ALPHA'S DARK PAYMENT. HE REJECTED HER. HIS WOLF CHOSE HER.

Elara couldn't bear the taunt anymore.The Blood Moon Pack never slept, not truly, but that morning a strange stillness gripped the land—too quiet, too heavy, as if the world itself held its breath. Even the birds had abandoned the sky.Elara walked with her hands cuffed behind her back, her wrists aching from the silver chains burning her skin. Guards flanked her on both sides, tall warriors in dark armor that reflected their bitter hearts. Their boots crushed dead leaves as they marched her toward the central square.She didn’t ask questions.Not because she couldn't get the answers she sought, but because questions were useless now.She only breathed slowly, carefully, as though breathing in air was a sin.“Keep walking,” one of the guards roared.She did.The pack had gathered—hundreds of wolves forming a circle around the execution platform. Their faces blurred together, full of judgment. Some eyes held pity; others held savage satisfaction.But all of them were waiting.Waiting

**MAID'S QUARTER**The maids were gathered in the quarters. Lady Claribel, the head maid, addressing them sternly, her loud voice sharp as a blade, until the door opened without warning.The head warrior shoved Elara in without warning.Lady Claribel paused mid-sentence and turned."Is she the one?" she asked the guard, and he nodded."The Alpha's sex slave?" someone said from behind."Shut up!" Lady Claribel snapped, silencing the room."You can leave; I will train her," Lady Claribel said.The guard walked out, and Claribel walked closer to Elara, who was still seated in the spot where she had fallen. She hesitated, then walked closer and helped her up."Thank you!" Elara whispered."What's your name?""Elara... Draven," Elara said, her last name tasting bitter in her mouth.Lady Claribel nodded."Come with me," she said, leading the way. Elara followed immediately."Is she a new maid?""Alpha's Kane's sex slave," another corrected."Sex slave? "She's so pretty, please.""She looks

Elara froze the second his voice filled the room.“Spread your legs, Elara.”The way he said her name—slow, calm, and deliberate—sent a cold shiver through her.This was the second time he'd spoken it tonight, and somehow the sound of it in his mouth hit differently: soft, heavy.She obeyed immediately.Stop, she warned herself. Don’t think. Don’t feel.She waited, longing for a touch, for anything—but nothing came.The absence was worse than pain.Was this all part of her punishment, or did sex slaves not deserve pleasure? Making her feel unworthy even of being touched? As if holding her might grant her comfort, might make her feel human again, and he refused to allow even that.The first thrust caught her completely off guard.It wasn't just unexpected... it was brutal, deep, and hard, searing pain through her body."Ahhhh!" Elara's screams tore through the chamber, clutching the bedsheets as if they were the only thing keeping her strong.He was too big for her... too huge for her

**MAIDS’ QUARTERS ***DAWN**Elara woke to voices.Sharp. Annoyed. Harsh.“Is she dead?”Another scoffed. “If she were, we’d have heard about it.”Her lashes batted weakly. Every part of her body groaned in protest as she tried to stand. A painful sourness settled deep between her thighs and core, a burn that made her stomach twist. Her legs felt heavy, as if they no longer belonged to her.She sighed, realizing she was on the cold floor in the maid's lounge.No blanket. No pillow. No comfort.“She’s awake,” a voice snapped."Finally," another scoffed.“Good. Get up.”Elara forced herself up on trembling legs. The effort sent fresh pain spiraling through her, and she hissed loudly before she could stop herself.A maid laughed.“Oh, now it hurts?” she said mockingly. “You didn’t seem too weak when you were warming the Alpha’s bed.”The words struck harder than any slap.“I—I wasn’t—” Elara stammered, her voice hoarse.“Save it,” another maid cut in. “We all know what you are now

LADY CLARIBEL’S ROOMThe knock came softly.Too softly.Elara flinched anyway.She was dressed now, in a simple gown Lady Claribel had insisted she wear instead of the maid's uniform. The warm bath had eased her aching bones, but not her mind.Lady Claribel straightened immediately.“I’ll see who it is,” she said.The door opened.Two guards stood outside.“We’re here for Elara,” one said.The room went still.Lady Claribel swallowed; her hand tightened on the doorknob. "Elara is unwell.""You can't go against the Alpha's command,” the guard replied.Elara’s heart sank into her stomach.Of course.This kindness had never been permanent.“I’ll go,” Elara said quietly, before Lady Claribel could argue.The older woman turned sharply. “Child...”“It’s alright,” Elara whispered. She lifted her chin, even as her hands shook. “I don't want you getting in trouble because of me.”Lady Claribel searched her face, pity flickering in her eyes. Then, reluctantly, she nodded.One of the guards ste