The weight of chains.

Killian’s POV.

The night was filled with laughter and music from the grand feast in the palace. The warriors were celebrating their victory, eating and drinking without a care. But down here, in the lower courtyard where the slaves lived, it was a different world.

I stood with my arms crossed, watching a cruel scene unfold. 

A group of high servants—people only slightly above us slaves, had cornered a boy named Mikel. He was small, thin, and weak from years of hard work with little food, rumors have it that he was born here by a rogue and rogues were despised both werewolves and Lycans, so you can say he was a little lower than slaves. 

Earlier that day, he had made a mistake by spilling wine on a Beta’s robe. And now, he was paying the price—more like some nobodies who just wanted to trample on the weak, even after the poor boy was forgiven by the higher ups. 

Jarek, the biggest and meanest of the servants, kicked Mikel in the ribs. "You're worthless," he sneered. "A rat like you should be grateful we even let you breathe the same air as we."

Mikel whimpered, curling into a ball. Blood dripped from his nose.

I clenched my fists. I could’ve ended this fight easily. I was stronger than all of them, but I knew better. If a slave fought back, the punishment was worse than any beating.

Beside me, my friend Theo seethed with anger. "This is disgusting," he whispered. "One day, when I get promoted, I'll put an end to this."

I scoffed, passing my bowl of tasteless food to him. 

“You need to eat,” he urged. “Don't think the servants would give us the leftovers from the party, this is all we can get till tomorrow night.”

“I'm not eating,” I said firmly, my eyes still on the bullies. 

Theo inhaled deeply, but didn't press further, he knew that when my mind was made up, there is nothing anyone can do about it. 

Mikel whimpered, trying to crawl away from his oppressors, his eyes searching through the crowd for help but no one dared intervene. 

Jarek laughed as he pushed Mikel down, his boot pressed on his back.  “Trying to run? Where do you think you’ll go, slave?”

That was it. I had seen enough.

I stepped forward. "That’s enough, Jarek."

Jarek turned to me, smirking. "Oh? And what are you gonna do about it, Killian?" He turned to his crew, laughing but none of them laughed back, they were actually scared. 

Seeing that his crew weren't supporting him anymore, he turned back to me with a frown. “Look Killian, you are nothing but a slave, I don't care how strong you are because you are still belong under my foot, now do me a favor and sit the fuck down.”

I didn't answer, my cold eyes still locked on him. 

His jaw clenched as he tried to punch me in the face. This wasn't the first time he had tried to punch me but today would be the first time I would defend myself. 

I grabbed his fist, squeezing it tightly. His face twisted in pain. He yanked his arm back, shaking it.

The other servants hesitated. They knew I was stronger.

Theo ran to me, grabbing my hand back. “Are you crazy?” He asked, through gritted teeth. “You might be stronger than them but they are in a higher position than you, one word from them, you—No, we are all dead.”

I shook my hands away, inhaling deeply. 

 Jarek noticed the shift in my expressions. He looked at Theo and smirked. “You are going to be the next head of the slaves right?”

Theo staggered forward, bowing deeply. “We beg for your mercy, Lord Jarek, I assure you that Killian would be punished for what he just did.”

I rolled my eyes in anger but didn't say anything. 

“I wonder what happens if your Master finds out that you allowed your boys to disrespect us,” Jarek mocked, punching Theo's head. 

He fell to the ground. I rushed forward but Theo stopped me, shaking his head. He got up and bowed his head again, blood dripping from his nose, his body shaking. 

 Jarek lips curled into a mischievous smirk. “If Killian wants to play the hero, let’s make a deal. Either he takes your punishment, or we make sure you never get that promotion."

Theo went pale. His chance at a better life was on the line.

I sighed. "I'll do it."

Jarek grinned. "Good choice."

I expected a beating. Instead, he gave me something worse.

"You'll clean the Alpha's chamber tonight," Jarek said smugly.

Everywhere went silent immediately, even the cricket went silent immediately, it was like the world froze at those words. 

Everyone knew the rule—only high servants were allowed inside the Alpha’s chambers, not all servants were allowed to even see inside. And any slave caught there was executed immediately.

Theo's face was full of fear. "Jarek… that's a death sentence."

Jarek shrugged. "Then he better clean fast so no one catches him.”

I clenched my jaw. If I refused, Jarek would ruin Theo’s life. If I accepted, I might not live to see the morning.

But I had no choice.

"Fine," I said.

Jarek smiled like he had already won. "Good boy."

The Alpha’s chambers were huge. Everything was clean and shining, from the polished floors to the golden decorations.

I worked quickly, wiping the floors, dusting the shelves, and polishing the furniture. I had to finish before anyone returned from the feast.

My heart pounded. If I got caught, I was dead, just as I was almost done, I heard a low but painful growl.

I froze, looking around. No one was supposed to be here at this time but that was a signal for me to get the hell out of here but another painful growl stopped me. 

I just had to follow the sound to see what was happening. It was coming from behind a large wooden door.

This was probably the worst decision I have made throughout my life, I barely managed to pass the guards without being noticed, now I was wandering around in a completely strange place that could cost me my life. 

Before I could stop myself, I walked toward the door.

Slowly, I pushed it open.

The Alpha was inside, sitting on the edge of the bed, breathing heavily. His back was turned to me, but I could see his body shaking.

I have never actually seen the Alpha and I have been walking here for the past three years. The Alpha was a reserved man but he was known for being ruthless. If he caught me, he’d kill me, but before I knew what was happening he collapsed to the floor. 

I hesitated for only a second before I ran to him.

"Alpha?" I called out, rushing to his side. 

His head snapped up, golden eyes burning into mine. "Get. Out."

I ignored him. He was too weak to even sit up. "You need help."

He bared his teeth. "I will kill you."

I wasn't moved by his threat. "Not if you die first."

His breathing was unsteady and hands clutched his side. Blood soaked through his tunic.

I hesitated, then reached for the fabric. "Let me—"

He slapped my hand away, his grip surprisingly strong. "Touch me and I’ll rip your throat out,” he managed to cough out before collapsing again, his eyes shut tightly. 

I inhaled deeply, taking him to the bed, surprisely he was light. My brows furrowed noticing the clothes, wrapped tightly around his chest. 

He really was reserved. .

I started unwrapping the clothes, my face flickered to shock, There were two bumps under the wrapping.

I unwrapped it further, my hands pausing as realization hit me. 

Those weren't bumps—they were boobs. 

I staggered backwards, staring at him in disbelief.

This wasn't a he, this was actually a she. 

There Alpha was a woman.