Maya could hear the loud beating in her chest as she ran out of Alpha Keenan’s room. Her heart was so loud she could hear it drumming in her head. She couldn’t look at his face, and every word he spoke to her was so hurtful that it was hard for her not to have a reaction.

He hates me.

Her heart squeezed as she thought this. She already knew it, but it was preferable to try to delude herself. This was the first time they were alone, and he acted as though he couldn’t wait to get her out of his room.

But he made sure I ate.

However, as soon as she thought that, Maya shook her head. His actions weren’t out of care; rather, he was convinced that not eating was part of her grand plan to elude him, and he wanted to prevent that. There was nothing selfless or kind about his actions.

If he couldn’t believe she fainted, why would he believe anything she said? She had so much work to do. Was there hope on her end or was this a waste of time?

Maya didn’t linger by the door, afraid he might step out to see her standing there. She was terrified of what he might do to her, but more than anything, she didn’t want to piss him off further or make herself less trustworthy.

Alpha Keenan’s room was located on the first floor, and she knew hers was on the second floor. She didn’t know the path from his room, but she knew if she made her way to the entrance room, she might be able to retrace the steps the maids had led her through.

The mansion was empty as she walked down the hallway leading away from his room. Maya could hear voices outside as she walked; she wondered if the ceremony was still going on.

She was grateful for that because the halls were empty. She couldn’t imagine how she looked in an oversized white dress stained with blood.

She looked down at her dress as she walked. She was really married to Keenan; they just had a wedding. Oddly, he really did keep his promise of marriage to her from years ago.

Perhaps it was the five-year-old in her, but an indescribable joy floated around despite the anxiety and fear that filled her mind. They were really married. It was a weird thing to be joyful about considering their circumstances, but Maya couldn’t help it.

Suddenly, she stopped just mere inches from bumping into someone while turning the corner leading to the entrance room. "I am sorry," she apologized quickly.

The young woman also stopped in time as they noticed each other simultaneously. "It’s fine," she mumbled.

Her eyes squinted slightly as she studied Maya. Maya would have sworn she saw concern in her expression.

Maya recognized her immediately. She was the girl who always seemed to be next to Alaina. Maya didn’t have much memory of her when they were younger, but she could recall Alaina having someone clinging to her like a younger sister.

"Winnie," she mistakenly said out loud as she recalled the name she had heard Alaina call her.

Winnie’s soft amber eyes darkened as Maya addressed her casually. Her eyes matched her hair color underneath the rays of the sun that floated through the glass windows where they stood in the hallway.

"It’s Winifred," she replied, showing her distaste.

Maya’s lips formed a thin line. "I apologize, Winifred."

It was weird; she didn’t have the same unnerved reaction she had when she was in the presence of Alaina or Keenan. Winifred felt friendly even with her displeased expression.

Winifred turned her gaze away and walked past Maya without acknowledging or dismissing her apology. However, she was only two feet away when Maya had a thought. It was a risk, but Winnie wasn’t rude to her, and she needed help.

"I am sorry, Winifred, but could you point me in the right direction?"

Winnie stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at Maya. Her brows were furrowed, and for a moment Maya was worried she was mistaken and Winnie was no different from her sister.

Winnie turned around, her golden waves swaying with her sudden movements. She eyed Maya; her eyes seemed to follow the patches of blood stains.

"Where are you trying to go?" she asked, her eyes briefly lingering on Maya’s bandaged arm.

Maya suddenly felt self-conscious. The bandage was a sign that she had no wolf. It was embarrassing. People didn’t have to say anything for her to realize they thought she was odd.

She hid her bandaged hand behind her back. "The scullery," she whispered.

She needed cleaning items. Maya could remember the state of her bedroom. She doubted it would change, and from the way the maids had acted, she would have to clean it herself.

Winnie paused for a moment, sizing Maya up once again, then she softly explained, "To the left of the mansion, close to the cellar, is the kitchen. Behind the kitchen, you’ll find the scullery. Follow your nose."

"Thank you," Maya replied with relief on her face.

She turned away and walked in the direction that Winnie had described. Winnie didn’t leave immediately. She stood for a moment watching Maya before she slowly shook her head and went about her way.

Maya frowned as she walked, recalling Winnie’s instructions. She seemed aware that Maya had spent the night in the cellar. She didn’t think too much about it; at least Winnie had told her what she needed to know.

She knew she didn’t have any friends here, but it was nice to know she didn’t only have enemies. It didn’t mean that Winnie would act differently from the others, but at least right now, she had found some help.

Maya involuntarily sniffed when the smell of warm pastries reached her nostrils. She could smell pie—apple pie—and muffins. Maya swallowed, her mouth watering.

The food she had eaten earlier was also delicious. Maya wondered if they had a cook. In Father’s mansion, there were two main cooks and a few assistants, but more often than not, Maya found herself cooking. She tended to be a hands-on supervisor.

The hallway that led toward the kitchen was dark in a similar fashion to the cellar. Maya was a little shocked at how accurate Winnie’s description was. Following her nose led her to her destination.

Maya soon found the kitchen with several servants dressed in a uniform manner running in and out, running errands. They all stared at her as they walked past, but none of them addressed her.

She was a little confused as she looked around, wondering if she would have to go into the kitchen to access the scullery or if there was a door outside the kitchen.

"Excuse me," Maya called to the next maid that passed her, who seemed to be in a hurry to get to the kitchen. "Where is the scullery?"

The maid looked a little shocked, but then she pointed past the kitchen toward the edge. At first glance, it looked like a wall, but upon closer inspection, there was a slight gap between the kitchen edge and the wall.

"Thank you," Maya said and gathered her dress in her hand as she sped toward the right direction.

She had stopped herself from imagining what she looked like in her dreary wedding dress that was getting drearier by the second. She slipped through the space and arrived at a room. There was a small window that let the light in and another door that seemed to lead into the kitchen.

She noticed there were metal buckets, brooms, rakes, and brushes all neatly arranged. She smiled and hurriedly picked what she needed, just as the door leading to the kitchen opened.

Maya turned to see Alaina standing by the door with a sneer. She didn’t close the door as she stepped closer to Maya.

"Just what do you think you’re doing?"

Maya gripped the handle of the metal bucket tight as a memory resurfaced. She tried to press it down, but it only rose even more, restricting her lungs and making it hard to breathe.

"I am speaking to you. Answer me."

Maya didn’t reply. She couldn’t, even if she wanted to. The room suddenly felt too small, and her eyes scanned around as she looked for a way to escape.

"Are you sure you’re the High Alpha’s daughter?" Alaina’s mean smile widened as her voice echoed in the kitchen behind her. "You look nothing more than a filthy pig."

Pig?

It was only a coincidence. There was no way Alaina knew she wasn’t the High Alpha’s daughter. She raised her head at the conflicting thoughts, looking right into Alaina’s eyes for some confirmation. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"What are you looking at?"

Maya fled immediately. Having already gotten what she needed, there was no need for her to stay any longer. Besides, it was pretty clear that Alaina only wanted to humiliate her. Not that she needed any help; Maya was already deeply humiliated.