Chapter 2

Leopold's POV

The Tyrant King.

I know that’s what the people have started calling me, even if their words aren’t meant for me to hear.

And the worst part is, I can't blame them. I can't deny it.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve never possessed the ability to communicate with wolves. It wasn’t so much of an issue back then because my wolf rarely took control, unless he sensed the danger and ready to fight for me.

Nevertheless, it bothered me enough to seek the counsel of a Wolf Witch, who revealed the truth to me: that I was cursed in the womb by an evil witch. Though her dark magic did not directly harm me or my wolf, it obstructed the natural connection between us, effectively rendering the wolf mute and trapping it within me.

For over two decades, my wolf lived in relative silence, and we were able to coexist fairly peacefully.

However, on my twenty-fifth birthday, all those years of forced silence seemed to erupt in unprecedented violence. I began to experience more frequent and vicious episodes during which my wolf would take control.

And not only towards my enemy this time. Six months ago, the killing took on a frenzied, almost manic nature.

My Wolf Witch told me this was happening due to an inability to find a True Mate. My wolf was frustrated.

And there was no antidote, no magical cure. The only thing that might help calm the storm inside of me would be finding my True Mate.

I never imagined that I would be a ruthless King and at my core, I still don't believe I am.

But this curse that I've carried since my youth has affected my ability to govern as a good king should, and scarred my reputation into what it is now.

What’s done is done, and I can't change the past. All I can and must do now is move forward, seeking a way to be better. That responsibility is mine and mine alone.

The only one I’ve been able to confide in about my situation is Landon, the old palace housekeeper. He has always kept my secrets safe, and this one is no exception.

Of course, I still worry a bit about the possibility of losing control and harming him. However, we’ve made it this far without any aggressive outbursts from my wolf. My wolf seems to trust him more than others, probably due to years of his dedicated service.

It is Landon’s voice that stirs me from my thoughts this evening.

“Ahem. Your Highness?”

I blink at him, slightly surprised. “Yes, Landon. What is it?”

He hands me a sheet of paper. “You requested new slaves will be arriving today.” He pauses before adding tentatively, “I do hope there will be a bit more… mercy shown to the new arrivals.”

The comment touches a nerve, but I act as if it doesn’t bother me to be reminded of my grisly past deeds. I can tell Landon is just concerned about my reputation.

“Right, yes. Thank you, Landon.” I peer at it closely, then look back up at him. "Another thing."

“Yes, sir?”

“Please begin making preparations for a mating ceremony. I think it’s time I found a True Mate.”

Cecilia's POV

As I walk down the main hallway alongside the other Omegas, our footsteps echoing in the corridor, my mind races.

There’s still a part of me that isn’t even totally positive that I heard what I think I heard. But I’ve always had a strong connection with Lora. If she senses something strong enough to let me know, then it has to be true.

And if it is true, if my True Mate is present somewhere nearby, then maybe this is something I can use to my advantage– as long as I’m able to play my cards right.

Finding a mate here would mean finding an ally in this otherwise-horrible situation. If someone else has my back, that could mean the difference between life and death for both of us.

All I have to do is survive this place long enough to actually meet them.

We are ushered into a large entrance hall, all destined to be new slaves.

I scan the crowd nervously. There are probably around a hundred of us.

Almost all of the others look varying degrees of upset. Some are even crying. A few seem angry, but are clearly holding their emotions back out of fear.

One girl, however, doesn’t seem bothered by what’s going on at all. If anything, her expression is one of… anticipation?

“Ahem.” A voice comes from the stairs behind us. An old man standing there, staring down at the crowd.

“My name is Landon, and I am the housekeeper of the Royal Palace. What that means is that I am in command of all those who serve His Majesty, the Alpha King Leopold.”

Restless murmurs echo around the vast cavernous room.

Landon clears his throat again, and the whispers cease. “Consider yourself fortunate to be serving the king. It is a great honor and privilege.”

Silence. I glance over at Lucy, who is the only one beaming in the room.

“Now, then,” Landon continues. “Each and every one of you will be given an opportunity to serve Alpha King Leopold for one day. You will be selected in pairs. This allows everyone a fair chance to prove your worth here.”

I feel my stomach turn at this. Unlike many others here, I’ve never done any sort of servant or slave work. My status as an Alpha daughter means that I’ve always been the one waited on.

I can't be chosen to serve the King today. What if I accidentally do something that offends the king?

I need some time to learn. Or maybe find my fated mate in the palace and make sure I have a companion to rely on first.

That's when Landon’s voice pierces my spiraling mind. “Sophia, Omega of the Silver Moon Pack! You are the first of the chosen.”

I feel frozen in time. Others around me start looking around, trying to figure out who Sophia is.

Landon stares out at us expectantly, waits three seconds, and calls out again, “Sophia of the Silver Moon Pack.”

As the initial shock wears off, I realize that I am Sophia right now. He’s calling me. As he repeats the name again, I try to calm my breathing.

“Yes!” I finally respond, gently pushing through the crowd to reach the front, where I stand on the step below Landon and attempt an apologetic half-smile.

Landon looks at me.

“You are Sophia?” he asks sternly. “Why didn’t you come forward when your name was called?”