Chapter 4 004

Aveline’s POV

I slowly opened my eyes to see a man dressed elegantly before me. He carried himself with such poise that he could easily pass for a knight of high standing. Confusion swirled in my mind as I wondered why he had saved me, but instead of addressing me, he calmly asked Madam Serena to step forward.

“Sir Zeric,” I heard Madam Serena call out as she rushed toward the man.

I couldn’t hear what he said to her clearly. My hearing had never been as sharp as the others’, yet I noticed something unsettling, none of the people standing around us seemed able to make out his words either. Whatever conversation took place between them remained a mystery to everyone present. When Madam Serena returned, however, she ordered the guards to release me.

“Go back to your room, and for now, the king’s chamber is off-limits to you!” she bellowed.

I nodded quickly, not daring to speak, as I watched her turn and walk away.

“Thank you, Moon Goddess,” I breathed out shakily as the guards finally released me. My knees almost buckled in relief when Thalia rushed to my side.

“Are you alright, Aveline?” she asked anxiously.

I nodded slowly. I was grateful that I hadn’t been killed, but confusion still weighed heavily on my mind. I didn’t understand how I had been saved, or why.

Thalia helped me back to the room and gently tended to the injuries I had sustained while being dragged across the ground. Unlike the other wolves, I couldn’t heal quickly, and every bruise burned painfully.

“Thalia,” I said quietly, wincing as she worked, “do you know the man who saved me earlier? I would like to thank him.”

She paused, then looked at me. “You mean Sir Karl? That’s the Alpha’s knight. He has served closely behind him for years.”

My brows furrowed in confusion. Why would the Alpha’s knight help me?

“Oh,” I mouthed softly.

“Maybe he helped you because the king already fancies you,” Thalia teased lightly, amusement dancing in her eyes. “He might want you as his concubine.”

I shook my head immediately, panic flaring inside me.

“That’s not possible! Why would the king want that?” I blurted out, my mind flashing back to the cold, terrifying gaze of the masked man I had met the night before.

“Don’t you know?” Thalia continued. “As court ladies, we are considered the king’s women. If you’re lucky enough to catch his eye, you could become his concubine. But no one has ever become queen.”

Her words made my stomach churn. I shook my head, forcing the thought away.

No. I chose to believe the man saved me simply because I was innocent, because he couldn’t stand injustice.

“Aveline,” Thalia said softly, hesitating. “Can I ask you for something?”

I nodded. I owed her so much; she had been kind to me when no one else was.

“Yes.”

“Can you help me clean the king’s chamber today?” she asked quickly. “I need to visit my sick mother in town.”

“What?” I exclaimed. “Thalia, I can’t do that. You know the king’s chamber is off-limits to me. I can’t take your shift..”

“Please,” she cut in urgently. “Just this once. I promise you won’t get into trouble. The Alpha usually goes hunting at this time, so you won’t run into him.”

Her words didn’t convince me, fear still gnawing at my chest, but against my better judgment, I found myself nodding.

“But what about Madam Penelope?” I asked. “What will you tell her?”

“I’ve already explained everything,” she assured me quickly. “Thank you, Aveline!” she blurted out before rushing away, muttering about how late she already was.

I sighed heavily. “Looks like I have to help her,” I muttered as I stepped out of the room to finish the task before retiring to sleep.

I picked up a lamp and walked down the corridor, an unsettling feeling crawling up my spine. Every step felt wrong, as though I was walking straight into trouble.

I had been explicitly forbidden from entering the Alpha’s chamber, but Thalia’s plea echoed in my mind. I couldn’t bring myself to refuse her.

“Don’t be scared, Aveline,” I whispered to myself. “The Alpha isn’t around. Just go in, finish quickly, and avoid trouble.”

I stepped into the chamber, and immediately froze.

His lingering scent filled my nostrils, powerful and intoxicating.

“So manly…” I murmured before slapping myself lightly. “Stop it, Aveline. Get to work!”

I hurried into the restroom and began filling the bathtub with hot water, carefully scattering rose petals over the surface.

“I’m done,” I breathed out once the bath was prepared, my eyes lingering on the inviting water.

It looked heavenly.

It must be wonderful to bathe like this, I thought wistfully. I had never experienced anything like it. Back in the village, I bathed in the river at night to avoid the children’s bullying, always rushing for fear of rogue attacks.

“And I haven’t even bathed today,” I muttered, sniffing myself.

I turned to leave, then stopped.

“Maybe… I could bathe quickly and refill the water before the Alpha returns,” I reasoned softly. A smile crept onto my face before I could stop it.

Without thinking further, I slipped out of my clothes. Still wearing my thin undergarment, I stepped into the warm bath.

“Ahh…” A satisfied moan escaped me as my body relaxed completely. The comfort overwhelmed me, I felt tears prick my eyes as the relaxation washed over me. I stayed there longer than I should have, warmth lulling me into sleep.

“Are you that careless,” a deep baritone voice asked, “or are you simply not afraid to die?”

I jolted awake.

“What?” I murmured, glancing around in confusion, until I saw him.

A towering figure leaned casually against the bathroom door.

My soul nearly left my body. “Alpha… Draven?” I gasped. I scrambled to stand, but slipped and fell back into the tub with a loud splash.

I had committed something unforgivable. Bathing in the Alpha’s private chamber, this had to be treason.

“Why the rush?” he rumbled. “Weren’t you enjoying yourself earlier?” Fear curled my toes.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness..I just..” I rushed to climb out, only to slip again on the slick floor and tumble back into the tub.

This is bad. Very bad.“Clumsy,” he said coolly.

Tears welled in my eyes.

“I swear on the Moon Goddess,” I cried, bowing my head, “I wasn’t bathing. I fell asleep while fixing your bath!”

I heard footsteps approaching. My panic spiked.

“Shouldn’t you get out of the water first?” he said.

Realizing my state, I hurried out of the tub. Water dripped down my body, but my heartbeat thundered louder.

“If you were fixing my bath,” he asked calmly, “why are you wearing undergarments?”

My breath hitched as I looked down. The soaked fabric had turned almost transparent. I covered my chest instinctively.

“Do you think modesty will save you when death is near?” he asked coldly.

“Forgive me, Your Highness!” I sobbed, collapsing to the floor.

He stepped closer, his scent overwhelming. “Look at me,” he growled.

I obeyed, meeting his piercing blue eyes, an endless ocean pulling me under.

“What is your name, omega?” he asked, cold fingers brushing my face. Fear strangled my voice.

“A-Aveli… Aveline,” I whispered.

“Aveline,” he repeated softly, and my stomach twisted. “What do you think I should do to you?” he asked.

“I—”

“No,” he cut me off. “I’ll give you three options. Your survival depends on your choice.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” I bowed. “Your benevolence knows no bounds.”

“Don’t celebrate yet,” he said darkly, lifting my chin. Electricity surged through me. “Death may be kinder than what I offer.”

“The first option is…” he began. I sucked in a trembling breath, bracing myself.