Cruel Fate

Luna's POV:

Cold seeped into my bones, my fingers numb and raw as I scrubbed the stone floor. The small kitchen was dark, barely illuminated by a flickering candle that cast shadows over the worn, chipped walls. My hands shook-exhaustion clung to every muscle-but I kept working. If I stopped, even for a moment, I knew there would be consequences.

"Luna!" Lady Seraphine's shrill voice cut through the quiet in the house. I stiffened, my heart racing. I knew that tone; it was laced with cruelty, dripping with disdain.

"Yes, my lady," I whispered, rising to my feet and dusting off the dirt that scattered on my thin, threadbare dress. I took a deep breath to steady myself, but the dread had already settled in my stomach.

I entered the great hall, and there she was, waiting for me, her arms crossed over her chest, a snide smile twisting the corners of her full lips. She was perfect, as she always was, her dark hair twisted in an elegant coiffure, her dress flawless and costly beside my worn and tumbled appearance. Her gaze roamed over me, her sneer deepening.

"Have you ever seen yourself, Luna?" she hissed, the malice in her tone like a cold, vicious spread. "You are pitiful, a blight on this house. I am surprised you would even dare show your face."

I clamped down on my rejoinder, setting my tongue aflame. She enjoyed it when I reacted like any display of resistance was a reason to goad me further. I cast my gaze down to mask the rise of ire swelling within me.

"I'm so sorry, milady," I whispered, the words bitter on my lips.

"Apologize?" she spat, her pace slow as she circled the predator assessing its prey. 

"Apologies mean nothing from someone like you. You think you're suffering now?" She leaned in close, voice low, a hiss. 

"This is only the beginning. You have no idea what true suffering is, but I'll make sure you learn."

Her words sent a cold shiver down my spine, and I never batted an eyelid to give her the pleasure of knowing she had caused me fear.

"And what of the tax?" she jumped in right away, shrill and high-pitched. "I noticed you're late again, Luna. Or maybe you think you're above the rules?

I felt my bristling skin flush as desperation set in. The tax. She knew quite well that I could scarcely afford enough to feed myself, let alone the usurious taxes she insisted on taking. Every little coin I could gain running errands or doing odd chores barely covered the mere essentials. Nothing was left of that for the tax, and she knew it.

I'm... I'm working to get it, my lady," I stammered, hating the tremor in my voice. "Just a little more time, please. I'll have it soon.

Her laughter was cold and echoed in the empty hall. "Soon? You have had weeks, and yet here you are, still making excuses. You are nothing but a useless leech, sucking off my charity." She seemed to narrow her eyes, and a dangerous glint flashed in them. "I will not tolerate it anymore.

I opened my mouth to beg, to plead, but before I could utter a word, she raised her hand, beckoning to someone behind me. Heavy footsteps sounded, and I spun around as two guards came into the room, their faces impassive, their eyes glacial.

"Take her," Lady Seraphine ordered. "She refuses to pay her dues. See she is made aware of the consequences.

The guards took a step toward me, and I retreated backward, panic scratching at my chest. "Please, my lady," I pleaded, my voice cracking. "Just a little more time. I'll have it, I swear!"

Lady Seraphine's lips curled into a pitiless smile. "Too late, Luna. You've had your chance. Now, perhaps a little time in the dungeons will teach you respect and remind you of your place.

One of the guards clutched my arm in a bruisingly tight hold, and I struggled, deathly fearful. "Please!" I cried, but my plea fell on deaf ears. They dragged me from the hall, my feet barely touching the ground as I struggled against their iron holds.