Raven's POV I sighed in frustration as the alarm clock began its relentless buzzing . " Ohh , " I muttered to myself , dragging the blanket off my body and forcing my feet to touch the cold wooden floor . Today was another dayanther chapter in this never - ending nightmare . But what could I do ? I had to accept it . This was my reality now . I shuffled over to the tiny sink in the corner of my room . My reflection in the mirror was a cruel reminder of what I had become . My hair , once shiny and full of life , now hung in tangled waves past my shoulders . My eyes , once bright , now looked dim , dulled by endless days of servitude and humiliation . I picked up my toothbrush and squeezed out a bit of toothpaste onto it . As I brushed , I tried to block out the memories of the life I once had - the warmth , the laughter , the love . It felt like a distant dream now , one I could never return to . Each circular motion of the toothbrush seemed mechanical , like every part of my day : wake up , clean up , serve , repeat . Rinsing out my mouth , I moved toward the bathroom next to the hallway . I had to be quick - if I wasn't done before the others started waking up , I'd lose my only chance to shower in peace . The water was lukewarm at best , sometimes ice - cold , but I had grown used to it . I stepped into the shower , letting the stream of water wash over my skin . For a brief moment , I allowed myself to close my eyes and imagine I was somewhere else - somewhere warm , somewhere free . Maybe on an island where no one knew my name , where I didn't have to bow my head to anyone . But the illusion faded as quickly as it came , melting away with the steam . I scrubbed myself clean , quickly washing my hair with the cheap soap provided to the maids . There was no luxury here , no scented bath bombs or sweet- smelling shampoos . Just practicality . Efficiency . Survival . Stepping out , I grabbed the rough towel hanging on the wall and dried myself off , goosebumps rising on my arms from the chill in the air . I wrapped the towel tightly around me and padded back to my small room , careful not to make too much noise . My maid's uniform hung neatly on the hook by the door . A black dress that fell just below the knees , paired with a plain white apron . I slipped it on , adjusting the sleeves and tying the apron around my waist . I took a deep breath and forced myself to look in the mirror again . I gave myself a small nod , one of the few affirmations I had left . " You've got this ," I whispered , even though I wasn't sure I believed it . By the time I made it to the kitchen , the sun was only just beginning to rise , casting golden streaks of light through the windows . The kitchen was quiet , which I was thankful for . I preferred to do my chores in silence before the Luna and everyone else woke up . I grabbed an apron from the hook and tied it tightly around my waist , then began gathering the ingredients I'd need . The Luna - or should I say , my stepsister - liked a specific type of breakfast : poached eggs with avocado on toast , freshly squeezed orange juice , and a bowl of fruit with honey drizzled on top . She was picky , and I hated that , right from when we were little , and our father saw nothing wrong with it . I cracked the eggs into a small bowl , adding a dash of salt before placing them into the simmering water . I reached for the ripe avocados , cutting them open and mashing the contents with a sprinkle of pepper and lemon . The smell was actually pleasant , but this was far from my problems . As I waited for the eggs to cook , I started the orange juice . I turned the handle of the manual juicer , watching the bright liquid trickle into the glass container . The repetition of it calmed me in a strange way . At least here , in the quiet of the kitchen , I had some semblance of control . With the toast crisping in the oven and the eggs nearly done , I began assembling the fruit bowl . I picked out the freshest berries , slices of melon , grapes , and added a generous drizzle of honey across the top . And a cup of coffee . When everything was plated and arranged just right , I stepped back and looked over my work . It looked beautiful , even if no one would ever compliment me for it . My job wasn't to be seen or appreciated . My job was to exist quietly and serve flawlessly . I walked through the hallway and the way leading to the Luna's room . When I got there , I took in a deep breath as I knocked on the door , but there was no response . I waited a little longer before turning the doorknob and went inside , but she wasn't there . Just then , I heard the water running from the bathroom . I sighed in frustration as I carried the tray of food and stood there . Just then , a painting caught my eye - it was that of Alpha Ethan and Olivia , probably their wedding photo because they were dressed to match . I kept my eyes glued to the photo as tears filled my eyes , but I didn't let them slip . 1/2 1054 Thu , 17 Ju ! Chapter 18 This was supposed to be me , happy with from me . Just then , the bathroom door slipped open , and Olivia stapped out with a wet and cons " Good morning , " I greeted her as I dropped the tray of food on the table the diverted but moved brought . " This is not what is on the menu for me today , " she spat at me with so much disgust in fron " But ... I wasn't given any menu ." " And should I take that as an excuse ? " she asked , her tone sharp . " Im not eating any of this You wifes time according to the menu , " she said , moving over to her closet to get a dress I stood there . There was no way I was going to get rid of this and prepare a new one " You know what , Olivia ? " I called out to her , this time not using her title . She turned immediately to face me " I'm not taking this out , and you will have to deal with it , " I told her , though I almost regretted it . I knew Olivia She drama . " What did you just say ? " she asked , snapping me out of my thoughts . " I said , I'm not changing this . You mate- " But I hadn't completed my words when she took the cup of coffee from the tray and emptied the entire contents on me . The hot liquid hit my skin , scalding and bitter - much like her . I gasped but didn't scream . I wouldn't give her that satisfaction The coffee soaked through the fabric of my uniform , dripping down my arms and legs . My hands trembled as I clenched them at my sides , ziling mont not to cry . Not in front of her . " You're nothing but a servant , " Olivia hissed , stepping closer . " Don't you ever forget that again . " She moved past me , her perfume trailing behind her like poison . I stood there , soaked and humiliated , watching as she rummaged through her closer like nothing had happened - like she hadn't just thrown boiling coffee on another human being , Tears stung my eyes , but I blinked them away . No. Not here . Not now . Without another word , I turned and walked out of the room , the tray still on the table , untouched . My hands were shaking my uniform clang to me uncomfortably , and my dignity felt like it had been shattered into a million sharp pieces . But even through the pain , a fire burned low in my chest . This isn't over . As I made my way back toward the kitchen , I didn't feel shame - I felt anger . Controlled rage that promised one day I wouldn't be the one serving . One day , Olivia would look at me , and she wouldn't see a maid . She ' AD Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!