(Vaelith's POV)

The weight of each step was more than the previous behind the Head Maid. I clasped my hands in front of me, as we walked through the palace corridors, my mind buzzing with one question that I could not get rid of. Has the doctor already sent his report? Did Kaedric know already? Did Seraphine?

I didn't know which would be worse:

The Head Maid knocked at a tall set of doors and after knocking twice, she pushed them open. "My Luna," she said, "the breeder Vaelith."

I went in and dropped my head, my eyes glued to the shiny floor.

A cup of tea was elegantly held in her hands, Seraphine was sitting by the window, the sunlight glittering upon the light blond of her hair. She didn't pay me any attention. She didn't say anything at all. She just let that silence creep up until it was too much and drank her tea as if I hadn't been there.

Finally, she didn't turn her head and she spoke. "Why did you fall when working?"

"I'm sorry, my Luna," I said, my voice from place to place. "When I was putting up the flowers for your sister's arrival, I suddenly felt dizzy, but that will never happen again." 

I didn't mention the pregnancy.

She put down her teacup slowly, the porcelain of the cup rattling on the saucer, and then looked at me. Her eyes were icy, piercing.

"You've brought such a disgrace to this palace," she said. "The servants must work despite being uncomfortable. Has no one told you to do this?

"I know, my Luna," I replied. "I apologize 

"You must pay for it," she said. "You have one less off day as a replacement for the day you wasted."

"Yes, my Luna." I mumbled. 

There was no use arguing. All I could say would only make her punish me even more.

Her lips curled into a little smile of contentment. "There was one more thing I want you to do for me." 

"Of course my Luna," I  replied.

"I need a rare herb, one that only grows in Blackthorn Forest, my sister's tonic can't be made without it." She ordered. "All guards are busy so you'll go alone."

My stomach tightened. Everyone was aware that Blackthorn Forest was a hazardous area, particularly for a lone person, particularly so late in the day. A refusal of a direct command from the Luna, however, was not something that a breeder could do.

I lowered my head, and said, "I'll leave right away," and turned to leave.

The moment I stepped into the forest, I could feel eyes on me but I could not go back, holding my  basket in my hand and a tiny knife in my hand, that only cuts stems and roots, I took the light with me but it  was immediately absorbed by the forest. The further I went, the quieter I got. The birdsong was heard less and less. Then the insects. Even the wind paused as if it had a breath of silence.

I squatted down, almost touching a bunch of light-colored flowers, looking them over against the description Seraphine had given me, and trying to ignore the creeping feeling on the back of my neck.

There was someone or something watching me.

I slowly straightened myself up and turned around.

Nothing. Only trees and shade.

I told myself that I was  only nervous, and that I have to concentrate on the herbs that are scattered around the floor of the forest.

I heard a twig break behind me.

I froze.

I knew this time, I was sure. I wasn't alone.

I picked up my basket and started to walk quicker – my heart pounding in my ribs. I heard another sound, from somewhere to my left. Then another one that was even closer and came from behind.

They all came out of the shadows, before I could run,

Wolves. Four or perhaps five, circling me, growling, low growls rumbled from their throats. I stumbled back clutching the worthless little knife in my hand, my basket to the ground forgotten.

"Please," I said in a trembling voice. "I'm just a breeder, I'm here picking herbs for the Luna, I don't mean any harm to anyone."

One of them laughed softly, a derisive laugh, and his figure changed, becoming broad and tall, a man, his eyes cruel and mocking. "You must be kidding me, do you think we'd let the woman carrying the Alpha's heir walk out of this forest alive?"

I froze completely. "How did you find out about that?"

"Another wolf grinned at him, sitting beside him. Blood as potent as that is not difficult to smell, certainly not for wolves like us."

"Why do you do this?" My voice cracked as I asked,

The one that appeared to be guiding them shook his shoulders like the query was insignificant and there was no need for an answer. "The situation itself isn't personal, we were hired to do a job."

"Who hired you?" I whispered.

He smiled slowly and cruelly. "The Luna."

He circled me, "She could never imagine the thought of another woman bearing Kaedric's child. Not after what happened at the ceremony. Her orders were clear: Neither you nor that thing inside you gets to walk back into Moonridge."

I found my knees buckling under me.

As I attempted to run two of them grabbed my arms and twisted them behind my back, and a third pulled out a small bundle from a leather pouch in his hip. Beyond that, I saw the dark, twisted leaves within it, and terror filled me.

I knew it right away. Nightbane root. Poisonous if eaten.

"No!" I gasped, struggling against the hands that held me. "No, please, don't-"

I clenched my jaw shut, and twisted my head away, but it didn't help. One of them opened my mouth, and the other one pushed the harmful herb into my mouth, and he closed my mouth and blocked my nostrils with a great force until I swallowed it.

It was like fire that engulfed my chest in a flash.

I lay on the ground of the woods, gasping and choking, shaking from head to foot. Blood was spilling out of my mouth, leaving stains on the dirt under me, stains on my hands as I pressed them uselessly against my lips.

The wolves loomed over me, unmoved and indifferent.

One of them said, "That should do it."

They turned and disappeared back into the trees, leaving me alone in the middle of the forest.

I had blurred vision at the sides of my eyes. I began to breathe shallowly, getting weaker with each second. Tears blended with blood in my face and I put my shaking hand on my belly.

I pleaded quietly, "Please. Please survive this. Please."

The night was closing in, devouring everything, the trees, the sky, even me.

I heard big feet coming through the bushes just before it totally engulfed me.

With the last of my strength, I opened my eyes.

A large, dark wolf stood above me, its eyes shining in the dim light. I couldn't determine whether it was to complete what they had started, or for another purpose altogether. There was no strength in my legs to run. Have no strength to resist.

I whispered the only word I could muster on my last breath.

"Help..."