my entire life.

Well, not that he was the only one, but seeing him in person like this was both shocking and mesmerizing.

I had often heard other omegas talk about Blaze, the heir of the Golden Hades pack, as an Alpha, but I never imagined he would be this breathtaking.

"He's so captivating..." I whispered dreamily.

His features were undeniably dashing, resembling a prince from the pages of a fairytale.

It was the kind of charm that could hold any female lead's gaze endlessly. I was certain that everyone, myself included, couldn't help but indulge in fantasies of being his Luna.

His grace and handsomeness were truly exceptional. I had initially believed people were exaggerating, but they weren't.

His eyes shone like yellow sapphires when touched by the sun's rays, and they sparkled like twinkling stars in the night sky.

His nose was straight, and his lips were so alluring that one couldn't help but imagine pressing their own against them.

And then, my gaze wandered downward, and I noticed his broad shoulders.

"Oh, how would it feel to be embraced by those strong arms?" I mused with a smile, sighing wistfully.

But I quickly shook my head, scolding myself for entertaining such thoughts. I shouldn't let my mind wander like this!

Just as I was lost in my reverie, I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder, causing me to squeak in surprise.

"Ack!"

"Oh! I apologize for startling you," she said.

I blinked repeatedly and saw a petite girl before me, her eyes downcast and her hands clasped together nervously. She was dressed in worn helper's attire.

I studied her closely, trying to recall who she might be, until it dawned on me.

She was the girl who had spoken to me earlier, but she wasn't looking at me with contempt this time. I remembered her name: Sonia.

"You’re name is Sonia, right?" I inquired. She glanced at me and nodded.

"Yes, that's me. I apologize if I startled you," Sonia replied. I shook my head and focused on her.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked. She averted her gaze, then looked down.

"I noticed you gazing at the balcony. That's where the young master spends his alone time. But it's best if you leave now. It won't benefit you to stay longer than necessary. What if some higher-ranked individuals spotted you? You could face punishment," she warned.

My eyes widened. ‘Oh no! I must have been staring at the heir for too long. I need to leave!’ I bowed and nodded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I stared at the heir for too long," I admitted, feeling ashamed.

Earlier, I was eager to go home, yet here I am, transfixed by him like an infatuated girl. "Thank you for letting me know."

"No, it's alright. Many girls fall for him, and those who are deemed disrespectful face severe consequences," she revealed, sounding frightened. Her words warmed my heart.

Sonia, she was kind enough to inform me, hoping I wouldn't end up like the others.

"Thank you for telling me. I should go first," I acknowledged.

Sonia nodded and waved me off. I cast one last glance at the heir before exiting the mansion and heading home.

Glancing at the clock, I realized I only had three hours left before work.

‘Would I even have time to sleep?‘

"I really shouldn't have stared at him for so long. I should have come home right away," I murmured to myself, filled with regret for lingering to admire him.

Shaking my head, I let out a sigh. Upon arriving home, I noticed Auntie Olivia engrossed in watching television.

"I'm back, Auntie," I greeted her, but she simply ignored me without asking about what happened.

Shrugging it off, I made my way to my room in the attic to freshen up. Settling down on the old chair I used for studying, I gazed at my reflection in the mirror and frowned upon seeing the hideous prosthetic on my face.

With a heavy sigh, I started removing it, a task that proved more challenging than applying it.

It would take at least half an hour, and I needed to apply some toner to prevent any damage to my skin. Sleep wasn't an option if I wanted to be efficient at work.

"Good luck to me," I forced a strained smile, releasing another sigh as I shook my head.

After thirty minutes of painstaking effort, I finally finished removing the prosthetic.

A sense of relief washed over me as I applied toner to my face. I stretched my tired arms, which had been diligently working to rid my face of makeup, and observed my reflection in the mirror.

Tilting my head, I couldn't help but smile. The only thing I could thank my parents for was bestowing upon me this face.

However, I wondered if this face was cursed, considering how rare it was for an omega to possess such beauty.

It's not that I am vain, but I must admit that I am content with this appearance. Yet, Auntie was right—it attracted trouble.

A beautiful omega was seen as a sin, an unspoken rule dictating that one should not surpass the higher ranks in beauty. With another sigh, I made my way to the bed, where I sat and lay down for a while, lost in my thoughts.

"I should take a quick nap," I mumbled, closing my eyes.

However, instead of drifting off to sleep, my mind wandered to the vivid memory of encountering the heir on the balcony.

Startled, I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. Images of being embraced by him, nestled against his chest, with tender caresses and a gentle kiss on my forehead flooded my thoughts.

Ah, wouldn't that be wonderful? My cheeks flushed at the mere thought.

“Oh no!” I shook my head and lightly slapped my cheeks. "Snap out of it, Vida! That's just a fantasy!"

Glancing at my wristwatch, panic struck me. It was almost time for my shift!

I sat up abruptly, feeling a jolt of shock. I had been daydreaming for an entire hour! I needed to leave immediately!

Hastily, I rose from my seat, grabbed my bag from the table, and tiptoed downstairs, anxious not to disturb anyone so early in the morning.

Then, propelled by a sense of urgency, I sprinted as if my life depended on it. Well, in a way, it truly did.

VIDA

I sprinted as fast as my legs could carry me, but despite my efforts, I still ended up being thirty minutes late. Gasping for breath, I reached my station only to be confronted by my stern-faced supervisor, who narrowed her eyes at me.

"You're half an hour late," she declared. I lowered my gaze, feeling helpless.

Even if I explained that it was unintentional, I knew she would still impose a punishment. There was no room for appeals from those lower in the ranks, especially someone like me whom they refer as, freak.

"I apologize. It won't happen again," I muttered, mustering the courage to look at her. I noticed her left eyebrow arching skeptically.

"OF COURSE! YOU BETTER NOT! WE'RE PAYING YOU TO DO YOUR JOB! TIME IS PRECIOUS, AND CUSTOMERS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT BECAUSE OF YOU!" She shouted, angrily.

I nervously bit my lower lip, aware of the attention from onlookers. The shame of my tardiness weighed heavily on me, yet no one seemed to care about my exhaustion or lack of sleep.

"I'm truly sorry!" I pleaded, bowing my head. I yearned for her to cease her tirade as my head throbbed. She grunted in response, shaking her head. Rubbing her temples, she finally glanced at me.

"You, step away from your station. I'll assign your punishment for being late," she commanded, then turned away.

Hastily, I abandoned my post and followed her. However, as we reached the designated spot for my penalty, a frown etched itself on my face. "Since you had the audacity to arrive late, your task is to clean up this area!"

In a hushed voice, I muttered, "The factory's backyard?"

My gaze fell upon the sea of waste and debris that cluttered the space. There was an overwhelming amount to clean up.

‘Could I handle it?’ Exhaustion threatened to consume me, but I knew I couldn't voice my complaints.

"Yes, any thoughts? If you don't want a repeat of this, you better arrive on time!" she scolded, her tone harsh.

With a forceful push, she ushered me out of the building and promptly shut the door.

Letting out a sigh, I made my way to the location where cleaning supplies were distributed.

A separate building housed these items, and it was there that I headed. A lower-ranking supervisor, responsible for overseeing the backyard cleaning, sat behind a desk, engrossed in paperwork. I approached her cautiously.

"Excuse me, may I request a set of cleaning equipment?" I inquired. She scrutinized me from head to toe.

"Are you here as a form of punishment?" she asked.

I nodded, averting my gaze. A sigh escaped her lips as she rose from her seat. Handing me the cleaning gear, she pointed towards a locker.

"You can find the necessary tools in there."

"Thank you." After donning a mask to shield my face, I retrieved the cleaning implements from the designated locker.

With a heavy heart, I stepped outside. The sight of the towering mound of waste and rubbish greeted me in the backyard.

Taking another deep breath, I commenced my arduous task. However, a throbbing headache plagued me. I hadn't eaten breakfast, and my next chance for a meal would only come after five long hours.

Slowly but diligently, I worked my way through the debris, meticulously segregating each item and disposing of it in the appropriate trash bins.

Eventually, the waste was contained within large garbage bags and deposited into the designated receptacle.

These circumstances in my life felt like an ongoing penance, a punishment befitting a cursed soul. Perhaps I deserved it for being a burdened child.

Yet, at times, I allowed myself to entertain a hopeful notion.

What if I had been born into a loving, normal family?

What if I had caring aunts and uncles who cherished me for who I am, supporting and nurturing me?

Such dreams seemed enticing, but they were nothing more than fleeting illusions. Reality dictated otherwise.

There were moments when I contemplated what it would have been like if I had perished alongside my parents.

At least then, I wouldn't be alone, spared from the hardships and animosity of others.

"I miss you, Mom and Dad," I whispered, taking a moment to catch my breath and sit down. A heavy sigh escaped my lips.

"Well, time to get back to work," I muttered, preparing to resume my cleaning duties, when a familiar voice caught my attention.

‘Wait, isn't that Roxanne's voice?’ Curiosity piqued, I moved towards the area where I could eavesdrop on Roxanne's conversation.

And there she was, near the backyard, engaged in conversation with a man.

Roxanne, a bully I had the misfortune of working with, outranked me. She was the daughter of a beta and had also inherited the beta status.

Her outfit consisted of a halter top and high-waisted tight jeans. The makeup on her face, intended to create a dewy look, only made her sharp eyes resemble those of a villain from a melodramatic TV series.

As she started to glance in my direction, I quickly sought refuge behind a large trash bin. I knew that if she spotted me, I would become the target of her wrath once again.

I wasn't sure why she singled me out, but I tolerated it out of fear of enduring more bruises. Peeking out, I observed her conversing with an unfamiliar man.

‘Who could he be, and what were they discussing?’

"The Alpha's mansion is hosting a forthcoming party," the man spoke, his gaze fixed on Roxanne in an unsettling manner.

A sly smirk formed on Roxanne's lips upon hearing his words. My heart raced.

The Alpha's mansion, where my auntie worked, would be the venue for this party.

Anticipation surged within me, as I was certain my auntie would need extra assistance. Such events required numerous helping hands.

However, before I could fully process this exciting thought, I suddenly noticed a pair of black stilettos right in front of me.

Tilting my head upward, I received a stinging slap across my face, causing me to lose my balance and fall to the ground. Without mercy, Roxanne proceeded to kick me repeatedly in the stomach.

"Ouch!" I cried out, enduring the agonizing blows. She then yanked my hair, forcing me to face her. Fear gripped me as I awaited her next move.

"I-I'm... sorry... Please, have mercy on me..." I stuttered, my voice trembling. A malicious smirk adorned her face as she shook her head.

"Why would I? You're so pathetic! I despise you! Ugly! Freak! Murdered" she spat out each word with venom.

Does she truly hate me? But what have I done to deserve her animosity? I haven't wronged her in any way!

With a forceful shove, she sent me crashing into the trash bins. I landed face-first on the ground, the impact causing immense pain throughout my body.

To add insult to injury, she pressed her heels against my face, grinding it into the dirt.

"Know your damn place, you wretched bitch!" she exclaimed, delivering another vicious kick that sent me sprawling into the trash heap.

Suppressing my cries, I braced myself for further torment, fully expecting her to return and inflict more pain upon me.

‘When will this torment ever come to an end?’