Rejected By The Alpha King, Claiming My Throne

Isabelle's POV:

My heart hammered against my ribs in the sudden quiet of my room. The chill of the lake still clung to my skin. I touched my own throat, feeling the pulse beneath my fingers, confirming that I was breathing.

The mechanical voice echoed in my mind again, clearer this time. "Mystical Medical System activated. Host body vital signs stable. Chronic silver poisoning detected on facial tissue. Recommend immediate detoxification."

Silver poisoning.

My hand trembled as it rose to my scarred cheek. It was a slow, deliberate poisoning. A cold fury displaced the despair. They had been trying to slowly kill me.

I wouldn't let them. I had been given a second chance, and I would live for myself.

The bedroom door was shoved open. Matron Hicks, the castle's housekeeper, waddled in. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me awake, a flicker of disappointment quickly hidden by a sneer.

"Oh, you're awake," she said. "I thought you might have the decency to die quietly in your sleep."

Two maids followed her, carrying a basin of cold water and a plate with a hunk of stale, black bread. My loyal maid, Faye, trailed behind them, her eyes wide with shock and relief. She was a small, timid girl, the only one who had ever shown me kindness.

I watched Matron Hicks.

The housekeeper slammed the basin on the floor, splashing frigid water onto the hem of my chemise. "Get up and clean yourself. Don't think the Alpha's visit last night makes you special."

I didn't move. I focused on the new, humming energy inside me, willing it outward. A faint pressure emanated from me, a subtle shift in the air.

Matron Hicks stopped. She took a step back, blinking in confusion.

"What... what are you looking at?" she stammered.

I slowly sat up. My voice was not loud, but it cut through the room. "Matron Hicks, as the Luna of this pack, is this how you serve me?"

A quiet authority laced my words. It was the first time I had ever claimed my title. Matron Hicks stared. The two maids behind her quickly lowered their heads.

"You... you are a traitor's daughter! A disfigured disgrace!" she spat, trying to regain control.

A small laugh escaped my lips. I rose from the bed and walked toward her until I was standing directly in front of her.

"And you are a servant who has forgotten her place," I said, looking directly into her eyes. "According to pack law, disrespecting the Luna is a grave offense. Shall we ask Alpha Alaric to preside over your punishment?"

At the mention of Alaric, Matron Hicks's face went pale. He was a fanatic for pack law and order. He would not tolerate a servant openly disrespecting the Luna title.

Sweat beaded on her brow. She began to tremble.

I reached out and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. My fingertips were cold, and she flinched. "I want a hot bath, a proper breakfast, and a new dress. Now."

"Yes... yes, My Luna," she stuttered. She scrambled out of the room, her maids scurrying after her.

The room fell silent, leaving only me and Faye. The young maid was staring at me.

I turned to her, offering a weary smile. "Faye, are you afraid of me too?"

Faye shook her head violently, rushing forward and dropping to her knees at my feet, tears spilling from her eyes. "No, My Luna! I'm so happy! The Goddess has finally heard our prayers!"

I pulled her to her feet, a genuine warmth spreading through my chest. I looked at my reflection in a silver-backed mirror on the wall, at the scar that marred my features.

The first thing I decided to do was erase the silver mark on my face. With the knowledge I had gained, I knew exactly how to heal it.