FIVE

Nora's POV

The moment the Prince chose me, the entire hall went totally silent. Hundreds of eyes stared at me in complete disbelief and honestly, I probably looked just as shocked as they did. I stood there unable to move while the Prince’s sharp gray eyes remained fixed on me. Even now, I still couldn’t fully process what had just happened. Out of everyone here… He chose me. An ordinary omega.

My fingers trembled slightly at my sides as whispers exploded around the hall.

“Who is she?”

“Is the Prince insane?”

“She’s from Reece Pack.”

“I heard she’s just a servant.”

“This has to be some kind of joke.”

My head felt dizzy at the sudden attention I was receiving. Was this even real? Was this really happening?

I looked at the prince who has walked even closer to me. My throat suddenly felt dry. “M-me?” I whispered stupidly.

A flicker of something passed through his eyes before it disappeared just as quickly. “What is your name?” he asked, ignoring how shocked everyone was at his decision.

“Nora.” I forced out a reply, realising that it would be disrespectful to ignore a Royal.

The hall remained deathly silent. The Prince stared at me for a few seconds longer before offering me his hand. “From today onward, you will remain by my side.” he said to be and people began to murmur even more.

My heart slammed violently against my ribs. This couldn’t be happening. This really couldn’t be happening.

Slowly, I placed my shaking hand into his. The second our skin touched, I felt a strange warm feeling. My wolf stirred faintly inside me and I couldn't help but look at this charming prince. There was something about him that I couldn't quite place my fingers on.

“You may all continue enjoying the evening,” the Prince announced calmly without taking his eyes off me.

Then just like that, he turned and began walking away while still holding my hand. I nearly stumbled trying to keep up with him. The whispers around us became louder immediately.

“She trapped him somehow.”

“There’s no way he actually wants her.”

“She’s not even pretty enough.”

My chest tightened painfully but I kept my head down and followed him anyway.

For the first time in my miserable life, people were staring at me for something other than pity. I didn’t know if I should feel terrified or relieved.

The Prince eventually led me out of the crowded ballroom and into a quieter hallway lined with golden walls and dim lanterns. The silence between us immediately became awkward.

I could barely breathe properly beside him. He finally stopped walking and turned toward me. Up close, his face was even more unfairly beautiful.

“You seem nervous,” he said flatly.

I almost laughed. Nervous? I had just gone from being a worthless omega girl to standing beside the future Alpha King in front of the entire pack.

“I just… don’t understand why you chose me,” I admitted quietly.

His expression remained unreadable. “Does it matter?” he replied, surprising me.

“Yes?”

One corner of his mouth lifted slightly like he found my answer amusing but he didn't say anything. The Prince studied me carefully and for a second, I felt strangely exposed under his gaze like he could somehow see every ugly secret I carried.

“I should return to the hall,” he said after a moment. “Someone will escort you to your chambers.”

“Thank you.” I nodded quickly.

For a brief second, his eyes lingered on my bruised cheek. My stomach twisted nervously. Did he notice? Of course he noticed. Everyone probably had. But thankfully, he didn’t comment on it.

Without another word, he turned and disappeared down the hallway, leaving me standing there confused and overwhelmed.

The rest of the night passed like a blur. Servants rushed around me constantly while preparing a new room for me inside the royal packhouse and every person I encountered suddenly treated me differently after hearing the Prince had chosen me. It felt strange. People who would have ignored me days ago now bowed their heads respectfully. Some servants even called me “My Lady.” Every single time, I had to resist the urge to look behind me to make sure they weren’t speaking to someone else.

By the time I was finally left alone inside my new room later that night, I felt so exhausted. The room itself was bigger than the entire house I grew up in. I carefully sat on the edge of the bed almost afraid to touch anything.

This couldn’t possibly be my life now. I thought about my mission then and guilt immediately twisted in my stomach. The Alpha of my pack had sent me here for one reason and that reason was to spy on the royal family. I was supposed to get close enough to help assassinate the Alpha King.

At first, I had agreed because I didn’t think I had a choice. Refusing would have gotten me killed anyway. But now… everything had changed. The Prince choosing me changed everything.

If I became his Luna someday, then this could finally be my escape from the miserable life I had always known. Maybe this was fate giving me another chance. I hugged my knees slightly to my chest and stared around the room quietly. For the first time in years, I felt safe.

The thought alone almost made me cry. A soft knock suddenly came from the door and I startled violently. “Come in,” I called nervously.

A young maid stepped inside holding a folded letter. “This was delivered for you, My Lady.” she said.

My stomach immediately dropped. Nobody here should be sending me letters. Slowly, I accepted it from her. “Thank you.” I mumbled to her.

The maid bowed before leaving quietly. The second the door shut behind her, I felt dread filling my chest.

My hands shook as I unfolded the letter. And the moment I recognized the handwriting, all the happiness and relief I felt inside me disappeared.

"Nora." I mumbled as I read out the water I held with shaky hands. "Do not forget why you were sent there. We have already heard of the Prince’s interest in you. This changes nothing. You belong to this pack and your task remains the same. Get close to the Alpha King, gain valuable information and wait for further instructions. If you decide to betray us or fail this mission, your mother will suffer the consequences." My breathing became uneven by the time I reached the end. No. No no no.. Tears burned my eyes instantly as panic rose inside me. My mother. I had almost forgotten in the middle of everything happening tonight.

I shivered at the thought of them hurting my sick mother. After my stepfather abandoned her completely, the pack only allowed her treatment because I agreed to do their dirty work. I wouldn't live with myself if they ended up hurting her because of me.

My hands trembled violently around the paper. They knew exactly how to control me. For one selfish moment, I had actually thought I could leave all of this behind and start over, but people like me didn’t get happy endings that easily.

A sudden knock sounded at the door again and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I panicked and quickly shoved the letter beneath one of the pillows just as the door opened.

A royal guard stepped inside and bowed slightly. “My Lady.” he greeted.

My throat tightened nervously. “Yes?” I answered.

“The Prince has requested your presence tonight.” he announced and my eyes almost fell out of their sockets. My heart immediately began racing again. Tonight?

I stared at him in confusion. “Right now?” I asked.

“Yes, My Lady.” he answered. I began to panic internally as different thoughts filled my head.

What else would a future Alpha do after publicly choosing a woman?

Did he expect me to share his bed tonight?

Was he going to mark me?

My fingers curled tightly into the fabric of my dress. The mysterious man from that night still haunted my thoughts constantly and even though he abandoned me, part of me still felt tied to him in some painful confusing way. The idea of another man touching me so soon made my chest tighten strangely.

But refusing the Prince wasn’t an option. I didn't have any power over that decision.

“Alright” I whispered quietly, I was helpless.