Sienna
The basement was cold at night, so cold that I began to sneeze halfway. I felt my children shift around me, their soft snores in the air.
The bed was cramped for just myself, not to speak of the four of us. I sighed and rose from the bed. It was pitch-black all around, but my sharp senses caught the outline of their sleeping forms, all curled around me. I stroked Charles's dishevelled hair and removed, very gently, Caleb's arm around my waist. By the time I had extricated myself from their hold, I was already shivering from the cold. I glanced at them, my eyes pricked with unshed tears.
I had to find a way out of this, I thought, sighing helplessly. If Gemma couldn't understand what I meant for her to do for me, then I would find a way to meet my father, no matter what. I still had to find a way out for my children, who were innocent.
"Goddess, help me," I sighed softly, and pulled the threadbare blanket around them.
I sat in a fetal position by the bed, leaning against the bedframe while murmuring bits and pieces of plans and strategies I could use. It kept me awake until dawn broke. And by the time the maid arrived, I made my first move.
"Where is the Alpha?" I demanded, straightening. The children had been washed up and ate the meager breakfast brought for us. It was only several pieces of dried toast and some baked beans, which were cold. Hardly enough for growing children. My own stomach growled and I patted it.
The maid's g;ane at me was full of derision which neither shocked nor deterred me from my goal. Most people in the [ack, down to the slaves and servants, believed the rumors without asking for my own side of the story. Having been deemed a witch straight from the moment I was born, I was used to it.
"The Alpha is busy attending to his duties," The maid said flippantly.
I growled, facing her.
"Well, you're going to take me to him, and now." I said.
The maid's face flushed, her eyes darting, her hand gripping the damp rag she used to clean much tighter.
"The Alpha has no desire to see you or your bastard spawn." The maid spoke with defiance, though her voice wilted at the end.
A sharp burning heat lanced through my chest.
Bastard spawn?
I parted my lips to speak but then a voice rang out behind me.
"Keep your mouth shut!"
Gemma strode in, two maids behind her, and moved to slap the girl. The slap echoed, and instantly the girl cowered, bowing her head.
"You should show respect to my sister. Do you understand?" Gemma yelled at the maid, who shrank back with each word. As she moved I caught a flash of red around Gemma's neck, and my breath caught.
"Gem," I grabbed her arm as she flinched, her face turning pale in an instant.
I didn't have to ask, I knew who it was that had done this to her. The marks were mostly hidden by the high-neck dress she wore, but it was enough that I knew.
The maid she had slapped hurried out, and she pressed her lips together.
"Gemma–"
"I'm fine, sister. It's just… Victor was simply a little upset last night," she whispered.
She then gestured to the maids behind her, each of which held something. The maid holding a tray stepped forward and opened the tray. The aroma of fresh food and pastries filled the air making my stomach growl loudly.
"I heard you didn't get enough breakfast from the kitchen, so I gathered these," Gemma explained, smiling wanly. "I… I hope it's enough for now. I'll get more food for lunch and some snacks for the little ones later."
My heart felt a warmth that was unprecedented.
I pulled her into a hug, which she stiffened at briefly before relaxing. As we pulled apart I could have sworn I heard a sniffle from her.
"Thank you," I said.
The spread in the tray was truly delicious. Scrambled eggs, sausages, cottage cheese, cut up fruits and even custard pudding sat atop the tray with delicate care.
I began to portion out the meal, placing enough for each of my children before setting out mine. I thanked Gemma again, as she pulled the other maid forward.
"She is more diligent at cleaning and would help to take care of the children," She said softly. "I had kept her at my side for the sake of…" she trailed off. Her words were full of pain and a faint hint of guilt and regret.
She shook her head as if to clear it of such thoughts. "But it's fine now," she stated. "I brought some clothes as well for you and the children. I'm not sure if they will fit but–"
"I appreciate it, Gemma, thank you," I clasped her hands in mine. "But… this is not all I need."
She paused, then nodded.
"Is there a way you can help me to contact the Wolf King, Gemma? I truly need your help. I know if nothing's done, I may be in trouble," I emphasized, my heart pounding. I knew she was likely to listen to me now but even then I didn't know if she was capable of such. Only a faint trail of hope and the only connection I had to use.
"To contact the Wolf King?" Gemma paled slightly at the thought and I squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"It's just to send a message. You can tell him that you've found me. He will listen to that."
Gemma shook her head nervously.
"Sienna, the Wolf King was really furious with our pack for years. He still hasn't let us off. Father and Victor… they both faced the brunt of it all. And I know if the Wolf King comes here it would lead to disaster."
My heart sank.
…