Chapter 1

Skylar’s pov

Just when I told myself I'd spend the weekend with my face buried in my favourite book, everything decides to spin 360 degrees in my disfavour.

Cook up 3 words and I'd run for the hills. The 3 words being Dress, Hair and Makeup. Every maiden in the East Side pack had eyes that sparkled like fireworks and smiles that could've powered the entire Alpha Quarters. They're all excited about the big day. The big day being the “Concubine Selection.”

Everyone had asked me about the “grand” Concubine Selection taking place in Alpha Quarters and I glanced up from my book, blinked twice, and rolled my eyes but never did I expect fate, or more specifically, Alessia to have different plans for me.

Here's how it all started.

Heels clicked in the grand hallway as a tall lady sauntered by.

As usual, jaws dropped and eyes widened. She pushed her golden curly hair over her shoulders, bouncing in her confident step while I tried behind her with my nose stuck in The Midnight Howl of 1888, a fantasy novel about — I'm sure you can fill in the blanks.

Where we were? Madame Cassandra’s Couture.

Why were we there? To get a gown. The most dazzling gown in all of the East Side pack. A gown so beautiful, it'd make even the Alpha drool. Well, no dress like that existed but Alessia wanted it done.

We both stepped into the boutique. Me, tired and ready to go home with Alessia buzzing with an excitement  that had reached DEFCON 1.

Like seasons, happiness doesn't last long, Alessia’s smile died when she saw another girl holding onto the dress.

A petite girl clutched Alessia's dress, spinning with the dress right in front of her in the mirror.

“Isn't it beautiful?” The lady said to her friends, gasping in awe.

“It is.” They agreed and so did I.

But Alessia downed, her Skylar- green narrowing into slits. At that moment, I knew hell would let loose.

“That bitch did not just touch what's mine!” She cursed then she stormed off to meet the girl.

“Shit.” I dropped my book and went after her. “Alessia, wait…”

Alessia interrupted the girl's squeals with a loud yell. “Hey! The dress is mine!”

The girls paused their celebration and looked at Alessia with puzzled looks on their faces.

“Ummm…” The girl with the dress curled an eyebrow. “Who are you?”

I slapped my forehead. Alessia hates it when people ask her that question.

Alessia's face turned red and I feared she'd explode from all the rage. “How will you know that when you have a face that could launch a ship straight into the rocks?”

Ouch.

Then she stepped closer, clearly scaring the poor girl. “You really think you can fit into that gown and still look pretty? Oh please, you'll look like a work of art made by an artist having a bad day.”

One of the girl's friends stepped in. “Hey, don't be mean to my friend besides, she's already paid for that dress.”

“I don't care!” Alessia said with a forced smile. “Give it here!”

She snatched the dress and gasps filled the boutique.

I rolled my eyes and went back to my book.

I should've stopped her but Skylar Graystone doesn't meddle in Alessia's battles. Besides, what if one of the girls decides to tackle me? I might take a punch to the eyes, eyes I wear glasses to see with.

Alessia smiled triumphantly as she squeezed a few dollar bills in the girl's hands. “There. It's your refund.”

Then she turned to me. “Let's go home, sis.”

“Okay.”

We returned home and as usual, our parents orbited around her like she was the sun.

“Oh. The golden curls aren't curly enough.” Mother said with a worried look anyone would mistaken it to be that of one worried about a sick child.

While father, well, praised Alessia with one of his mantras. “Don't worry, Alessia. You will be chosen by the Alpha undoubtedly.”

Me? I remained in my corner with a diced apple in my mouth and a book in my hand.

I loved being ignored especially when it came to trivial things like this. I flipped the page over and smiled. The heroine got together with the villian. Everything was perfect. Well, not until it wasn't.

I awoke the next morning to a scream. Not Alessia's usual squeal, not the painful ones I'd dream about her having but a much louder one.

I bolted to the kitchen and found Alessia on the floor with her hand pressed on her ankle.

Mom and Dad both gasped in unison when they found her. Without hesitation, they shoved me out of the way and ran to her side.

“Alessia!” Mother tried to help her sit up but she couldn't.

“What happened?” Father asked her.

Alessia's cheeks turned red and I immediately knew the answer to that question.

I palmed my face. “She sprained her ankle while practicing her lame cat walk.”

“Shut up, ugly nerd!” Alessia yelled at me.

I stuck out my tongue at her and I'd swear I could see lasers coming out of her eyes.

Father shook his head. “She can't go to the selection like this.”

Alessia refused to believe that. “No. I … I can still stand…”

She attempted standing up but fell on her butt with a sharp wince. “Ouch.”

“It's hopeless, sis. Just give up.” I said in a dry tone.

“Give up? You're out of your mind, Uggo!” Alessia screamed at me.

Mother looked at the swelling on Alessia's ankle and turned to father. I don't understand what just happened but I knew they had a conversation with their eyes.

Mother rose to her feet and looked at me with a look she'd never given me — a bright smile. “You'd go to Alessia's place, Skylar.”

Father was outraged. “Honey, are you out of your mind?”

Alessia chipped in. “Yeah, mom. Are you out of your mind?”

Mother fumed. “You think I like the idea that Skylar is going?”

“Um.. I'm right here, you know.” I rolled my eyes.

Mother went on with a sigh. “Skylar is going in your place, Alessia and that's final.”

Alessia begins to sob and it irks me. “No, dad. Don't. I… I can walk. I can take some herbs and get healed immediately.”

“Healing doesn't walk like that, Alessia.” I mutter and she shoots me a glare.

Father heaves a frustrated sigh. “Your mother's right. Alessia can't walk on that ankle and the only one here who looks like her is you, Skylar.”

Before I could panic, he continued. “No one will know.”

“No! I can't go. I - -”

Mother cut me off. “It's settled, Skylar. You'll represent the Greystone family. Wear a nice dress, some makeup and for the love of the Moon Goddess, don't trip on your sister's heels.”

Alessia yelled. “My what?”

Well, news flash : I tripped.

While in the Alpha's Quarters, I clutched the frills of my gown, praying I'd disappear.

And just then, the Alpha entered the radiant hall. My book fantasies came to life.

Alpha Roman was tall, dark and handsome.

The very air shifted as he walked past the rows of maidens to my direction.

He stopped right in front of me, his eyes holding mine. “What is your name?”

My voice cracked. “H - Skylar G - Graystone.”

“Tomorrow. My Chambers. Nightfall.” With that he walked away.

The hall erupted in whispers and I felt my knees weaken.

He just said I should visit him tomorrow.

He picked me.

What the hell?