The Forbidden Entity (BWWM)

30

Khirus stepped away from my mother while Lord Marcelle, who I hadn't realized was near, strode forward. "Elena, under different circumstances, I would be delighted to greet a former worker, but you have quite a bit of explaining to do," he said.

"Yes, my lord, but I lack any information regarding Sayora's birth parents; I merely sheltered a baby I found on my doorstep and raised her as my own."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, my lord, I swear it; I know nothing. I can't provide physical descriptions or confirm whether Sayora's birthmother traveled alone or with another person, as I didn't see or hear anything. I cannot even assert if a woman left Sayora on my stoop; I can only assume."

"Did you know Sayora was different?"

"Different, how?" My mother jerked her attention to me. "Her eyes, you mean?"

"It is more than just her eyes, Elena; Sayora has inherited some remarkable traits unknown to the lycan realm. Have you ever noticed anything extraordinary about her?"

"No, my lord; I swear it. Sayora has always appeared normal."

"All right; I believe you," he nodded, thumbing through his diary. Lord Marcelle then readied his quill before proceeding. "What do you recall from that day? Can you provide any specific details?"

"Yes, I remember everything vividly."

"Good, Elena; the more you unveil, the easier it will be to clear your name of all crimes. Take your time and begin when you are ready."

My mother wiped her brow and took a shaky breath. "I was having a terrible night, constantly quarreling with my ex-lover, Michael, my firstborn's father. He was a decent man who worked as a merchant but often came home seeking a release. He preferred drowning himself in liquor, drinking whenever he experienced the slightest inconvenience, which instigated his aggressive behavior."

"How did you meet Michael?" Lord Marcelle inquired.

"We met while I traveled for work," she replied.

"Doing what, Elena? What type of work?"

My mother paused for a moment, hesitant to respond. I remained silent, seated on the floor with my knees to my chest.

"Elena, you can omit information if it holds zero relevance, but the Crown would greatly appreciate your candor."

"Of course, my lord," she nodded. "I must swallow my shame and confess that Michael and I met while I was performing in brothels across various human villages."

"You were a prostitute," Lord Marcelle clarified.

"Yes, my lord. I sold my body to both humans and lycans."

I frowned: "You always expressed disdain for brothels, forbidding me from going near them when I was younger and scorning those who indulged."

"Yes, Sayora. I wanted to deter you from ever conforming to such distasteful work. Prostitution is not glorious; I rarely enjoyed it, but I saved enough money to settle down with Michael once I discovered I was expecting."

"How did you know Michael was the father?" Lord Marcelle continued.

"I wasn't entirely certain, but I kept my doubts to myself. Michael was a regular, and I pleased him often, so I figured his seed had sprouted. It wasn't until I birthed Madeleine that I knew she belonged to him; she entered the world looking precisely like Michael. Once he decided to stay and help raise her, we permanently moved to Millborough, his home village, where we lived for many years."

"Michael died of poisoning, correct?"

"Yes, my lord; he died mere hours before I found Sayora."

Lord Marcelle and Khirus shared a look before instructing my mother to elaborate.