The Alpha Prince's Unique Mate

2 | Forever Alone

The chores blur together into a monotonous rhythm - scrubbing floors, dusting furniture, and tidying the common areas. Each one is a reminder of my place, of the endless cycle of servitude that defines my existence here. But as I work, my mind drifts, carried away by the gentle embrace of the sun's light filtering through the window.

Peering out the window, a gentle breeze teases the curtains, causing them to dance in the sunlight that filters through the glass. The air carries the faint scent of fresh rain, a reminder of the ever-present drizzle that envelops River Corrib in a perpetual mist. Despite the overcast skies, there is a serene beauty to the day, the sun radiating light that brings a sense of warmth and hope.

Lost in the tranquillity of the moment, the worries and burdens of the day are momentarily forgotten in the presence of such natural beauty. But then, a bird catches my eye, its vibrant plumage standing out against the muted tones of the landscape. It triggers a memory, a flashback to a time when I was just a child, when the world was filled with wonder and innocence.

I remember it vividly, as if it were yesterday. It was nine years ago, and I was a curious 10-year-old with a heart full of dreams. I had never seen a magpie before, and the sight of the bird captured my imagination in an instant. It was perched on the windowsill, chirping away, its song a melody that echoed through the corridors of my mind.

Curious, I approached the window, drawn by the bird's presence. Slowly, cautiously, I opened the window, watching as the bird hopped closer, its eyes bright with curiosity. Tentatively, I reached out my hand, offering it to the bird in silent invitation. To my surprise, the bird accepted, hopping onto my outstretched palm with a gentle grace.

For days, the bird became my faithful visitor, a constant source of joy and companionship in an otherwise lonely existence. Each morning, I would eagerly await its arrival, watching as it fluttered to my window with a cheerful chirp. We would spend hours together, lost in our own little world, sharing secrets and dreams that only we could understand.

But then, one day, the bird didn't come. Panic gripped my heart as I frantically searched for my feathered friend, calling out its name in desperation. I ran through the corridors of the orphanage, tears streaming down my face, my heart pounding with fear.

And then I saw it, lying motionless on the ground, its once vibrant feathers now dull and lifeless. My hands trembled as I reached out to touch its still form, hoping against hope that it was just sleeping. But deep down, I knew the truth.

Tears streamed down my face as I cradled the bird in my arms, whispering apologies into its soft feathers. Burying my feathered friend beneath the shade of a towering tree, doubts and emotions flooded my mind. “Why does everyone always leave me behind?” I murmured softly, the weight of loneliness settling heavily on my shoulders.

Before I could find solace in my thoughts, the peace of the moment shattered as Mrs. Troth's voice sliced through the air, taking me by surprise.

I turned around to face the woman who took it upon herself to make everything hell for me.

“What do we have here,” she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. “Looks like someone's been neglecting their duties again.”

I felt a surge of anger rise within me, but I bit back the retort that threatened to spill from my lips. Mrs. Troth had a way of twisting words and turning situations against me, and I knew better than to give her any ammunition.

Her eyes landed on the pile of dirt where the bird lay to rest.

"It's not what it looks like," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

But Mrs. Troth only laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in the empty courtyard. "Excuses, excuses," she scoffed. "The fact remains that you were supposed to be cleaning the common area, not playing with birds. Honestly, Sirena, sometimes I wonder if you're even capable of following simple instructions."

“I didn’t... I didn’t do it,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Anger surged within me, hot and fierce. "You did this," I accused, my voice trembling with rage.

Mrs. Troth's grin widened, a cruel glint in her eyes. "You thought I wouldn't find out, hmm?" she taunted, her words like a dagger to my heart. "Well, now you know better than to defy me."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I glared at her, my fists clenched in frustration. "You're a monster."

Mrs. Troth's face reddened with anger. "You ungrateful child!"

I scoffed at her words. Me, ungrateful? How can I be grateful when there isn't anything for me to be grateful for? Living here felt suffocating; I might as well be a prisoner.

Before I could react, without warning, her hand struck me, the force of the blow taking me by surprise.

"I'll make you pay for this," I spat, my voice laced with defiance despite the pain.

Mrs. Troth's eyes narrowed, her expression cold and calculating. "You'll learn your place one way or another," she threatened, her voice dripping with malice.

I remained silent, my cheek throbbing with pain, the taste of blood lingering on my lips.

“I'd advise you to get back to work,” she finalized. Before I could say anything further, she was already walking away.

In that moment, I stood alone beneath the shade of the tree, I realized that I was truly alone in this world. No friends, no family, just me against the cruel whims of fate.

"Sirena!" Mrs. Troth's shrill voice pierced the air like nails on a chalkboard, jolting me out of my reverie. I blinked, the remnants of my memories fading into the harsh reality of the present.

"And what do you think you're doing?" she continued, her tone laced with disdain as she glared at me from across the room.

I scowled in response, my irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. "Nothing, Mrs. Troth," I muttered, avoiding her gaze as I fought to keep my frustration in check.

"Nothing?" Her eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Well, it looks like daydreaming to me. We don't have time for that nonsense here. Now, get these dishes cleaned up," she ordered, gesturing to the pile of dirty plates and utensils stacked precariously in the sink. "And don't even think about slacking off, or there'll be consequences!"

I bit back the retort that threatened to escape my lips, knowing from experience that it would only escalate the situation further. Instead, I forced a tight-lipped smile and nodded curtly. "Yes, Mrs. Troth," I replied, my voice dripping with false sincerity.

Mrs. Troth's constant surveillance was suffocating, and her arbitrary rules were a constant source of frustration. It felt like every move I made was scrutinized, every action judged.

With a final glance at the tranquil beauty scene before me, the yearning for freedom string; to roam the lush landscapes that surrounded the academy, to lose myself in the untamed beauty of nature. But I had learned the hard way that defiance only led to more trouble, and I couldn't afford any more setbacks.

I wished I could find where I truly belonged to be free from the confines of this institution that felt more like a prison than a place of learning. The desire to break free gnawed at me, a constant ache in the pit of my stomach.

Turning away, I took a deep breath, trying to quell the rising tide of frustration that threatened to overwhelm me. But alas, I remained confined within the walls of River Corrib Academy, my only connection to the outside world limited to stolen glimpses through windows and brief moments of respite in the courtyard.

With a resigned sigh, I rolled up my sleeves and set about the task at hand, the clatter of dishes filling the air as I scrubbed away the remnants of breakfast. It was a mind-numbing chore, but I forced myself to focus on the task, pushing aside the tumult of emotions that churned within me.

Forever alone.