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.