Chapter 2 002

Aveline’s POV

The Sylvaire Palace was ruled by the Alpha King, who governed the north, east, west, and south. The palace united different tribes of my race, and even though many were dissatisfied, none of them dared to rise against him.

He was a king who did not negotiate.

He was called the Tyrant Alpha because he spared no one who crossed his path, and no one knew what he looked like. I can’t go there, I panicked inwardly. It’s just as dangerous as it sounds.

“Can I not go to the palace?” I asked hesitantly. “I mean, I’m weak, and there isn’t much I can do there.”

The man merely shrugged. “You don’t have a say,” he growled.

I cowered as fear crawled down my spine, and he resumed the journey without another word.

I dragged my feet behind the man who had bought me, a heavy sigh slipping from my lips as we finally crossed into Sylvaire Palace. I had never imagined I would step into the palace I had only heard whispered about on dark streets at night. Being here felt unreal, like a dream I couldn’t wake up from.

Sylvaire Palace was ruled by Alpha King Draven Ragnar, a name spoken only in hushed tones. He was known to be ruthless, a conqueror who had defeated countless packs that opposed him. He had built an empire no pack could infiltrate. Some even claimed he killed a maiden every night to keep his strength divine.

“But that could all be a rumor,” I whispered, though my chest tightened as panic crept in.

“Are you surprised to be here?” the man asked.

That was when I realized I had been staring, my mouth hanging open.

“I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to,” I stammered.

He chuckled softly. “It’s fine. Everyone looks like that when they arrive. After all, this might be the last time they ever see the street walls.”

My breath seized.

The last time? What did that mean?

“I heard nasty rumors about the palace,” I said slowly, forcing the words out. “But now that I’m seeing it, it doesn’t look that bad.”

“No,” he replied calmly. “Those aren’t rumors.” A lump rose in my throat. “What do you mean?”

Was it possible that in trying to escape my stepmother, I had chosen an even quicker path to death?

“Yes, most..” he began, but a stern voice cut him off.

“Is this the girl?” a middle-aged woman asked sharply, her gaze sweeping over me. “Why did you only bring one?”

“What could I do?” the man replied. “Every slave trader refused once they heard she was going to the palace.”

That was when it hit me.

He wasn’t my master. He was a broker. How foolish I had been.

Everyone avoided coming to the palace. Why? The question burned in my mind as I bit my lip, but the woman interrupted my thoughts.

“Why can’t I smell any energy from her?” she demanded. “Can she even work?”

“She may look weak,” the man replied smoothly, “but she can do many things.”

The woman handed him a heavy bag, most likely filled with gold coins. I immediately lowered my head, afraid even my gaze would offend her.

“Follow me,” the woman ordered.

My feet ached as I followed her through the palace halls. The walls screamed luxury and power, but exhaustion dulled my senses. She stopped in front of a small room.

“This is where you’ll stay. You’ll share it with another maid. Settle in,” she said curtly, then turned away.

I was stunned. I was already expected to work on my first day.

“Looks like the palace has fallen,” a group of maids whispered as I passed. “Even an omega can dream of entering now.”

Their words stung, but I said nothing as I made my way to Madam Serena’s office, the same place the woman had pointed out earlier.

I bowed politely. “Good evening, Madam.”

“Are you done settling in?” she asked. “Go get ready. You’ll be attending to the king tonight.”

“What?” The word slipped out before I could stop it.

“Did you not hear me?” she snapped. “You will serve His Majesty starting tonight.”

“But… I heard new maids don’t serve the king,” I said weakly. Her glare silenced me instantly.

“Says who?” she barked. “I make the rules here. You’re serving him because the last one quit.” She avoided my eyes after that.

And somehow, I knew quitting wasn’t what truly happened to the previous maid.

“Scram!” she roared.

I fled the room.

Outside, I bumped into another maid. I bowed quickly, hoping to pass, but she caught my arm.

“You must be the new maid,” she said with a gentle smile. “We’ll be sharing a room.” Relief flickered inside me. She hadn’t mentioned my status as an omega.

“I heard you’ll be working in the king’s chamber,” she added quietly. “May the Goddess protect you.” She patted my shoulder and walked away.

My feet felt rooted to the floor. I stood there for a long time, wondering if I should even enter the king’s chamber. But what choice did I have? When I finally stepped inside, a chill swept over me.

“Why is it so cold here?” I muttered.

I began to clean, my hands trembling, until a voice cut through the silence.

“Did I get a visitor?”

My stomach dropped. I turned slowly, searching for the source of the voice, and that was when I saw it.

A body. It lay sprawled on the floor, blood pooling beneath it. Then a tall figure stepped forward from the shadows, a man wearing a mask.

My heart thundered.

An assassin… in the Alpha’s chamber?

“Is that… a human body?” I asked weakly, hoping desperately that my eyes were lying.

“What else would it be?” the cold voice replied.

My knees nearly buckled.

“Did you, did you really kill someone just like that?” I whispered, stepping back.

“Yes,” he answered calmly. “And what are you going to do about it, little maid?”

He moved toward me.

Panic seized me. He was strong. Dangerous. There was no way I could defeat him.

“Don’t take another step!” I screamed, raising my hands in warning.

He tilted his head. “And then what?” My throat went dry.

Before I could think, he was suddenly in front of me. Instinct took over, and I raised my hand to strike, but a sharp voice stopped me.

“What are you doing? How dare you raise your hand against His Majesty!”

Madam Serena’s voice echoed through the room.

I froze.

His Majesty?

My gaze snapped back to the masked man as realization struck.

The assassin…was the king.