Shadow of the palace

The palace was a labyrinth of gold and stone, where every corridor whispered secrets and every smile felt like a calculated move. I’d been a ward of the King for three days, and already the weight of it pressed me.

Just as I reached the gardens for a breath of fresh air, a servant approached, bowing low. “Lady Ivy, the King requests your presence. Now.”

My stomach tightened. The King’s summons were never casual, I followed the servant through the passages to a door adorned with the crown’s thorn sigil. The guards didn’t blink as I entered.

The King sat behind a massive desk, his eyes sharp as he gestured me closer. “Ivy of Ravencroft. Your…mercy toward the rogue has reached me.” His voice was smooth

I curtsied, trying to read his expression. “Your Majesty.”

“Stand. I have a purpose for you here. The court values loyalty, and your story—a forsaken omega showing kindness—is useful. You will attend the upcoming Harvest Ball, and you will make an impression.” he demanded

“I…thank you, Your Majesty.” I returned

The King leaned back, steepling his fingers. “Be careful, Ivy. In this palace, usefulness is a fragile thread. Don’t test it.”

I nodded, backing away with a curtsy.I left. His words echoed like a warning.

Night fell, and I retreated to my room, trying to shake the feeling of being watched. As I changed into a plain nightgown, a soft rustle came from the balcony. The masked figure from the demonstration stepped in, silent as a shadow.

“Don’t speak,” he whispered, approaching me. His eyes were dark behind the mask, but his voice was urgent. “You’re playing with fire, Ivy. The King doesn’t do favors, you're a tool for his games, and Kellan…he’s playing both sides.”

“What do you mean?” I said with curiosity but low-key knowing exactly where he's going

“Rowan was investigating the King’s dealings with rogue packs. He’s in danger. If you want to survive, don’t trust anyone, especially not Kellan.”

I took a step closer, fear spiking. “Where is Rowan?” firmly I spoke

The masked man hesitated. “He’s in the dungeons. He told me to warn you. But it’s too late for that now. You need allies. Meet me in the east garden at midnight. And only come alone.”

He vanished as quickly as he appeared. Rowan was here, In pain.

Night came. I moved through the shadows, heart pounding as hell,as both fear, anxiety and gladness to finally see Rowan one more time.

Until I reached the east garden, the masked man waited there.

“Who are you?” I demanded, keeping my voice low.

“I’m someone who doesn’t want you dead,” he said, pulling off his mask, his face was sharp, unfamiliar, but his eyes held a glare of warning. “My name is Lyrien. I was with Rowan. He’s alive, but the King will use him against you. Against anyone who gets in his way.”

“Why tell me?” I asked, with curiosity and fear

“Because you have a spark. And because Kellan Ashborne doesn’t care about you—he cares about what you represent. The King wants the packs unified under his rule. You’re a pawn in that game, not the queen,or even ward-as they have recently tittled you .”

I thought of Kellan’s careful touches, his promises. The spark of doubt ignited.

I thought to myself, is he just using me?!,I'm I just a pawn in his ultimate game,does he even care about me, I thought he loved my, questions filled my head, the feeling of heartbreak like never experienced in my entire existence filled my heart 💔. And all I could hope was that this Lyrien was wrong.

“Midnight tomorrow,” Lyrien said. “There’s a way out of the palace, I’ll help you get Rowan,but you have to choose: trust me, or stay and be used.”

He melted into the shadows, leaving me gripping the blue scrap in my pocket. Rowan was here,and I was running out of time. I need to save him - At all cost because both my life and his is in danger.

I believe we are in a very dangerous place, and I feel time will help me realize it

The next day was a mix of careful smiles and wary glances. As the sun set, I slipped to the dungeons, the blue scrap held firm in my hand. Guards flanked the entrance,

And then I saw him. Rowan, chained to a wall, his eyes meeting mine for a heartbeat - time paused. He mouthed a single word: "Run". The same thing Lyrien had told me earlier

I froze, fear and guilt, anxiety filled me. The guards turned, and I forced myself to turn away, leaving before they saw me. But I knew—I wouldn’t leave without him.

As I went back to my room - which felt more like a dungeon, a note waited on my pillow. Midnight. Be ready. No signature. But I knew the message was from Lyrien.

The clock ticked toward midnight. Shadows surrounded my windows. I stood at the window.

Run, Rowan had said. But I knew for sure I wasn’t running alone.