Your majesty

Lydia's POV 

I stood frozen at her words. I'm different? Her voice echoed in my mind, stirring something deep within me. A strange sense of pride bloomed in my chest, but I quickly masked my excitement.

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing respectfully. A warm smile spread across my lips.

She returned my smile before gesturing for me to leave. As I stepped out of the room, I could feel the heat rising to my face. I lifted a hand to fan myself, trying to shake off the overwhelming emotions only to be caught off guard.

"What's wrong with you?" came an unfriendly voice.

Turning to my right, I saw a girl dressed in far more extravagant clothing than mine. She was clearly a maid as well, but her attire suggested a higher rank.

"What's your business?" I shot back, unimpressed.

She stepped closer, grabbing a fistful of my dress and forcing me to meet her eyes.

"Listen to me," she hissed. "You're not permitted to act however you like here. I am in charge, and no one no one outshines me."

Her eyes glowed inhumanly, but to my own surprise, I wasn't afraid. Not like the first time I had seen my sister's eyes glow.

Instead, a low chuckle escaped my lips. Tilting my head, I studied her closely. "And who exactly do you think you are? You're an Obryn, just like me. So don't act special."

"I am a senior Obryn, not a low one like you!" she snapped, her voice laced with disdain.

I scoffed. "I didn't know people could be proud of being a slave—even at a higher level."

Her eyes widened in shock, and before I could react, she shoved me forcefully. I stumbled backward, crashing onto the hard floor with a painful thud.

A sharp, searing pain shot through my arm, and I let out a scream. My wrist—twisted in an unnatural way—throbbed intensely, sending waves of agony through me.

The door to the Alpha's mother's chamber flew open. In an instant, she was beside me, kneeling to my level.

"Close your eyes and count to three," she instructed, her voice gentle yet firm.

I obeyed, my breath shaky. "One… two… three—"

A sudden click echoed in my ears, followed by another jolt of pain that made me cry out. But then… the pain faded.

I opened my teary eyes and met her gaze. Strangely, looking into her eyes gave me an unexpected sense of comfort.

"Are you alright?" she asked softly.

I blinked, realising the pain was completely gone. Glancing down, I saw my wrist—back to normal, as if it had never been injured.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

She did the unthinkable. With a gentle touch, she used her handkerchief to wipe my tears away.

I gasped, stunned by her kindness.

She helped me to my feet and pressed the handkerchief into my hands.

"Thank you so much," I murmured, overwhelmed with gratitude.

She nodded, then turned her gaze to the girl who had bullied me.

"How dare you bully her?" Her voice thundered with undeniable authority.

The girl flinched, her entire body trembling as she collapsed to the floor.

"P-please, Your Majesty! I—I didn't mean to!" she pleaded desperately.

The Alpha's mother didn't hesitate. "Guards!"

Two muscular men stormed into the hallway.

"Take her out of my sight and punish her. I never want to see her again," she commanded, her voice cold and unforgiving.

Without question, the guards seized the girl, dragging her away despite her frantic cries for mercy.

I watched in stunned silence, my heart still racing.

For the first time since I arrived here… I felt truly protected.

"Go back to your room and rest," the Alpha's mother said gently.

I bowed in gratitude before quietly making my way back to the room where I had spent the night.

As I stepped inside, I found Felisha changing into a fresh dress. Her eyes immediately landed on my pale face.

"What happened?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"I was attacked… by a girl near the Alpha's mother's chambers," I admitted.

Felisha gasped. "Oh my god… I'm so sorry! Are you okay now?"

I nodded in response.

Her gaze swept over me, taking in every detail until it landed on the handkerchief clutched in my hand. She inhaled sharply.

"What are you doing with Her Highness's property?"

"She gave it to me," I replied calmly, sinking onto the bed.

Felisha's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you sure?"

I nodded again, but she didn't seem convinced. Instead, her expression shifted into something unreadable as she continued to stare at the handkerchief.

"Her Highness doesn't give her belongings to an Obryn," she murmured, her tone laced with suspicion. "Lydia… are you sure you didn't steal it?"

I ignored Felisha's cold behavior and focused on getting some rest.

Three Days Later

The early morning sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the bustling park. The entire place buzzed with activity as preparations for the Moon Festival continued. By evening, when the full moon would grace the sky, the grand celebration would begin.

I hadn't seen the Alpha Mother since that night, she had apparently gone elsewhere suddenly.

As night fell, the atmosphere grew a massive bonfire roared in the center of the gathering, its flames flickering high into the sky. Werewolves of all ranks danced around it, their movements synchronized with the rhythmic beats of ancient drums. Joyful songs echoed in the air as everyone awaited the arrival of the Alpha King.

And suddenly, I heard the joyful shouts of the park members and whispers that the Alpha king was back. Looking in that direction, I suddenly felt a gust of wind hit my face, and I saw a pair of piercing pale yellow eyes with a thin ring of bright electric blue around the iris staring deep into mine. 

"Mate," came his low, alluring, and magnetic sweet voice.