Mathilde
“What? The bitch has escaped? How did that happen?”
My nose flared upon hearing the news the following morning. I was surprised to see that all of the servants were still in bed, even though the sun was already up.
One of the maids, I believe her name is Jane, stepped forward. Her lips were quivering in fear, which strangely had a calming effect on me. It's odd, but I felt invigorated by the sight of feeble and timid wolves trembling in my presence.
"Madam," Jane stammered, "we suspect that Serena added something to the food when she prepared dinner last night. It caused us to sleep heavily and be numb to our surroundings. That's why no one noticed her escape."
"You imbecile!" I shouted, slapping her cheeks. The poor maid tumbled to the floor, and the other servants rushed to help her up.
"Mom, what's happening?" Tori asked, appearing in the doorway. The maids lowered their heads in respect, while I held my head, trying to process what had occurred.
"Mom, answer me!" Tori demanded.
Hearing her, I took a deep breath and confessed, "Serena ran away last night."
"What? No! No!" Tori exclaimed, her voice filled with panic. She rushed out of the maids’ quarters and into the living room. There, she began knocking over vases and figurines, crying like a mad woman.
"What are we going to do? It's over! We're finished!" She lamented, continuing to wreak havoc throughout the house. I grabbed her arm, trying to calm her down.
"Pull yourself together, Tori! It's not the end yet!" Tori sniffled, looking at me with teary eyes. "The odds are still in our favor. We just need to keep that wench away from Damon, and we can ensure she won't get near him as we'll be living in Blood Rose from now on."
As I spoke those words, Tori stopped crying and nodded. The rest of the day proceeded as usual, but we punished the incompetent maids by reducing their food rations for their negligence.
Another day passed, and finally, the departure day arrived. Just in time, the convoy led by the soon-to-be Beta, Ashford, pulled up. They escorted us to an elegant car that would take us to the Blood Rose Pack. During the journey, I could sense Tori's anticipation and my own excitement growing.
It wasn't our first time setting foot in the strongest pack on the continent, but we still couldn't help but be awestruck upon our arrival.
Deep within a vast forest, the Blood Roset Pack thrived. Their home was a spacious den at the center of a sunlit clearing. Tall statues of powerful wolves guarded the entrance, exemplifying their emphasis on unity and strength within the pack.
Various paths led to different places within their territory. Green meadows were designated for gatherings, clear streams for drinking and fishing, and thick bushes for hiding. The pack resonated with joyful sounds – wolves howling, pups playing, and drums beating during celebrations.
Finally, we reached the entrance of the pack house. At its front, a captivating fountain drew my attention. At its center stood a grand statue of a golden wolf, adorned by a synchronized combination of lights and water.
As we stepped out of the elegant car, a man immediately greeted us. He appeared to be around the same age as me, yet still in his prime. He wore an elegant suit.
"Welcome to our pack, Lady Serena and Madam Mathilde. My name is Alfred White, and I am the butler of this pack house," he introduced. "Please follow me to your room."
We complied with his request, feasting our eyes on the surroundings. The ceiling was adorned with Swarovski crystals, resembling a constellation of bright stars. The walls and pillars appeared to be made of gold or perhaps embellished with gold leaves to achieve the same effect.
Talk about fancy and rich!
“This is where Lady Serena will settle until the time of her wedding,” Alfred stated after we reached a room. It was adjacent to the next room where you, Madam Mathilde, will settle. We figured you wouldn’t want to be separated from your daughter, so we made special arrangements for your rooms.”
As Alfred pushed the door open, our jaws dropped at the scene. Its walls were adorned with vibrant tapestries, while the bed was covered with lace and surrounded by fluffy pillows and blankets. A vanity table, graced with intricate designs, held a gold-framed mirror, surrounded by vases of freshly picked wildflowers.
“Mom, this is great!” Tori exclaimed as she scanned the room.
Alfred bowed his head, pleased with Tori’s reaction. “We are pleased to know you like your room, Lady Serena.”
Tori sat on the bed and jumped up and down, testing its softness. Alfred turned to me and asked, “Is there anything else you need, madam?”
“We are all set, Alfred, thank you,” I responded. Surrounded by opulence and luxury, I saw a spark of happiness in Tori's eyes, reflecting my own feelings.
“I will leave you to rest for now,” Alfred continued. “But please, prepare for the dinner with the Alpha later. We will fetch you and the Lady around six. Please, don’t be late; the alpha hates waiting.”
“Of course,” I replied. With that, Alfred took his leave, leaving Tori and me.
Tori voiced her amazement, "This place is like a dream, Mom."
I smiled at her, taking a seat on the fancy chair. "Yes, Tori. Everything we dreamed of and more.”
Looking out of the window at the moonlit estate, a rush of accomplishment engulfed me. Our elaborate plan was finally in action, and a wave of happiness washed over me.
I will make sure that no one can take this luxury away from me, especially the real Serena.