I paced the cramped servant's quarters, my fingers clenching and unclenching at my sides. A week. Seven whole days of bowing, scraping, and biting my tongue while Milton barked orders at me like I was a stray dog he'd taken pity on.
I scoffed at the thought. Pity wasn't in his vocabulary, not back in high school when he made my life a waking nightmare, and certainly not now.
The moon goddess outdid herself this time. She'd given me a second chance, sure—but at what cost? Waking up in the body of a slave girl, collared and chained, and now forced to serve my worst enemy? I cursed under my breath.
If this was her idea of penance, she had a sick sense of humor.
The knock at my door pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. Sharp, deliberate, and impatient.
"The Alpha King requires your presence," came the clipped voice of a guard. He didn't even wait for my response before his footsteps faded down the hall.
I let out a slow breath, rolling my shoulders. Alpha King. The title still felt surreal when tied to Milton. How had the arrogant bully from my teenage years clawed his way to the top of the food chain? I supposed I'd find out eventually, but right now, all I wanted to do was keep my head down and avoid his temper.
"Alright, Erica," I muttered to myself. "Smile, nod, and survive. That's the plan."
I pushed the door open and made my way to the main hall. As soon as I stepped inside, I spotted him. Milton stood near the fireplace, its flames casting flickering shadows across his sharp features. His presence dominated the room, commanding attention without so much as a word.
He turned as I approached, his piercing gaze locking onto me. I hated the way my stomach twisted, a mix of fear and seething anger.
"You took your time," he said, his tone dripping with irritation.
I bit back a retort and bowed my head, playing the role of the obedient maid. "Apologies, my lord."
His lips curled into a smirk that made my blood boil. "You're learning," he said, as if I were a dog he was training. "Good."
I gritted my teeth but stayed silent.
"Listen carefully," he began, his tone shifting to something more serious. "I'll be leaving for the Spiral Moon Pack tomorrow morning. They're holding a ceremony, and as Alpha King, I must attend."
The Spiral Moon Pack. The name tugged at something in my memory, but I didn't have time to dwell on it.
"You'll be coming with me," he continued.
I blinked, my head snapping up to meet his gaze. "What?"
His eyes narrowed. "Did I stutter?"
"No, my lord," I said quickly, swallowing my frustration. "I just… wasn't expecting—"
"You're my private maid, You are not here to think or expect…" he cut in sharply. "Where I go, you go. Besides, you'll need to prepare my chambers and assist with anything I require while I'm there."
Of course. Why wouldn't he drag me along to a gathering of werewolves where I'd be surrounded by more people who saw me as nothing but a servant? A former Luna!
"Understood," I said through gritted teeth.
"Good." His gaze lingered on me, and I fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny.
"Before we leave, you'll need to be presentable," he said, his tone laced with disdain. "You reek of dirt and desperation."
I bristled but kept my head down, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
"I expect you to bathe and dress appropriately," he continued. "I'll have someone bring suitable clothing for the occasion. Don't embarrass me."
With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving me seething in his wake.
"Don't embarrass him?" I muttered once I was alone. "He should be worried about embarrassing me."
But the moment the words left my mouth, I felt the weight of my situation settle over me again. I wasn't Erica anymore, not really. To the world and Milton, I was just a nameless, powerless servant.
I pressed my fingers against the collar around my neck, the cool metal biting into my skin. "You wanted me to survive, Moon Goddess?" I whispered. "Fine. But I'm doing it on my terms."
The next morning, I found myself standing in front of a polished mirror, staring at a version of myself I barely recognized.
This wants me. I didn't truly look like this. Sure, the servant girl was pretty but she was nothing like me. She was weak and malnourished and as much as Milton had tried to feed me, I was still very malnourished.
The dress Milton's staff had chosen for me was simple but elegant—if we could truly call it that. It was a deep green gown that flowed down to my ankles. My hair had been combed and tied back, and my skin felt foreign after scrubbing away the grime of the past week.
I looked… presentable, as Milton had demanded. But every inch of me itched with resentment. This wasn't who I was, I was a Luna in my former life, not some slave girl.
A knock at the door broke my reverie.
"Time to go," came the guard's voice.
I took a steadying breath, squared my shoulders, and followed him to the waiting carriage.
Milton was already inside, lounging with the air of someone who owned the world. He barely spared me a glance as I climbed in and took the seat across from him.
His eyes scanned me for a second and a brief moment, I thought she saw something akin to desire in them.
"We'll arrive at the Spiral Moon Pack by nightfall," he said, his tone curt. "Try not to draw attention to yourself."
I clenched my fists in my lap but nodded.
As the car rolled forward, I stared out the window, watching the trees blur past. My heart hammered in my chest. It was my chance to finally find out wha
t the hell had happened and why Carter had killed me.