The Night Of The Ball
Molly rubbed her tired eyes and stifled a yawn. It was almost five am and she had so much to do before the annual ball that very evening. Being an omega meant she had slot of work to do. Molly got up and dressed and quickly hurried down to the kitchen where Elizabeth and Diane were already hard at work preparing the food for the special occasion. Molly knew she would be scolded if Zelda the one in charge of all the omegas found her to be even a moment late.
Elizabeth noticed Molly and gave her a sympathetic smile as Zelda bounded into the room.
“You are late!” she boomed at Molly who shuddered.
“I apologise Madam Zelda. Where would you like me to start this morning?” Molly quickly tied up her apron and waited for Zelda’s orders.
Molly's heart sank as Zelda's piercing gaze fell upon her. She understood the weight of her responsibilities as an omega, the lowest rank in the pack hierarchy. Any sign of tardiness or incompetence would only reinforce the notion that she was unworthy of respect or pity.
Zelda, a formidable figure with a stern expression, took a deep breath and composed herself. "Molly, you know better than anyone that punctuality is crucial here. We have guests arriving today, and everything must be flawless. I hope you understand the consequences of your actions," she said, her voice laced with disapproval.
Molly nodded, her eyes downcast. "I'm truly sorry, Madam Zelda. I'll make sure this won't happen again," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Molly rubbed her tired eyes and stifled a yawn, her body aching from the countless hours of work she had put in. The clock on the wall taunted her with its nearing five am display. The annual ball was mere hours away, and as an omega, Molly bore the weight of numerous responsibilities.
Eager to get a head start, Molly quickly dressed herself in her worn-out but neat servant uniform. She knew time was not on her side, and the kitchen was already a hive of activity when she made her way downstairs. The scent of freshly baked goods and simmering dishes filled the air, a welcome distraction from her fatigue.
Elizabeth, one of her fellow kitchen workers, caught sight of Molly and offered a sympathetic smile, understanding the immense pressure she was under. The two of them had formed a bond, finding solace in their shared experiences.
But before their conversation could progress, the gruff and commanding voice of Zelda, the head of all the omegas, echoed through the bustling kitchen. Molly's heart skipped a beat as Zelda appeared, her presence demanding respect and obedience.
"You are late!" Zelda boomed, her sharp gaze penetrating Molly's trembling form. The young omega lowered her eyes, bracing herself for the verbal lashing she knew was to come.
"I apologize, Madam Zelda. How may I be of service this morning?" Molly managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. She quickly tied her apron, her hands trembling with nerves, as she awaited Zelda's orders.
A sly grin curled Zelda's lips, relishing the chance to assert her dominance. "Since you're so capable of tardiness, you can start by scrubbing these pots and pans until they gleam. And don't even think about taking a break until they're spotless."
Molly's heart sank, her fatigue settling even deeper into her bones. The workload seemed insurmountable, but she knew better than to protest or question Zelda's authority. With a nod, she stepped forward and began her arduous task, the sound of clanging metal filling the air.
As Molly immersed herself in her duties, her mind couldn't help but wander to how different her life would be if she had not been orphaned.
“Madam, the pots are now done, what would you like me to do next?” Molly address Zelda politely.
Zelda sighed, the harshness in her tone softening slightly. "Very well, Molly. You can start by setting up the tables in the ballroom. Make sure the silverware is polished and placed correctly. The tables should be arranged according to the seating plan I gave you last night."
Molly silently acknowledged Zelda's command and immediately set off to fulfill her duties. She navigated through the bustling kitchen, occasionally catching glimpses of the luxurious dishes being prepared by Elizabeth and Diane. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and simmering stews filled the air, reminding her of the grandeur of the annual ball.
With diligence and precision, Molly began arranging the tables as instructed. One by one, she meticulously laid out the polished silverware and aligned them with the precision of a seasoned professional. As she worked, her mind wandered, contemplating her place in this rigid pack structure.
She couldn't help but feel trapped in a system that valued rank above all else. The omegas, like herself, were expected to serve tirelessly - their efforts only acknowledged when they faltered. The unfairness of it all weighed heavily on her, but she knew she had to bide her time, silently hoping for a shift in the dynamics.
Hours passed as Molly toiled, each task completed with unwavering dedication. And even though her body ached and her feet grew weary, a spark of determination flickered within her. This annual ball was not just an event to impress high-ranking guests; it was also an opportunity for Molly to prove her worth to the pack, to shred the unforgiving label of the omega.
As evening descended and the ballroom shimmered with light, Molly stood back to admire her handiwork. The tables, resplendent with delicate floral arrangements and fine linens, spoke of a meticulous attention to detail. Molly couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, a glimmer of defiance against the limitations placed upon her.
As the guests arrived, Molly discreetly observed their reactions. Some were drawn to the opulent displays of wealth and power, while others looked for something more. Molly hoped that they would see past the superficial glitter and recognize the strength and determination that hid within the shadows.
One day, Molly whispered silently to herself amidst the celebration, her voice filled with a stubborn determination. One day, this relentless cycle of oppression and discrimination would be broken. She vowed to not only change her own fate but to create a world where everyone could rise above their predefined roles, where worth was not determined by birthright but by individual merit.