CHAPTER THREE

Elara’s POV 

My life in this pack has been nothing filled with horror. The pack omega’s take it upon themself to bully me and ride down my self esteem anyway possible. I try as much as possible to keep my head down and do any work assigned to me, so I can retire back to my cage–the one place I now find peace. 

Today I was scrubbing the castle grounds and no matter how many times people walked over it. I would have to make sure they were spotless when the matron comes to check on it unless I won't get any food for the day. 

My hands hurt, my back ache, and I felt dizzy. If I slumped and died, it won't matter to anyone. That's how useless I am to the pack.

“Elara!” I heard my name being called and I froze, it was never a good thing to have your name being called. I turned slowly to see the matron with her black gown and stick heading towards me. 

I quickly stood up from the ground, my head bent, “yes ma’am” I answered in a low but firm tone. 

“What have you been doing? You aren't done with the floors?” She asked.

I shook my head slowly, “no ma’am…I have been trying to get them clean but people……” 

She groaned loudly, “you are full of excuses, Elara. You are so useless.” She said, turning to leave and before I could heave a sigh of relief, I heard her say , “follow me”.

My heart dropped, “ma’am….”

“Follow me, Elara!” she said with a more stern tone. I picked up my bucket and followed her. We walked up the stairs in silence, trying not to give her a reason to smack me with the stick she was holding. That is what happens when you dare disobey orders. 

We got to the flight of the stairs and I saw six other girls like me standing. 

“Join the queue”, She ordered and I wasted no time in doing so.

 ““Tonight is the Midnight Ball, and all the noble men and women are going to be invited. There will be a separate ball for the Alpha and his invited guests. Your job is to make sure they are entertained by any means possible—even if you are told to strip and dance naked, you do it without question. Is that understood?”

“Yes ma’am!” We all chorused.

“Good” she snapped her fingers and a girl began handing us some clothes.

 “These are the clothes you will wear for tonight. Allen here will take you all to get ready and set for the night. You have to look good, smell nice, and be seductive. Anyone who defaults any of these orders will be severely punished. Is that clear?” 

“Yes ma'am.” 

“You are dismissed!” The matron said as she turned and walked out, leaving us with Allen.

“Okay, girls, time to get ready. This way please.” 

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The night was buzzing and excitement filled the air. The nobles drank till they couldn't anymore. The girls talked about the night festivities, some of them happy to be among people who could get close to royalty but a few like me, wanted nothing to with this. 

I tried to take my head off it and do my job right so I wouldn't get in trouble. It was only one night and that was all. We were all dressed up in slutty outfits that show off our ass cheeks and tits.

 Allen bursted into the room and we turned to her and my heart dropped into my stomach.

“It's time.” She announced 

The girls giggled as we all filed out of the room, me being the last on the line. Before I could walk past the door, I felt someone pull me, I turned to see Allen.

“Do not mess this up.” She said in a low tone, her voice filled with warning. 

I bent my head down, “I won't.” 

We all walked into the room and my eyes landed directly at Kael. He had no girl on his side. They were just four men seated around and they were all with the girls. As they touched them inappropriately. I felt myself shrink in fear. 

This was it —I walked in slowly trying to be subtle but I could feel someone's eyes on me. I turned to see a huge man looking at me, his eyes filled with lust.

“You, “he pointed at me, and I froze, “come here.” 

I swallowed hard and as I was about to take a step forward, I heard his voice.

“She is mine, Jones.” 

My breath caught. The room fell into a hush—or maybe it was just in my head. The words echoed, deep and commanding, slicing through the music and laughter like a blade.

“She is mine, Jones.”

The man who had called me earlier—the one with the cruel grin and greedy eyes—paused mid-motion. His thick brows furrowed as he turned toward the source of the voice.

I followed his gaze, my knees threatening to give out.

Kael……..Alpha Kael.

He sat with an easy arrogance, elbow draped over the armrest of his throne-like chair, his golden eyes locked on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. His jaw was set tight, expression unreadable, but the power behind his words vibrated in the air like a storm waiting to break.

“Alpha,” Jones said, forcing a crooked smile, “I didn’t know you were interested in the omegas tonight.”

Kael didn’t respond immediately. He stood slowly, deliberate, and every movement exuded control and danger. The others at the table went quiet, tension hanging in the space between them.

“She is Mine.” His voice dropped lower, more dangerous. “Unless you’d like to challenge that?”

Jones backed away, palms raised, chuckling nervously. “No disrespect, Alpha. I didn’t know.”

My legs moved before my brain could catch up. One step, then another, toward Kael, until I stood before him—uncertain, terrified, and painfully aware of the sheer number of eyes on me.

“Come,” he said, barely louder than a whisper. I obeyed.

He reached out and grabbed my wrist—not roughly, but firm, possessive. He pulled me to sit beside him, into the plush velvet of the seat, too close to breathe properly.

I tried not to look at him. Tried to keep my eyes down, hands folded in my lap like I’d been taught. But then his fingers brushed under my chin, tilting my head up.

“Elara,” he said my name like it meant something.

I swallowed, unable to speak.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, but it wasn’t an accusation. It was… curiosity? Frustration? His eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I forgot we were in a ballroom full of predators.

“I was assigned,” I whispered, my voice barely audible above the music.

Something flickered in his gaze. Anger. But not at me.

He looked away, jaw clenched again. “You shouldn’t be in this room.”

I wanted to agree. I wanted to vanish into the shadows and never be called on again.

But then a door at the far end of the hall burst open.

Everyone turned.

Liora stormed in, her shoulder lifted in pride and my eyes widened in horror, “oh no” I whispered to myself.