Persistence

~ Roselle ~

The creaking sound of the iron cell door makes my senses snap awake. My nose twitches as I try to catch any possible scent of food, my stomach already grumbling in protest. It's been three long days since I've had a proper meal, nothing but water and scraps barely enough to keep me going.

My body feels weak, numb, even. The cell door finally opens, and I scramble toward it, even though every inch of me aches. It takes everything I have just to move.

I'm more than surprised. This is unusual. Normally, they don't bother opening the door; they just slide the food in through the slot.

So... what's going on?

Are they finally going to kill me?

My pulse picks up at the thought. It's still dark inside, and I can barely see anything... as a matter of fact, I haven't seen the sun in almost a year.

"Well, look at you, dummy..." that familiar voice drawls from the darkness, dripping with mockery.

I drag myself backward, already bracing for what comes next-a slap, or fingers tangling painfully in my hair.

The light suddenly flicks on, blinding me instantly. I squeeze my eyes shut, my vision struggling to adjust after so long without it.

Then I feel a sharp tug at my hair, yanking my limp body to my feet. Hell, I'm too weak to even stand on my own.

The slap comes immediately after. My cheek burns, heat spreading across my skin as it reddens.

"This is where you belong; you've always belonged here, you weakling. Open your eyes. Now."

Another slap lands across my face, stinging so badly it forces a gasp from my lips. I squeeze my eyes open, knowing she won't stop until I do.

Nova, my mate's fiancée... or maybe his wife now. I don't even know anymore.

With trembling, weak hands, I try to sign, to explain that I can't, that I'm too weak..

Another slap cuts me off instantly.

"Open your fucking eyes, or speak... oh, wait," she sneers, her lips curling in cruel amusement. "I forgot, you can't talk. You're wolfless. You can't even speak. How are you even a princess?"

I keep my hands to myself. I don't know why I even bother trying to explain when years of experience have taught me that trying to communicate only brings more punishment.

I force my eyes open, the light piercing through my vision. It burns, by the goddess, it burns. I blink rapidly, fighting to adjust, struggling just to keep them open.

And it's suddenly dawning on me that all this time... there's been a bulb in here, and they chose not to turn it on. Not until now.

I stare right at the woman my mate chose over me.

Long auburn hair. Flawless skin, everything mine isn't. She's two years older, confident, able to speak without hesitation. Her wolf is strong, her bloodline powerful.

Everything I'm not.

Just a useless princess, mute, wolfless, hidden away my entire life like some shameful secret. I don't even remember my past. But I do remember Warren, my mate.

He promised to rule in my place, said it was for the good of the people. That it would be a disaster if they ever found out the truth... that their only heir to the throne is a silent, broken princess.

Another smack lands straight across my face.

"You should be lucky you're breathing the same air as I am, weakling." With a snap of her fingers, two guards come out and seize me away from her.

Oh hell yeah, they're finally here to kill me.

"I think I need to wash my hands before you fucking infect me with your dumbness," she adds.

The two guards are still holding me captive, even though my weak legs struggle to stand. It's all just wobble and weakness, since I've been used to crawling. Standing only drains more energy from me.

"Who knows? You'll finally be of good use to us. Alpha Ronan is making his appearance here today, and these guards will see to your meal and dress. Be on your finest behavior. Is that clear?"

Alpha Ronan?

I haven't met him in person, but I have heard of him-the last fearless Alpha across every pack. The same Alpha that rumors say every wife he takes ends up dying. Rumor has it his wolf is a beast and ends up feasting on every wife he gets.

Why is he coming? What does he need with Warren? And above all, why does Nova want me on my best behavior?

I nod, knowing if I don't, it's clearly going to earn me another punishment.

She barks orders at the guards, then hisses, spits on the floor, and walks away.

I weakly stare after her, catching the familiar gown she's putting on. That gown is mine. It used to be my favorite. As a matter of fact, it's the gown I wore during Warren and my mating ceremony.

One of the guards slings me over his shoulder, carrying me straight to one of the pack quarters.

The maids who once worked for me are nowhere to be found, and instead, I meet strange faces.

"Hang around, Josie. We'll need your help carrying her. We need to bathe her first, then give her food so she can rest and recover. And Cassie, go get the herbs that'll strengthen her bones," the eldest maid orders, and everyone begins acknowledging her instructions.

Josie, the guard carrying me, leads me to the bathtub and carefully lowers me into the warm bath. My entire body of sores stings upon coming into contact with the water and whatever it's been mixed with.

I can't scream. I'm too weak to even sigh.

Hours later, I'm already dressed and heading down the stairs, even though my body hasn't entirely recovered. But for what it's worth, I eat a good amount of food, drink water to my fill, and the herbs the maid gives me are quite effective.

I descend the stairs all alone, the gown I wear flowing as I walk. My body is weak, but I try my best. I still don't know what the Alpha wants with our pack. I should be more concerned about someone coming to help me away from all this, and maybe someone who will listen to me instead of shunning me away when I try to sign something.

Relief floods through me when I reach the last step to the ground floor, but just then, I step on my gown, stumbling forward and expecting to hit the floor.

But suddenly, I find myself caught, staring into a strong pair of eyes, the most bedazzling eyes I've ever seen.

My heart rate spikes.