The Alpha's Servant

The cold air of dawn seeped through the stone walls as Elara stirred awake, her body aching from the stiff blankets beneath her. Sleep had been a fleeting thing, stolen away by the echoing memories of the night before.

She was still alive.

That alone was a miracle.

But she knew better than to think she was safe.

The palace was a cage, and the beast that ruled it had made one thing clear—her survival was temporary.

A sharp knock startled her.

"Get up," a voice barked.

Elara groaned, forcing her stiff limbs to move. The moment she opened the door, a familiar face greeted her—the same sharp-eyed woman from last night.

"You're slow." The woman shoved a tray into Elara's hands. "Breakfast. You serve the Alpha."

Elara's stomach dropped.

"What?"

The woman scoffed. "You heard me. Good luck, little pet."

Without another word, she turned and disappeared down the hall, leaving Elara standing there, stunned.

She had to face him again.

The memory of his golden eyes, the weight of his presence, the way his voice had scraped against her bones like sharpened steel—it all rushed back.

Would he kill her this time?

She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and walked toward the grand hall.

—

Breakfast with the Monster

The hall was eerily quiet when she entered. The long dining table was set, but only one seat was occupied—his.

Valrik sat at the head, one hand resting lazily on the arm of his chair while the other drummed idly against the table. He didn't acknowledge her as she approached.

Elara forced herself to move forward, setting the tray down as carefully as she could. Her hands trembled slightly, but she prayed he didn't notice.

"Leave it and go," he ordered, his voice as cold as the morning air.

Relief flooded her chest. She turned to leave—

Crash!

The plate slipped from her fingers, shattering against the stone floor.

Silence.

A deadly, suffocating silence.

Elara froze, her entire body going rigid.

She felt his gaze on her, burning into her like fire.

He moved. Slowly. Deliberately. The scraping sound of his chair against the floor sent shivers down her spine.

Elara clenched her eyes shut. This is it.

Footsteps. Closer.

Then—

A hand gripped her chin, forcing her face upward.

Her breath caught.

Golden eyes met hers, glowing with an emotion she couldn't decipher.

"Are you afraid of me?" Valrik's voice was softer than before, but no less dangerous.

Elara's heart pounded in her chest. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

His grip tightened just slightly.

"Answer me."

She swallowed hard. "Y-Yes."

A ghost of a smirk flickered across his lips.

"Good."

Just like that, he released her, turning away as if she were nothing more than an afterthought.

"Clean it up," he said, returning to his seat.

Elara stared at him, confusion swirling inside her.

He wasn't going to punish her?

She had seen men executed for less.

Shaken, she quickly gathered the broken pieces, careful not to cut herself. As she worked, she couldn't help but steal glances at him.

Valrik ate in silence, his expression unreadable.

But she could feel it.

He was watching her.

—

Elara spent the rest of the day avoiding Valrik as much as possible.

She scrubbed floors, polished silverware, and carried heavy trays, her body screaming in protest. The other servants barely spoke to her, treating her with wary glances and whispers.

They knew something she didn't.

By nightfall, she collapsed onto her small cot, exhaustion dragging her under.

But peace was short-lived.

A shadow loomed over her.

"Elara."

Her eyes snapped open.

Valrik stood at the foot of her bed.

Her pulse thundered. "M-My Lord—"

"You intrigue me."

Her breath hitched.

What?

He crouched slightly, bringing his face closer to hers.

"I don't know why you survived, but I intend to find out." His fingers brushed against her wrist, tracing the faint mark there—one she had never noticed before.

A symbol.

Glowing faintly under his touch.

Elara gasped, her body flooding with warmth.

Valrik's expression darkened. "What are you?"

She didn't know.

But something told her that whatever she was, it was the reason she was still alive.

And the reason Valrik wouldn't be letting her go anytime soon.