Chapter 14 Reven's POV My blood ran cold at the sight of her . I wasn't ready - not yet . I hadn't prepared myself for the confrontation , not like this , not in front of everyone . " Is that how you show respect to your Luna ? " she said sharply , her voice slicing through my frozen thoughts like a blade . Her tone carried authority , but caught the underlying current of bitterness . My eyes snapped back to hers . " You haven't changed one bit since the last time I saw you , " I muttered , voice low but steady , though I felt anything but . She didn't answer - just smirked , a cruel twist of her lips that made my heart tighten . " Are you supposed to be standing there gawking or helping the other maids prepare dinner ? " she added , her voice laced with mockery . I flinched . The words stung , not because they were harsh , but because they were hers . I stared at her , frozen in place . Tears pricked the corners of my eyes , threatening to fall , but I refused to let them . I had trained myself for this . For years , had built armor around my heart , carved strength into my bones , and buried every soft part of myself deep beneath the surface . I wouldn't break now . Not in front of her . Without another word , I turned on my heel and ran . The hallways blurred as I moved quickly through them , each step echoing with the hollow ache in my chest . I didn't even know where I was going - all i knew was I had to get away . " Damn that head maid , " I muttered under my breath as I slowed my pace . " Couldn't even bother to show me where the kitchen was ... " I turned another corner and stopped abruptly . A young maid walked towards me , balancing a woven basket full of fresh vegetables . She was petite , with soft brown curls tucked under a scarf , her face open and kind . She looked surprised to see me , but not intimidated . That was a relief . " Excuse me , " I said quickly , trying to keep my voice even . " Do you know where the kitchen is ? " She smiled , adjusting the basket on her hip . " I was just heading there now . You can come with me . " I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding . " Thank you ." We walked in silence for a moment . The corridor was quieter here , the thick stone walls absorbing most sounds . After a while , she glanced at me sideways . " I'm Lira , by the way . I haven't seen you around before . " I hesitated . " I'm Revan . I just arrived today . " Her eyes lit with curiosity , but she didn't ask questions . Instead , she smiled again . " First days are always the worst . But ti maid might bark orders , but she has a soft spot for anyone who can peel carrots faster than her ." A laugh escaped me before I could stop it . It felt strange - foreign - but warm . " She'll love me then , " I said . " I used to cook a lot ... before . " Lira nodded , as if she understood . Maybe she did . chen's not so bad . The head Chapter 14 We entered the kitchen through a large wooden door that creaked slightly on its hinges . The scent of herbs and sizzling oil filled the air instantly , wrapping around me like a long - lost memory . Several maids moved around the space , chopping , mixing , and stirring . The room was alive with warmth and purpose . The head maid stood near the hearth , overseeing a bubbling pot of stew . She was round and stern - looking , her silver - streaked hair tied back tightly , and her hands flour - dusted . " Lira , finally , " she called . " Those greens better be fresh . " " They are , " Lira said brightly , setting the basket down . " And this is Revan. She's new and wants to help . " " I know her ," she replied almost immediately . " She is the new Luna's personal maid , " she replied to Lira . " You know how to cook ? " she asked me . " Yes , " I said firmly . She nodded , gesturing toward a table . " Start with the potatoes . We need them peeled , chopped , and in that pot in ten minutes . " I slipped into the rhythm easily . My hands moved with remembered grace as I reached for a knife , the soft scrape of blade against skin almost soothing . My mind quieted as I worked , the ache in my chest easing just a little . Lira joined me a few minutes later , slicing onions and humming a soft tune . " You weren't lying , " she said , watching me . " You're fast ." I shrugged . " It's easier than dealing with- " I stopped myself . She tilted her head but didn't press . Instead , she nudged me playfully with her elbow . " Well , I'm glad you're here . Most new maids cry on their first day . " " I nearly did , " I admitted . She grinned . " That just means you're honest . You'll do just fine . " For the first time in what felt like hours , I felt like I could breathe . The fire crackled , the stew simmered , and my fingers moved with purpose . I could do this . I had done worse and survived . The head maid approached again , tasting from a wooden spoon . " Hmm . Good . Revan , you've got hands meant for the kitchen . Lira , get her a proper apron and knife - she's earned her place . " I blinked . Just like that ? Lira beamed . " Told you . You'll do just fine . " I smiled back . The sun dipped lower outside the kitchen windows , casting golden light across the counters and hearth . The aroma of baked bread mingled with herbs and broth , and the buzz of camaraderie filled the air . For the first time since arriving at the pack house , I didn't feel so alone . After what felt like an eternity , we finally finished preparing the meal . The dining hall awaited , and the head maid wasted no time . " Revan , Lira - go help set the table . And mind the silverware ; the Luna doesn't tolerate crooked settings . " Lira rolled her eyes good - naturedly as we washed our hands and gathered the polished trays . I followed her into the grand dining room , heart thudding in my chest . It was beautiful - too beautiful , almost intimidating . Long oak tables stretched beneath glittering chandeliers , and the air smelled faintly of polished 10:53 Thu , 17 Jul G A Chapter 14 wood and roses . " Here , " Lira whispered , handing me a stack of plates . " Start with the Alpha's place , Head of the table . " 89 % I moved with care , my fingers trembling slightly as I placed each dish , each fork , each glass with precision . It felt like more than just setting a table - it felt like stepping into a life that wasn't quite mine . But I kept going . One place setting at a time . When we were done , I was asked to go call the Luna - or should I say , my half - sister . I took in a deep breath as Lira directed me to her room . I followed the description and got to the hallway . I spotted the room . Without wasting time , I moved over and knocked on the door , but there was no response . " What the fuck is wrong with her ? " I muttered to myself as I turned the doorknob and got into the room , but there was no one there . I stood at the foot of the bed , admiring the beauty of the room . It was something out of a fairy tale . Just then , the bathroom door slipped open , and I turned my attention to it - but I was shocked to see it wasn't Olivia ... It was Alpha Ethan's naked figure . AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!