4

Agora’s POV

“We’re wasting time, Agora.”

The old bastard slammed his fist on the table so hard it shook the cups. You could hear the impatience in his voice. “Kael’s armies swell with every moon. If we don’t act...”

I cut him off, sharp as a blade. “Enough.” My voice thundered through the chamber, snapping the air in half. You could’ve heard a pin drop after that. Gods, they made me sick bickering like crows over a carcass, clutching at fear while I needed them to have a damn spine.

I didn't bother to hear another word. I just waved my hand, indicating the meeting was over, and slammed the door behind me. Finally, I could breathe. War rumors buzzed like flies, Kael’s name on every tongue, and my people clung to me for hope. Fine, I’d give them strength, even if it killed me.

But tonight? My patience was already out.

I walked down the corridor, desperate to get to my room for a little peace. As soon as I got to the door, I flung the room open.

A girl hell, a maid sprawled out on my bed like she owned the place.

My bed.

She was tiny, chest barely moving, dark hair, a messy curtain over her dress. The dress was a sack, torn and filthy. Dirt smeared across her cheek. Like some stray cat had wandered into the palace and decided to nap in the Alpha’s nest.

And she was out cold. On my bed.

The balls on this one. 

I was shocked, but then it turned to anger. No servant ever set foot in my chambers without being summoned. Sleeping where I slept? No one would dare. I felt my hands balling up, and could already picture myself dragging her off by the scruff, maybe worse.

I stalked closer, about to rip her off the sheets and then it hit me. Hard. Like a damn freight wagon to the gut.

Something inside locked up. A pull. This primal, violent reaction pinned me where I stood. My wolf reared up, howling, tearing at my insides, one word echoing in my bones.

Mate.

I just stood there. Heart pounding like it wanted to come off my chest. My wolf howled, making me think of nothing else.

This dirty, trembling nobody… was mine.

I nearly stumbled back, like the wind had been knocked out of me. No way. Not possible. I’d made peace with being mate-less forever. Too old, too scared. The Moon Goddess had passed me by, and I’d built an entire life on that.

So why her? Why now? What sick joke was this?

Would I have to reject her?

Her scent hit me with wild lilacs, rain-soaked earth. It clawed at my sanity. The pull between us roared through my fury, tangling up my instincts. I should’ve killed her. Should’ve.

Didn’t.

Her eyes fluttered open.

She saw me. Panic exploded across her face. She scrambled up, back pressed to the headboard, hands shaking. “P…please,” she croaked, voice scratchy. “Don’t kill me.”

Something in me cracked at the sound. I almost laughed, her terror was so real but the bond wrapped steel bands around my chest. I hesitated. 

Me. 

Hesitated.

I should’ve ended her. That’s the law. That’s what an Alpha does. But looking at her, I realized shit I couldn’t.

Not her.

I forced myself to be cold and put all my authority into it. “You broke a rule. That means punishment.”

Her breath caught. She pressed against the wall, bracing for the end.

“But,” I went on, narrowing my eyes, “you won’t die. Not today.”

She blinked, confusion flickering in with the fear.

“From now on, you’ll serve me. Here…In this room. You don’t leave unless I say. No one sees you. If you step out of line, I’ll end you myself.”

She opened her mouth, maybe to argue, maybe to beg, but thought better of it. 

Just nodded.

I leaned in, letting my shadow swallow her. “Call it mercy. Don’t mistake it for kindness.”

Her fear was so big that I could feel it.

Somehow, my wolf purred, happy she was close even though I wasn’t sure I wanted her there at all.

I turned away, sucking in air like I might drown. Needed distance. I needed to think. Hell of a night for fate to get clever.

     Marek was already sprawled out in my study when I walked in, eyes sharp as a hawk, tracking me the second I crossed the threshold. Guy’s younger than me, built like he could break a doorframe just by leaning on it, and shocker he can’t sit still for five seconds.

“You wrapped up the council early,” he said. Not a question. Zero emotion. “They’re not going to love that.”

I shrugged, grabbing the whiskey. “I don’t care if they love it. They just got to listen.”

Marek crossed his arms, in full dramatic mode. “Kael’s getting gutsy. Word is he’s cozying up to the Blackmon rogues. If he pulls them together…”

“He’ll be rotting under the snow before the first frost,” I cut him off.

The thing is, his warning rattled me. Kael’s a snake too smart, too hungry. If my pack splinters any more, we’re toast.

“Keep your ears open,” I muttered, voice dropping. “I want every scrap about Kael. Even the rumors.”

Marek gave this stiff nod. 

     A couple of hours later, I’m back in my room.

She’s still there. Seraphine. Passed out cold.

On my damn bed.

You’ve got to be kidding.

I walked closer, expecting her to flinch or run.

Nope. 

She was oblivious to her surroundings. Her mouth was slightly ajar. She looked like she hadn't slept for a long time. Did she seriously not get how much danger she was in? Did she not realize I could end her with a word?

My fingers twitched. Should’ve tossed her on the floor. Should’ve reminded her who the boss is.

But all I did was stand there. Staring like an idiot.

Something about her, peaceful like that, made me uneasy. She should have been a mess. Begging, shaking anything but this.

Why aren’t you scared? I almost said it out loud. And worse, why was my wolf, usually a raging beast, suddenly happy just watching her sleep?

It practically purred.

I clenched my fists, anger rising within me. This bond would ruin me if I let it. Still… I couldn’t wake her. 

Couldn’t even touch her.

I turned away, jaw tight. But the thought wouldn’t leave.

She was mine.

And the Moon Goddess? Yeah, she had cursed me with her.

      The next morning, the sun was leaking through the curtains, and someone pounded on my door. Didn’t even get time to answer before the head maid started yelling.

“I’m sorry, but the new servant is missing from the servant’s quarters. I’m afraid something’s happened.”

My eyes snapped to the bed.

Empty.