Chapter 7

HANNAH POV

I woke up slowly, trying to get used to the lights and taking in my surroundings. I didn’t know where I was. The bed beneath me was too soft. The air smelled unfamiliar. I looked up at the ceiling, , it wasn’t the cracked, peeling paint I was used to seeing at home. It was high, Too high. I didn’t remember having a chandelier in my room.

My heart skipped as reality rushed back all at once.The palace, The ritual, The three alphas. I wasn’t at home anymore. I was now at the palace with no way of leaving.

Memories of my mum came to me, and a part of me felt guilty for leaving her at home all alone in her condition, while another part of me still had hope that my sacrifice won’t go to waste.

I took in the whole room. The sun shone through the window, brightening the whole room, which made it look more luxurious than it was already. Tall windows draped in heavy fabric, Polished floors that reflected the soft glow of lanterns mounted on the walls, My breath caught as I took it all in. This whole room was bigger than what my mother and I lived in back at home. I still couldn’t believe I got picked and I’m here. This place didn’t feel real, it felt like I exchanged life with someone.

The door creaked open before I could gather my thoughts. A woman stepped inside quietly, dressed in a long neutral gown. I remembered her as the maid that took me to my room yesterday. She bowed her head slightly when she saw I was awake.

“You’re awake,” she said gently. “I’ll inform them.”

“Them?” My voice came out hoarse.

“The alphas,” she replied, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

My stomach twisted.

“Breakfast is ready,” she added. “They’re waiting for you downstairs. I’m here to help you get ready.”

I nodded slowly, even though every instinct in me screamed to refuse, to hide, to run. But I knew better. Running wasn’t an option anymore.

The maid helped me bath and dress. The clothes she brought were soft, elegant, nothing like the worn dresses I owned. As she worked, her hands careful and respectful, I caught her glancing at me through the mirror. Curiosity flickered in her eyes and pity. That was worse than fear.

When I was finally ready, she led me through the long corridors of the palace. My footsteps echoed loudly, each step reminding me how small I was in this place. Servants bowed as we passed. Some stared openly. Others looked away quickly.

Human, Chosen. The whispers followed me like shadows. The dining hall doors opened, and my breath stalled.They were already seated.

Three alphas. They occupied the space effortlessly, like the world bent slightly around them. They all looked at me, making me feel very small in their presence. Their eyes flickered with an unfamiliar emotion.

“Sit Hannah or are you expecting one of us to help you pull out your chair?” One of them asked, breaking the silence among us. My body stiffened, and I could see the smirk on his face.

I pulled out my chair, and sat down. I had a lot of things to say but I refrained from talking. I needed to stay alive and to do so, I needed to be on their good side. Up close, they looked so intimidating and I shivered at the thought of getting on their bad side.

The one at the head of the table spoke first. “I’m Kael.” His voice was calm, controlled. The kind of voice that didn’t need to be raised to command obedience.

The man beside him nodded. “Lucien.” Quiet,Watchful. His eyes lingered on me longer than necessary, unreadable but sharp. I already knew getting close to him would be like getting close to a wood.

“And I’m Riven,” the third said, his gaze fixed on my face, unblinking. Something about him made my skin have goosebumps. He didn’t smile, Didn’t soften his expression, He studied me like I was a puzzle he hadn’t decided how to solve yet. He screamed trouble.

Before I could respond, a woman seated beside them spoke. I didn’t even notice she was seated on the table with us till she spoke.

“I’m Selene,” she said smoothly. “A witch.” The word sent a chill down my spine. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m the one responsible for granting your wish.”

My heart started beating so fast, looking at the alphas, their expression made me realize they could feel what was wrong with me. And I remembered werewolves have very sharp senses, and them being alphas made theirs extremely strong.

I swallowed. “My wish is for my mother to be healed.”

Silence followed. Then Kael nodded. “She will be brought here to be treated properly. ”

Relief rushed through me so fast my eyes burned and I could feel the tears trying to escape . “Thank you,” I whispered.

Selene tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp. “Everything has a price, Hannah.” Her words lingered long after breakfast ended. When the plates were cleared, Kael turned to Selene. “You may excuse us.”

For a brief second, something dark flickered across her face. Anger, jealousy. I couldn’t tell. But it vanished just as quickly as it came, replaced by a smile as she stood. “I’ll see you soon,” she said, her eyes locking onto mine. I didn’t like her.

The moment she left, the atmosphere changed. The warmth drained from the room. The three of them turned their full attention to me. I felt like a prey. Kael folded his hands on the table. “You need to understand something, Hannah.”

My throat tightened. “Understand what?” “You’re here for our interest and our needs.” he said plainly.

A cold wave washed over me. Riven slid a paper across the table toward me. I stared at it, my hands trembling as I picked it up. As I read, my vision blurred.

They didn’t want a bride, they wanted a sex slave. They needed me to help with their sexual urge anytime, any day, anywhere. They want me to be submissive. I dropped the paper on the table and slammed my fist on the table. My body shook with anger and I couldn’t control myself. Fuck being on their good sides.

“You don’t expect me to sell myself to you guys. A sex slave?!!” I screamed. I didn’t even care if my voice was heard by the maids.

Kael looked at me, raising his eyebrow slightly. “ You signed up for this Hannah, you decided to go ahead with the ritual process. You weren’t forced.”

“ It wasn’t written that the alphas needed a sex slave, rather the information given to us was a freaking bride for the alphas.” I said, my body fuming with anger. “I won’t agree to this.”

Lucien leaned forward slightly. “You already did the moment you survived the ritual.”

“You said I’d get a wish.” I replied. The anger had subsided but the tears were fighting their way out. “And you will,” Kael replied. “Your mother will be healed.” “But after that?” I whispered.

Riven’s gaze darkened. “After that, you belong here.” Something inside me cracked. I stood abruptly, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. “You’re monsters.” No one stopped me as I ran. I didn’t stop crying until I reached my room and locked the door behind me.

My hands shook as I collapsed onto the bed. I had walked into this thinking death was the worst thing that could happen. I was wrong. I pressed my face into the pillow, my body wracked with silent sobs.

Later, I called Valerie. I told her about the agreement with the alphas, about how I don’t trust Selena, I told her about everything and she didn’t interrupt. Rather she listened to everything, and waited for me to finish talking and to also calm down.

“Hannah,” she said softly when I finished. “Just wait, Let your mom get better first. Then we’ll find a way.” I nodded my head like she could even see me.

We stayed in silence, then I asked her about my mum. She explained to me that my mum conditioned has worsened but she’s still trying to be strong. She also explained to me that my mum wasn’t happy with my choice, but she’s happy I survived.

We spoke about other things before she told me she needs to prepare herself for work tomorrow.

Once the call ended, I started feeling lonely again. I missed Valerie and my mum, and hearing my mum's condition worsened, I felt very bad. I couldn’t afford to lose her.

When night fell, a maid knocked for dinner. I didn’t answer. I wasn’t ready to face them again. As I lay in the darkness, staring at the ceiling, one thought echoed relentlessly in my mind.

Surviving the ritual was only the beginning. And I had just stepped into something far worse. I had to choose between my mum or my freedom.