The Unwanted Luna

-POV Ayame-

I shook as my emaciated hand drew another line on the damp dirt below my cot. "D...day twenty-one." I whispered as the tears fell. I quickly threw on my black frock and tied the apron around my waist while I waited for the Prince's men to open my cell. The cool darkness that surrounded me day in and day out reminded me that I am nothing. Reminded me that the small bit of hope I collected with my triplets may never come back. Reminded me...I'm back to where I started. Conri was right...maybe I really can't get back to them. However, every day I looked around at the men and women I'd come to know down here. There were...so many people in the dungeons and not one of them was a rogue. Every day I looked at their faces and I forced myself to hide my dark thoughts. They were all in here because of things like defying the Prince. Not making sure his food was hot enough. Telling him he was wrong even if it was in the comfort of their home. Just being a servant here. This man was a tyrant. Ever since the day he brought me here, I've forced myself to talk to those around me. Quietly, of course. We made sure to keep our conversations short to decrease the likelihood of a beating. They all told me to keep my head down and stay safe while I was in the palace. It seems like most of the people who were stuck on the first floor were servants just like me. Who knew.

I...I just wish, pray...beg to the Moon Goddess that we will be let out of here soon. I haven't even heard anything about my father since the day they brought me to him. At this point, I hope my thoughts are just that. Thoughts. That...that my triplets haven't forgotten about me. I felt the knot in my throat rise again and I bit my lip to hold back the urge to cry. I wiped my tears and made sure no one saw them. I need my mates. I...I miss them so much and I can't even communicate with them.

However, last night, one of the women a few cells over from me started crying for no reason as she praised the goddess. She wouldn't tell any of us why, she just smiled and warned us to be ready. I hope that meant we were finally getting out of here. She told me she can still mind link with those outside these walls. Again super cryptic, but after the torture session she experienced shortly after she arrived, I'm not surprised that she is holding all of her cards close to her chest.

The iron banged loudly, startling me half to death. I fell on my ass and looked up at the man. "The hell are you doing on the floor?!"

I scurried up to my feet and looked down at the state of them. We were not allowed the luxuries of shoes. It was the first thing they took from me along with my warm clothes. The man pulled me out of the cell by my frayed hair and threw me into the bars of another cell across the floor. I felt my ears ringing when my head collided with the metal, but I gritted my teeth and stood to my feet, not at all shedding a tear. I only allow myself to cry in the morning when I'm counting another tally. No more. No less. The man housed in that cell looked up at me in shock. I bowed to him once and held my head high as we made it out of the dungeons.

"You really are a tough one to crack." The guard mumbled. It wasn't in malice though. Maybe pride? Respect? I shook off the idea. There is no way anyone employed by this man respects anyone but him. We made it into the kitchens and it was completely quiet. Not a soul in the pantries, freezers, or main kitchen area. "Breakfast serves fifty." He growled before taking his post in the archway.

The watch was to prevent anyone from poisoning the Prince and his guests. The downside of employing prisoners to keep your house in order, I guess. I nodded once and got to work. Within the hour, I had pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, and toast ready and perfectly plated just like I do every morning. I made sure to keep all the condiments sealed and placed to one side and all the food was not touching as it stayed in its respective places.

Just how the spoiled prince liked it.

Another small boy scurried in and took the plates on a dolly before rolling them out to the dining hall, now bustling with men and women employed by Prince Chaz or related to him. They obviously sat on two different sides of the grand room, but it was a strict reminder that those who are willing to be here get the luxuries in life while others.... "Get your ass in the hall! The Prince would like to talk with you." My guard shouted. Others...end up like me. I nodded to the man and smirked internally. It's been three weeks and I haven't bothered to know their names. I didn't want to personify the men who made my life worse than hell. At this point, I wished they had given me back to Richard. I shivered internally. Never mind. That is not an option.

I walked over to the head of the table, furthest from the servants' entrance and the main entrance. He waved his hand at me and I stood to his right looking down at my feet. "So, my little hidden gem, have you thought about my offer?"

I felt my blood run cold, he...he was going to ask me again? Every week he asks me the same question. When I say no, he beats me right in front of everyone eating their breakfast, then tells me to go about my day. I can do this. I took a deep breath. "Yes, your highness." "And?" He growls.

I opened my mouth to speak, but a large, looming presence engulfed the room as howls were heard outside the windows. I glanced towards the windows and saw the guards fighting with wolves, Lycans, even...even werebears?! I turned to the main entrance and the three men I wished would find me stared right at me through the eyes of their spirits.

They wanted blood, but I wanted them. I ran straight for them, using the small amount of knowledge I was taught to get out of the hands of those trying to stop me. There was no reason for me to submit anymore. They were here. They found me! When I made it to Conri, Vil, and Edon, I slammed into Edon's chest and the three of them immediately engulfed me in a hug while they searched for my scent under all the dirt covering my body. I was only allowed to wash my hands when I cooked. Everything else was pretty much a disgusting mess. "No one leaves here alive." Conri said calmly, and the three of them pulled away from me.

"With pleasure." Edon growled. Vil and Edon shifted immediately and the massacre that followed was something of the ages. Edon ripped through one shifter after another. Limbs went one way and blood went another. The faces of the royal assholes we had to tend to morphed into mortification as every single one of them either surrendered or was killed. The guards didn't even stand a chance. Conri held on to me as we watched it happen.

I stood silently and waited until the room was littered with bodies and only the Prince and his father were left standing. "You two will be tried by the Fae council." Conri said, again with a sickly calm. "Of course...after we have our fun." I do not want to know. If his fun meant it will be even half as bad as what we had to endure down there, I don't even want to find out.

"You can't do this to us! The Delock Family are of royal blood!" Prince Chaz shouted.

"In what way are you of royal blood Chaz?" I looked behind Conri's tall frame and a man was walking into the room with Kyle.

"D...dad...." I whispered. He's still alive. I ran up to him and finally gave him the hug I wanted to give so desperately when I arrived here.

He laughed and hugged me back, but I could tell he was hanging on by a thread. "So he was telling the truth. We are vetting the dungeons right now." Kyle said, looking down at me in shock.

I nodded. "Everyone on the first floor are servants of the house. The second floor are partially servants and a couple are rogues, but the servants who are put down there did something they weren't supposed to do. I've... had to go down there four times. The..." I looked up at my dad and he nodded. I cleared my throat and pulled away from him. "The third floor is made for those who are meant to rot. You....you don't come back from the third floor."

"Who's normally down there aside from your dad?" Kyle asked.

I hitched in a breath and looked over at my father. "Anyone with the Radavier bloodline." He whispered.

"Wait, your whole family has been alive this whole time?!" Vil called from behind me after he and Edon shifted back, rubbing their bloodied bodies on whatever clean cloth they could find.

I shook my head. "No....There aren't many down there that are...um..." Kyle cleared his throat and I shook my head.

"It's okay...I already know. My father is the last of them. There were two others down there with him when I arrived, but they died shortly after." I can do this. I just need to stay calm.

"Get them in a cage. Now!" Edon bellowed and Vince went around Kyle with some pants and a few members of our territory to subdue the fake royals.

"So, what happens now?" I asked stupidly.

"We go home." My triplets hum together and I relish the reality that I can finally see them again.

"Can I take a shower first?" I smirked, looking down at my tattered mess. They all laughed and looked up at Kyle.

"The house has been secured. I'm sure you can." Kyle confirmed with a smirk.

"Oh, thank the goddess." I said, bolting for the nearest room, leaving some very happy men behind.

When I finally got all the crud off of me, I could finally see myself again. I had new scars, but at least I could protect the people in their time of need. Like they said, I held myself as a true Luna. I felt more confident this time that I wasn't alone, whether it be the servants or the realization that my father was still alive.... My triplets....

All of it was so surreal. I found a brush in the drawer and brushed through my wet hair, taking the time to get all the knots out. Even with my human hearing, I could tell they were still cleaning up the mess from the fight outside and, after seeing what Edon and Vil did in the dining hall, I think I've seen enough blood for now. When I stepped back into the room I was occupying, a pair of leggings and a sports bra were waiting for me. I slipped them on, knowing they came from a female warrior. They fit pretty well even though I'm much skinnier than when I left and don't even get me started on my height. I'm still short. I rolled up the pant legs and just enjoyed the clothes. I'm sure the first thing those three will do is feed me when I get home. My mouth started to water at the thought.

I stepped out of the room and found the men chatting and laughing in the sitting area I had to clean every day. I came around the corner and they all sighed in relief. "Ready to go?" Conri asked.

I nodded quickly. "Let's set fire to this castle when we leave." I mumbled. I knew they could hear me and I really didn't care.

"I'm completely fine with a little arson, but can we be clear, you are a much better cook than your mother." I shot my eyes to dad, and he was finishing up a plate of breakfast, probably from the extras in the kitchen. The rest of it is no longer edible. I felt a smile on my lips and nodded. "Well, someone had to cook for us."

"Had to?" He said and I felt my face pale when I remember no one let me finish the full story before I was dragged off to my own cell. He shook his head and finished the last bit on his plate. "Never mind. We have a lifetime to chat." I bit my lip. "Y-yes a lifetime."

"Let's go princess." Edon scooped me up in his arms and smirked. "Guess we are going to have to feed you too. It'll be a while until we get back to the territories. Are you hungry?" I shook my head and he shrugged.

"I brought a bagel!" Kyle called from behind me.

I wanted to tell him to leave it. I didn't need anything from this castle, even if it was food, but my stomach growling says otherwise. I groaned and held out my hand. "Gimme." I whimpered. Kyle obliged and I enjoyed every morsel.