Lycan Unity Academy

tine'

ed across my cheek. The tas

ke a blade. "Or are you just stupid?" The stone floor slammed i

u myself." Quickly, I dipped the rag, scrubbed again and again. The dirt didn't leave. It never did. Keeping my head bowed, I avoided glimpsing my surroundings. Any upward glance merely confirmed my wretched place in this world. The servants' quarters sat beneath the blood moon crescent pack house, hidden, like we were. This was our domain below, unseen, forgotten. I had endu

ucket, water splashed over my hands. "Focus, you stupid thing," Madam Cora snapped. My fingers clenched around

re, undiluted evil after Madam Cora herself. Their punishments were quick and merciless. I'd either get chased by the pack dogs whenever I defiled their o

d hope. Not me. I bent lower and scrubbed with renewed vigor. "Hurry up, Christine," Madam Cora said, voice lo

sts walk these halls," she hissed, stepping closer. "Or should I remind you what happens when you disappoint me?" I shook my head immediately. "No, madam," I murmured,

t?" Her heel pressed harder. A sharp cry clawed its way up my throat. I swallowed it. I always did. "Christine, you know why the moon goddess never gave you a wolf," Madam Cora whispered harshly. "She knew how much of a mistake you already are." She kicked my face with

ump in my throat and went on my knees as I lowered my gaze to the soapy water with a bloody nose and tears in my eyes. This is what I

, mother," I cried. "Mother, where are we going?" "Quiet," she whispered. "Quiet, my child, or they'll hear you." Then the pack house, at once fi

s wild with fear and something else I couldn't quite name. I shook my head, clutching at her sleeve. "No, no, do not leave me alone, Mother." She grasped my face between trembling hands, tears carving paths through the grime on her skin, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "No matter what you hear, you stay hidden," she said fiercely, her voice breaking. "Do you hear me? Promise me, my little one." I nodded once. "I am scared, Mother. What's ha