Page 8 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"Done," a maid said. "Lady Alice, we'll be leaving soon."

My brain was still foggy, but as they turned to lead me out—

I snapped awake.

No! I couldn't walk that path again. Couldn't marry him. Couldn't relive that agony. I had to leave. I would not marry Cedric! I shoved past the maid, grabbed my skirts, and ran for the door.

"Lady Alice?" The maid's cry rang out behind me.

I didn't care. I just ran. Down the stairs. Toward the main doors—

"What are you doing? Stop her!" Mother's voice boomed from the side, full of fury.

Guards at the entrance grabbed me. I fought, desperate to escape this place of suffering.

Mother charged over and seized my arm, nails nearly piercing my skin.

"What the hell are you doing, Alice!" Her voice shook. Her face went red with rage. "You're trying to run? You stupid girl! Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

"I won't marry him!" I thrashed against their grip, begging. "I won't! Mother, please let me go—"

She raised her hand like she'd strike me, but stopped at the last second. Her hand trembled in the air. Something flickered in her eyes.

"If it weren't your wedding day..." She spoke through clenched teeth, slowly lowering her hand. "I'd beat you to death."

She yanked me back inside.

"Someone!" she shouted. "Watch the lady! Take her to her room! If she tries to run again, break her legs!"

Several maids swarmed me, grabbing and dragging.

"No! Let go!" I kicked and fought. "I won't marry him!"

They hauled me back to my room and shoved me into a chair. Mother followed, pulling a small vial from her robes.

Pale blue liquid inside.

"Alice! This family didn't raise you to be an embarrassment!" She thrust the bottle into my hand, voice cold as a blade. "Tonight, you'll drink this. The family went to great trouble to find this potion. It'll help you conceive the king's child quickly. Once you have a child, your position as queen is secure. The family gets more power."

She leaned down, almost nose to nose with me. "You better not disappoint us! Get pregnant fast! Otherwise, you're completely useless!"

Child.

The word hit me like lightning. My body went rigid. All struggle stopped.

Child.

My child.

The one I'd hoped for. The one I'd lost.

My fingers slowly tightened around the vial.

"Yes," I whispered. "A child. I still have a child... my child..."

If I ran, I'd never conceive him. I'd lose him forever. But if I stayed, if I married Cedric again, I could have my baby.

This time I'd protect him. No one would hurt him. I'd take my baby and leave this pack. Leave Cedric. Leave everyone who caused me pain!