Bought by the ruthless lycan king (Ruby and Killian) novel Chapter 1

Ruby’s POV:

"My lady, please…"

My fingers clenched around the cold parapet of the balcony. I couldn't bring myself to move or summon the will to retreat to the warmth of my room. It's been less than thirteen hours since my daughter was found dead, her mouth bleeding in her room. The loss had shredded half of my soul, and I didn't know whether crying or raging was the right way to respond to this tragedy.

None of it makes sense. How could it, when I know my daughter was perfectly healthy, yet the autopsy report claims she died of a pulmonary embolism?

My lips quiver as a sardonic laugh escapes. That cursed disease occurs when a blood clot breaks off and gets stuck in the lung's blood vessels. Alicia was only four years old. She's my little angel who was born healthy. She never could have had that cursed disease.

I'm a paranoid mother—I always check my daughter's health regularly. But Alicia's father was 'too busy' to care for his daughter.

"My lady, please, come inside. It's past midnight," Martha implored again.

I still ignored her. My gaze fell to the lake, hoping that the depth of the water would consume me, along with the pain gnawing at my heart.

"I apologize if I'm being presumptuous," the servant's voice was tinged with more than just worry. "I completely understand the pain you feel, my lady. I was once the one who cared for the little princess with your authorization. Like you, I am certain the little princess was perfectly healthy until this day."

Tears welled up when I heard the words "little princess." Alicia always had a sweet slight blush whenever Martha, my personal servant, called her that.

"I'll always stand by your side, my Luna," Martha assured me.

"If you want to seek justice for the unnatural death of the little princess, you must first have the strength and clarity of mind."

"I can't," I finally whispered, my voice breaking. "I can't, Martha…"

"Please, my lady. You must rest—"

"HOW CAN I REST WHEN MY DAUGHTER IS LEAVING ME FOREVER!?"

I beat the parapet wall until my skin tore. The smell of fresh blood wafted through the air.

"FOREVER, MARTHA! FOREVER!"

"My lady, I…"

"Every time I close my eyes, all I see is blood!" I shouted desperately.

No longer beating the parapet, I grabbed my hair, roaring in agony as if I were being stabbed by a thousand daggers.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this, Martha. No…!” I cried out hysterically, my body slumping down onto the floor. I hardly noticed when both of her arms wrapped around me. "I-I left her that morning with the nanny as usual before I went to the orphanage,"

"she was still cheerful and healthy. And then, in the afternoon, when I returned... I found her in her room. A-and... she... she…"

My tears broke free and were muffled by Martha's sympathetic embrace. I could feel Martha trembling and crying with me.

"Oh, my poor child... my little angel," I sobbed.

Sniffling, Martha whispered, "I understand, my lady. I'm always with you… just let it go."

Martha's last words finally made me surrender completely. I let myself be hugged and cradled with an affection that even my mother would be ashamed to see. Someone not related by blood cared more than any family member ever had.

I gripped the older woman tightly, burying my face in her shoulder. My whole body trembled as I poured out everything I was feeling. Martha simply worked in silence. Her hand continued to gently stroke my hair, her soft, comforting murmurs almost drowned out by my sobbing.

"I can't, Martha…" I lamented. "I… I don't know how I'll live without my daughter."

"I don't have a definitive answer for you, my lady. But one thing is certain: you are her mother."

But as I approached the heavy wooden door, a soft, feminine cry caught my ear.

"... oh my God, yes..."

My whole body stiffened, and my breath caught in my throat.

"Nghh, please~"

A chill ran down my spine. I pulled my hand back from the doorknob. Trembling, I leaned closer to the door, straining to listen. The sound came again, louder this time—a pronounced masculine moan. It was soon followed by another sound—a soft, passionate moan that sent waves of horror crashing through me.

"Please, please, harder...! Ouhh, yes, right there!"

The sounds from the Alpha's den grew more frantic, more desperate. The rhythmic slap of skin against skin echoed through the heavy door.

"Fuck! Look at you, baby... so tight and hot for me."

"M-mm, haa! That... oh shit!"

"Yes, sweetheart. You like this, don't you? Wanted to show you how my knot binds you, hm?"

"D-Dominic..." the other voice whined, "Please, I need your knot now!"

"As you wish, my lovely Calliope."

I covered my mouth, staggering backwards with tears streaming down my face at the mention of those two names.

No! No way! Dominic, Calliope... My husband with my own sister?