Cercei’s POV

I awoke with the first rays of dawn, my heart brimming with delight and enthusiasm. Still caught in the clutches of sleep, I yawned and rubbed my eyes, only to find my parents standing before me, their presence an unexpected charm.

“Goodness gracious,” I gasped, clutching my chest in surprise while my father chuckled and settled himself on the edge of my bed.

“Happy birthday, my dear Chèri,” he murmured, gently kissing my head before enveloping me in his warm embrace.

A radiant smile graced my face as I reciprocated the loving hug.

“Happy birthday, my darling,” my mother chimed in, joining the tender embrace. However, the intensity of their affection made me flinch momentarily.

“You’re squeezing the life out of me,” I teased, prompting laughter from both of them as they released me from their clasp.

“We have a little surprise for you,” my mother announced, extending a small wooden box adorned with a delicately carved crescent moon.

As I gingerly opened the box, my eyes beheld a vintage treasure—a rounded necklace reminiscent of bygone eras. Its centrepiece was a captivating blue, emerald gemstone encircled by an array of cryptic foreign languages and enigmatic symbols that eluded my comprehension.

“Mamà,” I breathed in awe, my voice barely a whisper.

“It belonged to my mother and her mother before her. Now, it is time for you to inherit it, my beloved Cercei,” she revealed, her voice tinged with sentimentality.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, I embraced them both, and then my father extended his hand. Placing the necklace delicately into his palm, I turned around. Then, with the utmost care, he fastened the heirloom around my neck, its weight a comforting presence against my skin.

“It suits you,” my mother uttered, her voice filled with admiration. I responded to her kind words with a gentle smile, grateful for her approval.

“Make sure you get ready, my dear. Today is a momentous occasion for our pack,” my father reminded me, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.

“Oh, the ball!” I exclaimed, a surge of excitement coursing through me. Without wasting a moment, I leaped out of bed and snatched my clothes from their resting place. The sound of my parents’ laughter filled the air, their amusement echoing through the room.

“Have a splendid day, chèri!” Papà called out, his words imbued with warmth and well wishes.

Finally, the day I had eagerly anticipated had arrived—the grand ball and my very own birthday. A perpetual smile adorned my face, undeterred even by Vienna’s constant grumbling. I cheerfully tended to my duties and dutifully followed her instructions. Today was simply the epitome of perfection, a day that no one could possibly spoil.

As I stood beside Maria, washing the dishes, her voice reached me in a soft whisper. “Happy birthday, Wolfie.”

I turned to her with gratitude shining in my eyes. “Thank you, Maria.”

Her expression hinted at a secret, a gift she had yet to present. “I’ll give you my present later.”

A spark of curiosity ignited within me. “You have a gift for me?”

A mischievous smile danced on Maria’s lips. “Of course, I do, you silly girl,” she chuckled, leaving me eager with anticipation.

“I can’t wait to see it,” I eagerly replied, my curiosity piqued by Maria’s promise.

However, before Maria could respond, Madàm Cece abruptly interjected, interrupting our conversation. “Maria, why are you here? Return to the garden,” she commanded.

Maria made a face behind Madàm Cece’s back before obediently departing.

I shook my head, amused by her playful defiance. At times, she could be rather childlike.

“Back to work, Cercei,” Madàm Cece grumbled, her tone laced with irritation.

I nodded obediently and returned to my tasks. Madàm Cecè had served the Crescents long before my parents, and her grumpiness and bad temper seemed to intensify as she aged.

“I expect all of you to behave impeccably tonight. The consequences for misbehaviour will be severe,” she warned, her gaze lingering on me as she uttered her final words.

I was well-versed in keeping my head down, a skill drilled into me by Vienna. She had always insisted that no one would desire even a glimpse of my supposedly repulsive visage. Thus, I grew up plagued by insecurities and doubts, but with time, I came to realise that Vienna had merely sought to deter me from stealing her spotlight.

Not long after, the distinguished guests began to arrive in their splendid carriages and vehicles. The women adorned themselves in breathtaking designer gowns, while the men exuded elegance in their tailored suits. I gazed at them in awe, captivated by the allure of such a lavish existence.

“Woah,” I gasped, unable to contain my awe when Lady Shire made her grand entrance. Clad in a form-fitting gold bodycon dress that accentuated her graceful figure, she walked with an air of confidence. The dress revealed a tantalising slit, exposing her perfectly straight legs, and her hair cascaded in bouncy waves as she moved.

Lady Shire was Vienna’s cousin from her mother’s side. Unlike Vienna, Lady Shire possessed a kind heart and exuded polite charm. She had frequented the mansion during her childhood, but we hadn’t seen her in years.

Monsieur Remus warmly embraced his niece upon her arrival, and Vienna’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her cousin. I observed the heartfelt reunion from a distance when Maria called out to me, pulling my attention away.

“Where were you? Madam Cecè was looking for you,” Maria exclaimed, her voice tinged with urgency.

“Sorry, I was just watching—” I began to explain.

“We’re not here to watch, Cercei. We’re here to serve. Come on,” she interrupted, tugging me towards the bustling kitchen. In her hand, she held a crimson mask, which she handed to me. Once I had donned the mask, she placed a tray laden with drinks into my hands, and we made our way to the ballroom.

As I entered the enchanting space, my gaze swept across the room. Soft music floated through the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and laughter. Some guests were twirling gracefully on the dance floor, their movements perfectly synchronised. Head bowed, I navigated the room, discreetly offering drinks to the attendees.

Suddenly, Monsieur Remus commanded everyone’s attention. The room fell into a hushed silence as he spoke, his voice resonating with authority and warmth.

“My dear friends, it is my utmost pleasure to welcome you all to my humble abode. Tonight, we gather to celebrate our shared history and prepare for a future brimming with promise. May we forge alliances that will fortify our power and strength as the esteemed Lords and Ladies of the North and West. Your presence is deeply appreciated, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the festivities.”

Applause erupted, filling the room with a wave of appreciation. After his speech, the guests resumed their conversations, the ballroom alive with animated chatter.

“This party is truly remarkable. Vienna has impeccable taste,” I overheard two ladies whispering to each other, their voices filled with admiration.

“You there, servant girl,” one of them called out to me. Nervously, I approached, uncertain of what to expect.

Relief washed over me as she plucked a glass of wine from the tray I held and continued conversing with her friend. With a small bow, I excused myself and moved on.

Serving at a grand ball wasn’t as dreadful as I had anticipated. In fact, it allowed me to revel in the melodic strains of music and witness the presence of influential leaders from various packs. Moreover, it was a glimpse into a world of power and prestige.

Once my tray was emptied, I made my way back to the kitchen, ready to replenish it and resume my duties.

“There, go to that table over there. They are running out of drinks,” Madam Cecè instructed, handing me yet another tray and pointing towards the central table.

“Yes, Madam,” I replied dutifully, my arms already aching from the strain of carrying the heavy trays. Maintaining focus was crucial; the last thing I wanted was to drop the drinks accidentally.

Cercei’s POV

Approaching the table occupied by a group of boisterous middle-aged men, I silently collected their empty glasses and swiftly replaced them with brimming ones. My hands trembled slightly as I set down the glasses, my nerves betraying me.

“Be careful, dear. You might spill my drink,” one of the men remarked, noticing my unease.

Startled by his comment, I instinctively withdrew my hand, fearing the repercussions of breaking the rules we had been explicitly taught. We were strictly instructed not to engage with the guests. However, my terror caused me to fumble, and in an unfortunate turn of events, I spilled wine onto the man’s lap.

“Forgive me, my lord,” I stammered, fear gripping my entire being. My heart thudded heavily in my chest as I reached for a napkin and extended it towards him.

Tremors coursed through my body as I anticipated the consequences of my mistake. Vienna had made it abundantly clear that any misstep would be met with severe punishment. Now, all I could think about was the impending retribution I would face for disregarding her rules.

“Please forgive me, my Lord,” I stammered repeatedly, as I swiftly reached for a napkin and extended it to him, my hands trembling with trepidation.

The room fell silent as the incident disrupted the ongoing conversations of the others.

“Dear, it’s quite alright. Wipe it away for me,” he responded, his smile bearing a sinister and unsettling air. Gripping my hand firmly, he directed it towards his lap, his intentions unmistakable. Instinctively, I broke free from his grasp, the sudden movement drawing the attention of those seated nearby.

“Adolphus, release the young lady,” interjected one of the men, his voice firm and authoritative. I turned my gaze towards him, searching for a glimmer of empathy in his eyes.

“How dare you spill a drink on me!” Adolphus bellowed, his wounded pride fueling his indignation at my refusal to comply with his inappropriate advances. I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes upon us.

“I beg your forgiveness, my Lord,” I managed to utter, my voice trembling and tears welling up in my eyes.

“Remove your mask this instant,” he commanded, his words laced with a menacing undertone.

Fear gripped me as I contemplated the consequences of disobeying the strict instruction never to unveil my face under any circumstance.

Dropping to my knees, I implored for mercy, my words barely audible in my distress. “M-my Lord, I-I...”

In one swift motion, he snatched the mask from my face and callously crushed it beneath his foot. My head bowed in submission, he placed his hand beneath my chin, tilting it upwards to meet his gaze. I caught a glimpse of his anger transmuting into a twisted desire.

“What a captivating countenance,” he murmured, fingers caressing my face. Desperate to evade his touch, I averted my gaze, searching for solace in the periphery.

“It is a lamentable sight, indeed. I can’t help but wonder what manner of punishment awaits you,” he murmured, his voice dripping with a perverse fascination as he leaned closer and whispered into my ear.

“Join me in my service, and I will ensure your every pleasure,” he continued, his words tinged with a repulsive proposition. Disgust welled up within me, for I was not that kind of woman. Though I despised this place, I knew deep within that his domain held even darker horrors.

A booming voice shattered the tense air as Monsieur made his presence known. The man abruptly released his grip on my face, pivoting to face the commanding figure.

“What is the meaning of this?” Monsieur’s gaze pierced through the room, his eyes scanning the scene before settling on me. I met his gaze with teary eyes, a silent plea for understanding.

"Forgive me, Monsieur. It-it was an unfortunate accident, I swear. I did not mean to—” I stammered, my words trailing off in distress.

Vienna appeared at Monsieur’s side, her once inquisitive eyes now ablaze with fury as she beheld me.

“Please, Lord Adolphus, forgive my servant. I assure you, such an incident will never recur under my watchful eye,” Monsieur Remus interjected, attempting to diffuse the situation with his authoritative tone.

“It was not the girl’s fault, uncle,” Lady Shire’s voice rang out, her eyes unwavering as she stood by my side, offering her support. “Lord Adolphus here was shamelessly accosting her.”

I lifted my gaze to meet Lady Shire’s persistent stare, gratitude flooding my heart for her brave defence.

“How dare you!” Lord Adolphus bellowed, his rage reverberating through the room.

“I witnessed the entire incident as I am seated right before you,” Lady Shire retorted, gesturing towards the table directly before us.

“Shire,” Monsieur Remus called out, his voice commanding her to cease her confrontation.

Lady Shire turned her gaze towards me, her eyes brimming with concern. She extended her hand towards me, a gesture of compassion and support.

“My Lord Adolphus, I understand her beauty may captivate you, but it is never acceptable to touch a woman without her consent,” Lady Shire boldly asserted, her words striking a nerve.

Lord Adolphus’s face flushed red, anger visibly emanating from him like wisps of smoke. He was on the brink of an explosive outburst when his companions managed to subdue him.

“My Lord Remus, please accept my sincerest apologies for my brother’s despicable behavior. I will ensure he regains his composure,” interjected one of the Lords, swiftly intervening and guiding Lord Adolphus away.

Lady Shire turned her attention back to me, her eyes filled with genuine concern. “Are you alright?” she inquired, her voice laced with empathy.

“I apologise for the disturbance, everyone. There is no cause for panic,” Monsieur Remus reassured, his warm smile attempting to restore a sense of tranquillity to the room.

“Cercei, return to the kitchen, and Shire, come with me,” he continued, issuing instructions to his attendants. Lady Shire cast one last glance in my direction, and I reciprocated with a reassuring smile, assuring her that I was indeed unharmed. She obediently followed Monsieur Remus, leaving me under Vienna’s stern gaze.

“You wretched bitch!” she seethed, her voice a venomous whisper. With a furious grip on my arm, she forcefully dragged me outside, away from prying eyes.

We arrived at the secluded spot behind the grand mansion, near the sheltering embrace of an ancient apple tree. She violently pushed me against the wall, her eyes ablaze with intense anger that seemed to consume her.

“So, you crave the attention that desperately, do you?” she spat, her words dripping with disdain.

“I didn’t mean to make a mistake. It was purely an accident, I beg of you,” I pleaded, my voice trembling with fear.

“I explicitly instructed you never to falter and to keep your face hidden!” she shouted, her voice laced with frustration.

Cercei’s POV

“Please, I implore you, find it in your heart to forgive me,” I sobbed, tears streaming down my face. As her eyes turned a sinister shade of yellow, her hands morphed into savage paws adorned with razor-sharp claws.

Instinctively, I raised my hands to shield my face as she lunged at me, attacking with the ferocity of a wild beast. Desperate and in pain, I cried out, desperately attempting to evade her vicious strikes.

“You are nothing but a lowly servant! Never forget your place!” she growled, relentless in her assault. Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to evade her dagger-like nails.

“Please, I beg you, stop!” I implored, my voice a desperate plea amidst the chaos. My cries carried into the air, blending with the sound of my own suffering.

“Vienna!” Monsieur’s commanding voice shattered through the tumultuous scene, its resonance demanding attention and obedience.

“Release her,” the commanding voice of the alpha resonated through the air.

Vienna emitted a low growl but reluctantly let go of me, allowing me to crumble to the ground, trembling and soaked in tears. Monsieur Remus swiftly approached, concern etched across his face.

“Return to the gathering, Vienna,” Monsieur spoke icily to his daughter, his tone brooking no argument.

Vienna shifted to her human form, composed herself, and departed, leaving me in the aftermath of her aggression.

“Are you alright, Cercei?” Monsieur inquired softly, offering me his coat to cover my tear-streaked and bloodied form. Tenderly, he helped me to my feet, his touch surprisingly gentle given our lack of interaction throughout my life.

“Please, Monsieur, it was an unintended mishap. I never meant for any of this to happen. I beg for your forgiveness,” I pleaded, my voice quivering with remorse.

“Hush now. You should return to your quarters and tend to your wounds,” he replied, his voice a mixture of compassion and command. The depth of his concern took me aback, our proximity a new and unfamiliar territory.

“Monsieur, your presence is requested--” My father’s voice trailed off as he caught sight of me. His eyes locked onto my face, then descended to the blood staining my hands.

“Cercei,” he uttered, worry etched across his features. Hastily, he wiped away the tears from my eyes and examined my injuries. Monsieur Remus cleared his throat, discreetly receding to allow my father to tend to me.

Overwhelmed by emotions, I broke down into uncontrollable sobs, clutching onto my father for solace. He tried to soothe me, his presence a balm to my shattered spirit, yet the tears persisted, cascading down my cheeks without reprieve.

“I never intended to offend Lord Adolphus, papà. He was touching me, and I was frightened, and...” My words trailed off as my father pulled me closer into an embrace, holding me tightly.

“Hush,” he comforted me, his presence a source of ease amidst the turmoil. I stole a fleeting glance at Monsieur Remus, who stood before us with an impassive expression, an inscrutable figure in the unfolding drama.

“Let us return inside, Hènri,” Monsieur Remus declared, his tone devoid of warmth.

“Monsieur, may I stay with my daughter? She is injured and distraught,” my father pleaded, his voice tinged with concern.

“I require your presence inside. I will summon Cecè to attend to her,” Monsieur Remus responded, his words conveying a cold detachment.

“I will be fine, papà. Go,” I assured him, offering a smile filled with reassurance. Despite his worry and hesitation, he reluctantly rose and followed Monsieur Remus back into the mansion.

“Cercei...” he gently called my name.

“Go!” I insisted, my voice firm. He continued to cast anxious glances in my direction as he walked away. I knew he did not want to leave me, but I could not bear the thought of him facing any repercussions on my behalf.

I lifted my gaze to the lonely sky, its darkness and emptiness mirroring the anguish in my heart. Only the lone moon offered companionship, its pale glow a silent witness to my inner turmoil. I yearned to release my pent-up anger, to scream and let it all out. It seemed that every time I found a semblance of happiness, fate intervened, determined to shatter my fragile respite.

Consumed by a vortex of rage and despair, I succumbed to the primal fury within me. My body contorted and shifted, bones cracking and reforming as I transformed into a fearsome wolf. Ripping through my clothes, my form grew larger, my once green eyes turning a fiery red. My hands morphed into paws, each digit ending in razor-sharp claws. Then, with a mighty howl, I embraced my newfound bestial nature, becoming a magnificent brown-furred creature with burning crimson eyes.

Bounding into the depths of the forest, propelled by an unbridled need for escape, I ran with reckless abandon. The frigid wind whipped against my thick fur, carrying away the tumult of my troubled thoughts. Direction mattered not, for my only aim was to distance myself from the torment that had beset my existence.

Halting abruptly, I discovered a secluded rock cave hidden within the heart of the woods. Even from a distance, I could hear the gentle trickle of water within. Compelled by an unseen force, I ventured inside, reverting to my human form as the transformation waned.

The cave revealed a soothing hot spring, inviting waters beckoning me. Slowly, I approached the water’s edge, the warmth enveloping me, offering comfort to the remnants of sanity within. As I dipped myself, the healing embrace of the water cleansed my wounds, easing the pain that had gripped me.

In the tranquillity of that moment, a peculiar scent wafted through the air, stirring something within me. Familiar yet foreign, it set my senses ablaze. I scanned the surroundings, seeking the source of this elusive aroma, to my dismay, nothing but rocks met my gaze".

Shaking my head, I dismissed it as a figment of my imagination. Plunging fully into the water, I sought respite, relishing the feel of oxygen filling my lungs upon resurfacing. Yet, as I opened my eyes, I was met with a sight that stole my breath away—a colossal, magnificent wolf stood before me.

Cloaked in a coat as white as freshly fallen snow, with eyes as crimson as spilled blood, it exuded an otherworldly allure. Startled, I panicked and swiftly transformed back into my feral form. A silent exchange ensued, our eyes locking, sharing a profound connection that transcended words.

The scent had stirred something deep within me, setting free a part of myself I had yet to discover—a wildness, untamed and liberated. Overwhelmed by nameless emotions, I bolted away, escaping the presence of the enigmatic creature. Echoes of its pursuit lingered in my ears, but the forest was my sanctuary, and I knew its paths well.

After what seemed like an eternity of running, I finally lost track of the magnificent being. My head throbbed as if on the brink of implosion, the weight of the day’s events bearing down upon me. Emotions I struggled to define swirled within, leaving me both drained and hollow. With each step, it felt as if I were treading on feathers, disconnected from reality as I approached the imposing gates of my personal hell.

Welcome back to the mansion, a place where turmoil and torment awaited, a stark reminder of the darkness that enveloped my existence.